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Save up to $1,500* per couple! Book by 9 October 2026.
Journey beyond Japan's Golden Route and discover the country's captivating north. Cruise the tranquil waters of Geibikei Gorge, experience the traditions of Tsugaru Neputa Village, stroll through Hirosaki's famous apple orchards and uncover Hokkaido's rich heritage. From breathtaking natural landscapes to authentic local culture, this is Japan at its most rewarding.
Multiple departures available from March - November 2027 & April - May 2028
Special departure on 27 July 2027 - Includes Festival of Lanterns
Special Experiences
Delve into a kaleidoscopic world of interactive art installations at TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum.
Experience the traditional cuisine of Sendai, with the opportunity of sampling the local delicacy, gyutan (beef tongue) at a special dinner.
Admire the impressive waterfalls, rock formations and limestone caves of Geibikei Gorge on a scenic boat trip.
Take part in the local Wanko Soba tradition at a lunch in Morioka.
Explore the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum, discovering the rich history and way of life of the samurai and their wealthy families.
Tour Hirosaki Castle and witness the breathtaking beauty of its Botanical Garden.
Discover the history of beer making in Japan and the famous Sapporo Brewery at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Return economy-class flights from Australia to Japan. Taxes included
Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour (please refer to Some things to note)
All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
3 Bullet Train journeys in Japan
Tipping is not part of the Japanese culture, so tips are not expected
Accommodation
11 nights in 3-4 star hotels
2 nights in Japanese Style Ryokan accommodation in Tsunagi Onsen
Meals
13 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
Sightseeing
Tour the Meiji Jingu Shrine
Experience Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing
Visit TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum - Please Note: Shoes will need to be removed to walk through water at one of the exhibits, please dress accordingly.
Yakatabune dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay
Wander through the Ashikaga Flower Park
Cruise Matsushima Bay
Visit the Zuigani Temple
Learn of the traditional Kokeshi Doll in Matsushima
See the Aobayama Castle and the Date Masamune Statue
Try the local delicacy of gyutan (beef tongue)
Enjoy a scenic cruise along Geibikei Gorge
Visit Chūson-ji Temple
Visit the Mōtsū-ji Temple
Spend two nights at authentic Japanese Ryokan
Visit Tezukuri-Mura and discover the Japanese art of indigo dyeing
Tour Morioka Castle Ruins Park
Take part in the local Wanko Soba tradition
Enjoy a sake brewing experience at Asabiraki
Visit Kakunodate Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum
Witness panoramic views of Oga and Mayama mountain range
Visit the Namahage Museum, Shinzen Folklore Museum and Shinzan Shrine
Enjoy a Shamisen performance and visit Tsugaru Neputa Village
Wander through the Hirosaki Castle Botanic Gardens
Stop at Oirase Gorge
Travel to Lake Towada
Visit the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site
Explore the Onuma Park
Take in the panoramic views from Goryōkaku Tower
Ascend Mount Hakodate via the Hakodate Ropeway
Free time to explore the Hakodate Morning Market
Spend a full day exploring Hakodate
Stop at Hokkaido Shrine, dedicated to Shinto deities
Visit Nijo Fish Market
Explore Otaru Canal and visit Kitaichi Glass Sangokan
Depart Australia on the overnight flight to Japan.
Day 2 | Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Japan and its buzzing capital, Tokyo. This fascinating country combines the ultra-modern with the ultra-traditional in a way that feels completely natural. A little of everything can be found in Tokyo, making it one of the world's most exciting cities to explore.
An unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and exquisite food awaits today, before meeting fellow travellers and the tour guide the following morning to begin sightseeing.
Day 3 | Tokyo
Discover the fascinating contrast of old and new Tokyo today. Begin in the Shibuya-Ku District with a visit to Meiji Jingū Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.
Continue across the city to experience the neon lights and bustling atmosphere of the famous Shibuya Crossing. Considered the busiest intersection in the world, more than 1,000 people cross at a time during peak periods. Enjoy free time to find the perfect vantage point for lunch and some exceptional people-watching from one of the many cafés and restaurants overlooking the crossing.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Delve into a kaleidoscopic world of interactive art installations at TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum.
This evening, board a Yakatabune, a traditional Japanese-style houseboat dating back to the Heian Era, and enjoy dinner while cruising across Tokyo Bay. Spectacular views of Tokyo's illuminated skyline provide a memorable end to the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 | Tokyo – Nikko – Sendai
Nicknamed the City of Trees, Sendai is the largest city in the Tōhoku region and the second-largest city north of Tokyo. Founded around 1600 by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune, the city is known for its leafy boulevards, tranquil parks and relaxed atmosphere.
Visit Ashikaga Flower Park, renowned for its colourful displays throughout the year. During April and May, more than 300 wisteria trees come into bloom, including the magnificent 140-year-old Great Miracle Wisteria.
Continue to the lavishly decorated Tōshōgū Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan's most influential historical figures.
Later this afternoon, board Japan's famous bullet train for the journey to Sendai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 | Sendai – Matsushima – Sendai
For centuries, Matsushima Bay has been recognised as one of Japan's most scenic landscapes. Around 260 pine-covered islands are scattered throughout the bay, creating a spectacular natural setting.
Enjoy a leisurely Basho cruise through the emerald waters of Matsushima Bay, taking in the unique rock formations and picturesque islands.
Visit Zuiganji Temple, one of northern Japan's most important Zen Buddhist temples. Founded in the 9th century, the temple complex features several nationally recognised treasures and a museum housing thousands of historical artefacts.
