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19 days 18 nights
fromUSD $7698.00
Single Supplement: USD $1620.00
Single Room
Single room types are rooms for
single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the
hotel room throughout the tour.
Twin Room
Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.
Double Room
A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.
Triple Room
A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.
Japanese Style Room
A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.
Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.
Okinawa, Hokkaido & Beyond - Cherry Blossoms,
Winter Festivals & Snow Monkeys Group Tour connects
our Hokkaido and Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu
Cherry Blossoms and Snow Monkeys Tour with our
Charms of Okinawa Tour for an incredible adventure
that takes you from one end of Japan to the other. Enjoy
the top sights and
experiences of Okinawa during the gorgeous cherry
blossom season, go to Hokkaido for thrilling snow and
ice festivals, then head to Kawazu for the especially pink
Kawazu cherry blossoms, before going to Nagano to
enjoy some time with the adorable Snow Monkeys. Join
this unforgettable 19-day tour of Japan that feels like it
features the best of two seasons.
The tour begins by traveling to the tiny island of
Okinawa during one of its most beautiful seasons. The
cherry blossoms of Okinawa bloom far earlier than any
other in Japan, and our tour features the very best
places to see them. We attend cherry blossom festivals
at Nago Castle Park and Nakijin Castle Ruins, which
offer delightful scenes of old Ryukyuan fortifications
adorned with picturesque pink flowers. Even though it’s
still winter, the island is green and growing due to
Okinawa’s tropical climate, and we admire its unique
and stunning landscapes at Higashi-son Fureai Hirugi
Park, Daisekirinzan National Park, and Kouri Bridge.
Our tour includes Okinawa’s top historic sights including
UNESCO Heritage Sights of the Ryukyu Kingdom -
Shuri Castle, Tamaudun Mausoleum, and Sefa-Utaki
sacred site. Okinawa also has some special places
related to WW2, and we visit the Peace Memorial Park,
the Himeyuri Museum, and the Former Japanese Navy
Underground Headquarters. While exploring the island,
discover the local culture while shopping Kokusaidori
and Mihama American Village. You will also enjoy a tour
of an Awamori Distillery and a Cooking Class with
Okinawan Longevity Foods.
Our tour proceeds to Chitose in Hokkaido, where we
study the culture of the indigenous Ainu people before
going to admire the beautiful ice sculptures at the Lake
Shikotsu Ice Festival. We depart from there for Sapporo,
arriving in time for the Sapporo Snow Festival. The
centerpiece of this festival is the enormous snow
creations crafted by the JSDF and others, often taking
the form of famous buildings or popular characters, and
designed with an unbelievable level of detail. We see
the sights of Sapporo while there, including Odori Park,
the Historic Village of Hokkaido, and the Okurayama Ski
Jump Observatory. We travel from there to nearby
Otaru, a fishing port with a history of glass
craftsmanship, which we can see while exploring
Sakaimachi Street. We also see the old Otaru Canal,
once used to support the city’s shipyards, but now a
picturesque heritage landmark. After, we proceed to
Asahikawa for their winter festival, which also features
snow sculptures, including a massive snow centerpiece
used as a stage for local performances. We taste sake
at the Otokoyama Sake Brewery before attending the
Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, which features illuminated ice
sculptures, projection mapping, and other icy events.
We then go to visit the cute Ezo foxes at Kitami, and
view the delightful drift ice on an icebreaker cruise in
Abashiri. At Lake Tofutsu, we watch the stunning
Whooper Swans, and go fishing for Wakasagi Smelt. As
the Hokkaido Portion winds to a close, we learn about
Ainu heritage at the Ainu Kotan near Lake Akan, see the
magnificent red-crowned cranes in the Akan
International Crane Center, view the stunning Kushiro
Marshlands, and browse Washo Market.
The tour continues to Tokyo, heading immediately from
there to Kawazu City on the Izu Peninsula. Kawazu is
known for the Kawazu cherry trees, which (outside of
Okinawa), are the first to bloom on the main islands, and
are a brighter pink than the regular Yoshino cherry
blossoms. Also in the area are the stunning Nanadaru
Falls: a local natural wonder. We go from there to see
Lake Kawaguchi, breathtaking Mount Fuji, and
Matsumoto Castle, before spending time in Yudanaka
with the adorable Snow Monkeys. We stop briefly in
Obuse and Nagano to appreciate artworks at the
Hokusai Museum and visit Zenkoji Temple, before
returning to Tokyo for the end of the tour.
Join our Hokkaido, Okinawa and Beyond: Cherry
Blossoms, Winter Snow Festivals, Kawazu Cherry
Blossoms, and Snow Monkeys group tour on a delightful
tour that covers the best of both Spring and Winter in
Japan. Transportation for the tour will be via our
comfortable and convenient private coach buses, with
meals as listed on the itinerary and accompaniment by
one of our friendly and professional English-speaking
guides.
2025
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Please Note:
All prices are per person, based on twin (double
on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our
tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose
your own departure and get the best value for
your money!
We can arrange
international flights for US customers if needed,
please ask for details.
We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure.
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling.
This tour starts in Okinawa, with arrivals at Naha Airport (OKA). This tour ends in Tokyo, with departures from Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
Click here for detailed itinerary
Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice
Upon arrival at Naha airport, you will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.
Hotel JAL City Naha or similar class
NOTE 1: The meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters: a thought-provoking museum recording the real living conditions, sufferings, and overall tragedy faced by the Imperial Japanese forces during the battle of Okinawa in World War 2. Next, attend an Okinawa Cooking Class and learn to make a simple dish using the increasingly famous Okinawa longevity superfoods in a fun and relaxed environment. From there, we take a tour of the Awamori Distillery which brews awamori: a local type of liquor. We then browse Kokusaidori, a shopping street and entertainment center bursting with modern Okinawa culture, featuring shops and restaurants with broad international appeal. After, we continue to Makishi Public Market, where you will have time to find your own delicious dinner. They are particularly well known for their local seafood, which you can order and have cooked any way you like. There is also a food court where you can explore many local dining options to find dinner on your own.
Hotel JAL City Naha or similar class
After breakfast, we visit Sefa Utaki - a preserved religious site that was sacred to the religion of the Ryukyuan people, and features a set of unique rock formations covered in lush greenery. We go from there to Okinawa World and Gyokusendo Cave, where countless stalactites and stalagmites create a picturesque scene. Next, we visit the Peace Memorial Park, which remembers the high cost of the Battle of Okinawa and of WW2. It features the Cornerstone of Peace, which records the names of all the combatants lost in the battle, regardless of nationality. Near the Peace Park is the Himeyuri Peace Museum and Monument, which recalls the bravery and sacrifice of 222 female high school students and 18 teachers who served as front-line nurses during the battle. In the evening, we attend a Ryukyu Dance and Okinawan Dinner Show, which allows you to immerse for the evening in to Okinawan traditional culture.
Hotel JAL City Naha or similar class
After breakfast, we start the day by seeing the Tamaudun Mausoleum, which is the burial ground of the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and is one of the island's World Heritage Sites. We go from there to Shuri Castle - a traditional castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom known for it's bright vermillion color and elegant architecture. We then visit the Shikina-en Royal Gardens, a garden formerly belonging to the Ryukyu royal family arranged in the Japanese landscape style with a large pond, trees and flowers, and pretty cherry blossoms in spring, but with simple architecture and bright local greenery that makes it a uniquely Okinawan vision of loveliness. We then visit the Mihama American Village, a shopping center and entertainment complex offering an Americana atmosphere, with shops selling Western food and apparel, often with an Okinawan twist.
Kanucha Bay Hotels & Villas or similar class
After breakfast, we walk the Daisekirinzan Subtropical Forest Trail - a 30 minute hike on an easy trail through a lush forest featuring views of large jagged rock formations. From there, we take a walking tour of Higashi-son Fureai Hirugi Park, which takes us on a raised walkway through a lush mangrove forest. Then, at the Nago Castle Park grounds, we attend the local cherry blossom festival, featuring a broad walkway of stone steps shaded by bright pink cherry trees. The park itself is said to have around 25,000 cherry trees to admire.
