Legacy of Japan with Hokkaido

Land Tour

13 Day Tour from Tokyo to Kyoto
Small groups lead to immersive discoveries on this Small Group Discovery tour through Japan’s vibrant cities and cultural heartlands. From the electric energy of Tokyo to the open skies of Hokkaido, begin your journey exploring ancient shrines, bustling temple districts, and the hidden worlds beneath the city on Tokyo’s remarkable metro system. Fly north to Sapporo, where wide boulevards and local flavors offer a refreshing contrast. Enjoy a meaningful encounter with the traditions of the Ainu, Japan’s Indigenous people, at Upopoy Cultural Park. Continue south to the peaceful mountain town of Tendo. Time-honored traditions come alive through sake brewing, hands-on soba-making, and a graceful maiko performance. Ride the sleek Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa, where tranquil gardens and artisan crafts reveal Japan’s refined elegance. Venture into the carving village of Inami to witness masters of woodwork and try the craft yourself. End your journey in Kyoto, where golden temples and centuries-old statues embody the spiritual beauty of Japan.
All This. Included
Special features included in this tour:

• Guided sightseeing of Tokyo by subway featuring Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade
• Guided sightseeing in Sapporo including Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office, and Sapporo Beer Museum
• Excursion to Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park with [LF] traditional Ainu performance
• Visit to a local sake brewery with tasting
• [LF] Hands-on soba-making class and maiko dance performance
• Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tendo to Kanazawa
• Guided visit to Kenroku-en Garden
• Gold leaf craft class with bento box creation
• Excursion to Inami Village with walking tour of woodcarving street
• Hands-on woodcarving experience with local artisans
• Guided sightseeing of Kyoto with visits to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Sanjusangendo Temple
• Intra-vacations flights as listed in the itinerary

Notes:
  • Due to limited luggage space aboard the bullet train from Tendo to Kanazawa, your main luggage will be transferred separately and delivered the following day. Please plan to pack an overnight bag with essentials.

From price

$14,845
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Globus
Number Of Days
13
Start Location
Tokyo, Japan
End Location
Kyoto, Japan
Age Range
Avg. 40+
Group Size
10 to 18
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)
Start End Availability From price
16 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 Available $14,845
06 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 Available $14,845
18 May 2027 30 May 2027 Available $14,845
08 Jun 2027 20 Jun 2027 Available $14,845
14 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 Available $14,845
05 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027 Available $14,845
19 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 Available $14,845
09 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027 Available $14,845
14 Mar 2028 26 Mar 2028 Available $16,001
04 Apr 2028 16 Apr 2028 Available $16,001
16 May 2028 28 May 2028 Available $16,001
06 Jun 2028 18 Jun 2028 Available $16,001
12 Sep 2028 24 Sep 2028 Available $16,001
03 Oct 2028 15 Oct 2028 Available $16,001
17 Oct 2028 29 Oct 2028 Available $16,001
07 Nov 2028 19 Nov 2028 Available $16,001

Itinerary details

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! W
elcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Day 2 - TOKYO
Monumental Metropolis H
op on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city on a guided sightseeing tour, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Tokyo’s metro stations are so extensive that many function as underground mini-cities with shops, restaurants, and passageways stretching for blocks beneath the streets. Exploring Tokyo by metro is a quintessential Japanese experience, and your Tour Director will guide you through the system and to the highlights of this dynamic city. Sightseeing begins with Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto shrine set within a man-made forest. Continue to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.
Day 3 - TOKYO–SAPPORO
From City Lights to Northern Charm
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido and gateway to Japan’s northern landscapes. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Known for its wide boulevards, fresh seafood, and lively food culture, Sapporo offers a refreshing contrast to Tokyo. Use your free time to stroll through the city, perhaps visit Odori Park or sample the region’s famous miso ramen and local beer. Your Tour Director has all the tips and guidance to help you enjoy your free time.

