Discovering Japan Beyond the Classics: Northern Honshu & Hokkaido Winter Journey

Day 1: Sendai & Matsushima

Sendai, Japan on December 23, 2024

9:00am

Travel to Sendai

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (approx. 1.5 hours). This city is famous for its trees and historical sites.
JPY10000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Sendai Castle Ruins

Explore the historical ruins and enjoy panoramic views of Sendai city and surrounding mountains.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Aji no Chikara Sendai

Try the local specialty Gyutan (grilled beef tongue), a Sendai delicacy, served in a friendly local restaurant open 11am-8pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Matsushima Bay

Short train ride (40 minutes) to Matsushima, renowned for its scenic bay with over 200 pine-covered islets.
JPY500, 40m

3:00pm

Matsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise

Discover the stunning coastal islands from the water; cruises run until 4:30pm.
JPY1500, 50m

5:00pm

Dinner at Komatsu

Enjoy fresh seafood including oysters, a specialty of Matsushima, in this local cozy izakaya open until 9pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 2: Aomori & Hirosaki

Aomori, Japan on December 24, 2024

8:00am

Travel from Matsushima to Aomori

Train journey north to Aomori city (about 2 hours), gateway to northern Honshu's cultural sites.
JPY3500, 2h

10:30am

Visit Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

Explore Aomori’s famous Nebuta Festival history and colorful floats in a modern museum open 9am-6pm.
JPY620, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at ASPAM Restaurant

Dine on local Aomori apple pork and fresh seafood with views over the bay, open from 11am-8pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Hirosaki

Short train trip (40 minutes) to Hirosaki, home to a fabulous castle and winter beauty.
JPY600, 40m

2:30pm

Visit Hirosaki Castle Park

Explore the well-preserved castle and its park covered in snow, an iconic local landmark open until 4:30pm.
JPY310, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner in Hirosaki

Try hearty northern Japanese cuisine including hot pot dishes at a local restaurant open till 9pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 3: Hakodate Arrival

Hakodate, Japan on December 25, 2024

7:00am

Travel to Hakodate from Hirosaki

Day-long travel crossing into Hokkaido via the Seikan Tunnel with trains lasting about 4.5 hours.
JPY8000, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood bowls at Hakodate Morning Market, open from 5am to 2pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hakodate Fort Goryokaku and Tower

Explore the star-shaped fort and climb the observation tower for great winter views; open until 5pm.
JPY510, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Motomachi District

Stroll through picturesque historic European-style buildings, small museums, and churches.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lucky Pierrot

Try the famous local hamburgers with a quirky atmosphere; the restaurant closes at 10pm.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 4: Hakodate Sightseeing & Travel to Sapporo

Hakodate to Sapporo, Japan on December 26, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Blue

Enjoy a cozy morning with fresh coffee and baked goods in Motomachi district (8am-6pm).
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Hakodate Ropeway & Night View Spot

Take the ropeway to Mount Hakodate peak to admire the spectacular day views, open from 10am until night.
JPY1280, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajisai Ramen

Savor Hakodate’s renowned shio (salt) ramen, served at a popular local spot open 11am-3pm and 5-9pm.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Sapporo

Shinkansen train for about 3.5 hours to Sapporo for winter city experiences.
JPY6000, 3h30m

5:30pm

Walk Odori Park

Explore Sapporo’s downtown winter lights festival and ice sculptures if started, open 24 hours.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Enjoy fresh Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ) with local Sapporo beer in a festive atmosphere until 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Sapporo & Otaru

Sapporo & Otaru, Japan on December 27, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Try their famous butter tarts and fresh coffee to start your day, open from 8am.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Day trip to Otaru

Train (40 minutes) to lovely canal city known for glass workshops and winter illuminations.
JPY640, 40m

10:00am

Otaru Canal Walk

Stroll along the beautifully lit canal lined with historic warehouses and snow-covered paths.
JPY0, 1h

11:00am

Visit Otaru Music Box Museum

Discover charming vintage music boxes and shop for souvenirs; open 9am-6pm.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at LeTao Pathos

Taste exquisite cheese tarts and cakes paired with tea at this popular patisserie, open till 7pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Train ride back and prepare for evening exploration.
JPY640, 40m

3:00pm

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower and TV Tower

Historic clock tower and city views from TV tower; open daily until 9pm.
JPY720, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Susukino Ramen Alley

Sample diverse ramen shops in Sapporo’s vibrant nightlife district, lasting open until midnight.
JPY1000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hot Springs Experience

Noboribetsu, Japan on December 28, 2024

8:00am

Travel to Noboribetsu

Scenic 1.5-hour train to Noboribetsu, famous for its volcanic hot springs.
JPY1600, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Walk through this dramatic geothermal valley with steam vents and hot water streams.
JPY0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy local specialities like fresh seafood and Hokkaido vegetables in onsen town restaurants.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Noboribetsu Onsen

Spend the afternoon soaking in natural hot springs in an onsen hotel or public baths open throughout the day.
JPY1200, 3h

6:30pm

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner

Experience a multi-course traditional dinner at your ryokan or recommended nearby restaurant.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 7: Return & Departure

Sapporo & New Chitose Airport, Japan on December 29, 2024

9:00am

Return to Sapporo

Train back to Sapporo (1.5 hours) to enjoy final sightseeing or shopping.
JPY1600, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping at Sapporo Stellar Place & Daimaru

Explore major shopping centers for winter gear and souvenirs, open 10am-8pm.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Soup Curry Garaku

Taste Hokkaido’s famous soup curry, a spicy and hearty local dish, open 11:30am-9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to New Chitose Airport

Direct train (40 minutes) to airport for your onward flight on or after January 7.
JPY1100, 40m
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