Kanucha Bay Hotels & Villas or similar class
After breakfast, we admire the broad variety of marine life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium - one of the largest aquariums in the world, known for tanks that include such magnificent sea creatures as whale sharks and manta rays. We then take a scenic drive over Kouri Bridge, the second-longest bridge in Okinawa, offering spectacular ocean views. After, we go to the Nakijin Castle Ruins, arriving at the Nakijin Cherry Blossom Festival in time for their beautiful night illumination, when the cherry trees are set aglow with soft lights, creating an enchanting scene in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kanucha Bay Hotels & Villas or similar class
After breakfast, you are free for leisure until it is time to transfer to Naha Airport for your domestic flight to Sapporo. Upon arrival in New Chitose Airport, you will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Chitose or similar class
In the morning we will go to Shiraoi, and the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, a newer museum facility that celebrates the cultural heritage of the native Ainu people, including exhibits on Ainu language, culture, history, crafts, music, and dance. Then, we venture out to Lake Shikotsu to walk among the incredible ice sculptures and multi-story snow buildings during the Lake Shikoku Ice Festival. In the afternoon, we will depart for Sapporo by a private coach and enjoy a dinner. Finally, we check- in to our hotel for a relaxing evening in Sapporo.
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo or similar class
This morning we will visit the Sapporo Snow Festival (the Odori Site), the biggest snow festival in Hokkaido, by train. The festival's famous large snow sculptures are crafted by citizens who compete against each other's work of arts. It is normal for these snow figures to measure more than 25 meters wide and 15 meters high. Most are exhibited in the Odori site. Even so, many more snow sculptures of varied sizes and shapes are exhibited in events and concerts at other locations apart from the main stage in Odori's park. For those who want a view to remember, they can consider taking a view from the Sapporo TV Tower at the eastern end of Odori Park. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy, along with lunch on your own. Our tour guide will be there to help you make arrangements or take you to places depending on the group's need.
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo or similar class
This morning we continue to enjoy a tour of Sapporo. Visit Okurayama Ski Jump Observatory for an incredible view of Sapporo. From there, we go into the Historic Village of Hokkaido where horse-drawn carriages and trolleys are still seen and used. The village offers insight into its history as well as an open-air museum through their buildings, which exemplify architectural evolution from the Meiji and Taisho eras into the modern age. From there, we travel into the romantic and nostalgic town of Otaru for a leisurely stroll through the port city's heritage district. As you walk up Sakaimichi Street, you can see Otaru's history in old Western-style fisheries, shops and houses. On the way, we'll explore Otaru's reputation for excellent glass craftsmanship at the Kitaichi Garasukan, where glassmakers transitioned from making simple glass fishing buoys to crafting fine glassware and artwork. At one end of Sakaimichi Street we'll discover the Music Box Museum, a cozy museum and shop selling a large collection of charming music boxes. After, we will take a walk along the Otaru Canal, which had once fallen into disrepair at the introduction of modern docking facilities, and has since been converted into a charming vintage promenade. Finally, we will make our way to the Otaru Sushi District, where you will be free to find your own sushi dinner from among the shops selling various kinds of sushi.
Grand Park Otaru Hotel or similar class
Today, we will take a 2-hour ride by private coach from Sapporo to Asahikawa for the Asahikawa Winter Festival. The biggest snow castle is found in the winter festival, entertaining all who come to visit it. The building may be cold, but you would always warm up with a nice cup of sake. Next, we visit the Otokoyama Sake Brewery where historical sake brewery tools are displayed and the history of Otokoyama sake was born. Enjoy a sake tasting experience to add to your experience. Then, we will proceed to Sounkyo Gorge in Daisetsuzan National Park. Lets enjoy the views of the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival's snow creations that take shape in forms of creatures, cultural sites, and pop culture characters. After your evening stroll around the ice festival, you will check-in to your hotel and relax in the hot spring baths.
Sounkyo Choyotei Hotel or similar class
After breakfast, we will explore the Sounkyo Gorge area, including Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls, a popular ice climbing spot. The Ginga, or "Galaxy" waterfall drapes over the rock like a white curtain, while the Ryusei "Shooting Star" waterfall rushes out from behind the rocks in the cliff face like a natural jetstream. From there, we will drive to Kitami, a small town in the countryside. We will stop for a visit to the Kitakitsune Farm, which cares for the well being of one of Hokkaido's native treasures - the Ezo red fox. These adorable creatures, noted for their gorgeous, fluffy coats, are considered heavenly messengers in traditional Shinto mythology, with statues of foxes decorating the grounds of many shrines. Next, we drive to the town of Abashiri for a tour of the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, which features interactive exhibits about the native environment around the Bay of Okhotsk, where you can see ryu- hyo, or drift ice. We will have a rare opportunity to observe the mysterious sea life known as clione "sea angels".
Abashiri Kanko Hotel or similar class
This morning, we will experience an Ice Breaker cruise among the floating drifts of ice. Once there, you will notice the different species that come to migrate or live in the area year- round. We will also visit Abashiri Prison Museum. The original Abashiri Prison was constructed in the 1890s, it was set to hold over a thousand dangerous criminals, but soon was overcapacitated and created unliveable conditions for its inmates. Ishii Teruo's films, however, created a Yakuza image in the 1960's that was more interesting for the public. Eventually, the prison's original buildings were moved and remodeled, then finished in 1985. It is now an open air museum, for the public. In the afternoon we will take a tour of Lake Tofutsu and Lake Akan. Once at Lake Akan, we will experience a local practice and delicacy, Wakasagi smelt fishing.
New Akan Hotel or similar class
After breakfast, visit Ainu Kotan, a street that specializes in hand-crafts, cultural items, and other souvenirs from the native Ainu culture. Then we will drive to Kushiro for a visit to Akan International Crane Center. Kushiro is the home of the rare and beautiful Tancho "red- crowned" crane. The crane is an animal closely tied to Japanese folklore, and you can see many of these delicate birds here year round, and view exhibits about the breeding and ecology of cranes. Then we will explore the Kushiro Marshlands, a region protected by the Japanese as the roosting grounds of the red-crowned crane. The marsh turns a pale brown in the fall as the land prepares for the coming winter snow. Stop by at the Kushiro Marsh Observatory to enjoy a panoramic view of the marshland, the city of Kushiro, and the mountains of Akan. The Washo Market in Kushiro, Hokkaido is a market specializing in selling fish produce to the public. It is located close to the Kushiro Station within walking distance of the market. It is considered one of the top three markets to go to in Hokkaido.
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro or similar class
After breakfast, free for leisure until transfer to Kushiro Airport for your domestic flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class
After breakfast, we travel to Kawazu, a coastal town on the Izu Peninsula. We will travel inland to the Seven Waterfalls of Nanadaru - a series of scenic falls, each beautifully framed by the lush woodland landscape. Then we will go to enjoy the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the blossoming of the Kawazu Cherry Tree. These trees are beloved for being the first sakura trees to bloom in Japan. Take some time to admire the beauty of these bright pink blossoms, and try some cherry-flavored festival sweets.
Izu-Imaihama Tokyu Hotel or similar class
This morning, we take a drive to Lake Kawaguchi. If the skies are clear, you can get a distant glimpse of Mount Fuji's majestic snow-capped cone. We will stop first at the Kubota Itchiku Museum, to explore the silk- dyeing techniques mastered by artist Itchiku Kubota, and see his unfinished masterpiece "Symphony of Light" - a tribute to the wonders of nature. Then we'll take a ride on the Kachi Kachi Ropeway which, if the weather is good, offers passengers impressive views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding countryside. After, we continue on to Matsumoto to see imposing Matsumoto Castle, also known as Black Crow castle for its ebon- colored exterior. At last, we head over to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Ryokan Biyu no Yado or similar class
Today, we will drive to Yudanaka for a visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Here you can observe the adorable Japanese Macaques or "Snow Monkeys" in their native habitat. They come to these hot springs to bathe and groom each other, which is fascinating to watch. Then we head over to the town of Obuse and the Hokusai Museum. Hokusai was one of the Edo period's most acclaimed artists for his Ukiyo-e style of painting, producing the 36 views of Mt. Fuji, including the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa, and many of his masterpieces are collected here awaiting your discovery. After, we will travel to Nagano and see the city's greatest Buddhist Temple - Zenkoji. The temple exterior and grounds are impressive, bordered by enormous wooden temple gates, while within the temple the first Buddha statue ever brought to Japan is purportedly hidden. Finally, we will zoom at high speed, on a Shinkansen "bullet train", returning to Tokyo for a last relaxing night in Japan.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class
After breakfast, our tour officially ends.
Checkout time is 11 am.
Transfer to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport by
Airport
Limousine Bus.
NOTE 2: The departure airport transfer is ONLY available on the last day of the tour. If you plan to stay extra nights after the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to the airport on your own.
NOTE 3: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
The center of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa Main Island is by far the largest and most populous island in Okinawa Prefecture and the regional transportation hub. The prefectural capital Naha and most of the US military bases are located here. While much of the central part of Okinawa Honto is urbanized, the southern tip and the northern third of the island are less densely populated, while the northernmost Yanbaru Region remains mainly covered by forested hills and small fishing and farming villages.
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters preserves the tragic and vivid stories of Japanese Naval Command during the Battle of Okinawa.
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters was constructed in 1944 by the Japanese Naval Engineering Corps. It housed around 4000 soldiers and was commanded by Admiral Minoru Ota during the Battle of Okinawa. The bleak atmosphere of this museum sets in from the moment you enter; walking long, narrow, gloomy stone hallways lined with thin utility pipes paints an affecting picture of the horrible conditions during the intense battle of Okinawa. Each room you pass adds a new layer of emotion to the overall experience as you see the places the soldiers lived and even died, as one of the rooms was used to accomplish suicide by hand grenade when the battle became hopeless. The museum also keeps recovered documents from the base, uniforms and weapons, and various personal articles of the soldiers stationed here. It includes a copy of a telegram sent from Admiral Ota to his commanders, which makes special mention of the courage and sacrifices made by the people of Okinawa.
The Okinawa Cooking Class focuses learning how to prepare a meal made with the Okinawa superfoods that contribute to the locals' longevity.
An Okinawa Cooking Class offers the unique opportunity to understand both local Japanese cuisine and the incredible longevity of the Okinawan people. The people of Okinawa have become known for their incredible longevity, and though its partly because of genetics, their diet does play a major part in the long lives of the Okinawans. The Okinawa diet is typically low in fat and carbohydrates, with less meat and protein. The focus of the diet is usually on vegetables, grains like rice, and soy products, and the meat consumed is usually healthy seafoods. The Okinawa Cooking Class offers the opportunity to work with these foods to create simple, healthy dishes in a friendly and relaxed environment, under the guidance of an expert instructor.
An Awamori Distillery Tour is an introductory tour to a production distillery for Awamori - a unique type of shochu liquor from Okinawa.
Awamori is a type of liquor that is native to Okinawa, and is separate from Japanese sake. Unlike sake, it made from long-grain indica rice and is distilled rather than brewed using a time-honored, 500-year-old process involving rice, water, yeast, and a cultivated mold called "black koji". It is then stored for a long time, giving the flavor a chance to mature. Awamori has a long history in Okinawa, predating their absorption into the nation of Japan, back in the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, when Awamori was sent as a gift by the Ryukyu king to the Tokugawa shogun. There are different varieties of the liquor, including kusu, which Awamori that is three years or older (which deepens the flavor), and hanazake, a higher proof awamori "flower wine" produced mainly on Yonaguni Island. An especially famous kind is called Habushu, a clear yellow awamori with a deadly habu pit viper bottled inside. During the Awamori Distillery Tour, visitors have the opportunity to learn more of the history and process behind the making of Awamori.
Kokusaidori is a major shopping and commercial street in Naha, featuring a broad variety of department stores, shops, and restaurants, connecting to long shopping arcades full of smaller stalls catering to locals.
Kokusai dori is a broad shopping thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Naha city in Okinawa. Kokusai means "International" and the street was named for the Ernie Pyle International Theatre, which catered to soldiers coming from the nearby American military bases. The boulevard experienced major growth as a commercial hotspot, becoming a "Miracle Mile" for growing Okinawa's economy back from the destruction it suffered during WW2. Kokusai-dori is now one of the best places for tourists to shop Okinawa souvenirs and taste local treats, offering everything from Chinsuko cookies to Blue Seal ice cream to Habu snake wine. Several covered shopping arcades branch off from Kokusai Dori, packed with smaller shops and stalls that cater to local needs, selling local produce, cookware, clothing, furniture, appliances, medicine, and cosmetics.
Makishi Public Market is the central produce market of Naha, Okinawa, where you can buy fresh meat or seafood on the first floor and have it cooked up for you on the second floor.
Makishi Public Market was established in Naha in the 1950s after WW2 and quickly became one of Naha's top public produce markets. The market was recently rebuilt and refurbished in 2023, but its overall atmosphere still retains the feel of visiting an old Okinawan seafood market. On the first floor of the market, one can find fresh seafood, pork, and produce of all kinds, including a popular local vegetable with a bitter taste called goya. After shoppers buy meat and seafood on the first floor, they can have them cooked up on the second floor. You can look for seafood you haven't tried before, such as parrotfish, green turban snails, lobsters, or shellfish. The second floor is laid out in the style of a food court, and includes various eateries where you can try various kinds of local Okinawan dishes.
Sefa-Utaki is a prominent utaki, or natural sacred place in the native Ryukyuan religion, consisting of an impressive rock formation and nearby woodland.
Sefa-Utaki is a sacred place in the Ryukyu religion - the native pre-Japanese religion of Okinawa. The Ryukyu Island people had animist beliefs similar to (and later affected by) Japanese Shinto, especially regarding the worship of ancestors, and included belief in the existence of gods and spirits, and these were worshiped at special sacred places called Utaki, which were always connected to the natural world. The creation goddess worshiped by the Ryukyu people was Amamikyu, who made Okinawa and the nearby islands, and came to live there. The Sefa-Utaki marks the place where she initially came to earth. Large stones form a triangle-shaped opening, which is a significant feature of the utaki. Within is an altar where people came to pray, and two stalactites which occasionally dripped holy water that was used by local priestesses to foretell the future.
Okinawa World is a theme park about Okinawa, featuring massive Gyokusendo Cave, where visitors can admire its impressive amount of limestone stalactites and stalagmites.
Okinawa World is a theme park about the culture and nature of Okinawa. The main attraction of Okinawa World is the Gyokusendo Cave, an enormous limestone cave that is the largest cave on Okinawa, and the second largest in Japan. The cave stretches for about 5 km, but visitors can only walk 850 meters (about half a mile) through the cave on a raised platform, with warm interior lighting that allows for easy views of the cave scenery. This includes hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, an underground river, little waterfalls, and a variety of cave-dwelling critters including bats, fish, insects, and small reptiles. Travelers are requested to wear warm clothing while exploring the cave as the temperature drops significantly the further in you go. In addition to Gyokusendo Cave, Okinawa World also has a traditional Ryukyu craft village and a Habu Snake Museum.
The Peace Memorial Park was built in memory of both Japanese and foreign soldiers who fell in the Battle of Okinawa during World War 2.
In June of 1945, the armies and navies of the United States and her allies clashed with Imperial Japan in what was to be the bloodiest battle of World War 2's Pacific Theater - the Battle of Okinawa. Okinawa's Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate that event and the lives - both soldiers and civilians - who were lost in the battle. The central feature of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum, which offers provoking exhibits on the battle, including the events leading to it and the post-battle reconstruction. The Park also features the Cornerstone of Peace, bearing over 200,000 names of those who fought in the battle regardless of what side they were on, as well as memorial monuments donated by Japan's other prefectures.
The Himeyuri Peace Museum is a WW2 museum and memorial commemorating the Himeyuri: Japanese high school girls who served as nurses during the Battle of Okinawa.
