Journey from Tokyo to Sapporo on a 12-day northern Japan and Hokkaido adventure featuring bullet-train travel, Ainu cultural experiences, volcanic landscapes and lakes, and characterful stays in traditional ryokan hotels.
  • Discover Ainu heritage at Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum.
  • Explore the volcanic landscapes of Noboribetsu’s Hell Valley.
  • Canoe across the clear caldera waters of Lake Shikotsu.
  • Ride the Mt Asahi Ropeway for sweeping alpine views.
  • Wander Furano’s Tomita Farm and seasonal lavender fields.
  • View the star-shaped Fort Goryokaku from Goryokaku Tower.
  • Walk Hirosaki Castle grounds and learn Neputa Festival traditions.
  • Witness seasonal shifts of blossoms, lavender, autumn reds, and winter snow.
Stay in a mix of hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans and minshukus, where you’ll sleep on futons or mattresses on tatami floors. Expect very small attached bathrooms or shared bathing facilities with set hours, onsen etiquette to follow, slippers inside rooms, occasional curfews, and sometimes a single room key.