Day 1/2

Day 1 • Depart North America for Sapporo, Japan

Day 2 • Arrive in Sapporo
Transfer to Chitose International Airport in Sapporo, Japan.

Welcome to the island of Hokkaido, Japan’s frontier! Upon arriving to the airport, you will be escorted to your hotel by a Super Value representative where you can take time to explore Sapporo city or rest for tomorrow’s sightseeing.(Dinner)

Sapporo Originally the residence for the Ainu people, Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, and the fifth-largest city in Japan. The word Sapporo is derived from the Ainu meaning “a river running along a reed-filled plain.” This rustic and remote part of Japan is home to the Ainu population, an indigenous nomadic group of hunters and gatherers. Its distant geographical location to the capital allowed the area to remain unspoiled and untouched up until the Meiji Restoration.

Day 3

Day 3 • Otaru

Today, travel to Otaru, a romantic town complete with classic gas lamps and old warehouses where you can enjoy the charming boutiques along the Otaru Canal. You will also visit Sakaimachi, the most popular commercial site in Otaru, famous for the unique style shops such as Kitaichi Garasukan (a famous glass shop) and the Otaru Music Box Museum. After lunch, tour Sapporo city where you can see the historic University of Hokkaido, Old City Hall, Tokeidai clock tower, and the colorful Odori Park. Tonight’s dinner is a Sapporo specialty, an all-crab dinner. After dinner, choose to either return to the hotel or shop in Sapporo’s colorful Susukino district on your own. (3 meals)

Kitaichi Garasukan Art glasses are the most famous souvenir in Otaru with the Kitaichi Garasu being the most significant. Garasu in Japanese simplifies the pronunciation of the English word “glass” for the Japanese speaking. The glassware and the canal are two symbolic icons of Otaru. Otaru Situated in the western part of Hokkaido, facing Ishikari Bay, it has developed and prospered as "the sea entrance of Hokkaido" over the last 100 years and gained the nickname "Wall Street of the North." The glassworks shops, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping malls along the canal have been converted from originally stone-built or brick-built warehouses used for storage during the days when commerce flourished and the canal was crowded with jostling barges. When night falls, oil lamps on the cobbled streets are lit, and the town evokes a gentle, nostalgic mood. Otaru Canal Filled with romantic nostalgia and l makes for an enjoyable stroll during the day for visitors to catch the various artists presenting their works to the passing tourists. The lit gas lamps later in the day make for a romantic setting for the evening. Otaru Music Box Museum This two-story red-brick museum built in 1912 is most significant for its theme of the Music Box. You may custom design your own music box here to make a special souvenir of Otaru. Sakaimachi Is the most popular commercial site in Otaru where unique style shops fill the streets.

Day 4

Day 4 • Hokkaido

In the morning, visit Hokkaido Jingu, a strikingly serene shrine with distinct northern Japanese character. As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is also famous throughout the world for winter sports due to its perfect climate and light powdery snow. At the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum, you can interact with the simulated ski rides or take a ride on the Okurayama Passenger Lift for a fantastic view of the 1972 Winter Olympic venue. After lunch, learn about the Ainu (natives of Hokkaido) tribes in the Shiraoi Ainuzoku Village. On your way to Noboribetsu Onsen, take time to stop by Jigokudani, a boiling sulfurous valley formed by a volcanic eruption; an ideal environment for Japan’s renowned hot springs. In the evening, sample Hokkaido’s famous seafood with a buffet dinner. Complete the night with a slow stroll through the Noboribetsu onsen resort. (3 meals)

Jigokudani The front part of Noboribetsu Onsen, It was naturally formed as a result of a volcanic eruption of the Valley. The name Jigokudani, meaning "Hell's Valley", derives from the nature of the steam and boiling water that typically bubbles out of small crevices from the frozen ground. Noboribetsu Onsen It has been called “Hot Springs department stores.” where you can find 11 different kinds of spring water. The Hot Springs of Hokkaido account for 10% of the springs in Japan and are known to be the best. Okurayama ski jumping area The main ski jump area where 1972 Winter Olympics was held at. It has spectacular views looking over the Sapporo city. Sapporo Winter Sport Museum Established for everyone to experience winter activities such as ice skating, skiing, long jump skiing, and other extreme sports. One can enjo9y its movie audio show about the athletes and the different types of winter sports. Shiraoi Ainuzoku Village Ainuzoku are the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Highlights of the Shiraoi Ainuzoku village include the unique cottages, picture like of drying salmon fish, wood carving works, and the traditional natives handmade artwork.

