Northern Japan Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(8,455 reviews)- Choose from 23 Northern Japan tours
- 23 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
The best Northern Japan tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Japan travel expert at TourRadar
- Northern Japan & Hokkaido Adventure
- Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island
- North Japan End Sapporo
- North Japan
- Active Japan: Hokkaido Adventure
- Active Japan: North to South Adventure
- Culinary Internship Program + Cooking & Japanese lessons in Japan
- 6 Days Hokkaido's Floral Symphony Tour (private guide & driver）The best time to visit falls between June and August in summer.
- 【Japan】Hokkaido 7 Days Noboribetsu, Asahikawa, Biei Package
- Journey to the East, featuring Sapporo Snow Festival
Northern Japan unfolds from Aomori's prehistoric Sannai-Maruyama site to Hirosaki's feudal castle. Traditional ryokan stays, volcanic onsens in Noboribetsu, and Furano's colorful Tomita Farm lead to mountainous Sapporo.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Aomori, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Asahikawa, Furano, Sapporo Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$7,880
Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic experience!”
Brendan, traveled in August
Conservation work on Sado Island reveals northern Japan's natural treasures. From managing biotopes in Iwakubi to collecting herbs in ancient forests, the island's diverse ecosystems come alive. Chokokuji Temple provides historic lodging while guests contribute to environmental preservation and traditional farming.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sado Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator World Unite Japan KK From
- NZ$1,113
North Japan End Sapporo
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The north has less tourist attractions, but anything of interest was covered well.”
Northern highlights range from Hirosaki Castle's cherry blossoms to Noboribetsu's Hell's Valley geysers. Aomori's Nebuta Museum and Matsushima's Thousand Islands cruise complement stays at premium Metropolitan Morioka.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka, Hirosaki, Aomori, Hakodate, NoboribetsuSee all destinations Age Range 3 to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$3,927
North Japan
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The quality Japanese food and beautiful cherry blossoms in Hokkaido made this trip exceptional.”
Peter, traveled in April
Northern Japan's wonders range from Tokyo's Meiji Shrine to Hokkaido's Hill of Buddha. Geothermal displays at Noboribetsu, Hirosaki Castle's cherry blossom park, and traditional tea ceremonies in Matsushima complement upscale hotel stays.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka, Hirosaki, Aomori, Hakodate, NoboribetsuSee all destinations Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$5,504
The wilderness of northern Japan stretches from Tokyo to Sapporo. UNESCO-listed Shiretoko National Park, Akan's Ainu culture, and Asahikawa's famous ramen lead to Sapporo beer tasting and Nijo Market visits.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Shiretoko National Park, Asahikawa, Sapporo Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $6,879
25% Off- NZ$5,159You save $1,720
UNESCO-listed Shiretoko leads to vibrant Sapporo on this northern route. Primeval Forest trails, Lake Mashu Observatory, and exclusive Sapporo beer tastings complement ryokan stays and Ainu performances in Akan-ko.
Duration 18 days Destinations Tokyo, Shiretoko National Park, Asahikawa, Sapporo, Kyoto, Ishigaki Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $14,679
25% Off- NZ$11,009You save $3,670
Professional culinary training in Tokyo leads to internship opportunities in Iwate Prefecture. Local specialties from fresh seafood to traditional sake production showcase rural Japan's authentic food culture.
Duration 90 days Destinations Tokyo, Sado Island Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator World Unite Japan KK From
25% Off- NZ$4,952
Northern delights unfold from Hokkaido Jingu shrine to Otaru Canal's historic waterfront. Shikisai-no-oka's vast flower gardens and Lake Shikotsu's seasonal beauty complement luxury stays at HOTEL MYSTAYS Premier Sapporo Park.
Duration 6 days Destinations Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, Toya Lake Age Range 1 to 85 year olds Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
25% Off- NZ$5,404
Asahikawa Shrine, Shirahige Waterfall, and Noboribetsu's Hell Valley showcase northern treasures. Sapporo's vibrant Tanuki Koji Street and historic Otaru Canal complement premium hotels with traditional onsen baths.
