Hokkaido + Aomori Scenic Sakura Tour 2026
Discover cherry blossoms in Japan’s Great North
Journey to Aomori and Hokkaido, Japan’s two northern-most provinces, and uncover the extraordinary!
AS SEEN ON SEASON 36 OF ULTIMATE JAPAN TV!
Looking for brilliant cherry blossoms but want to get away from the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto? Ready to feast on premium, specialty regional cuisine? Do you love slipping into a soothing onsen bath at the end of your day? Our Hokkaido + Aomori Scenic Sakura Tour is here to surpass all of your expectations!
This carefully-curated tour is filled with exclusive opportunities that allow you to interact with local residents, such as a “Fisherman’s Wife” cooking class and a Tsugaru “Apple Bell” painting hands-on activity. These personal interactions will elevate your time in Japan from merely seeing to fully experiencing, and they’re the moments that are sure to turn into your new treasured memories.
Destination Highlights for the Scenic Sakura Tour
Aomori – Hirosaki – Tsugaru Peninsula – Hakodate – Lake Onuma – Shikabe – Noboribetsu – Shiraoi – Sapporo – and more!
Two special highlights of this tour for cherry blossom seekers are Hirosaki Castle Park, which you’ll get to see at both lit up at night and during the day. These beautiful grounds host around 2,600 cherry trees of 50 different varieties, bursting with a multitude of pinks and whites to delight your senses.
Not to be outdone, Ashino Park on the remote Tsugaru Peninsula is known as one of the best hanami spots in all of Japan. You’ll ride an old-fashioned local train into the park grounds, then explore about 1,500 sakura trees in all of their gorgeous glory. The idyllic scenery combined with the pink hues make for an unforgettable afternoon, not to mention providing extraordinary photo opportunities.
Ready to journey to Japan’s Great North? So much more awaits, from scrumptious meals (plus superb desserts like Hokkaido ice cream and local egg-based treats!) to unique omiyage shopping chances. Join us and enjoy a truly exceptional experience in Japan!
What’s included on the Scenic Sakura Tour:
- Start your journey in peace, away from the airport crowds, with a chance to relax at HIS Hawaii’s exclusive LeaLea Lounge at Honolulu Airport before your flight.
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic seasonal and cultural activities like wearing kimono traditional clothing, a “Fisherman’s Wife” cooking experience, Tsugaru crafts hands-on experience, an Ainu (Hokkaido’s indigenous people) musical performance, and much more!
- Relaxing stays at top-rated hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 23 savory meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Explore the remote Tsugaru Peninsula and take an old-fashioned local train ride into Ashino Park, known as one of Japan’s most beautiful sites for spring cherry blossoms
- Wander beneath Hirosaki Castle Park’s perfect rows of pink trees, then come back again during the evening to marvel at the incredible sakura illumination event.
- Enjoy specialty seasonal and regional cuisine with 23 included exceptional meals, including a premium King Crab kaiseki farewell dinner in Sapporo. Don’t forget to try Hokkaido’s famous ice cream, known as some of the best in Japan!
- Feel the richness of history at the Sannai-Maruyama Prehistoric Ruins, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating spot contains some of the best examples of Japan’s early Jōmon period and was inhabited from around 3900 BCE!
- Relax with a full free day in Sapporo to do any last minute shopping or enjoy certain foods you’ve always wanted to try, all at your own pace! Ask an HIS agent for suggestions.
Tour Itinerary
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS IN JAPAN
🌸Click here to see the full tour schedule!🌸
Day 0 – April 16 (Thursday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your journey to Japan begins at Honolulu International Airport. Relax in the exclusive LeaLea Lounge and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1 – April 17 (Friday): Arrival in Japan
- Welcome to Japan! Arrive at Tokyo-Haneda Airport then transfer to a short domestic flight up to Aomori. Meet your Japanese local guide, then hop on a quick bus ride to arrive at your hotel in central Aomori City.
- Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori or similar
- Meals included: None (two meals served onboard the plane and can eat at airport, if desired)
Day 2 – April 18 (Saturday): Aomori and hot springs
- Enjoy Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, featuring the giant floats of Aomori’s most famous festival, then head next door for shopping at A-Factory to find your perfect omiyage. Move to the Sannai-Maruyama Jōmon Prehistoric Settlement (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and immerse yourself in learning about Japan’s earliest inhabitants. Next, transfer to your onsen hotel and slip into warming hot springs to finish your day.
