Hokkaido & Tohoku- 10 Days

Otaru is a charming town just outside of Sapporo. In the late 1800s, the port town thrived as a major fishing and trade port. Many old western style buildings add character to the town which is now known for its seafood, historic buildings, canal way, and shops.

During the first half of the 20th century, the canal was a chief part of the city’s port. Large ships unloaded goods into smaller ships which then delivered the goods to local shops along the canal. Today the canal is one of the most well-known areas in Otaru and invites visitors to stroll along its walkway. 

Just a short walk from Otaru’s canal area, Sakaimachi Street is a lively street in downtown Otaru. The street is lined with 19th-century buildings that have been converted to museums, cafes,  and shops.

Located at the south end of Sakaimachi Street, the music box museum spans several buildings. The largest and most distinct building houses the vast collection of creative and unique music boxes. 

The city of Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and the fifth largest city in Japan. Sapporo is also one of Japan’s youngest major cities as is seen by its western style grid layout. The city is known for ramen, beer and hosting the Snow Festival each February. 

The central park of Sapporo, Odori Park separates the city into north and south.  The park stretches over 12 city blocks and allows for a pleasant natural setting in the middle of the city. 

Constructed in 1931, the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium has been a host to a many winter sports events including the 1972 Winter Olympics.  

Relive the history of the 1972 Winter Olympics and partake in the simulation games including ski jump, speed skating, and hockey. 

This open air, village like museums is one of the best representations of life for the indigenous Ainu people. The village consists of five thatched houses near Lake Poroto. Each home showcases different aspects of the Ainu lifestyle, offering unique glimpses into the vanishing Ainu culture. 

This resort is one of Hokkaido’s best known hot spring resorts surrounded by forests. The onsen offers nine different water types, each offering a high quality and unique minerals. 

The most impressive feature of Shikotsu-Toya National Park is Jigokudani or “Hell Valley.” Yellow and gray volcanic gases seep from the surface of the rocks, making the air smelled strongly of sulfur. This is a true natural wonder and must see for anyone visiting Hokkaido. 

Also belonging to the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya sits at the base of Mount Usu. Due to the active volcanic status of the area; the lake never freezes, offering picturesque beauty all year long. 

Mount Usu is an active volcano sitting at the south end of Lake Toya. Meaning “Showa new mountain,” Mount Showa Shinzan is a volcanic lava dome that was created between 1944 and 1945. The Mount Usu Ropeway takes visitors to the top of Mount Usu in six minutes and provides panoramic views of the area.

Just minutes outside Hakodate, Onuma Park is best known for its island dotted lakes and magnificent dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake. The great walking trails allow visitors to easily explore the park entirely on foot. 

Hakodate is the third largest city in Hokkaido located at the southern tip of the island. Hakodate is known for its fresh, mouth watering seafood and for incredible views from Mount Hakodate. 

Located at the mouth of the Matsukura-gawa River flowing into the Tsugaru Strait, the Yunokawa-Onsen Hot Spring is a popular destination near Hakodate. 

The morning market is an exciting place to meet and talk with local people. This authentic experience also allows visitors to browse fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and handmade crafts. 

The Seikan Underwater Train takes you through the longest underwater tunnel in the world. The tunnel is a major engineering feat as it is completely submerged under the Tsungai strait, connecting Hakodate and Honshu. 

 Located in the mountainous region of Tohoku, this national park is home to an abundance of natural forests, hiking trails, and hot springs. The most popular highlights include Jogakura Bridge, mighty Oirase Keiryu Falls, and Lake Towada. 

This sapphire blue lake is the deepest lake in Japan, evoking a mysterious atmosphere. The lake waters change from jade green to dark blue, depending on the season. A statue of the mythical princess Tatsuko sits on the western shore of the lake. According to the legend, the princess was turned into a dragon after wishing for eternal beauty. A red torii gate and Goza-no-Ishi Shrine sit on the northern shore, further adding to the lake’s ambiance. 

Known for its refined and graceful atmosphere, the small town of Kakunodate has been coined the “Little Kyoto of Michinoku.” Kakunodate is also very well known for its many samurai houses, making the city an excellent example of a Japanese castle town. 

The Buke Yashiki was the primary residence of the region’s highest ranked samurai along with his family, employees, and servants. The compound is quite large and includes gardens, guest rooms, a tea house and rice mill. Mannequins are also placed throughout the rooms depicting daily life and historical events.

A city that once rivaled Kyoto, Hiraizumi has now been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for its untouched land and many idyllic temples including Chuson-Ji Temple and its famous Golden Hall. 

Famously ranked as one of Japan’s Three Great Views, Matsushima Bay, the bay is dotted with over 200 pine tree covered islands. 

Built in 807 on a small island next to the pier, Godaido Hall has become a symbol of Matsushima Bay.  The hall’s observation deck provides excellent views of the bay.  

This Momoyama style tea house’s name “Kanrantei” means “"place to view ripples on water." The tea room houses stunning artwork and also includes a museum. The views of Matsushima Bay offer a tranquil atmosphere while sipping tea.