Tour Itinerary

Interstate passengers take connecting flight to Sydney.
18:45 Check in at Sydney Terminal 1 at All Nippon Airways counter for Flight NH880 to Tokyo Haneda.
21:45 Depart from Sydney by All Nippon Airways’ overnight flight NH880.

05:20 Group arrival at Tokyo Haneda airport terminal 2.
After clearing quarantine and customs you will be welcomed by your tour escort. We check in for our connecting ANA Chitose flight to Chitose/Sapporo.
08:00 dep. Haneda by Flight no. NH53, arr. Chitose/Sapporo airport at 09:30.
Travel to Otaru port town by chartered coach. The town’s nostalgic, old fashioned mood is enhanced by the architecture and the way the town nestles around a large and picturesque canal. Mid-afternoon, we transfer to our hotel and check in for 1 night.
Accommodation: Sapporo Stream Hotel or similar

Travel by chartered bus from Sapporo to the next destination Akan machi, by chartered coach.
We may well find some Autumn colours on the journey. On the way to Akan, we will visit The Nibutani Ainu museum in the Biratori region. This museum has Ainu crafts designated as important tangible folk cultural properties and lots of audiovisual and book materials. The exhibitions in this museum are utilized for the study of Ainu culture of the Saru Valley. There are “chi-se” villages populated by traditional thatch roofed chi-se houses near the museum which are designated as important cultural landscapes. This is a rare example in Hokkaido of academic information related to Ainu culture being amassed in one place. Check in at New Akan Hotel for 2 nights.
Accommodation: New Akan Hotel for 2 nights or similar

This morning, we will enjoy a tour by chartered coach visiting Lake Mashu and Iouzan.
Afternoon, enjoy Hands-on Experience of Ainu Embroidery (90 minutes)
It is believed in Ainu culture that textiles have souls and the power to ward off evil spirits. An Ainu woman puts her heart and soul into each stitch of her embroidery, because a garment made without passion would not have a soul. The Ainu, with their distinctive language, religion, and culture in Japan, have always lived in harmony with nature and showed gratitude to the natural world. Transfer back to hotel in Lake Akan.
Free time in the afternoon to stroll along the fascinating Lake Akan shopping strip or enjoy a Volcanic Onsen bath. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation: New Akan Hotel or similar

After checking out from our hotel we travel by chartered coach to Sapporo to arrive mid afternoon. Upon arrival at Sapporo, we transfer to our hotel and check in for 1 night.
Our hotel is located in the heart of Sapporo shopping district. Remainder of the day is free at leisure. Your tour coordinator will be happy to assist you with your dinner arrangements. Sapporo is famous for its “Ramen” noodle. Why not try Ramen tonight at a local noodle bar – just like the locals.
Accommodation: Sapporo Stream Hotel or similar

Check out from hotel in Sapporo and travel to Hakodate by JR train along coastline of Southern Hokkaido. Hakodate was originally an Ainu village but became a significant port during the Shogun (Edo) period. It was one of the first ports opened to the West in the 19th century Upon arrival, we enjoy sightseeing visiting Goryokaku, Mt. Hakodate and Hakodate market.
Accommodation: La Vista Hakodate or similar

After checking out from the hotel we travel by Hokkaido Bullet Train from the island of Hokkaido to the Tohoku region which is the northern part of Japan’s main Island, Honshu.
We visit Tsugaru Clan Neputa Village, a hands-on sightseeing facility based on the theme of the colourful Hirosaki Neputa festival.

Hands on experience: You will enjoy completing paint work on Kokeshi Wooden Doll.
The fan-shaped Neputa actually used in the festival are exhibited for viewing. Visitors can also try the taiko (Japanese drums) along with the Neputa musicians themselves. Live Tsugaru-shamisen performances are also open for viewing. There is a facility for visitors to see, experience, and buy Tsugaru traditional artwork. Travel on to Morioka, and check in at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka Ekimae for 2 nights.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka Ekimae or similar

Today we visit another Handicraft village in Morioka to enjoy Indigo dyeing a bandana and also making a piece of Sakiori weaving ( traditional Japanese rag weaving) cloth.
Mid-afternoon after returning to the hotel, you are free at leisure. Visit the old Kon-ya street district, where merchant shops from the 18th and 19th centuries can still be found to see old artisan Japanese biscuit maker, Sake brewer and iron teapot handcraft, “Nanbu Cast Iron Teapot” shops.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka Ekimae or similar

We check out from our hotel and walk to Morioka station to catch the Bullet train to Tokyo Station, and then a quick subway ride to Shinjuku. Check in for 3 nights at our Tokyo hotel a 5 minute walk from the station. Official check in time is 15:00 at Keio Plaza Hotel.
Leave your hand luggage with the porter’s desk and enjoy visiting Nippori Whole sale fabric town by local trains.
Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel for 3 nights or similar

Day at leisure
Why not enjoy some optional tours which start from Keio Plaza Hotel.
♦ Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour – traveling by coach, Japanese Lunch included. (10-11 HOURS)
Lunch included from $240/person Sightseeing around the popular Mt. Fuji/Hakone area. Visit an area halfway up the World Heritage-registered Mt. Fuji, and experience majestic nature with a cruise ship and ropeway ride at a lake in Hakone.
If you are interested, please grab your place when you make your Quilt Tour reservation.
Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotelor similar

09:00 Meet at lobby, You will be transferred by chartered coach to Yokohama to enjoy the quilt show.
World Quilt Festival 2024 Yokohama (10:00 ~ 15:00)
Late afternoon return to hotel.
19:00 Meet at lobby. Farewell dinner at local Japanese restaurant.
Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel or similar

Today is our last day in Japan, so you might wish to do some last-minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. The official hotel check-out time is 11:00.
11:00 Check out from hotel.
12:00 Meet at lobby for a sightseeing of Tokyo sky tree. It is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634 meters in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world. and visit Asakusa Buddhist temple Sensoji, well known for the large red lantern at the Kaminari mon (Gate of Thunder and Lightning). Stroll down the colourful Nakamise shopping arcade lined with tiny stalls and thronging with enchanted shoppers and temple visitors. Transfer to Haneda airport, check in at All Nippon Airways counter for NH879 dep.
Haneda at 22:45. (to arrive at Sydney at 10:30+1(following morning / 10 NOV 24)

Interstate passengers connect to domestic flights.