Itinerary
- Day 1
Memanbetsu to Lake Akan
You'll arrive individually in Memanbetsu and head to your hotel on Lake Akan in Akan-Mashu National Park at your own pace. Once there, meet up with your tour guide and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner to kick things off.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner with tour group)
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Transfer from Memanbetsu to hotel on Lake Akan
Landmarks Akan-Mashu National Park - Day 2
Lake Akan and Lake Mashu
Start the day at a nature station to learn about the rare Marimo spherical algae found in the lake. Then check out the hot springs and fumaroles around the area. After lunch, you'll hike to Lake Mashu with some of the world's purest water, set inside an extinct volcanic crater. The hike takes about 4 hours total. By evening, relax in the hotel's natural hot spring bath, or join an optional evening walk through the forests if you want something more.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to nature station and Marimo spherical algae habitat
- Walk through lush nature discovering hot springs and fumaroles
- Hike to Lake Mashu viewing spots (approximately 4 hours)
- Use of hotel onsen (natural hot spring bath)
Optional Activities
- Evening hike in forests around Lake Akan (depending on season)
Landmarks Akan-Mashu National Park Lake Mashu - Day 3
Lake Akan to Kushiro
Travel by coach toward Kushiro, stopping along the way at an open-air onsen to soak in natural hot springs. Arrive at Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park, known for its Japanese Manchurian cranes. Hike up to a high viewpoint for the best look at the vast marshland below. Later, visit the International Crane Center to learn about these birds and the conservation work happening there.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop at open-air onsen to enjoy natural hot springs
- Hike in Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park to high viewpoint
- Visit to International Crane Center
Landmarks Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park International Crane Center - Day 4
Kushiro to Sapporo
Take the Ozora Express train to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital, taking in nice views of Japan's northernmost island along the way. Once there, walk around the city and see the brick-built town hall, check out Nijo market with all its colorful stalls, and head up the downtown TV tower for city views. If you're interested, try local food like Hokkaido crab or locally brewed beer in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train journey on Ozora Express
- Visit to brick-built town hall area
- Visit to Nijo market
Optional Activities
- Dinner with local seafood specialty "Hokkaido crab" and locally brewed beer
- Downtown TV tower visit
Landmarks Nijo market Sapporo TV Tower - Day 5
Sapporo to Lake Toya
Head to the geothermally formed Jigokudani Gorge in southern Hokkaido, where water over 100°F/37°C shoots from the earth in a red and yellow landscape. You'll do a 3-hour hike exploring this otherworldly setting. After that, visit the Uppopoy National Ainu Museum to learn about Japan's indigenous people and their work to preserve their language and cultural traditions. Arrive at Lake Toya by evening with time to unwind or do optional activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through Jigokudani Gorge (3 hours)
- Visit to Uppopoy National Ainu Museum
Optional Activities
- Long walk around Lake Toya
- Relax in local hot springs
Landmarks Jigokudani Gorge Uppopoy National Ainu Museum - Day 6
Lake Toya
You have free time at Lake Toya to rest and explore on your own terms. If you prefer something more active, there's an optional early morning climb of Mount Yotei, called the 'Fuji of Hokkaido.' The hike takes about 4 hours on the Makkiri trail and leads to the crater rim with panoramic views from the top.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Climb Mount Yotei via Makkiri hiking trail (approximately 4 hours, early morning departure)
Landmarks Mount Yotei - Day 7
Lake Toya to Aomori
Travel to Hakodate and see the 17th-century Goryokaku fortress built on the European model. Climb the tower to see the geometric star shape from above, which is especially nice during cherry blossom season. Wander through the harbor and old town district. Then take the Shinkansen Super Bullet Express train to Aomori, covering 200 km across a strait in about an hour. Visit the Nebuta Matsuri Festival Museum to see massive paper lantern floats over 5 meters high and 15 meters wide. Try locally brewed cider if you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Goryokaku fortress and tower viewing
- Explore Hakodate harbor and old town district
- Shinkansen Super Bullet Express train journey to Aomori
- Visit to Nebula Matsuri Festival Museum
Optional Activities
- Taste locally brewed cider in local pubs
Landmarks Goryokaku fortress Hakodate harbor and old town Nebuta Matsuri Festival Museum - Day 8
Aomori to Dewa Sanzan
Travel by bus and train to the sacred 3 mountains of Dewa in the Dewa region. Stay overnight in a traditional pilgrim hostel near the main temple. Begin learning about the ascetic Buddhist Yamabushi school of monks, who pursue enlightenment through rigorous physical training. Have shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, for dinner as part of the spiritual experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine))
