Best of Northern Honshu - 15 days
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Best of Northern Honshu

Duration15 days

Travel the path less trodden on Japan's main island of Honshu with this 15-day escorted group tour. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the capital before heading to Nikko, a UNESCO-listed site known as the burial site of one of Japan's most formidable rulers. Discover Nikko National Park, see the ancient temples of Hiraizumi, and stay in several traditional Japanese ryokans. Relax in hot springs, learn about the devastating 2011 tsunami in Ishinomaki (or Kesennuma) and take in the picturesque setting of Matsushima Bay. Explore Sendai at leisure, visit Niigata and spend two days on Sado Island before returning to Tokyo.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour overview

Duration15 days
StartsTokyo
EndsTokyo
RangeHandpicked
Tour GuideYes - escorted by a tour leader
Group SizeMin 4 / Max 14
Minimum age6 yrs, accompanied by an adult
DepartsWednesdays
Hotel Rating3-4 star hotels & traditional ryokans
CountriesJapan
Arrival TransferYes
Departure TransferYes
Meals includedBreakfast: 14, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 9
Choose a date
Based on 2 passengers
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Your deal
Shown in USD
Per person from
$7,915.00
Deposit from
$4,749.00
From
$15,830.00

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - See highlights including Harajuku, Hamarikyu Gardens, Akihabara and the busy Shibuya crossing on a guided tour
Nikko - Take in the highlights of this lesser-visited town including a cable car ride, and explore scenic Nikko National Park
Hiraizumi - Admire the golden temple at Chuson-ji and enjoy an included visit to the impressive Yugendo Caves
Ishinomaki - Learn about the devastating tsunami that struck this area in 2011 and the resilience of the local people who built it back up
Matsushima Bay - Cruise this picturesque ocean inlet, known as Nihon San-Kei, or one of the "Three Great Sights of Japan"
Sendai - Enjoy free time in this picturesque and green city, an unintended consequence of the devastation caused by bombing during WWII
Niigata - Visit the elegant Saito Family Summer Villa, wander around Hakusan Park and browse through the Honcho Market
Sado Island - Join a two-day excursion to this cultural island, a former colony of exiles and a once-crucial gold mining hub

Included

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 9 dinners
14 nights 3-4 star hotels & traditional ryokans
Escorted by a tour leader
Arrival airport transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 15 by shared shuttle bus
All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus, private coach and train
Transport card with 2,500 yen (USD $16) credit for city transport
Loop bus pass for transport in Hiraizumi
Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
Full day private guide service in Nikko
Entrance fees for temples and shrines in Nikko
Day trip to the Yugendo Caves, including boat trip & paper-making workshop
Kokeshi doll painting workshop and a visit to the doll museum (2024 departures) or Excursion to Izu Numa town and mochi rice cake making experience (2025+ departures)
Entrance fees to Kesennuma City Memorial Museum and Rias Ark Museum of Art (2025+ departures)
Sightseeing tour of Matsushima Bay
Dairy visit & ice cream making in Zao Onsen
Two full days' private guide service on Sado Island
Entrance fees for two days' sightseeing on Sado Island
Taiko drumming experience on Sado Island
Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Hiraizumi, Niigata to Tokyo and Ishinomaki/Kesennuma to Sendai
Information pack on arrival
Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip

Not Included

International flights
Any local transport (subways, taxis, buses) unless covered by the included transport passes
Entrance fees (including those for temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified