Efficient Northern Japan Itinerary: Fukushima to New Chitose Airport Arrival

Day 1: Departure and Arrival

Sydney, Australia to Fukushima, Japan on March 20, 2026

9:00am

Flight from Sydney to Fukushima via connecting city

Begin your journey from Sydney with a flight connecting through major Japanese hub such as Osaka or Nagoya, arriving in Fukushima city which is known for its scenic and cultural richness.
AUD800, 14h

9:00pm

Check in and rest at hotel in Fukushima

Unwind after a long flight at a comfortable hotel in Fukushima city, ready for exploring the local area from the next day.
AUD100, Overnight

Day 2: Fukushima Sightseeing

Fukushima, Japan on March 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at local cafe in Fukushima

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast including grilled fish, rice and miso soup at a local cafe open from 7am.
AUD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hanamiyama Park

Explore this beautiful park famous for its spring flowers and peaceful walking paths, open 24/7 and perfect for nature lovers.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a Sobadokoro (Soba Noodle Shop)

Taste Fukushima's specialty soba noodles at a respected local noodle shop open until 2pm.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Fukushima Museum Tour

Visit the Fukushima Prefectural Museum to learn about local history, art, and culture with museums generally open from 9:30am to 5pm.
AUD10, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Izakaya

Enjoy a casual Japanese dinner with regional dishes and sake at a local izakaya, many open until 10pm.
AUD30, 2h

Day 3: Day Trip Hot Springs

Fukushima, Japan on March 22, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast at your accommodation, typically available from 7am to 9am.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Bandai-Azuma Skyline and Hot Springs

Take a bus or train to the Bandai-Azuma Skyline for stunning volcanic landscape views followed by a relaxing soak in nearby hot springs, accessible by local transport and open year-round.
Transport AUD25, Hot springs AUD20, 6h

4:00pm

Return trip and light dinner

Return to Fukushima city and enjoy a light dinner at a noodle restaurant open until 8pm.
AUD20, 1h

Day 4: Travel North to Aomori

Fukushima to Aomori, Japan on March 23, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Eat breakfast before your day of travel northwards.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Aomori via Sendai

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Fukushima to Sendai then connect to the limited express to Aomori; total travel approximately 4 hours.
AUD70, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch in Aomori

Sample the fresh seafood especially Aomori's famous scallops at a local restaurant open from 11am to 2pm.
AUD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit A-Factory and Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

Explore A-Factory for local goods and the Nebuta Museum for vibrant floats and lanterns, open 9am to 6pm.
AUD10, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner in Aomori

Enjoy dinner featuring Hachinohe-style grilled dishes at a restaurant open until 9pm.
AUD30, 2h

Day 5: Explore Aomori and Ferry to Hokkaido

Aomori, Japan on March 24, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast in Aomori

A traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe, from 7am to 9am.
AUD15, 1h

10:00am

Local sightseeing in Aomori

Visit local sights like the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site or the Seiryu-ji Temple, some open from 9am.
AUD8, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch near Aomori Port

Try the fresh seafood bento boxes near the ferry terminal available around lunchtime.
AUD20, 1h

3:00pm

Ferry from Aomori to Hakodate, Hokkaido

Board the ferry from Aomori to Hakodate; relaxing sea trip with scenic views, duration about 3.5 hours.
AUD40, 3.5h

7:00pm

Check-in and dinner in Hakodate

After arriving in Hakodate, have dinner at a local izakaya specializing in seafood, open until 10pm.
AUD30, 2h

Day 6: Explore Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan on March 25, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast in Hakodate

Enjoy fresh breakfast available from 7am including seafood rice bowls at a local market cafe.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Morning visit to Hakodate Morning Market

Explore the vibrant fish market and try fresh sushi and crab, open from 5am to 2pm.
AUD15, 2h

11:30am

Visit Goryokaku Fort and Tower

Learn history at this star-shaped fort with panoramic views from the tower; open 8:30am to 6pm.
AUD8, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch in Hakodate

Try Hakodate's famous seafood rice bowl (Kaisen-don) for lunch at a local restaurant open until 3pm.
AUD25, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon cable car to Mount Hakodate

Take the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for iconic city views; operating hours 10am to 10pm.
AUD15, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at local ramen shop

Finish the day with a hearty bowl of Hakodate shio ramen, popular and open until 9pm.
AUD15, 1h

Day 7: Travel to New Chitose Airport Area

Hakodate to New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido, Japan on March 26, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with breakfast included or at a nearby cafe open from 7am.
Included or AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Train ride from Hakodate to New Chitose Airport area

Take the limited express train to Sapporo then a connecting train to New Chitose Airport station, total travel around 3.5 hours.
AUD55, 3.5h

1:30pm

Lunch near New Chitose Airport

Enjoy a meal featuring Hokkaido specialties at a restaurant in the airport complex, many open throughout the day.
AUD25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore New Chitose Airport shopping and cultural areas

Browse local souvenir shops, enjoy the Ramen Alley and visit the Shin-Chitose Airport Onsen, open until 10pm.
Entry AUD15, shopping varies, 2h

5:30pm

Prepare for next day's flight or stay overnight in airport hotel

Check into an airport hotel or prepare for your evening arrival at New Chitose Airport by 6pm if timing requires rest.
AUD150, Overnight

Day 8: Buffer or Additional Exploring

New Chitose Airport Area, Hokkaido, Japan on March 27, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or airport cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation or cafes open from 7am in the terminal area.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Optional day trip to nearby towns or visit the Lake Shikotsu area

Explore Lake Shikotsu or nearby towns by local bus, open for nature walks and hot springs.
Transport AUD30, activity free or small entrance fees, 5h

3:30pm

Return to New Chitose Airport

Head back to airport for final preparations or last-minute shopping.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Arrival at New Chitose Airport

Arrive at the airport as requested by 6pm for onward travel or flight connections.
Free, Flexible