Northern Japan Spring Tour: 11-Day Cherry Blossom Experience
Purple & Pink Paradise
Experience Japan’s Best Spring Scenery from Tokyo to Hokkaido
Experience the beauty of spring in Northern Japan on this immersive 11-day journey, timed perfectly for late cherry blossoms and wisteria, dramatic coastal scenery, and cultural highlights from Tokyo to Sapporo.
Spring captivates the Japanese heart like no other season. Experience the enchanting spectacle of cherry blossoms and wisteria transforming Japan’s diverse landscapes—from bustling cities to serene historical monuments.
Skip the crowds by discovering late-blooming cherry varieties and cascading wisteria that extend the season into May. Immerse yourself in Japan’s captivating blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity while wandering through this breathtaking symphony of pink and purple blooms.
Price
From USD 4,750 per person – excl. flights
(double occupancy)
When to Visit
Late March ~ Mid-May
Length of stay
Ideally 10 Nights
Tour Highlights
- Admire late-blooming cherry blossoms and wisteria in Northern Japan’s most scenic parks
- Stroll through Hirosaki, home to Japan’s most celebrated spring flower displays
- Discover the UNESCO-listed temples and mountain scenery of Nikko
- Enjoy breathtaking bay views in Matsushima, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes
- Travel comfortably through historic towns and northern cities, ending in vibrant Sapporo
Perfect for
- Cherry blossom enthusiasts seeking Japan’s extended sakura season with late-blooming varieties and cascading wisteria, away from the peak season crowds
- Adventure seekers who want authentic cultural experiences and hidden seasonal gems, guided by local experts during the quieter late spring period
- Travelers seeking to experience Japan’s most iconic destinations and traditions while enjoying the serene beauty of late cherry blossoms and wisteria in Late-April or May
What’s included
- A tailor-made itinerary crafted personally for you
- English-Speaking resident tour director and local guides
- A curated collection of stays
- Large choice of tours & experiences
- Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers
- Internet access
- Thoughtful customer service
- And more !
Day 1 – Tokyo Arrival
Yokoso 日本へようこそ！– Welcome to Japan !
After clearing customs and immigration, transfer by private car to your ideally located hotel.
Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Japan just getting settled.
You might want to lock down some of the best food in Tokyo and enjoy a truly unique meal! A multi-course kaiseki, an omakase sushi experience…
Or follow the lead of our food-obsessed expert and spend an early evening hopping between Izakaya! and discover the delights of small-plate dining and sake.
Day 2 – Tokyo
Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis which brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.
Most visitors to Tokyo will visit the most well-known sights – Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine. These are all of course worth visiting, but Tokyo also offer a multitude of choices for travelers looking for a less touristy and typical Japanese experience.
The real charm of Tokyo is more discreet. We can discover it in the maze of streets behind the main one, with a village atmosphere, miles away from urban life. It is warm and simple, full of nice shops with clean design as well as charming cafes and small bars…
But the highlight of spring in Tokyo is undoubtedly the cherry blossom and wisteria season. A must-see when visiting Japan in spring!
Day 3 – Tokyo
Witness for another day the beauty of Yaezakura (late cherry blossoms) and wisteria against the backdrop of Tokyo attractions.
During this magical time, Tokyo transforms into a stunning pink, white wonderland as multi-layered cherry blossoms and wisteria bloom across the city.
You can join Tokyoites in having fun and welcoming spring at
- Kameido Tenjin Shrine
- The popular Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Haijima Park
- Koishikawa Korakuen
- …
Alternatively, choose from our curated Tokyo experiences.
Day 4 – Tokyo / Nikko
Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Utsunomiya.
Visit Ashikaga Flower Park, famous for The Great Wisteria, estimated to be over 150 years old and covering nearly 1.000 square meters.
Then, continue your journey to Nikko, a small town at the entrance of Nikko National Park, most famous for its World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, the first shogun of a long line. And of course other sites, like Shinkyo (The Sacred Bridge), Rinnoji Temple Complex- Sanbutsudo (Three Buddha Hall), …
The city of Nikko also boasts a variety of onsen (hot spring) experiences, from bustling resort towns to secluded, rustic villages.
Day 5 – Nikko / Matsushima
Travel to Matsushima, well known as one of the “nihon sankei” or Japan’s Three Great Sights, alongside Miyajima and Amanohashidate, which left the great haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, speechless.
