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.
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!
[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
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
(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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
[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!
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)
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
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
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)
(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.
[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
[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
(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)
[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)
