Efficient 8-Day Japan Itinerary from Sydney to New Chitose via Fukushima

Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on March 20, 2026

7:00am

Flight from Sydney to Tokyo

Depart Sydney early morning arriving at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airport by mid-afternoon for optimal travel to Fukushima.

AUD700, 10h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Tokyo Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and relax after the long flight.

AUD120, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s historic district Asakusa to see the famous Senso-ji Temple and nearby shopping streets. Open until 5pm, a quick visit is suggested.

Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets like melon pan and a light dinner in the vicinity. Open until 8pm.

AUD15, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to & Explore Fukushima

Fukushima, Japan on March 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese or Western-style breakfast at your hotel before journeying north.

Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Shinkansen Train Tokyo to Fukushima

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukushima, a scenic 1.5-2 hour ride that offers views of the beautiful countryside.

JPY9300 (approx. AUD95), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Suiren

Sample regional Fukushima cuisine at Suiren, known for fresh sashimi and local delicacies. Open 11am-3pm.

AUD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle

Explore the historic Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, a beautifully restored samurai castle that provides insight into the area's history.

JPY410 (AUD4), 1h30m

3:30pm

Ouchi-juku Historic Post Town

Take a local bus or taxi to Ouchi-juku, a picturesque Edo period post town with traditional thatched roof buildings. Perfect for photos and local snacks.

Bus/Taxi approx. JPY1500 (AUD15), 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ouchi-juku Restaurant

Taste regional specialties such as soba noodles and wild vegetables in the charming ambiance of the post town. Open until 7pm.

AUD35, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Fukushima to Sendai

Sendai, Japan on March 22, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse or Local Cafe

Start the day with a local café’s breakfast, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and pastries or Japanese set breakfasts.

AUD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Train Fukushima to Sendai

Board the Shinkansen heading north to Sendai for about 2 hours.

JPY6000 (AUD60), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Aoba-dori Ichibancho Shopping Arcade

Enjoy Sendai specialty cuisine like gyutan (beef tongue) at restaurants inside this popular shopping arcade. Open 11am-3pm.

AUD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle)

Visit the ruins and museum of Sendai castle located atop a hill with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Open 9am-5pm.

JPY410 (AUD4), 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Zuihoden Mausoleum

Explore the ornate mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai. Open from 8:30am to 5pm.

JPY440 (AUD4.50), 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rikyu Sendai

Enjoy a premium gyutan dinner, a Sendai speciality, at the renowned Rikyu restaurant. Open until 9pm.

AUD40, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Sendai to Sapporo (Flight)

Sapporo, Japan on March 23, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation preparing for flight to Sapporo.

Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Flight Sendai to New Chitose Airport (near Sapporo)

Fly from Sendai to New Chitose Airport. Flight time approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Check in 1 hour before departure.

AUD150, 3h0m (including airport time)

12:30pm

Transfer from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City

Take the JR rapid train from the airport to Sapporo station (approx. 40 min).

JPY1070 (AUD11), 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nijo Market

Explore Nijo Market for fresh seafood bowls (kaisendon) featuring Hokkaido’s famed crab and salmon. Open 7am–6pm.

AUD35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower

Walk through Odori Park and visit the TV Tower observation deck for city views. Open until 9pm.

JPY800 (AUD8), 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Sapporo Hotel

Relax and freshen up before evening activities.

AUD130, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU

Experience Hokkaido’s popular soup curry at this well-loved restaurant open till 10pm.

AUD25, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Sapporo City Exploration

Sapporo, Japan on March 24, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Taste fresh baked goods from this famous Sapporo bakery, open 9am-6pm.

AUD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Historical Village of Hokkaido

An open-air museum displaying buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, giving a glimpse into Hokkaido's past. Open 9:00am-4:30pm.

JPY840 (AUD8.50), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Alley

Indulge in authentic Sapporo ramen at one of the many small restaurants in this famous alley, open 11am-9pm.

AUD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Moerenuma Park

Explore this large, beautifully designed park for a relaxing afternoon. Open 7:00am to sunset.

Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sapporo Beer Museum & Garden

Learn about brewing history and enjoy a beer tasting; Museum open until 6pm, Beer Garden open until 9pm.

Free entry; tasting at extra cost, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Have a traditional Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) dinner paired with local beer.

AUD40, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru, Japan on March 25, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for a day outside Sapporo.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train Sapporo to Otaru

Around 30-40 minute train ride to the historical port city of Otaru.

JPY640 (AUD6.50), 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Otaru Canal & Historic Warehouses

Walk along the beautifully preserved canal and visit quaint shops and cafes in converted warehouses. Enjoy local crafts and music boxes. Open all day.

Free, 2h0m