8 Day Independent Northern Japan By Rail

Welcome to Japan! Today begins your magnificent tour through Japan! Please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow. Arrival & Check-in information The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, the airport has reliable public transport services into central Sapporo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Sapporo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area. Special information There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you around 8am at your hotel for a full day tour of Otaru. Located about half an hour north-west of Sapporo, Otaru is a stunning port city famous for it's wonderfully preserved canal, sake distilleries and rich fishing culture. You'll visit Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, Tanaka Sake Brewery and other landmarks throughout the town. On arrival back to Sapporo this afternoon, around 5pm, enjoy time at leisure to explore the nightlife of Hokkaido's largest city. Inspiring Highlights Otaru Canal Sakaimachi Street Tanaka Sake Brewery Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.

At the appropriate time today, make your way to the station to board your train to Hakodate. It's an approximately 4 hour train journey through stunning countryside to Hakodate. On arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps make your way via cable car up Mount Hakodate for stunning night-time views over the city. The mountain looms 330m over the city and is the best place to get a birds-eye view of the city. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today your local guide will meet you at your hotel around 9am for a half-day walking tour of Hakodate. Your first stop will be the Hakodate morning market. The market boasts over 250 stalls offering fresh produce and souvenirs. You might like to try the mouth-watering seafood donburi here to start your day with a bowl of steaming rice topped with freshly-caught seafood. Next up we visit the famous Red Brick Warehouses of Hakodate. Dating back to the trading days of the past, the warehouses have been thoughtfully restored and now host an atmospheric shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Afterwards we visit the Motomachi district and wander through the eclectic mix of Russian, British and Chinese architecture that was built when Japan ended its period of isolation from the world in the 1850's. We will finish the day with a visit to the Goryokaku Fort at around 1pm. Inspiring Highlights Hakodate Market Red Brick Warehouses Motomachi District Goryokaku Fort Special Information Please be in the lobby 5 minutes before the meeting time at latest to meet your local guide

Today, make your way to the train station to board the shinkansen bullet train to Sendai. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast this morning, meet your local guide in the lobby around 9:30am for your half day tour to Matsushima. The first stop is the Zuiganji Temple, founded in 828 AD during the Heian period by Jikaku Daish. The temple is a National Treasure and one of the most important Buddhist sites in northern Japan. Afterwards you will enjoy a scenic cruise around the islands of Matsushima Bay. The bay is known as one of the most scenic spots in Japan, and is characterised by hundreds of islands covered in pine trees. Return to Sendai around 3pm and enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Matsushima Zuiganji Temple Scenic Bay Cruise Special Information Please be in the lobby 5 minutes before the meeting time at latest to meet your local guide Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast today, make your way to the station and board the train to Tokyo. On arrival, make your way to your centrally located hotel where you will have the rest of the day at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through northern Japan. At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey. Alternatively, you may wish to join another Inspiring Vacations Japan tour. Check-out and Departure InformationTravellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. The easiest and most convenient way to travel from your hotel to Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively both airports have reliable public transport services from central Osaka as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Osaka area. For more information or assistance with these services, please speak with your hotel reception or tour leader. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.