Included Activities
- Travel by bus and train to Dewa Sanzan
- Stay in traditional pilgrim hostel
Landmarks Dewa Sanzan (Three Sacred Mountains) - Day 9
Dewa Sanzan to Sendai
Continue with the Yamabushi school through hiking and spiritual practice. Early in the morning, a genuine Yamabushi monk introduces you to their teachings and guides you to the main shrine on Mount Haguro. Climb 2,446 steps to reach the temple. Later, head to Sendai, stopping at an inconspicuous village station to climb the 1,015 steps of Yamadera Temple for views over the lush green forests. Check into your Sendai hotel with time for optional evening plans.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Early morning guidance from Yamabushi monk on Mount Haguro
- Climb to main shrine on Mount Haguro (2,446 steps)
- Climb to Yamadera Temple (1,015 steps) with forest views
Optional Activities
- Evening stroll through Sendai with tour guide
- Local specialties dining in Sendai
Landmarks Mount Haguro Yamadera Temple - Day 10
Sendai to Tokyo
Travel along Japan's eastern coast by train and Shinkansen to Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three most beautiful landscapes. Explore the bay by boat, seeing the small islands covered in ancient, crooked pine trees. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zuiganji Temple, once a shogun's retreat, with gilded and finely painted sliding doors showing samurai dynasty splendor. Continue to Tokyo, the mega-metropolis, and explore different parts of the city with your guide.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train and Shinkansen journey along eastern coast
- Boat exploration of Matsushima Bay
- Visit to Zuiganji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Landmarks Matsushima Bay Zuiganji Temple 
- Day 11
Tokyo to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Take a regional train to Mount Takao just outside Tokyo and hike to the 599m summit, gaining about 550 meters in roughly 1.5 hours. On clear days, you'll see views of Mount Fuji-san and Tokyo. Stop at the famous Chureito Pagoda on your way to the Five Lakes of Fuji area in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This pagoda offers one of the most beautiful views of Japan's holiest mountain when conditions are right.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Regional train to Mount Takao area
- Hike to Mount Takao summit (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Stop at Chureito Pagoda with views of Mount Fuji
Landmarks Mount Takao Chureito Pagoda Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 
- Day 12
Five Lakes of Fuji Area
Do a full-day e-bike tour through the Five Lakes area, covering roughly 40 km while cycling between Kawaguchiko, Saiko, and Motosuko. You'll experience nice scenery and fantastic views of Mount Fuji-san on clear days. Alternatively, if you started on July 30, you can climb Mount Fuji-san itself instead, going up the still-active volcano's 3,776 meters and seeing panoramic views from the top.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- E-bike tour of Five Lakes area (approximately 40 km)
Optional Activities
- Day ascent of Mount Fuji-san (alternative to bike tour if starting 30.7., pickup at 5th mountain station)
Landmarks Kawaguchiko Lake Saiko Lake Motosuko Lake Mount Fuji-san 
- Day 13
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park to Kyoto
Travel by train and Shinkansen across central Japan to Kyoto, Japan's center of traditional culture. Store your luggage at the ultra-modern main station. Head north by train to Arashiyama's world-famous bamboo grove, one of Japan's most popular photo spots. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryuji Zen Temple in the grove, with its extensive garden and teahouses. Then visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train and Shinkansen journey to Kyoto
- Visit to Arashiyama bamboo grove
- Visit to Tenryuji Zen Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit to Kinkakuji Temple Golden Pavilion (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Landmarks Arashiyama bamboo grove Tenryuji Zen Temple Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) - Day 14
Kyoto and Nara
Take the train to Nara, the cradle of Japanese culture and old imperial capital. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Todaiji Temple, the world's largest free-standing wooden building housing the largest cast bronze statue. Hike up to Nigatsudo Temple terrace for great views over the Nara Basin, then walk the time-honored paths of Kasuga Shrine lined with countless stone lanterns. See the oldest pagoda in Nara at Kofukuji temple. Encounter the tame Sika deer roaming freely. Visit Fushimi-Inari Shrine with thousands of red gates donated over centuries. Afterwards, head independently to the airport or to Kyoto if extending your stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train journey to Nara
- Visit to Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Hike to Nigatsudo Temple terrace
- Walk through Kasuga Shrine
- Visit to Kofukuji Temple and oldest Nara pagoda
- Visit to Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Landmarks Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo Temple Kasuga Shrine Kofukuji Temple Fushimi-Inari Shrine
