Tokyo to Hokkaido 14-Day Cherry Blossom Viewing Experience on a Private Chartered Car

Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is a country rich in culture, history and well-known for its iconic cherry blossom season. The pale pink and white blooms covering blanketing the country from North to South during spring season makes it all the more breathtaking. During this time, locals and visitors alike hold cherry blossom viewing parties or hanami, celebrating the end of the harsh winter and welcoming the warmth of spring. Gardens are adorned with many varieties of flowering cherry trees and are usually packed with locals and visitors enjoying a picnic under the tree canopies. 

On this 14-day tour from Tokyo to Hokkaido, you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary, visiting cultural landmarks, fashionable neighborhoods, diverse shopping districts, and of course, the best places for cherry blossom viewing.

Tokyo

Tokyo is not the usual first choice of travelers for cherry blossom viewing. But the city capital has several spots perfect for the event. You can go for a walk at Meguro Riverside which is entirely lined by the famed trees, Shinjuku Gyoen Park which boasts over 1000 cherry trees of different varieties, or Inokashira Park where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the stunning view from the lake waters.

Niigata

From endless seas of flowers to cherry blossoms, Niigata is one of the best places to enjoy spring. The former Niigata Customs House that has largely remained unchanged since the Edo and Meiji eras is surrounded by a profusion of cherry blossoms, perfect for history buffs out there. Then head out to Takada Park in Joetsu City, a park centered around a beautiful castle which has roughly 4000 cherry trees that are illuminated at night during the season - a world-class experience visited by millions every year.

Sendai

The largest city in the Tohoku Region, Sendai is a must-visit, especially during the spring season. The city offers some of the best sites for cherry blossom viewing including Mikamine Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, and Nishi Park. Sendai is also known as a shopping district so if you have some spare hours, go for a stroll at the shopping arcade where you'll find unique and affordable goodies. If you wish to break out of the city confines, head out to Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, a mountainside park where you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms against the Matsushima Bay backdrop. 

Aomori

Aomori is known as a snow country, where world-class skiing and snowboarding await during winter. In springtime, the city is covered in cherry blossoms, apple blossoms, canola, azaleas, and more. The best place to enjoy the season is on the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles. The castle offers 2600 cherry trees, petal-filled moats, night lighting, and picnic areas perfect for hanami parties. You may also enjoy a stroll at the street of Komakaido and Ashino Park, a natural park with a lake, a hanging bridge, and a rail line.

Hokkaido

Just like Aomori, most people think that the best season to visit Hokkaido is winter, but the cherry blossoms and other flowering plants blanketing the island during spring is also a sight to behold. Popular spots in Sapporo include Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park (site of some historical buildings), and the cherry tree forest of Moerenuma Park. And since you're here, might as well try the famous Sapporo Beer and visit Sapporo Beer Museum, an absolute must even if you are not a beer-drinker.

Inclusions

• Flexibility to customize your tour
• Private tour vehicle
• Hotel accommodation for 13 nights

Exclusions

• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Foods and beverages

• Tour schedule is dependent on the cherry blossom blooming season and dates could not be determined until weeks before the annual event. Cherry blossom season could be anytime from mid-March to mid-May, depending on the location.