Discover the tradition of Kokeshi doll painting, a regional craft that dates back to the Edo Period. Continue to the Date Masamune Statue and Aobayama area.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Experience the traditional cuisine of Sendai, with the opportunity to sample the local delicacy, gyutan (beef tongue), during a special dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 | Sendai – Morioka (Tsunagi Onsen)
Travel to Morioka, capital of Iwate Prefecture, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and intersected by three rivers. The city is renowned for its distinctive noodle culture, including wanko soba, reimen and jajamen.
Travel to Geibikei Gorge, a picturesque ravine on the Satetsu River and one of Japan's most celebrated natural attractions.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Admire the impressive waterfalls, dramatic rock formations and limestone caves of Geibikei Gorge on a scenic boat trip.
En route to Morioka, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chūson-ji Temple, founded in 850 by the Tendai sect. Also visit nearby Konjiki-do, the temple's famed Golden Hall, richly decorated with gold leaf and exquisite examples of Heian-era craftsmanship.
After lunch, explore Mōtsū-ji Temple, renowned for its beautifully preserved Pure Land garden.
This evening, check into an authentic ryokan, featuring traditional tatami mat flooring and Japanese hospitality. Enjoy the opportunity to relax in a natural onsen (hot spring) and savour a traditional Japanese dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 | Morioka
Begin the day at Tezukuri-Mura, a cultural village showcasing traditional Japanese arts and crafts. Learn the art of indigo dyeing under the guidance of skilled local artisans.
Continue to Morioka Castle Ruins Park. Originally constructed between 1598 and 1633, the castle was largely dismantled during the Meiji period before becoming the picturesque park seen today.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Take part in the local Wanko Soba tradition during lunch in Morioka.
Originating in Morioka and nearby Hanamaki, these soba noodles are served in small bowls that are continually replenished throughout the dining experience.
Later, tour the Asabiraki Sake Brewery and discover the centuries-old process of transforming rice into Japan's iconic national beverage.
Return to the hotel with free time to relax or enjoy the ryokan's onsen facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Morioka (Tsunagi Onsen) – Oga – Akita
Travel to Akita Prefecture via Kakunodate and Oga. Known for its hot springs, natural scenery and well-preserved samurai heritage, Akita showcases another side of northern Japan.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Explore the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum and discover the rich history and traditions of the samurai and their families.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Mount Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory, which provides uninterrupted panoramic views from the summit.
Continue to the Shinzan Folklore Museum and Namahage Museum to learn about the fascinating Namahage tradition and annual festival.
The evening is at leisure in Akita.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 | Akita – Hirosaki – Aomori (Ajigasawa Onsen)
Travel to Hirosaki, the cultural heart of Aomori Prefecture, famous for its impressive castle, gardens and historic atmosphere.
Visit Tsugaru Neputa Village to view traditional local crafts and enjoy a shamisen performance.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Tour Hirosaki Castle and admire the breathtaking beauty of its Botanical Garden.
Built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, the castle remains one of Japan's best-preserved feudal fortresses. The surrounding botanical gardens feature more than 1,500 plant species and 124,000 trees.
Continue to Ajigasawa Onsen for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Aomori
Travel through the scenic countryside to Oirase Gorge, considered one of Japan's most beautiful river valleys. Fed by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Towada, the gorge features numerous rapids and waterfalls set amongst lush forest.
Continue to Lake Towada, the largest double-crater lake on Honshu. Observe spectacular views from Hakka Toge Observation Deck, overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.
Return to Ajigasawa Onsen.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Aomori (Ajigasawa Onsen) – Hakodate
Travel north to Hokkaido Island and the historic port city of Hakodate.
Begin the day with a visit to the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site, a significant settlement from the Jomon Period dating back more than 5,000 years.
Board the bullet train to Hakodate before visiting Onuma Park, a picturesque quasi-national park featuring lakes, islands and the magnificent Mount Komagatake volcano.
Continue to Goryōkaku Tower for panoramic views over the famous star-shaped fort below.
This evening, ascend Mount Hakodate via the Hakodate Ropeway and enjoy spectacular city views.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 | Hakodate
Discover more of Hakodate today, beginning with free time at the bustling Hakodate Morning Market.
Continue to the historic Motomachi District, where foreign influences helped shape the city's distinctive architecture following the opening of Hakodate Port to international trade.
Visit the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, an elegant example of early Western architectural influence in Japan.
Later, explore the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse precinct, now home to shops, restaurants and event spaces overlooking Hakodate Bay.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 | Hakodate – Sapporo
Travel by bullet train to Sapporo, Hokkaido's dynamic capital and Japan's fifth-largest city.
Visit Hokkaido Shrine, established in the early years of the Meiji Era and dedicated to deities associated with the pioneering settlement of Hokkaido.
Also explore the lively Nijo Fish Market, known for its fresh seafood and local produce.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 | Sapporo
Travel to the charming port city of Otaru and explore its beautifully preserved canal district.
Visit the original Kitaichi Glass Sangokan, housed within a converted fishery warehouse and renowned for its collection of handcrafted glassware and antique oil lamps.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE Discover the history of beer making in Japan at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Learn about one of Japan's most recognised breweries and enjoy a tasting of Fukkoku Sapporo Bakushu, brewed using traditional methods dating back to 1881.
Later, return to the hotel before a farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable journey through northern Japan.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 | Depart Sapporo
Transfer to the airport for the journey home, taking with you lasting memories of northern Japan's spectacular scenery, rich culture and fascinating history.
More departure dates Available, ask your Phil Hoffmann consultant for more information!
*Advertised price is based on per person twin share on 4 & 11 Oct 2027 departure, correct as of 7 September 2026. Save up to $1,500 per couple is valid for travel 1 March 2027 - 31 May 2028. Single supplement applies for solo occupancy. Solo travellers can save up to $750pp. Offer is valid to 9 October 2026, unless sold out prior. Based on flights ex Adelaide.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