The Himeyuri, or Lily Princess Corps, were a group of 222 high school girls and 18 teachers who served as nurses during the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of WW2. The girls who served in the Himeyuri were told when they signed up that they would be serving in a Red Cross facility away from the battle, but in truth they were sent to care for wounded soldiers on the front lines. The majority of them never returned, having perished due to the battle or having committed suicide to avoid capture. The Himeyuri Peace Museum consists of exhibits related to the girls, memorabilia from their lives, and guided tours by Himeyuri survivors. The Museum and Monument are maintained in commitment to a peaceful world and to the memory of the girls who died.
Enjoy an evening of traditional Okinawan enchantment by experiencing a Ryukyu Dance and Okinawan Dinner Show, featuring both formal and folk dances of the Ryukyu people.
Experience a rare inside look at traditional Ryukyuan culture through an unforgettable evening of dance performances and local cuisine during the Ryukyu Dance and Okinawan Dinner Show. Traditional Ryukyu dance encompasses many kinds of dances. Some of these were formal dances performed for the king at state occasions, and others were simpler folk dances performed at seasonal festivals. A mix of formal and folk dances will be performed at the dinner show. They also prepare a exquisite meal of delectable Okinawa cuisine. The meals have similarities to traditional Japanese cuisine, but they include special dishes that offer a local twist to the meals The meals include such elements as rice, pickled vegetables, pork, fish, seaweed, and tofu.
Tamaudun Mausoleum is the historic burial grounds for the Ryukyu Kingdom royal family, who ruled Okinawa before the island became part of Japan.
Tamaudun Mausoleum is a large stone landmark in Naha, Okinawa, which houses the deceased members of the Ryukyu Kingdom's second Sho Dynasty, which was the last royal house to rule Okinawa before it was made a part of Japan. The mausoleum has a distinctive Ryukyuan architecture, having been modeled after Shuri Castle and featuring statues of guardian lions known as shisa. It is considered a part of the Historic Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the mausoleum is divided into three rooms - one for the bodies of kings and queens, one for the bodies of princes and princesses, and a third room which was used to ceremonially wash the bones. The mausoleum was extensively damaged during WW2, but has since been repaired.
Shuri Castle was the administrative heart of the Kingdom of Ryukyu and the home of its kings, who ruled from there long before the island became part of Japan.
Shuri Castle was built in the 14th century, eventually becoming the palatial dwelling of the king of Ryukyu. Locally, it is known as a "gusuku", which is a Ryukyuan style fortress. Visitors to Shuri castle who are familiar with mainland Japanese castles and palaces will readily recognize differences in the Ryukyuan design. In addition to governmental administration of the kingdom, the castle also served religious purposes and housed several 'utaki" or sacred places. The castle was burned down a few times through the centuries, such as when it was used as a command post for the Japanese Army during WW2. Most recently, the castle was partially burned due to a fire in October of 2019, and is being reconstructed to reach its former glory. The castle is considered a part of the Historic Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Shikina-en Royal Gardens are a pristine Japanese-style landscape garden with distinct Okinawan elements built for the exclusive use of the kings of Ryukyu.
One of the most peaceful spots for a walk in Naha, Shikina-en Garden was once a private garden of the Ryukyu royal family. Visitors can take a stroll around the path that winds around the large pond in the center, admiring the peaceful pond, local trees, stone bridges, and old-fashioned buildings that make this garden unique. The garden was built next to a Ryukyuan palace villa that is now open to the public, who can enjoy views of the garden from the windows of its tatami rooms. Shikina-en Royal Gardens was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List as a part of the Historic Sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The Mihama American Village is a shopping and entertainment center located near American bases on Okinawa, offering a slice of Americana for locals and travelers to enjoy.
The Mihama American Village was built as American bases were established on Okinawa to provide a "home away from home" for soldiers off-duty, but its unique charms attract both locals and tourists to its rare collection of stores proffering nostalgic, heartwarming American kitsch, sometimes with an Okinawan twist. The restaurants are also a mix of American and Japanese: a classic American-style diner, a hamburger grill, an ice-cream parlor, and an eatery selling Philly- style cheesesteaks sit side-by-side with restaurants offering sushi, soba, shabu-shabu, and wagyu beef, and a snack stop offering fresh-roasted rice crackers. Its location near some of the American military bases on the island make Mihama popular with off-duty soldiers.
Daisekirinzan National Park is a quasi-national park on Okinawa Island, where hikers can enjoy the rare rock formations and rich plant life along the Subtropical Forest Trail.
On Okinawa Main Island's northern region, travelers can hike trails through Daisekirinzan National Park. Daisekirinzan means "Great Stone Forest Mountain", so called for the large limestone karst rising from the center of the park, covered in lush greenery. This geological marvel was created by erosion over a long period of time, now preserved by Japan as a natural wonder that visitors can enjoy via hiking trails. The Subtropical Forest Trail takes hikers through an enchanting region filled with fascinating rock formations accented by unspoiled forests. One of the star attractions of this route are the groves of Chinese banyan trees, including Japan's largest banyan tree. Along the way, visitors may feel a spiritual resonance, as this land, located in Okinawa's Ashimui region, includes over 40 utaki - natural places of worship in the native Ryukyuan religion.
Higashi-son Fureai Hirugi Park is nature park that protects the local hirugi mangroves, which can be enjoyed on a Mangrove Walking Tour along a raised wooden boardwalk.
The Higashi-son Fureai Hirugi Park is located on the main island of Okinawa. It's main attraction is the hirugi mangroves, which cover the shores of the Kesaji River and Gesashi Bay. There are three different kinds of hirugi trees in the forest - the Ohirugi, Mehirugi, and Yaehama Hirugi. The region also has a unique ecosystem, and visitors may spot local wildlife while exploring, including fiddler crabs, Ishikawa's frogs, and possibly even the rare Okinawa rail. This beautiful forest can be enjoyed in many ways - some visitors want to travel the river by canoe, but one of the most popular ways to experience the forest is to walk the elevated wooden promenade that extends through the forest, allowing visitors to view these incredible trees and its wildlife up close.
The Nago Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event celebrating the short blossoming season of the local cherry trees, held in the picturesque Nago Castle Ruins.
The Nago Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival a cherry blossom viewing event held at the historic Nago Castle Ruins. The cherry blossoms in Okinawa bloom earlier than the rest of Japan, so the season to see the flowers runs between late January and early February, and the festival itself is usually held the last Saturday and Sunday in January. The type of cherry blossoms that bloom in Okinawa are the hikanzakura, which are shaped differently than those on the Japanese mainland (more of a bell shape), and are a brighter shade of pink. The flowers can be mostly seen in the higher regions of the park around the ruins. There are a few special places there that offer especially good views, such as "Sakura Bridge", which offers a panoramic view of the mountain side.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Japan's best aquariums, offering an incredible view of the marine life around Okinawa and in the Pacific Ocean.
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located on Okinawa Main Island and is widely considered to be one of Japan's top aquariums. Originally a marine life aquarium exhibit for the 1975 Okinawa International Expo, the aquarium fell into disrepair before it was rebuilt and renamed "Churaumi", which means "Graceful Ocean". It is one of the only aquariums in the world capable of breeding larger sea creatures, and they have tanks with manta rays and whale sharks in tanks for people to view within its "Kuroshio" Tank. One of the aquarium's most popular attractions, the Kuroshio Tank is massive, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into an ocean world. There is even a place to view the tank from underneath! There are many other marine exhibits and activities to do as well.
Kouri Bridge connects Okinawa Main Island with Kouri Island, and driving the bridge offers excellent views of the ocean.
Kouri Bridge is a bridge in Okinawa, connecting the Okinawa Main Island with Kouri Island - a tiny island off the northern coast. The bridge is Okinawa's second- longest bridge (6,430 ft / 1,960 m), and is popular with tourists and locals for the incredible scenic views it presents. From the bridge, visitors can appreciate a beautiful ocean view that ranges in color from aquamarine to cobalt blue, bordered by the green island coastline. They can also view Frog Island, a tiny rock off the coast shaped like a sitting frog. The bridge has driving lanes and a sidewalk, so some visitors enjoy a 30-minute walk to Kouri Island, taking extra time to admire the stunning seascape.