Day 4 - SAPPORO
Nature Meets Frontier
Discover the charm of Hokkaido’s capital with guided sightseeing through Sapporo’s most iconic landmarks. Stroll through Odori Park, visit the Sapporo TV Tower, admire the historic Clock Tower and Former Hokkaido Government Office, and explore the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about Japan’s oldest beer brand. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Views & Brews
Sapporo offers a unique blend of open spaces, Western-influenced architecture, and rich local culture. Begin with a walk through Odori Park, the city’s green centerpiece stretching through downtown. Then, take in panoramic views from the Sapporo TV Tower, explore the elegant red-brick Former Hokkaido Government Office, and visit the historic Clock Tower, one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings. Conclude the day at the Sapporo Beer Museum, which celebrates a brewing tradition that dates back to the 19th century.


Day 5 - SAPPORO. EXCURSION TO UPOPOY
Enduring Heritage
Venture outside of Sapporo to Upopoy, home to the National Ainu Museum and Park. Enjoy a captivating traditional Ainu performance featuring music, dance, and storytelling that bring centuries-old customs to life. Following the performance, you’ll have time at leisure to explore the museum and park at your own pace.

Return to Sapporo this afternoon where the remainder of the day is free. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
Living Tradition
The National Ainu Museum and Park is a cultural center dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan. Historically based in Hokkaido and surrounding regions, the Ainu have a distinct culture, language, and spiritual tradition deeply connected to nature and community.

Experience authentic Ainu culture through live performance showcasing traditional songs and dances rarely seen outside of Hokkaido. Afterwards, stroll through the park’s exhibits to learn about Ainu daily life, craftsmanship, and beliefs.


Day 6 - SAPPORO–YAMAGATA
Mountain Tranquility
Fly south to vibrant Yamagata City, nestled in the mountains and hot springs region of Yamagata Prefecture. (B)

Please note:
Depending on flight availability, you will travel to either Yamagata or Sendai airport.
Day 7 - YAMAGATA. EXCURSION TO TENDO
Taste & Culture
Tendo is known for its craftsmanship and culinary traditions. Today’s sightseeing begins at a local sake brewery, where you’ll learn about the art of sake production and regional brewing techniques. Then, immerse yourself in a soba-making class for lunch. This afternoon, witness a graceful maiko dance performance, offering a glimpse into classical Japanese entertainment traditions. (B,L,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
Grain to Table
Soba has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, dating back to the Edo period and symbolizing longevity and resilience. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on soba-making experience, where you’ll learn time-honored techniques and craft Japan’s beloved buckwheat noodles from scratch. From kneading and rolling the dough to carefully cutting each strand, discover the skill and precision behind this cherished culinary tradition—then savor the simple, satisfying reward of your own freshly made soba.
Day 8 - YAMAGATA–TENDO–KANAZAWA
Travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tendo to the historic city of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Known for its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, traditional gardens, and rich artistic heritage, Kanazawa offers a refined glimpse of historic Japan. (B)

Please note:
Travel today requires one train connection in Omiya. You will depart Tendo in the morning and arrive in Kanazawa in the early afternoon.

Day 9 - KANAZAWA
Timeless Gold
This morning, explore Kenroku-en Garden and take part in a gold leaf class, where you’ll learn about this ancient craft and make your own bento box. After lunch, the rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE POWER OF TRANQUILITY Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s three great gardens and dates back to the 1670s. Translated into English, the name means “Garden of Six Qualities,” referring to the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water, and magnificent views.

One of the garden’s most stunning attractions is Kasumigaike Pond, with its island called Horai, which symbolizes long life and eternal prosperity.
Day 10 - KANAZAWA. EXCURSION TO INAMI
Artistry in Every Carve
Journey into the countryside to visit the charming village of Inami, renowned throughout Japan for its centuries-old woodcarving tradition. Stroll along the historic main street, where workshops line the road and the rhythmic sound of chisels echs through the air as artisans practice their craft.