The bay is dotted by over 200 small islands covered by pine trees. And to truly appreciate the beauty of the picturesque Matsushima Bay, you will get off the shore and step onto a private cruise and an all-you-can-eat oyster feasts.
Zuiganji & Entsuin are two of the must-see temples in Matsushima.
Overlooking Matsushima, Zuiganji Temple is one of the Tohoku region’s most important Zen Buddhist temples and a designated National Treasure. And Entsuin is rich with stories from Matsushima’s samurai past and beautifully decorated in gold leaf and ornate paintings.
Day 6 – Matsushima / Morioka
Journey to Morioka and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hiraizumi.
Wander through Chusonji Temple’s sacred grounds, established in 850 as a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. Hidden among giant cedar trees at the summit of a mountain in central Iwate, Chusonji is known for its stunning Konjikido (Golden Hall), completely covered in gold leaf.
And experience the spectacular Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival, considered one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku. The festival period also coincides with Children’s Day on May 05th, when around 300 Koinobori (carp streamers) swim through the sky above Kitakami River.
In Morioka, embrace local tradition with Wanko Soba – a unique and fun dining experience from Iwate, featuring small, endlessly replenished bowls of soba noodles.
Day 7 – Morioka / Hakodate
Board the shinkansen to Shin-Aomori.
Your first stop will be Hirosaki Park, famed as one of the best cherry blossom sights in Japan.
The Park is home to over 2,600 cherry trees representing more than 52 types, some of which are over 300 years old. And for a more unique and private cherry blossom viewing experience, cherry blossom viewing can also be enjoyed from boats that cruise the river. wading through the blossom covered river.
Your journey continues by shinkansen, taking you under the Tsugaru Channel to Hakodate. With its star-shaped, moated fort and observation tower, Goryokaku Park is one of Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. However, it’s after sunset that the park truly comes alive,when evening illuminations create a magical and romantic ambiance.
Day 8 – Hakodate / Noboribetsu
Begin your day at the vibrant Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market, a foodies’ heaven! With about 250 stores, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood like crab, sea urchin, salmon roe to locally grown vegetables and fruits straight from the farms of Hokkaido.
Continue your journey to Onuma Quasi National Park, a stunning natural haven shaped by the powerful eruptions of Mt. Komagatake, an active volcano. During spring, cherry blossom trees can be found along the shores and is very popular with bird-watchers.
And Lake Toya, known for its beautiful caldera and stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. You will also enjoy the exquisite contrast of cherry blossoms and plums.
Day 9 – Noboribetsu / Sapporo
Start your day with Jigokudani, known as Hell Valley, where you can see an active volcanic geothermal area at work.
Volcanic gases spout from the cracks in the bleached rocks, and the smell of sulfur along with the white smoke and steaming hot springs, are truly impressive and create a hellish landscape.
Discover indigenous heritage at Upopoy National Ainu Museum, celebrating Hokkaido’s native culture through interactive exhibits.
Next, make your way to Sapporo, and dive into Susukino, said to be the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. Enjoy Hokkaido’s famous Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) or warm up with steaming miso ramen—Sapporo’s signature dish.
And expand your beer knowledge at the historic Sapporo Beer Garden, located in a historic red-brick building that once served as a brewery.
Day 10 – Otaru & Yoichi
Journey to Otaru, one of Japan’s most prominent port cities between the end of the 19th century.
You will wander down Sakaimachi, a preserved merchant street, filled with shops selling local crafts, glassware, music boxes and delicious sweets. And explore the charming Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses and historic buildings, where you might consider a boat ride.
Continue your journey to Shakotan Peninsula, famous for its blue waters, its rugged coastline of natural rock formations, like the iconic Ebisu Iwa & Daikoku Iwa, named after the Japanese deities Ebisu (god of fishermen and good fortune) and Daikoku (god of wealth and harvest)
For Whisky connoisseur – a visit to the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery is an essential experience. Opened in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, often referred to as the father of Japanese whisky.
Day 11 – Final Day – Sapporo & Departure
Depending on your departure time, explore Sapporo’s vibrant markets for a final shopping —from the bustling Nijo Market featuring Hokkaido’s freshest seafood and local delicacies to charming neighborhood markets offering artisanal crafts, regional specialties, and unique souvenirs.
Transfer by private car to Sapporo Chitose airport for your flight back to Tokyo and home.
What our guests say