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Okinawa and a top spot to view cherry blossoms in late winter.
The Nakijin Castle Ruins are on the island of Okinawa, and are one of Okinawa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites related to the Kingdom of Ryukyu. The fortress once served as the seat of power for the Hokuzan Kingdom - a principality located on northern Okinawa island, and was eventually conquered when Hokuzan was made a part of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1609, the Japanese invaded and established the Ryukyu Kingdom as a dependent state of feudal Japan's Satsuma domain. They destroyed Nakijin Castle and it was never rebuilt, but its ruins are an impressive reminder of what the castle once was. The ruins are an especially popular place to visit in late January - early February, when the Okinawa cherry blossoms begin to bloom.
The Nakijin Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event in late winter, celebrating the annual cherry blossoms, which are lit up at night in a spectacular display.
The Nakijin Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the brief cherry blossom blooming season at the Nakijin Castle Ruins - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former fortress for the Ryukyu Kingdom. The cherry blossoms come to Okinawa earlier than anywhere else in Japan, from late January to February, bright pink cherry trees around the ruins bloom with bright pink flowers, and there is a pleasant walkway through the ruins that leads visitors to some of the best views. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, and colored lights are projected to cover the walls in waves of changing colors - as if the whole castle is wrapped in a large rainbow.
Shiraoi is a small town in Hokkaido Prefecture. Though officially established in the mid-1800s by the lords of Sendai during the feudal era, this coastal town’s history goes back even further as a former settlement of the native Ainu. In recognition of this dual heritage, the town has constructed the Ainu Museum, which celebrates the language, history, culture, and legacy of the Ainu, through various exhibits and demonstrations for nearly every aspect of daily Ainu life. The museum apparently has collected over five thousand various folk items related to the Ainu people. Shiraoi is also noted for its beautiful nature, especially Lake Kuttara, which, according to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, is one of Japan’s clearest lakes. Shiraoi wagyu beef is a famous local product, with local farms of black Japanese cattle scattered around the nearby countryside.
A replacement facility for the old “Porotokan” Ainu Museum, this newer exhibit space works to further expand visitors’ understanding of the Ainu People.
Initially opened in 1990, the Porotokan Ainu Museum was dedicated to cataloging, preserving, and teaching the history and culture of the original native peoples of Hokkaido: the Ainu people. In 2018, however, the Porotokan closed down in order to clear the way for the new and expanded National Ainu Museum. This newer museum’s philosophy is based on the ideals of multicultural coexistence and presents various exhibits divided into six separate Ainu-centered themes: history, language, lifestyle, livelihood, worldview, and trade with other peoples. The museum is one building in a larger facility called Upopoy (“singing in a large group” in Ainu language). This facility includes, in addition to the museum, a National Park near Lake Poroto, and a Memorial Site for deceased Ainu.
Lake Shikotsu is located in southwestern Hokkaido, west of the city of Chitose. It is a crater lake that was formed over 40,000 years ago by volcanic activity, and it has a maximum depth of 363 meters, making it the second deepest lake in Japan. It is an oligotrophic lake with visibility to a depth of 25 meters, and does not freeze in most winters. This makes it the most northerly lake in Japan that does not freeze over.
Chitose Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri.
Lake Shikotsu is the northernmost ice-free lake which is 363 meters deep. This festival features a moss-covered cave, which has evergreen draped on the inside and is covered in ice. This festival is held from late January to mid February. This festival features ice sculptures, small and large. At night the sculptures are illuminated by different colored lights. There is a fireworks show during the festival as well.
Located in Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo was once a dense forest with wildlife that included bears, deer, and wolves until its construction started in 1871. A man named Shima Yoshitake began the city’s development which eventually led to the current North American form it has as a grid-like system layout. Consequently, the northern and southern parts of the city are divided by the main boulevard called O-dori, which runs through the center of the city. Sapporo is known mostly for its beer, beer museum, dairy products, and its annual snow festival every February. One of the oldest standing structures established is the Sapporo Clock Tower, introduced by the North Americans, is now employed as a history museum. Dr. William Clark, a scholar from America, became one of the founders that established educational policies at the Sapporo Agricultural College. Later, this same college became the University of Hokkaido.
One of Japan's most popular winter events.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held during one week every February in Hokkaido's capital Sapporo. It is one of Japan's most popular winter events. The Sapporo Snow Festival was started in 1950, when high school students built a few snow statues in Odori Park. It has since developed into a large, commercialized event, featuring spectacular snow and ice sculptures and attracting more than two million visitors from Japan and across the world. The Snow Festival is staged on three sites: the Odori Site, Susukino Site and Tsu Dome Site.
Former olympic ski jump stadium.
Home of the Sapporo 1972 Winter Olympics, the Okurayama Ski Jump is a 90 meter high skiing structure that is still used today. Since it is an all- weather structure, it’s still used not only during winter seasons, but summer as well. However, it is not open to the public when there are special events in progress. The public can enter the museum at the bottom of the Okurayama Ski Jump structure. There are also exhibits, documents, and general Olympic Winter Sports information displayed in the museum for guests to enjoy.
Open air museum about Hokkaido.
The Historic Village of Hokkaido is a restored area based of what remained from the Meiji era and Taisho era. It is now an open-air museum with shops, households, and horse-drawn trams that run through the village. It displays various buildings and shops that were once constructed during Hokkaido’s growing development, including 60 different buildings from all over this northern island. It is also a place where many who lost their positions in the Edo Shogunate went to start their lives anew, especially samurai. It is located in the suburbs of Sapporo. It consists residential, mountainous, fishing, and agricultural zones.
Otaru is a small harbor city in Hokkaido near Sapporo. There are various activities in Otaru, including food (especially seafood), sightseeing and shopping. There are many hills, including the very steep slope called Jigoku-Zaka, thus is a popular location for skiing and other sports. Otaru beer is also well known in Hokkaido, places like the Otaru Soko No. 1 Brewery is a popular place for beer lovers. The Otaru Canal is a very popular place for tourist to gather. The Otaru Canal is also one of the locations of the Snow Light Path Festival held every February, where the area is decorated in lights and small snow statues. Tourist can visit the various glass workshops and shop for famous Otaru glassware or even make their glassware. The Music Box Museum is one of the most popular destinations in Otaru, guests can explore the sea of music boxes in this Museum.
Otaru's famous blown glass factory.
The glass made in Otaru is refined and is made in many workshops that also offer hands-on experience for guests who take interest in making their own glassware for a fee. Otaru is located in the prefecture of Hokkaido, neighboring the city of Sapporo. Aside from glass workshops, there are also many cafés, restaurants, and other shops that also allow guests to admire and purchase their artistic glass.
A unique museum about Music Box.
Among the many shops found on Sakaimichi Street is the Otaru Music Box Museum. It not only displays various objects, but also sells a wide range of music boxes, some of which are more elaborate than others; some move and others light up along with their melody. Midst the various types of music boxes are some made from glass, wood, or even traditional Japanese fabric, some are fashioned after sushi or Western-themed concepts. These music boxes also carry different songs according to a collection that the establishment has at their disposable.
Beautiful canal lined by old warehouses.
The Otaru Canal was employed by businesses to transport their merchandise to warehouses with smaller ships since the bigger ships could not directly unload their goods to their destinations. However, eventually there was no use for the smaller vessels when the facilities were modernized, making the use of canals less necessary. Now the area is a tourist attraction, during the day people take leisurely walks about the scenic route where there are museums, restaurants, and shops. Furthermore, Otaru Canal is the main site of the Snow Light Path Festival which is celebrated annually during February as a winter festival.
Otaru is a port city known for fresh sushi, a natural complement to its thriving fishing industry. The Sushi District lines up some of the city’s top restaurants.
Otaru has been a thriving fishing town since the Edo period, when its network of canals allowed for easy unloading of fishing boats. Years later, though the canals are now a local promenade and tourist hotspot, the fishing industry survives, finding fresh appeal by supporting the city’s top sushi restaurants now lining the Otaru Sushi District. A couple of these restaurants have earned Michelin Stars, and some require a reservation in advance. Some of these restaurants are native to Otaru, but many are more widely established, with branch restaurants all over the world. Otaru has over a hundred sushi restaurants scattered throughout the city, offering a broad variety of sushi dishes to choose from. Select sushi, including the shrimp and sea urchin, are praised as Otaru’s finest offerings.