Day 5

Day 5 • Hakodate

Begin today’s traveling with Lake Toya, the third largest volcanic lake in Japan. If weather permits, ride the Usuzan Cable Car for an overview of Mt. Shyowa-Shinzan, a newborn volcanic dome. You then visit Onuma Seminational Park which showcases charming lakes surrounding the park’s majestic volcano, Mt. Komagatake. Here, spend some time enjoying the scenery while biking around the lake or enjoy the scenery on a gentle lake cruise. Bid good-bye to Mt. Komagatake, and you are off to Hakodate. There you can take pleasure in Yunokawa Onsen, a major Onsen in Hokkaido. After a seafood buffet dinner, you can take the cable car to the top of Mt. Hakodate to enjoy Hakodate’s most famous attraction, the evening view from the top of the mountain.(3 meals)

Hakodate Morning Fair Also known as “the kitchen of Hakodate people”, this site is made up of over 400 food restaurants and shops and well known for selling a wide variety of fresh seafood. Lake Toya It is also formed after the same volcanic eruption of the Valley, and became the third-largest volcanic lake. Lake Tōya is said to be the northernmost lake in Japan that never ices, and the second most transparent lake in Japan. Mt. Hakodate Cable Car It is the name of an aerial lift, as well as its operator. The line climbs Mount Hakodate in Hakodate, Japan. As of 2004, this is the most heavily used aerial lift line in Japan, transporting 1,559,000 riders yearly. The aerial tramway was prominently featured in Noein, a 2005 anime. Mt. Shyowa-shinzan Its formation began in 1943 from the rapid uplifting of a wheat field which occurred as a result of a sudden earthquake. After hundreds of these earthquakes, it became volcanic and stood at 407 meters. Mt. Shyowa-Shizan was named appropriately as the formation took place in the year of Shyowa. Onuma Seminational Park This natural park showcases the majestic Mt. Komagatake, an active volcano whose series of eruptions reduced its conical shape to an angled plane. Three lakes lie at the foot of Mt. Komagatake. Of the three natural dammed lakes, Onuma is the main lake that boasts 126 large and small islets. This national park is beautiful in all seasons but many visit in the fall primarily to catch the changing hue of maple leaves. Usuzan Cable Car The Usuzan Ropeway (cable car) is a Japanese aerial lift line in Sōbetsu, Hokkaidō, operated by Wakasa Resort. Opened in 1965, the line climbs Mount Usu, the active volcano in Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. The observatory has a panoramic view of Lake Tōya, Shōwa Shinzan, and the central crater of Mount Usu. Yunokawa Onsen It is located on the outskirts of Hakodate city close to Hakodate Airport. Its origins are said to date back to 1653 when a lord of the Matsumae clan was healed of an incurable illness by bathing in its waters. It contains various minerals including chloride and sulfur.

Day 6

Day 6 • Hakodate • Aomori

Before leaving for Aomori, take some time to roam the bustling Morning Market, also known as “the kitchen of Hakodate People” to sample local delicacies. En route from Hokkaido to the main island of Honshu, take the Seikan Underwater Tunnel Train, a unique rail experience taking you through the longest undersea tunnel in the world. In Aomori, visit Towada Hachimantai National Park to see the Jogakura Bridge and to enjoy a stroll along Oirase Keiryu, a walk famous throughout Japan for its tranquil waterfalls. Check in to the Lake Towada onsen hotel, where you can unwind for the day in the local hot springs. In the evening, enjoy a special hotel banquet Kaiseki dinner.(3 meals)

Hakodate As the capital city of Oshimo, Hokkaidō, Japan, Hakodate is the only way to travel from Hokkaido to Honshu and is one of the three open ports in Japan. It acrosses the Tsugaru Strait and the north-east of the city of Aomori, because they connected by Seikan tunnel. Aomori Located at the most north part of Honshu. It is a logical departure point for both Hokkaido and Towada-Hachimantai National Park to the south. It is also the city that planted many apples in Japan. Jogakura Bridge Its length is 360 meters. It across the valley in between. When standing on the bridge, people can see the valley below as deep as 122 meters. Oirasekeiryu Many waterfalls run along rocky paths in this stunning valley. Nestled within the lush forest of the Oirase region, the Oirase stream spans seven miles (14k) from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. Follow the trail along the river to discover numerous waterfalls, rapids, rock-studded hills and forests. Seikan Underwater Tunnel It is a 53.85 km (33.49 mile) railway tunnel in Japan, with a 23.3 km (14.5 mile) portion under the seabed. It is the longest undersea tunnel in the world. Towada-Hachimantai National Park This vast national park covers three prefectures in the northern-west area of the main island. The harsh weather conditions in this region have created picturesque gorges and valleys. In the winter, you can find eye-striking contorted trees slanted by the wind’s force. Full of natural wonders, this district boasts a plentiful array of hot springs.