Duration 7 days Destinations Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Biei Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Delightful Travel From
25% Off- NZ$5,178
Journey to the East, featuring Sapporo Snow Festival
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing bird watching. Beautiful cranes. Stunning lakes. Outstanding food throughout.”
KokoPoppyWalsh, traveled in February
Winter magic spans from Sapporo's illuminated snow sculptures to Shiretoko's wilderness. Tsurui Crane Sanctuary, Lake Akan's Ainu culture, and drift-ice walking at Abashiri highlight stays at premium 4-star hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sapporo, Kushiro, Lake Akan, Shiretoko National Park, Abashiri Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Oomi Travel From
25% Off- NZ$8,252
What people love about Northern Japan Tours
- Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island
Fantastic experience!
- North Japan End Sapporo
The north is much more spread out than the south, so there is more time on the bus. Also the north has less tourist attractions, but anything of interest was covered well. This is operated by a Spanish based company, so expect many other non-English speaking travellers. The guide did a great job switching between both languages.
- North Japan
Great tour, guide knew and told us everything about Japanese mythology and history. But I wouldn't recommend this to any solo traveler who doesn't speak Spanish. The guide did translate everything in English but not being able to bond with the group / smalltalk is not ideal.
What our customers ask about Northern Japan Tours & Trips
Why Visit Northern Japan Instead of Tokyo or Kyoto?
You know what's amazing about Northern Japan? While everyone flocks to Tokyo and Kyoto you'll discover this incredible mix of untouched landscapes and authentic culture at a way more relaxed pace. Travelers absolutely love exploring Hokkaido's national parks especially Shiretoko National Park where you can wander around the famous Five Lakes. The canals in Otaru are super charming and if you time it right you can catch the Nebuta Matsuri festival in Aomori with these massive glowing floats that tell stories from Japanese mythology.
What Can I Eat That's Special to Northern Japan?
The food scene up north is incredible and totally unique. When you're in Hokkaido definitely head to Hakodate's morning market for the freshest king crab and uni (sea urchin) you'll ever taste. If you're in Sapporo you've got to try their famous miso ramen - there's this amazing spot called Ramen Yokocho in Susukino where the rich miso broth is just perfect. Over in Aomori they're really proud of their apples and make everything from fresh cider to amazing apple pies.
How Do I Get Around Northern Japan?
Getting around is actually pretty straightforward thanks to Japan's amazing rail system. The bullet trains connect all the major spots like Sapporo Hakodate Aomori and Sendai and the views are incredible especially when you're zooming through the Seikan Tunnel between Hokkaido and Honshu. For smaller towns you've got regional trains like the Super Hokuto Limited Express. If you're planning to do lots of traveling grab a Japan Rail Pass it'll save you loads and local buses in cities are super convenient and won't break the bank.
What Makes Northern Japan Different from the Rest?
The north just feels different you know? It's got this untouched natural beauty preserved traditions and moves at its own pace. In Hokkaido you'll find these incredible national parks amazing volcanic hot springs (check out Noboribetsu's 'Hell Valley') and you can learn about Ainu culture at places like the Kawamura Kaneto Museum. Tohoku's got the most beautiful autumn colors historic samurai areas and these gorgeous traditional villages like Ouchi-juku with its thatched roofs. Plus you'll deal with way fewer tourists which means a more genuine Japanese experience.
Which Festivals Should I Plan My Trip Around?
The festivals up north are absolutely incredible. If you're around in August the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori is mind-blowing with these huge illuminated floats mythical figures and such energetic music and dancing. February brings the Sapporo Snow Festival where you'll see the most amazing snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino created by artists from all over the world. For something really special time your visit for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in April-May when 2500 cherry trees bloom around the castle it's absolutely magical.
More about Northern Japan
HonshuSouthern JapanCentral JapanKansaiShikokuKantoMount FujiHokkaidoKyushu