Asahikawa is located north of Sapporo and it is the second largest city in Hokkaido. Asahikawa is mainly used as a transition point for Wakkanai in the north, Biei and Furano to the south and Daisetsuzan National Park to the southeast. The sake from Asahikawa has won many prizes for using the superior Hokkaido rice in the brewing process. Although Asahikawa is not known for being a tourist place, there is still the Asahikawa Zoo, which is one of the best zoos in Japan to visit and is second to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo for visitor attendance. The innovative design of the facility allows visitors to see the animals from numerous angles at a close proximity. There are also places within the city where artisans use the lumber to create a variety of crafts.
Hokkaido's second largest winter festival after Sapporo's Snow Festival.
The Asahikawa Winter Festival is Hokkaido's second largest winter festival after Sapporo's Snow Festival. The festival takes place over a week in early February, about the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival. Hence, it is possible for winter visitors to visit both festivals on the same trip as the two cities are only an 80 minute train ride apart from each other. While Asahikawa may not be able to boast having Hokkaido's biggest winter festival, it certainly has one of the biggest snow sculptures. Every year one massive sculpture is made as a stage for music and other performances. The giant sculpture of a Korean fortress in 1994 even made into the book of Guinness World Records as the largest snow construction built. The giant sculpture has a different theme each year, such as a snowman castle in 2010 or the Daisetsuzan Mountains in 2011.
Otokoyama, or “Man Mountain” Sake is made at a brewery in Asahikawa, touting the local natural environment as the foundation of its successful label.
The Otokoyama Sake Brewery and Museum provides a variety of information and displays for its guests. Mount Taisetsu produces the water used by Otokoyama to produce sake; it is said that the water from Mount Taisetsu will bring longevity to whomever drinks from its spring waters. Sake tastings are also offered as part of the experiences that this sake brewery can offer to guests. Otokoyama’s sake is not only known throughout all of Japan, but also internationally known; it won its first gold medal in 1977 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, and has won several awards throughout the years.
Sounkyo Onsen is located in the northern part of Daisetsuzan National Park. It is the largest hot spring resort in central Hokkaido. The Sounkyo Onsen is the starting point for various mountaineering routes. The resort area has the Sounkyo Ropeway that leads to Kurodake’s, a popular traveling route, midpoint. In addition to that the Sounkyo Onsen resort area is built near the Sounkyo Gorge, which is one of the main attractions in the area. The most beautiful valleys in the gorge are Obako and Kobako. In Obako the rock formations seem to resemble “byobu”, folding screens. Kobako has amazing steep rugged masses of rock that creates beautiful scenery. Within the gorge are two waterfalls that have made it into the top 100 waterfalls in Japan and they are known as Ginga no Taki and Ryusei no Taki.
Sounkyo Hyobaku Matsuri.
In an area of 10,000㎡, there will be an exhibit of ice sculptures, light-ups, Hyobaku drums, Ainu ethnic dance, fireworks display, etc.
Two beautiful waterfalls.
Among the various waterfalls found in the Sounkyo region, but the most notable ones are the Ginga and Ryusei Waterfall. Apart from sightseeing, tourists and other visitors usually climb the frozen waterfalls during winter to make their way to the peak atop the then frozen columns of ice. They both flow opposite opposite each other at different angles and appear to fall differently from one another; the Ginga Waterfall produces a more elegant fall with a gentler touch than the Ryusei Waterfall, which produces a more jet-like rush of water crashing down along the side of the cliff.
Kitami is a city in eastern Hokkaido. Travelers come to Kitami to enjoy the drift ice off the coast. The area is also popular with an especially adorable wild animal – the Ezo red fox, or “Kitakitsune”. Kitami is home to the Kitakitsune Farm, which cares for over 50 of these foxes, providing them an open space for them to freely enjoy. Other attractions of Kitami include a large cuckoo clock tower and a few relaxing onsen resorts. Kitami was once a major producer of the Japanese variety of mint, known locally as “hakka”. In fact, over 70% of the world’s supply of this mint used to be supplied by Kitami, before World War 2 converted all the mint farms to produce farms. The city’s mascot is a cute character called “Mint-kun”.
Kitakitsune Farm is a nature preserve which shelters the native Ezo red fox, giving visitors a safe place to come view these adorable creatures.
The Ezo red fox, or “Kitakitsune”, is an animal that is endemic to Hokkaido, an island which was once known to the mainland as “Ezo”. Nature-loving travelers on tour in Hokkaido hope for a glimpse of these adorable foxes, popular for their cute faces and fluffy winter coats. In the city of Kitami, the Kitakitsune Farm cares for around 50 foxes, giving them a safe place for them to roam free. Visitors to the farm can watch them wander without fear of disturbing them, since these foxes are especially comfortable around human guests. The fox is an inseparable part of Shinto mythology, appearing in folklore as spirit tricksters, guides, and even romantic partners. They are especially connected to Inari – the Shinto deity of rice and agriculture – as heavenly messengers, and are represented as stone statues to guard Inari’s shrines.
Abashiri is located on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. The Sea of Okhotsk, boasts to have one of the three largest fisheries in the world. Abashiri is not only known for its infamous prison, but as an archaeological site of the Okhotsk people also known as Moyoro. There are some food in Abashiri that is a must try specialty. The blue king crab, which can only be caught in Abashiri, is best eaten when the drift ice is gone. The Abashiri Zangi Don is deep fried salmon on a bowl of rice and Abashiri Chanpon is a noodle dish that is a specialty of the area. There is also a variety of seafood you can try that was caught in the surrounding lakes.
Hands-on science center where visitors learn the nature, culture and life of the area.
The Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum is located at the top of Mount Tento and exhibits materials related to the drift ice that comes to Abashiri. One of the exhibits provides a drift ice experience where you can actually touch the frozen clumps that came from the Sea of Okhotsk. The room is consistently set at -15° Celsius, which is 5° Fahrenheit. There are creatures that appear when the drift ice comes and one of the most popular species is the Cliones. The Cliones are transparent sea slugs that are more known by their nickname sea angels.
One of the best and easiest ways to see the drift ice.
Located on a similar geographical latitude as Portland (Oregon) and Venice (Italy), the Sea of Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido is the northern hemisphere's southernmost region to see drifting sea ice. The sea ice typically reaches the coast around Abashiri in mid to late January and disappears again by late March to mid April. The best time to view it is usually around the second half of February. While drift ice can be observed along the entire Sea of Okhotsk coast from Wakkanai to the Shiretoko Peninsula, it gets thickest around Abashiri. Due to global warming, the amount and thickness of the drift ice has decreased quite considerably since the late 1980s.One of the best and easiest ways to see the drift ice is from the Aurora Sightseeing Boats, which depart from Abashiri Port. Because drift ice is not always visible from the coast, the boats travel out into the Sea of Okhotsk to where ice is more likely to be found.
Open air museum of the old prison.
The Abashiri Prison Museum opened as an open air museum in 1985. The cold, harsh conditions in Abashiri Prison only made conditions worse for the prisoners as food became scarce while still doing hard labor. There are plenty of displays all over the prison of life-size dummies in uniform to exhibit a tangible understanding of previous work and prison conditions in Abashiri Prison.
In 2005, Lake Tofutsu was designated as a registered wetland of the Ramsar Convention. Fresh water and sea water mix in the lake. Various plants and animals live in this place, making it famous for bird watching. One can see about 250 varieties of wild birds through the four seasons. Swans fly here in winter, and about 300 swans live on the lake until spring.
Famous for its more than 2,000 whooper swans that migrate from Siberia each winter.
In 2005, Lake Tofutsu was designated as a registered wetland of the Ramsar Convention. Fresh water and sea water mix in the lake. Various plants and animals live in this place, making it famous for bird watching. One can see about 250 varieties of wild birds through the four seasons. Swans fly here in winter, and about 300 swans live on the lake until spring.