Then, enjoy a hands-on woodcarving class, guided by skilled artisans who introduce you to the techniques and tools of this time-honored art form.
Return to Kanazawa this afternoon. (B,L,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE
Discover the artistry of Inami, one of Japan’s most celebrated woodcarving villages. Watch skilled artisans at work and try your hand at this intricate craft during a guided class, creating your own small piece while learning the traditions passed down through generations.
Day 11 - KANAZAWA–KYOTO
Golden Gift
This morning, drive south to Kyoto. On arrival, visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. End the day at Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms believed to have the power to save 25 worlds! (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC MASTERPIECE
Visit Kyoto’s famed Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku ji), one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covered in shimmering gold leaf, this striking Zen temple reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond and landscaped gardens, creating one of the country’s most photographed scenes. Stroll the tranquil grounds and admire the harmony of architecture and nature that embodies the elegance and refinement of traditional Japanese design.



Day 12 - KYOTO
Kyoto to Go
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Gion, visit more of Kyoto’s historic temples, or consider an optional trip to the expansive Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer that wander among its shrines and temples. These and other options throughout your tour may be available for purchase with MyGlobus. Your Tour Director has all the tips and guidance to help you make the most of your free time.

Day 13 - KYOTO
Say it Ain’t Sayonara
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)



Frequently Asked Questions

You should choose this tour for an immersive, small-group discovery of Japan that blends the electric energy of Tokyo with the cultural heartlands of Hokkaido, Yamagata, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. This premium experience offers a wonderful mix of iconic landmarks, unique hands-on activities like soba-making and gold leaf crafting, and meaningful cultural encounters, such as visiting the National Ainu Museum and Park.
This tour is designed for travelers who appreciate a premium experience and prefer the intimacy of small groups. It is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of urban exploration, traditional arts and crafts, and deep cultural immersion, as well as those who appreciate the comfort of curated travel with expert guidance.
The pros include a comprehensive itinerary covering diverse regions of Japan, a variety of hands-on cultural experiences, and the convenience of included intra-vacation flights and Shinkansen travel. A potential con is the luggage restriction during the bullet train journey from Tendo to Kanazawa, which requires guests to pack an overnight bag as main luggage is transferred separately.
While the text does not explicitly mention specific demographics, the small group format and premium style make it a welcoming option for couples and solo travelers seeking curated experiences. Families may also enjoy the educational aspects of the cultural workshops and museum visits.
This tour is excellent for both first-time visitors, as it covers iconic highlights like the Golden Pavilion and Tokyo's metro system, and experienced travelers who wish to venture beyond the main cities into unique areas like the woodcarving village of Inami and the Ainu cultural sites in Hokkaido.
The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality. While it includes guided walking tours and subway exploration, specific accessibility details for all sites are not provided, so we recommend contacting us for more detailed information regarding your specific mobility needs.
This tour provides a balanced focus on both sightseeing and culture. It combines visits to world-famous landmarks and gardens with deep cultural dives, including indigenous Ainu traditions, traditional dance performances, and artisan craft classes.
The pace of the tour is moderate. It covers several different regions across Japan over 13 days, utilizing flights and bullet trains to move efficiently between destinations, ensuring a broad experience without feeling overly rushed.
The itinerary feels well-balanced, offering a mix of structured guided sightseeing and 'Enhanced Free Time.' Guests have dedicated leisure days in Sapporo and Kyoto, allowing them to explore at their own pace or follow the Tour Director's local tips.
Yes, many key highlights are included, such as Tokyo's Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sapporo's TV Tower and Beer Museum, Kanazawa's Kenroku-en Garden, and Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Sanjusangendo Temple.
Yes, the tour includes a professional Tour Director who guides you through the cities, manages the logistics of the metro and train systems, and provides tips and guidance to help you make the most of your free time.
Disclaimer:
These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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