Private Travel
Japan
Private
Private Tour
Tokyo to Tokyo – 14 Days
Experience the magic of Japan in autumn on this 14-day cultural journey through the northern regions. Starting in Tokyo, travel by bullet train and scenic roads through Aizu-Wakamatsu, Naruko Onsen, Kakunodate, and more. Explore samurai towns, Edo-era villages, volcanic landscapes, and stunning lakes and gorges blanketed in fiery autumn leaves. Stay in traditional ryokans, soak in onsen baths, and enjoy local cuisine, from fresh sushi to regional ramen and apple desserts.
This tour offers a rich blend of natural beauty, seasonal charm, and cultural discovery. Visit castles, shrines, sake breweries, and craft museums while enjoying scenic drives and peaceful walks through gorges and forests. From boat cruises in Matsushima Bay to scenic ropeway rides on Mount Hakkoda, every day brings new perspectives. Designed for travellers seeking a slower, immersive exploration of Japan’s less-visited regions, this journey is ideal for experiencing autumn’s quiet elegance in a deeply local way.
SAMURAI HERITAGE IN AIZU-WAKAMATSU: Explore the samurai culture of Aizu-Wakamatsu with visits to Tsuruga Castle, the double-helix Sazaedo temple, and Edo-era streets. Discover local crafts, sample katsu specialities, and enjoy a kaiseki dinner in a traditional ryokan, surrounded by autumn leaves and the refined atmosphere of this historic northern Japanese city.
AUTUMN LANDSCAPES AT NARUKO GORGE & OIRASE STREAM: Walk through Naruko Gorge and Oirase Stream, two of Japan’s most scenic autumn spots. Enjoy forest trails, waterfalls, and mountain views as fiery foliage lights up the landscape. Stay in hot spring inns, unwind in onsen baths, and take in the natural beauty of northern Japan in peak season.
CULTURAL FOOD EXPERIENCES IN NORTHERN JAPAN: Delight in authentic northern Japanese food experiences, from sushi in Shiogama and ramen in Kitakata to Wanko Soba and apple desserts in Hirosaki. Visit sake breweries, apple farms, and local markets while sampling unique regional dishes shaped by Japan’s cooler climate and rich culinary heritage.
LAKE TOWADA, MT HAKKODA & HIGHLAND ADVENTURES: Explore Japan’s highlands with a ropeway ride up Mt Hakkoda and lakeside views at Lake Towada. Enjoy hiking trails, biking routes, and boat cruises in crisp autumn air. With alpine marshes, panoramic lookouts, and volcanic trails, this part of northern Japan offers nature at its most vibrant.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Private Travel
Light Moderate
Premium
This 14-day cultural journey through northern Japan explores autumn landscapes, samurai towns, hot springs, and local cuisine. Travel from Tokyo to Aizu, Kakunodate, Oirase, and Hirosaki, with scenic walks, castle visits, sake tastings, and onsen stays. Ideal for travellers seeking Japan’s seasonal beauty and cultural richness at a relaxed pace.
Arrive in Tokyo, where old traditions blend with modern life. You’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take in views of Mount Fuji in the distance and prepare for days filled with unique experiences. Tokyo has peaceful gardens and historic temples, yet it’s also full of exciting food, shopping, and futuristic design. Whether you explore quiet corners or bustling neighbourhoods, Tokyo offers a little of everything. Use this day to relax or begin exploring Japan’s capital, with its surprising mix of calm and energy.
Take the bullet train to Aizu-Wakamatsu, a city known for its samurai history. Visit the Aizu Sazaedo, a spiral wooden temple with a double-helix path. Walk through the colourful surroundings of Mount Iimori and see the graceful Tsuruga Castle. Try local dishes like Agemanju buns and katsu meals. Spend time browsing Nanukamachi Street, home to traditional crafts and sweets. Tonight, stay in a ryokan and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner. The city’s peaceful charm and deep heritage set the tone for an immersive cultural journey.
Explore Urabandai, a quiet area behind Mount Bandai known for natural beauty. Walk along forest trails and see peaceful lakes, especially stunning in autumn. Follow the Goshikinuma trail, which passes five lakes coloured in shades of blue and green. Continue with a scenic drive along Bandai-Azuma Lake and Nakatsugawa Gorge. Adventurous travellers can hike up Mount Bandai for sweeping mountain views. This day is all about enjoying fresh air, calm landscapes, and a slower pace of travel.
Step back in time with a visit to Ouchijuku, a preserved Edo-period town. Wander down dirt streets lined with thatched houses and try negisoba noodles, eaten with a green onion. Shop for lacquerware and folk crafts, and visit the local museum to learn about village life in the past. Try painting an akabeko, a red cow believed to bring good health. In the afternoon, head to Kitakata, known for ramen. Taste a ramen burger, visit the local Ramen Museum, and end with sake tasting at a local brewery.
Travel to Shiogama, a city famous for sushi. Visit the lively fish market, home to around 140 stalls, and either buy fresh sushi or build your own seafood bowl. Then take a boat ride through Matsushima Bay, where pine-covered islands create a peaceful scene. Walk across red bridges to small islands and visit the historic Zuiganji and Entsuin temples. Enjoy an oyster feast at a local hut, where oysters are served raw, grilled, or fried. End your day at Naruko Onsen, a mountain hot spring town.
Take a walk along Naruko Gorge, known for stunning autumn leaves. Follow a 2.5-km trail beside the river, especially beautiful around Ofukazawa Bridge. Explore the Jigokudani trail, where steam vents and hot springs give a sense of Japan’s volcanic power. At the Kokeshi Museum, learn about these wooden dolls and try painting one yourself. Stop for kuri dango, rice balls covered in chestnut paste. Then return to your onsen and soak in the warm mineral-rich waters, a perfect way to end the day.
Travel to Kakunodate, a samurai town known for its black wooden fences and autumn colours. Walk or ride a rickshaw through the preserved samurai district. Visit historic houses like Aoyagi and Ishiguro to see old weapons, armour, and family items. Learn about local crafts at the Denshokan Museum and sample miso and soy sauce at a nearby workshop. In the evening, relax in a traditional ryokan with a private onsen. Enjoy kiritanpo hot pot for dinner, surrounded by the glow of lanterns and autumn leaves.
Today, visit Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake with striking blue waters. Take a boat ride or cycle around its peaceful edge. See shrines along the shore and the famous statue created by Yasutake Funakoshi. In the afternoon, explore Dakigaeri Gorge, with its wooden bridges, walking trails, and Mikaeri Waterfall. The gorge is especially beautiful in autumn with colourful trees, winding paths, and streams running below. It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature and end the day with scenic views and fresh air.
Begin your day at Iwate Castle Park in Morioka, where only the stone walls remain of the old castle. Then visit Handi-Works Square to watch local crafts being made and sample sweets. Try Wanko Soba, where servers keep filling your bowl until you say stop. Visit Sakurayama Shrine and Hoonji Temple to see Morioka’s spiritual side. For dinner, try jajamen noodles, a local dish, at Pairon, where the dish was first created. Morioka offers a blend of local traditions, crafts, and delicious food.
Travel along the Aspite Line Road through Hachimantai’s volcanic landscape. Walk peaceful trails at the summit near Hachiman-numa Pond, ideal for a quiet picnic. Visit Goshogake Onsen and see bubbling hot springs and steam vents as you follow the nature trail. Then continue to Oirase Stream and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by forests and rivers. Take it easy, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the calm of this beautiful natural area.
Take a bike ride along Oirase Stream toward Lake Towada, passing waterfalls and colourful autumn trees. Choose to cycle around the lake or enjoy a gentle boat cruise. The rest of the day is free to enjoy your surroundings. Walk along forest trails or simply relax at your hotel. Oirase Stream is known for its quiet beauty and is especially lovely in autumn. Whether you’re active or at rest, today is all about enjoying nature at your own pace.
Today’s adventure begins with a ride up Mount Hakkoda on the ropeway. At the top, take a short walk among highland plants and marshes. From 4,330 feet, look out over Lake Towada, Mutsu Bay, and even towards Hokkaido on clear days. This scenic hike offers wide views and fresh mountain air. After your walk, return to your hotel and enjoy a soak in the hot spring bath. Surrounded by nature and stillness, this peaceful evening is a perfect way to relax.
Travel to Hirosaki, the apple capital of Japan. Visit Hirosaki Apple Park to learn about apple farming and try different apple treats. Taste local favourites like apple curry and apple ice cream. Head to Hirosaki Castle Park, with its beautiful trees and historic buildings. Rent a rowboat or simply walk through the park. Explore the art of Tsugaru lacquerware and sample famous local apple pies from one of the many shops. This day is full of sweet flavours and peaceful moments.
Travel to Aomori for your flight to Tokyo. If time allows, try a bowl of miso milk curry ramen—an unusual but delicious local dish. The creamy broth is topped with seaweed, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. Then fly to Tokyo and connect to your international flight. Leave Japan with wonderful memories of fall colours, traditional towns, friendly people, and unforgettable meals. This journey through Japan’s heartland offers a special look into the country’s seasonal beauty and rich traditions.
This meticulously designed tour draws inspiration from Japan's stunning diversity, seamlessly blending the allure of its modern cities with the serene beauty of its natural landscapes and the profound depth of its cultural heritage.
The expedition was crafted to captivate those with a keen interest in a comprehensive experience that encompasses activities; nature, culture, and wildlife. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historical samurai towns and serene hot springs, each destination was chosen for its unique contribution to Japan's multifaceted identity.
The journey invites adventurers to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences and offer ideal choices for explorers, passionate about understanding the essence of the places they visit.
Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.
TRANSPORTATION: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.
Prices are per person, based on double or single occupancy (unless otherwise noted) and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars and subject to change. See the terms and conditions for this trip for more information.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