The national park was formed long ago by intense volcanic activities, which created the three ancient calderas that we know as Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo and Lake Akan. These lakes are also famous for their crystal clear water, which Lake Mashu ranks as one of the clearest in the world. Akan National Park can be broken into two sections, Akan and Kawayu areas. There are a few observatories people can go to that provide amazing views of the Akan area. Lake Mashu boasts the clearest water in the world even though there is no river or outlet for the liquid. It is said that when the lake is viewed at different times in the year or day, the blue color of water changes to different hues. This can be seen from the multiple observatories surrounding Lake Mashu.
Ice fishing.
Wakasagi fishing is a great outdoor activity totally different from skiing or snowboarding in Hokkaido. One of the most popular spots to do it is in Lake Akan. During the harsh winter, Lake Akan is frozen over solid! In this tour, you can enjoy wakasagi fishing in a special tent site on the ice of the lake.
Near Lake Akan, travelers will find the Ainu Kotan – a street lined with buildings suggesting an Ainu settlement, including an Ainu Museum.
The Lake Akan Ainu Kotan is a traditional Ainu village beside Lake Akan in Hokkaido. Kotan means “settlement” in the native language of the Ainu, and this Kotan is Hokkaido’s largest Ainu village. The village reflects ancient Ainu culture and spirituality, which respected much of the natural world, including various animals, as “kamuy” or “powerful spirits”. This belief led to a reverence for nature displayed in art, music, dance, and other elements of Ainu life. A special part of this heritage is a ceremonial dance that is often performed in the community. Additionally, a small museum full of Ainu implements and other native items is a popular attraction among visiting travelers. The Ainu people have lived in Hokkaido since before the Yamato (Japanese) first traveled there, and although they have been largely assimilated into Japanese society, they still some small communities where their way of life lives on.
The Akan International Crane Center is a museum, breeding center, and sanctuary where cranes can be seen year round.
The red-crowned crane is so important and rare a fowl that it has its own recognized international center located in the city of Kushiro, Hokkaido. This bird is even said to be a harbinger of good luck in general Japanese beliefs, even the indigenous people of Hokkaido said that they were marsh gods of the land. Within the Akan International Crane Center’s vicinity also holds a museum displaying information about the ecosystem and the crane’s life, a crane sanctuary, a breeding center, and also a feeding ground.
Marshlands populated by Japanese cranes.
The first marshland internationally sanctioned for habitat protection in Japan is the Kushiro Marshlands in 1987, when it was made into a national park. One of the main features of these wetlands is birdwatching where the rare red-crowned crane is among the most favorites to see. This endangered species is unique to Japan and was once thought to have been extinct because of the destruction of the land and due to excess hunting of their kind. Now, the cranes can be seen in every season of the year in the marshlands where they reside.
Where you will see a variety of fresh seafoods and vegetables.
The Kushiro Washo Market (Kushiro Washo Ichiba) opened in 1949 a short distance from Kushiro Station and is one of the three big markets that can be found in Hokkaido. There are about 60 stalls selling fresh seafood, dried products, meat and vegetables. A popular meal at the market is "Kattedon", a donburi dish where diners can personalize their rice bowl with seafood bought from the vendors.
The town of Kawazu is located on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula in the Shizuoka Prefecture. Kawazu is known for its hot springs, cherry blossom festival, the Kawazu River, and the Kawazu Nanadaru Falls. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is a very popular destination for tourist because it is known as one of the earliest location to view the cherry blossoms in Japan. The Kawazu Nanadaru is also a popular location among tourist for its beautiful waterfall and natural scenery.
Seven waterfalls along a walking trail.
Located above the town of Kawazu and traveling northwest along the Kawazu River is the Kawazu Nanadaru Falls. Visitors that want to view these beautiful waterfalls can take the walking trail that leads through the forest and waterfalls. The trail is about one kilometer or more than half a mile, but one of the waterfalls is closed off and only available to guests staying at the nearby ryokan.
Festival of a very early blooming tree variety.
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated early in the year because Kawazu is known as one of the earliest spots for cherry blossoms in Japan. Visitors that come to Japan before the cherry blossom season in the springs begins, can still view the beautiful cherry blossoms during the festival. The cherry blossoms and festival can take place as early as mid-February to early March.
The highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters above sea level, and is located more or less in the center of Japan, stretching over Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Its elegant conical form has frequently been depicted in many paintings and literary works since ancient times. Many artists have been captivated by the diverse expressions shown by this mountain depending on the season, or depending on the time of the day, whether in the morning or early evening. It is widely believed that Mt. Fuji is unparalleled worldwide as a mountain that has so frequently been narrated, sung in verse, and drawn.
Lake Kawaguchi is the most famous of the Fuji Five Lakes, with breathtaking landscape scenery in the spring and autumn seasons.
Lake Kawaguchi is one of Mount Fuji's Five Lakes, and is by far the most famous, attracting visitors to the hotels that dot its shoreline throughout the year. It is arguably the most picturesque, being displayed prominently below the iconic mountain on postcards for the region. The landscape around the long lake is dramatic and stunning in every season, especially during spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Despite the lake's proximity to Mount Fuji, the mountain is not always visible from the lake due to the cloud cover, with the early morning and late afternoon being the best time to get a good glimpse. A number of other attractions sit around the lake, including the Kubota Itchiku Museum, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum, FujiQ Highland amusement park, and a number of hot spring bath resorts.
Excellent museum about the kimono artist.
The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is located on the north coast of Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji. This museum showcases the works of the late Kubota Itchiku, a famous Japanese kimono artist. This museum showcases several of Kubota Itchiku’s kimono art, which are based on themes of nature, the seasons, and the cosmos.
Short ropeway to deck with views of Mount Fuji.
The Kachi Kachi Ropeway is located on the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji. The ropeway begins on the eastern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko and travels about 400 meters to an observation deck on Mount Tenjo. The observation deck offers beautiful views of the lake and Mount Fuji. There are trails available that lead down or up Mount Tenjo.
Matsumoto is located in the Nagano Prefecture and is known for one of Japan’s most popular and original castles. Many people travel to Matsumoto to view the popular Matsumoto castle, known as one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles and is one of Japan’s four National Treasure Castles. Another popular location is the Daio wasabi Farm, which is Japan’s largest wasabi farm. Matsumoto is also a popular location for people departing into Kamikochi, Norikura, or any of the popular Japanese Alps resorts locations.
One of Japan's premier historic castles, along with Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle.
Matsumoto is home to one of Japan’s four National Treasure Castles, the Matsumoto Castle. This castle is one of the most beautiful, and complete original castles in all of Japan compared to the other four National Treasure Castles. During the spring season, Matsumoto Castel is a very popular location to view the cherry blossoms.
The Yudanaka Onsen area is known as one of Japan’s oldest and historic hot spring resort. It is also known as the main entry point into the Yamanouchi area, which is full of different tourist attractions. This old hot spring resort has seen recent development for tourist, so it gives visitors a more modern atmosphere, but still keeps that traditional onsen feeling. Visitors can enjoy any of the public baths or free foot baths available.
Japanese macaque, a species of Old World Monkey that is native to Japan.
Probably one of the most famous monkey parks in the Japan and in the world is the Jigokudani Monkey Park. The park hosts a number of Japanese Macaques (also known as the snow monkeys), and many visitors can observe them up close. There is one large hot spring pool where the monkeys gather, but visitors can still see many groups on the walk over to the pool. Guests are not allowed to touch or feed the monkeys for their own safety.
Obuse is a charming little town in Nagano prefecture, well
off the beaten track for most travelers to Japan. It has one
claim to fame – the town was the creative sanctuary of the
Edo-period artistic genius Hokusai. Known for his
paintings done in the Ukiyo-e style, Hokusai’s work is
internationally acclaimed and has influenced artists from
around the world. In the later years of his life, Hokusai
moved to Obuse at the invitation of a wealthy admirer, and
painted a number of masterpieces there, many of which
are on display at Obuse’s Hokusai museum.
