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8 DAY NORTHERN JAPAN DISCOVERY BY RAIL
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destination: Northern Japan
Overview:
Discover the highlights of Northern Japan by rail on this independent journey featuring the world-famous Shinkansen bullet train. Explore the charming canal city of Otaru, vibrant Sapporo, historic Hakodate and scenic Sendai. Combining guided day tours with time at leisure, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of cultural discovery and independent exploration.
Your tour includes:
- Experience Japan's iconic Shinkansen bullet train
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- Independent exploration with guided sightseeing experiences
- 7-day cooling-off period
Destinations Visited:
- Sapporo
- Otaru
- Hakodate
- Sendai
Sightseeing Highlights:
Otaru & Sapporo
- Visit the picturesque Otaru Canal
- Explore Sakaimachi Street
- Visit Tanaka Sake Brewery
Hakodate
- Explore the famous Morning Market
- Visit the historic Red Brick Warehouses
- Discover the charming Motomachi District
Sendai
- Visit Zuiganji Zen Temple
- Cruise scenic Matsushima Bay
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Experience Japan's world-famous bullet train
- Discover lesser-visited regions of northern Japan
- Enjoy a balance of guided experiences and free time
- Visit historic ports, temples and cultural attractions
- Cruise one of Japan's most scenic bays
- Perfect for travellers who enjoy independent exploration
Accommodation & Rooming Options:
- 6 nights accommodation included
- Single, twin and double room requests available
- Bedding configurations are subject to availability
Single Traveller Information:
- Single Supplement: $1,200 per person
- Guarantees sole occupancy throughout the tour
- Option to share with a known travel companion
Important Information:
- Pre and post-tour accommodation is not available
- No accommodation upgrades available
- Airport transfers are not included unless otherwise specified
- Triple share is not available
- Children must be 5 years or older and share with parents
- Children are charged the same price as adults
- Japanese hotel rooms are generally smaller than Western hotel rooms
Travel Information:
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Style: Independent Rail Journey
- Meals: Breakfast Daily
- Rail Travel: Shinkansen Bullet Train Included
*Single supplement of $1,200 per person applies for travellers requiring their own room. All room requests, sightseeing arrangements and accommodation are subject to availability and confirmation.
Day 1 - Sapporo
Arrive in Sapporo and make your own way to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring Hokkaido's vibrant capital.
Overnight: Karaksa Hotel Sapporo
Day 2 - Sapporo - Otaru - Sapporo
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the charming port city of Otaru, known for its historic canal, traditional warehouses, and sake brewing heritage. Visit Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and the Tanaka Sake Brewery before returning to Sapporo.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Karaksa Hotel Sapporo
Day 3 - Sapporo - Hakodate
Travel by train through the scenic landscapes of Hokkaido to Hakodate. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city, perhaps taking the ropeway to Mount Hakodate for panoramic views.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Resol Hakodate
Day 4 - Hakodate
Discover Hakodate's highlights on a guided tour. Visit the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, the historic Red Brick Warehouses, the multicultural Motomachi District, and the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Resol Hakodate
Day 5 - Hakodate - Sendai
Board the Shinkansen bullet train and travel south to Sendai. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
Day 6 - Sendai - Matsushima - Sendai
Visit picturesque Matsushima Bay, regarded as one of Japan's most scenic destinations. Explore the historic Zuiganji Temple and enjoy a scenic cruise among the bay's pine-covered islands before returning to Sendai.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
Day 7 - Sendai - Tokyo
Travel by train to Tokyo, Japan's dynamic capital city. After checking into your hotel, enjoy free time to explore the city independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo
Day 8 - Tokyo
Your northern Japan adventure concludes today. After breakfast and hotel check-out, make your own way to the airport or continue with your onward travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
Your tour includes:
- Experience Japan's iconic Shinkansen bullet train
- 6 nights accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- Independent exploration with guided sightseeing experiences
- 7-day cooling-off period
Destinations Visited:
- Sapporo
- Otaru
- Hakodate
- Sendai
Sightseeing Highlights:
Otaru & Sapporo
- Visit the picturesque Otaru Canal
- Explore Sakaimachi Street
- Visit Tanaka Sake Brewery
Hakodate
- Explore the famous Morning Market
- Visit the historic Red Brick Warehouses
- Discover the charming Motomachi District
Sendai
- Visit Zuiganji Zen Temple
- Cruise scenic Matsushima Bay
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Experience Japan's world-famous bullet train
- Discover lesser-visited regions of northern Japan
- Enjoy a balance of guided experiences and free time
- Visit historic ports, temples and cultural attractions
- Cruise one of Japan's most scenic bays
- Perfect for travellers who enjoy independent exploration
Accommodation & Rooming Options:
- 6 nights accommodation included
- Single, twin and double room requests available
- Bedding configurations are subject to availability
Single Traveller Information:
- Single Supplement: $1,200 per person
- Guarantees sole occupancy throughout the tour
- Option to share with a known travel companion
Important Information:
- Pre and post-tour accommodation is not available
- No accommodation upgrades available
- Airport transfers are not included unless otherwise specified
- Triple share is not available
- Children must be 5 years or older and share with parents
- Children are charged the same price as adults
- Japanese hotel rooms are generally smaller than Western hotel rooms
Travel Information:
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Style: Independent Rail Journey
- Meals: Breakfast Daily
- Rail Travel: Shinkansen Bullet Train Included
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
North Travel's head office is located at 196 Bank Street, Whangarei, New Zealand.
We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
Yes absolutely please give us a call on 0800 803 007.
If calling from outside of New Zealand please call +64 9 699 3074
Yes, we like to think we are.
In 2025 North Travel was a top 5 finalist at the NTIA Awards (National Travel Industry Awards).
North Travel is a fully bonded member of TAANZ (Travel Agents Association of New Zealand), an IATA Accredited Agency as well as a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) member.
North Travel operates strict financial management through client trust accounts and carries comprehensive indemnity and liability insurance at all times.
All members of the North Travel team carry out CPD (Continuing professional development) weekly through various industry training webinars, supplier updates and insurance compliance.