- Hotel: Rockwood Hotel & Spa or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – April 19 (Sunday): Hirosaki and surroundings
- Begin the day with Hirosaki Castle Park’s fantastic sakura sightseeing plus entrance to the castle for those that’d like to view the park from above. Then, get a taste of local Tsugaru culture with a hands-on crafts experience before making a quick stop at the former Hirosaki City Library, built in 1906 to commemorate the Russo-Japanese war. End the day with gorgeous cherry blossom illumination at the castle park.
- Hotel: Art Hotel Hirosaki City or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – April 20 (Monday): Ashino Park and Aomori
- Marvel at Tsuru no Mai Bridge, Japan’s longest triple arch wooden bridge, then move to the picturesque Tsugaru Peninsula and board a local train at Goshogawara Station to ride into spectacular Ashino Park, home to over 1,500 cherry blossom trees! On the way back to Aomori City you’ll stop by Takayama Inari shrine, home to one thousand red torii gates snaking up the hillside, then shop at your own pace around Dream Town Ali mall, which has stores including Daiso, Uniqlo, and more.
- Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – April 21 (Tuesday): To Hokkaido
- Head to Shin-Aomori Station and board a shinkansen bullet train for Hakodate (about one hour ride), passing through the Seikan Tunnel, the world’s longest undersea tunnel. Once in Hokkaido you’ll enjoy sightseeing at beautiful Lake Onuma Quasi-National Park (make sure to try the special onuma dango!) and a mini-cruise across the lake. Next, as you head to Hakodate, you’ll stop by specialty ice cream shop Hakodate Milk Ice 118 for tasty treats made from farm-fresh milk, then stroll amidst the cherry blossoms at the iconic Goryōkaku Park and Goryōkaku Tower. Don’t miss the striking views of the city from your hotel’s hot springs bath on the top floor!
- Hotel: Century Marina Hakodate or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – April 22 (Wednesday): Hakodate and surroundings
- Wake up with a visit to the famous Hakodate Morning Seafood Market to find a wealth of omiyage shopping opportunities, then enjoy a kimono traditional clothing rental experience. This makes a fantastic photo opportunity so bring your camera or phone! In the afternoon you’ll visit a Trappist Monastery (the butter cookies here are one of Hokkaido’s most popular souvenirs!), then return to Hakodate to stroll around the historical Motomatchi district. This evening you’ll ascend Mt. Hakodate via a short ropeway ride for the renowned nightscape scenery, crowned as one of Japan’s “Three Best Night Views”.
- Hotel: Century Marina Hakodate or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 – April 23 (Thursday): Shikabe to Noboribetsu
- As you begin to move toward Sapporo, you’ll arrive at Shikabe, a small town famous for its fishing industry. Here you’ll have a truly memorable “Fisherman’s Wife” cooking hands-on experience with local residents, giving you the opportunity to connect more closely with community members. Make a quick stop by Shikabe Geyser Park to see this rare natural phenomenon, then make the drive to Noboribetsu, Hokkaido’s most well-known hot springs destination. You’ll have time to wander the winding paths of the area’s Jigokudani “Hell Valley” before heading to your comfortable accommodations to enjoy an onsen bath at your leisure.
- Hotel: Noboribetsu Miyabitei or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – April 24 (Friday): To Sapporo
- Immerse yourself in learning at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, the only National Museum dedicated to Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional music and dance performance while you’re here. Afterward, head to Mother’s+, a Hokkaido egg farm, that specializes in scrumptious egg-based sweets, including amazing cream puffs and more! Depart for Sapporo in the mid-afternoon, relax with a bit of free time at your hotel after checking in, then feast and celebrate your experiences at a farewell King Crab kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 – April 25 (Saturday): Free day in Sapporo
- Enjoy the freedom to explore Sapporo your way with a full free day in the city. Shop, dine, revisit favorite sites, or relax at your own pace. Need suggestions? Just ask us!
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – April 26 (Sunday): Sapporo to Honolulu
- You’ll have a free morning to explore Sapporo, then meet your bus to transfer to New Chitose International Airport. Take a look at the extensive shopping area to grab any last-minute gifts, then depart for Honolulu via Haneda (Tokyo) on Japan Airlines. Welcome home!
- Hotel: None
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the plane
This vibrant spring journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and serene onsen retreats during northern Japan’s most colorful season.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,090.00*
$4,190.00 **
$500.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Japan during the spring usually has a pleasant climate. Average high temperatures for Hakodate at the end of April are about 55 degrees during the day, with a low of around 40 degrees at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Sapporo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 23 exceptional meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals during free time at the end of the tour are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international airfare from Honolulu to Japan, as well as domestic flights within Japan, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
