Long stay of five days and four nights! Enjoy the cherry blossoms of Hokkaido and Tohoku in spring

Long stay of five days and four nights! Enjoy the cherry blossoms of Hokkaido and Tohoku in spring
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
Five days, four nights
Main methods of transportation
Train, bus

Spring arrives in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido at the end of April with the start of the cherry blossom season. The pink flowers bloom all at once, so the views that spread out before you turn a bright, vivid hue. Enjoy this luxurious trip that visits the renowned cherry blossom viewing spots of Hokkaido and Tohoku, including Goryokaku and Hirosaki Castle.


*JR times for this itinerary are correct as of March 2022. Timings are subject to change, so please check before you travel.

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1

New Chitose Airport

Start your journey at New Chitose Airport!

From B1 of the New Chitose Airport Terminal Building, take a train bound for Otaru. 

The views of the Sea of Japan from the train add excitement to your trip!

(To JR Otaru Station) Approx. 90 minutes by Rapid Airport

[Otaru]
(From JR Otaru Station) Approx. 10 minutes on foot

Otaru Sushiya-dori

Savor fresh sushi from Otaru!

The port city of Otaru is dotted with more than 100 sushi restaurants. At the long-established sushi restaurants along Sushiya-dori, enjoy seasonal ingredients, as well as salmon and tuna, caught in the waters near Otaru.

Address
Hanazono, Otaru City
Telephone Number
0134-33-2510
Open
Varies depending on the store
Closed
Varies depending on the store
Approx. 10 minutes on foot

Otaru Canal

A symbol of Otaru with attractive retro buildings

A popular spot in Otaru with historic buildings and stonework warehouses lining the canal. Enjoy the views while taking a walk along the cobblestone path. We recommend dropping by the cafes and general stores renovated from old buildings

Address
Minatomachi, Otaru City
Telephone Number
0134-33-1661

Otaru Canal Cruise

A notable activity for enjoying the charm of Otaru from the canal

A cruise helmed by a characteristic and interesting captain. Lasting for approximately 40 minutes, it takes visitors around the canal and port. On the night cruise, the light from the gas lamps are reflected in the canal waters to create a romantic atmosphere.

Address
5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru City
Telephone Number
0134-31-1733
Open
*The number of cruises varies depending on the season. For details, please check the website. (Each cruise takes approximately 40 minutes.)
Closed
Open year round
*May be closed temporarily
(To JR Otaru Station) Approx. 10 minutes on foot
(From JR Otaru Station to JR Sapporo Station) Approx. 32 - 37 minutes

[Sapporo]
(From JR Sapporo Station, North Exit) Approx. 10 minutes by bus

Sapporo Beer Garden

"Genghis Khan," a representative local dish of Hokkaido

There are many specialty "Genghis Khan" restaurants in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy grilled lamb or mutton with vegetables. At the Sapporo Beer Garden, enjoy a "Genghis Khan" meal alongside chilled beer that comes directly from the factory!

Address
9-2-10 Kita 7-Jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo City
Telephone Number
0120-150-550 (Sapporo Beer Garden General Reservation Center)
Open
11:30 - 21:00 (last order at 20:40)
Closed
December 31, 2023
[Accommodation] In Sapporo City
Day2
Walking

Sightseeing in Sapporo City

Don't miss it! Three spots in Sapporo City to check out in the morning

Featuring three spots where you can enjoy Sapporo's unique scenery and cityscape

We recommend seeing central Sapporo on foot!

Odori Park
Odori Park
Many beautiful flower beds, lawns, and trees can be found here, providing an oasis for the residents of the city. Various events are also held here, including the Sapporo Snow Festival.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10004.html
Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo TV Tower
The landmark of Sapporo. The observation deck, approximately 90 m above ground, offers a panoramic view of Odori Park. On a fine day, you can even see the Sea of Japan in the distance.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10011.html
Sapporo Clock Tower
Sapporo Clock Tower
A clock tower with a retro appearance, erected in 1878. It still shows the correct time today, and the clear tones of its bell rings out on every hour.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10006.html

Sapporo is Hokkaido's largest commercial area, and its streets are lined with many buildings. Take a walk around Odori Park, which stretches 1.5 km from east to west in the valley lying between these clusters of buildings.

(By the limited express Hokuto departing from JR Sapporo Station) Approx. 3 hours and 50 minutes

[Hakodate]

Take a walk in the city from JR Hakodate Station

Hakodate is a treasure trove of instagrammable spots!

Hakodate was Japan's first international trading port and an early adopter of Western culture. There are many highlights, including the exotic Motomachi lined with churches and Western-style buildings, and the world-famous night views from Mt. Hakodate!

(From JR Hakodate Station) Approx. 10 minutes by car

Approx. 3 minutes on the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway

See the night views from Mt. Hakodate

Romantic night views that were awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan

The most photogenic spot of Hakodate. It is impressive to see the blue skies darkening gradually while the lights of the city grow ever brighter and more vivid. We recommend arriving at the observation deck at the summit 30 minutes before sunset.

Address
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway - Mountain Base Station, 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate City
Telephone Number
0138-23-3105
Open
10:00 - 22:00 (varies depending on the season; operates at 15-minute intervals for both the ascent and descent)
Closed
Open year round
*May be closed for regular inspection around October to mid-November (please inquire)
[Accommodation] In Hakodate City
Day3
(From JR Hakodate Station) A short walk away

Hakodate Morning Market

Enjoy large servings of donburi topped with fresh seafood, and sampling seafood while walking!