Day 7

Day 7 • Morioka • Kakunodate

From the Lake Towada onsen, you arrive in the city of Morioka to visit the Morioka Handicraft village featuring a variety of traditional craftwork. For lunch, dine on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Tawaza, the deepest lake in Japan. Afterwards, travel off the beaten path to Kakunodate, an ageless samurai town where few foreign travelers go. Exploring the Bukeyashiki (samurai mansions) makes this remote destination a rewarding visit. After a day of exploration, relax in the evening at the Tsunagi Hot Spring hotel. (3 meals)

Bukeyashiki place where samurai of the Edo period (17th to 19th century) lived in. Kakunodate This small, quaint town lost in the wilderness of the Akita prefecture is distinguished by its beautifully preserved samurai quarter and spectacular cherry blossom festival in the spring. A large number of samurai houses remain in Kakunodate, and the town is one of the best for witnessing the layout of a Japanese castle town and the style of samurai houses. Underneath its Tohoku (the northeastern region) appearance, the town has a smart, elegant feel, and is called the Little Kyoto of Michinoku (the old name of Tohoku). Morioka Morioka is a town where historic and new buildings blend in harmony. The city is the center of Iwate's politics, economics and culture. Mt. Iwate-san overlooks the city from the northwest and two rivers - the Kitakami-gawa River and the Nakatsu-gawa River, making Morioka a special place with a very beautiful landscape. Morioka Handicraft Village It features demonstrations of making Nambu senbei (rice cracker), ceramics, toys, straw and bamboo craftwork. Morioka is a city with a long history of ironware-making and this handicraft center is where quality local products are displayed and sold. Tsunagi Onsen Located at the west of Morioka. It is a well-known hot springs in the Northeast, with Gosho Lake in front, and the Iwate mountain behind.

Day 8

Day 8 • Hiraizumi • Matsushima

Depart from Tsunagi Onsen and head to Hiraizumi where you visit the Chuson-ji, a temple housing the elaborately decorated mausoleum of the Fujiwara clan. After lunch, visit Matsushima Bay, a mini archipelago celebrated as one of Japan’s Sankei or “three great views” for its coniferous islands. Sample a serene Japanese tea ceremony while overlooking the Pacific at Kanrantei (Kanrantei means “a place to view ripples on the water”). Take in the inspirational surroundings as you see Matsushima in a sightseeing sail around the bay. Our time in Matsushima draws to an end with a visit to Zuigan-ji, Japan’s best-known Zen temple. (3 meals)

Chusonji Temple Chusonji is one of Iwate's most famous tourist spots. This steep, cedar-lined path to the hilltop temple complex first opened in 850 AD. Of the 17 temples, the most spectacular is the main temple and the golden Konjikido. Built in 1105 by the Fujiwara family, the Konjikido or Golden Hall is a National Treasure with interior and exterior walls plated with mother-of-pearl and gold leaf. Hiraizumi It is the most famous political, economic and cultural center of the northeast between 11th century to the 12th century. There are many famous Buddhist temples... One of the most famous temple is the Chusonji Temple. Matsushima One of the three big scenic wonders of Japan, Matsushima owes its popularity to the hundreds of oddly-shaped rock islands. All 250 pine tree rock islets have their own unique shapes. Islands vary in size: larger islands have tunnels generous enough for a rowboat to go through while others are uninhabitable. This bay is a popular Tohoku destination.

Day 9

Day 9 • Depart from Sendai

Farewell from Matsushima. Transfer to Sendai Station for a bullet train ride back to Tokyo. After lunch in Tokyo, you will be escorted to the airport by a Super Value Tours representative. Sai-yo-na-ra (Good bye - Since it must be so)! (Breakfast and Lunch)