Obuse is also known by Japanese people for chestnuts,
and has a few related attractions around town, including a
walking path paved in blocks of chestnut wood,
restaurants selling a variety of delectable chestnut-
flavored sweets, and of course, groves of chestnut trees.
About the famous painter from the Edo Period.
The Hokusai Museum features some of the works by Katsushika Hokusai, a famous ukiyo-e painter from the Edo Period. Hokusai is best known for his woodblock series known as “Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji.” Included in this series is the “Great Wave off Kanagawa” that has gained worldwide fame. The museum was built in honor of the time Hokusai spent towards the end of his life as a guest of Takai Kozan, a wealthy salt merchant in Obuse. The Hokusai Museum can be found in the center town and features two festive floats where the ceilings were decorated by Hokusai. A dragon with his signature waves is in one of the floats while the other dons a phoenix with the iconic waves design. At the Ganshoin Temple a Chinese style phoenix mural was painted by Hokusai in his final year. The incredible detail on the red mythical bird is a sight that should not be missed.
Nagano is the capital city of Nagano Prefecture, in the
central Chubu region of Japan. Initially a temple town, the
city of Nagano grew around the Buddhist temple of
Zenkoji, which houses the first Buddhist statue ever
brought to Japan. Surrounded by mountains, Nagano is
also popular with winter sports enthusiasts for the
abundance of ski resorts. In 1998, Nagano hosted the
Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and many of the
intriguing buildings from the game, such as the “M-Wave”
Olympic Museum and the White Ring skating stadium are
still of interest to many visitors.
Nearby Nagano is the town of Yudanaka, known for the
famous Jigokudani “Hell Valley” Snow Monkey Park.
Japanese macaques, also called “snow monkeys”, can be
seen in the area every winter, bathing and grooming each
other in the local hot springs.
Very popular temple in the center of Nagano.
Zenkoji Temple is said to house the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. The temple was first founded in the 7th century and is one of the most popular and important temples in the country. Every six years for a few weeks, a copy of the original statue is shown to the public while it remains hidden. The next time to see the statue will be in 2021. Nagano city developed around Zenkoji Temple, which emphasizes its importance to the history of the town. The main hall was rebuilt in 1707 and is decorated with various Buddhist statues. A fee is required to enter the inner hall and in the basement is an underground passage. In the completely dark passage people must find the hand rail, which represents the “key to paradise.” It is believed to grant salvation to anybody who touches it. Inside the recently built pagoda is the Zenkoji History Museum, which showcases intricately carved statues of various Buddha and Bodhisattva as well as 100 Rakan (disciples of Buddha). South of the main hall are the impressive Sanmon and Niomon Gates.
Japan's main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido are served by a network of high speed train lines that connect Tokyo with most of the country's major cities. Japan's high speed trains (bullet trains) are called shinkansen and are operated by Japan Railways (JR). The shinkansen network consists of multiple lines, among which the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka) is the oldest and most popular. All shinkansen lines (except the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen) run on tracks that are exclusively built for and used by shinkansen trains. Most lines are served by multiple train categories, ranging from the fastest category that stops only at major stations to the slowest category that stops at every station along the way.
High-speed railway at speeds up to 300 km/hr.
The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.
Hotel JAL City Naha has 304 guest rooms with stylish and modern interior in the heart of the Kokusai-dori, Main Street of Naha City. There are floors of Executive and Standard to choose for your needs. All rooms have Simmons beds to pursue the best sleep and offer the upgraded comfort. It's the key place for both business and sightseeing and hub for the islands.
As the gateway to "Yanbaru" in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture, the magnificent Kanucha Resort spans an area of about 2.64 square kilometers and has been coexisting with nature since 1997. Featuring eight hotel buildings, each with its own unique character, it is a town resort where you can enjoy yourself according to your own style. Indulge in activities such as playing golf on a course that provides a sense of unity with nature, relaxing on a beach with untouched beauty, dining at various restaurants, shopping, and enjoying relaxation facilities. Discover the epitome of luxury and immerse yourself in the ambiance of a southern island resort.
Located just a five minute walk from JR Chitoise station and a 10 minute drive from the airport, the hotel offers guests comfort and convenience. The in- house restaurant serves up traditional Japanese dishes. However, if you are in the mood for other cuisines, just step out of the hotel and you will find numerous restaurants and bars where you can indulge with your favorite cuisine or drink.
This modern luxury hotel and resort, situated in the northernmost major city of Japan, is a landmark for opulence and leisure. Guests will enjoy a location that is just a short walk from the Sapporo Subway Station and an additional six minutes from the JR Sapporo Station. ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo is an ideal choice for guests who want a central location close to public transport links and a vast selection of on- site facilities as well as first class professional service.
Grand Park Otaru is an international hotel re-opened in 2009 and located at Ishikari Bay in front of the Otaru Port Marina. The hotel is 18-story building offering spacious 296 rooms all over 32 square meters.
This authentic Japanese style hotel may accomodate up to 1,000 people, with many public spaces for guests to enjoy. The lobby has a stage with a tea house. There is a observatory hot- bath on the top floor. It is an ideal facility for relaxing.
Abashiri Kanko Hotel features indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths and a sauna with panoramic views of Lake Abashiri. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and massage can be requested for an extra cost.
New Akan Hotel is a modern resort hotel facing to the Lake Akan. There are large observatory baths and observatory open-air hot spring bath at the top floor. Guests can see the beautiful Lake Akan and the scenery which is beautiful throughout the year.
Lying adjacent to the Kushiro's Fisherman's Wharf, the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro is the largest hotel in its area and a favorite amongst many who visit the city on the east coast of Hokkaido. A stay promises a memorable experience with the high quality of service and elegance that is synonymous with the ANA chain of hotels.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located 3 minutes by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a massive terminal with eight different subway and JR lines. From the station, over 17 round trip buses depart to both Narita and Haneda International Airports each day, assuring convenience for guests arriving by or planning to make a transfer by air. When setting off from the hotel, guests can easily reach popular attractions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Ikebukuro Café, a unique space where visitors can play with owls and other animals.
This hotel is a seaside resort hotel located at Imaihama beach, the best area of east Izu. All rooms are faced to the ocean and Seven Islands of Izu will be seen on a clear day. Hearing the sound of the sea, please relax at open-air hot spring bath and esthetic saloon.
Issanokomichi Biyunoyado is built at the heights in the old hot springs town of Yudanaka where hike poet Issa Kobayashi loved. Northern Alps can be seen in a distance and Hokushin five mountains are viewed closely. The hot spring is 100% natural spring and always flowing to heal a tired body.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located 3 minutes by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a massive terminal with eight different subway and JR lines. From the station, over 17 round trip buses depart to both Narita and Haneda International Airports each day, assuring convenience for guests arriving by or planning to make a transfer by air. When setting off from the hotel, guests can easily reach popular attractions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Ikebukuro Café, a unique space where visitors can play with owls and other animals.
PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.
Destinations
Okinawa / Shiraoi / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Kitami / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Kushiro / Kawazu / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Obuse / Nagano
Other Japan Tours You May Interested
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Planned by experts, based on seasonal favorites and must-see sites.
Choose your style and split cost with other passengers
Chosen by our experienced staff
Guide is available to you 24/7 and sleeps in the same hotel
Learn to create your own Sushi, meet a geisha or maiko, and more
Meet locals and visit rural areas of Japan you might miss on other tours
Group Tour Style | Budget | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Signature | Active |
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< View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | |
Feature | Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. | Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort. | Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations. | Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture. | Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. |
Advantage | Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you. | Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences. | Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you. | Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art. | Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes. |
Group Size | 20 to 45 people | 10 to 35 people | 6 to 24 people | 4 to 16 people | 4 to 13 people |
Fully-escorted | Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide | Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities | |||
Pace | Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own | ||
Airport Transfers | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified | Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports) | Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified |
Transfer between cities | Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical | ||
Sightseeing | Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide | Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide | Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides | ||
Admission fees and activities | All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included | ||||
Luggage Transfers | Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Separate luggage transfers are included | |||
Meals | Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged) | ||||
Accommodation | Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans | Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination |
Ages | 4 years old and above | 6 years old and above | |||
Health & Activity | In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. | These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination. |