A popular gourmet spot where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Hokkaido.

There are numerous shops where you can savor Hakodate's gourmet delights to your heart's content, including "Donburi Yokocho" lined with stores serving up seafood donburi (rice bowls topped with seafood). Make sure you are hungry before you set off! You can also experience fishing for live squid!

Address
9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City
Telephone Number
0138-22-7981
Open
6:00 - 14:00 (January - April)
5:00 - 14:00 (May - December)
*Varies depending on the store
Closed
Open year round *varies depending on the store
(To Goryokaku-Koenmae Station) Approx. 15 minutes by streetcar

Goryokaku Park/Goryokaku Tower

Don't miss it! Goryokaku surrounded by cherry blossoms and colored in pink

Southern Hokkaido is renowned for its cherry blossoms. Approximately 1,600 cherry trees bloom radiantly from the end of April till early May. You can admire Goryokaku in all its colorful glory, surrounded by cherry blossoms, from the observatory of Hakodate's landmark, Goryokaku Tower.

Address
44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City
Telephone Number
0138-31-5505
Open
[Inside] 5:00 - 19:00, (November - March) 5:00 - 18:00
Approx. 20 minutes by streetcar and on foot

Walks in the Motomachi area

A central area for sightseeing in Hakodate

The Motomachi area exudes a distinctly exotic feel with its historical Western-style buildings and churches. Stroll along the beautiful streets marked by slopes and unique architecture, and search for the best photo spots!

Address
Motomachi, Hakodate City
Telephone Number
0138-23-5440 (Hakodate City Tourist Information Center)
(To JR Hakodate Station) Approx. 6 minutes by streetcar
(From JR Hakodate Station to JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station) Approx. 20 minutes by Hakodate Liner

JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station

Your trip in Hokkaido ends here

Next, take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku region.

Approx. 60 minutes on the Hokkaido Shinkansen (Departs around 14:50/Arrives around 15:50)

[Aomori]
(From JR Shin-Aomori Station to JR Aomori Station on the Ou Main Line) Approx. 6 minutes
(From JR Aomori Station) Approx. 1 minute on foot

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

Experience the power of the Aomori Nebuta Festival up close!

A place where you can experience the dynamic Aomori Nebuta Festival held every year. Get an up-close look of the festival floats known as "dashi," and enjoy the festival music performed on Japanese instruments!

Address
1-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Telephone Number
017-752-1311
Open
May - August, 9:00 - 19:00 *Last entry at 18:30
September - April, 9:00 - 18:00 *Last entry at 17:30
Closed
All facilities closed on August 9 and 10
(For the full replacement of the Nebuta on display) December 31, January 1
[Accommodation] In Aomori City
Day4
(From JR Aomori Station to JR Hirosaki Station on the Ou Main Line) Approx. 45 minutes

[Hirosaki]
(From JR Hirosaki Station) Approx. 20 minutes by bus and on foot

Hirosaki Castle

A famous castle with 400 years of history, and about 2,600 cherry trees

Hirosaki Castle, built inside Hirsaki Park, has been designated a national important cultural asset. About 2,600 cherry trees bloom everywhere here in spring, making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Enjoy the Japanese atmosphere created by the cherry blossoms and Hirosaki Castle.

Address
Shimoshirogane-cho 1, Hirosaki City
(To JR Hirosaki Station) Approx. 20 minutes by bus and on foot
(From JR Hirosaki Station to JR Shin-Aomori Station on the Ou Main Line) Approx. 40 minutes
(From JR Shin-Aomori Station to JR Sendai Station) Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes on the Tohoku Shinkansen (Departs at about 13:50/Arrives at about 15:30)

[Sendai]
(From JR Sendai Station) Approx. 20 minutes by "Loople Sendai," Sendai's sightseeing city loop bus, and on foot

Zuihoden Temple, the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai domain

The luxurious mausoleum of the military commander, Date Masumune

The mausoleum of Date Masumune, a military commander who was active during Japan's Sengoku era, is a luxurious place. The ornate decorations, based on the motif of plants and butterflies, are so vivid that anyone who sees them will be captivated.

Address
23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai City
Telephone Number
022-262-6250
Open
9:00 - 16:50 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed
December 31 (January 1 for the History Museum)
[Accommodation] In Sendai City
Day5
(From JR Sendai Station to JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station on the Senseki Line) Approx. 40 minutes

[Matsushima]

Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots

A scenic spot that has captivated the Japanese people since ancient times

Matsushima is dotted with as many as 260 islands of various sizes. While enjoy a leisurely day trip, enjoy the collaboration between cherry blossoms and Matsushima! Admire the views of the islands on a cruise, visit the historic temples, and experience the charm of Matsushima. Also try Matsushima's specialties, conger eel and oysters!

Telephone Number
022-354-2618 (Matsushima Tourism Association)
(From JR Matsushima-kaigan Station to JR Sendai Station on the Senseki Line) Approx. 40 minutes
Goal
  • New Chitose Airport
  • Otaru Sushiya-dori
  • Otaru Canal
  • Otaru Canal Cruise
  • Sapporo Beer Garden
  • Sightseeing in Sapporo City
  • Take a walk in the city from JR Hakodate Station
  • See the night views from Mt. Hakodate
  • Hakodate Morning Market
  • Goryokaku Park/Goryokaku Tower
  • Walks in the Motomachi area
  • JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station
  • Nebuta Museum WA RASSE
  • Hirosaki Castle
  • Zuihoden Temple, the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai domain
  • Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots

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