A Thousand Steps North
Tokyo, then the archipelago's climb north through Tohoku and Hokkaido: Yamadera and its thousand steps, Hirosaki, Hakodate and its bay, Sapporo. Japan away from the classic triangle.
The points that matter.
The mountain temple of Yamadera and its over one thousand steps, founded in 860
Hirosaki and its castle, one of the three finest cherry blossom sites in Japan
The night view from Mount Hakodate, considered one of the three finest in Japan
Goryokaku Park, Japan's only star-shaped fortress
Sapporo, its fish market and Moerenuma Park, a work by sculptor Isamu Noguchi
A Japan different from the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka triangle, relevant all year round
Fourteen days, thirteen nights.
Arrival in Tokyo
Transfer from the airport and check-in. The afternoon unfolds gently in the hotel district.
Tokyo and its surroundings
Five days in Tokyo, shaped to your taste: contemporary Tokyo, the Tokyo of Edo, the bay, and an excursion of your choice on the outskirts, Kamakura, Takaosan or Nikko.
To Sendai and Yamadera temple
Train to Sendai, then on to Yamadera temple, set on a mountainside, founded in 860. Over a thousand steps to reach it, one of the finest sacred landscapes in Tohoku.
To Aomori
Train to Aomori, at the northern tip of Honshu. The rest of the day is devoted to exploring the city.
Hirosaki
A short half-hour train ride to Hirosaki: its castle and park, one of the three finest cherry blossom sites in Japan.
To Hakodate
Train through the Seikan Tunnel, under the Tsugaru Strait. The bay and its red-brick warehouses, Goryokaku Park, Japan's only star-shaped fortress, then the climb up Mount Hakodate for one of the finest night views in the country.
To Sapporo
Train to Hokkaido's capital. Check-in and a first look at the city centre.
Sapporo
Moerenuma Park, a total work by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the Jogai Ichiba fish market, then the climb up Mount Moiwa for a panorama over the city.
Back to Tokyo
Return to Tokyo, by train or by air depending on how the trip is arranged.
Departure
Transfer to the airport. End of the circuit.
Included in the price
Not included
Tipping is not customary in Japan · none is planned, none is expected.