Active Japan: Hokkaido Highlights & Okinawa Island Hopping

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Active Japan: Hokkaido Highlights & Okinawa Island Hopping



Tour Description:

It’s not every day you can say you’ve travelled a country from top to bottom — but on this 20-day active adventure, you’ll explore Japan from its northernmost tip to its sunny southern islands. Kick things off in Kyoto and Tokyo, with city walks and scenic day hikes before heading way off the beaten path. Explore Hokkaido’s rugged national parks, then hop over to Okinawa’s tropical paradise for biking, hiking, and kayaking. Refuel with mouthwatering dishes unique to each region and unwind in traditional Japanese onsens. Who says you can’t have it all?

Map for Active Japan: Hokkaido Highlights & Okinawa Island Hopping
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Dates & Pricing

Tuesday 06 May 25 — Sunday 25 May 25Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 13 May 25 — Sunday 01 Jun 25Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 24 Jun 25 — Sunday 13 Jul 25Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 15 Jul 25 — Sunday 03 Aug 25Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 18 Jul 25 — Wednesday 06 Aug 25Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 19 Aug 25 — Sunday 07 Sep 25Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 26 Aug 25 — Sunday 14 Sep 25Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 02 Sep 25 — Sunday 21 Sep 25Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 09 Sep 25 — Sunday 28 Sep 25Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 30 Sep 25 — Sunday 19 Oct 25Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 14 Oct 25 — Sunday 02 Nov 25Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 28 Oct 25 — Sunday 16 Nov 25Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 24 Mar 26 — Sunday 12 Apr 26Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 31 Mar 26 — Sunday 19 Apr 26Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 07 Apr 26 — Sunday 26 Apr 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 14 Apr 26 — Sunday 03 May 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 05 May 26 — Sunday 24 May 26Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 12 May 26 — Sunday 31 May 26Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 26 May 26 — Sunday 14 Jun 26Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 09 Jun 26 — Sunday 28 Jun 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 23 Jun 26 — Sunday 12 Jul 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 14 Jul 26 — Sunday 02 Aug 26Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 17 Jul 26 — Wednesday 05 Aug 26Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 18 Aug 26 — Sunday 06 Sep 26Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 25 Aug 26 — Sunday 13 Sep 26Starting at $9,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 01 Sep 26 — Sunday 20 Sep 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 08 Sep 26 — Sunday 27 Sep 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 29 Sep 26 — Sunday 18 Oct 26Starting at $9,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 13 Oct 26 — Sunday 01 Nov 26Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 27 Oct 26 — Sunday 15 Nov 26Starting at $9,999Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Arrive at anytime. Then meet your group and CEO this evening for a welcome meeting.

Tokyo
Today you have the chance to see the biggest city in Japan on a tour with your CEO. See highlights of this amazing city like Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Asakusa neighbourhood, Nakamise shopping street and the Imperial Palace. In the afternoon, spend your time in Tokyo how you'd like. Opt to visit cool neighborhoods like Akihabara or Harajuku. Find some green space in the famous Ueno Park. Or connect with Japanese history at Meijii Shrine.

Tokyo/Shiretoko
There's no time to waste as you join your fellow travelers in the morning and head towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, head to your hotel outside Shiretoko National Park and enjoy dinner together with your CEO and travel mates.

Shiretoko
After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Five Lakes area of Shiretoko National Park. This area is famous for its namesake five lakes that were formed years ago by the eruption of Mount Lo. The area now offers picturesque views of the mountains and the wilderness all around. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall cascading into the Okhotsk Sea.

Shiretoko
Another morning hike in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula awaits. Embark on a guided three to four hour hike through the Primeval Forest area of the park. Be sure to bring binoculars if you are a keen animal enthusiast, as there is ample opportunity to spot various species from the Steller's sea eagle to Japanese deer. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. The afternoon is at leisure, and you can choose to relax at your hotel bathing facilities, or walk into the village area some 20 minutes away.

Shiretoko/Akan-ko
Depart the Shiretoko area this morning and head slightly inland towards Lake Akan. En route stop to visit active volcano Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. From there continue on to the shore of Lake Kussharo, where you can take a moment to get your hands dirty digging into the sandy shore and actually hitting hot spring water. Dig your own personal Onsen! Yet another sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. Make a final stop at the observatory deck to take in views of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu before continuing on your overnight stay at a Ryokan. After a dinner with your fellow travelers, enjoy a cultural performance in tribute to the history of the local Ainu people of the region. Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy is a presentation of Ainu ancient ceremonial dance, contemporary dance and digital art.

Akan-ko/Asahikawa
Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning to spend the morning hours enjoying the Ryokan hot springs a second time. Or choose to join your CEO for a walk around Lake Akan. Then make your way towards Asahikawa. Don't fill up too much during the day, because dinner this evening is the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.

Asahikawa
It's time to rise and shine and strap on those hiking boots once again. This morning, head to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. Board the ten minute gondola ride up to the start of the walk. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area on foot, and hope for glimpses of the mountain ranges as the fog comes and goes.

Asahikawa/Sapporo
Sapporo, the capitol of Hokkaido, is home to some of the island's most interesting spots. With a day at leisure, choose to join your CEO on a half day cycling tour of Otaru, a nearby town full of historical gems to explore. Or, choose to walk on foot to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.

Sapporo
Spend today getting well acquainted with the city of Sapporo, home of the world famous beer. Begin your day with a visit to the Nijo Market. Walk through the stalls full of fresh seafood, most caught right of the coast of Hokkaido. You'll see crabs, fish and things you may have never seen before like fresh urchin and fish eggs. Afterwards, head to the home of the first Japanese made beer, Sapporo Beer Museum, and sample beer that can only be found at this location.

Sapporo/Kyoto
Bid Sapporo and Hokkaido farewell and head southbound to Kyoto on a domestic flight. Upon arrival, the afternoon is at leisure and you can choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a dinner out in Kyoto.

Kyoto
Start your Kyoto based explorations with one of the iconic hikes outside the Kyoto downtown area. Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Yuki shrine and Kurama-dera temple.

Kyoto
The final day in Kyoto begins with the iconic visit to Fushimi Inari shrine. Walk for around 2 hours under the vibrant torii gates as you make your way along the various trails. Although this is a popular activity, it's worth it for the expansive views across Southern Kyoto.

Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park
Let the island hopping begin. Board a domestic flight bound for Naha airport, in Okinawa. Naha is the main gateway for travelers in and out of Okinawa. Upon arrival, hop onto a private transport and make your way north towards Yanbaru National Park. This area is not popular on the tourist route due to its more remote location, and indeed feels a bit like a hidden gem.

Yanbaru National Park
Begin today's explorations at the Okinawa Rail Observation deck. Shaped like a giant 12 meter tall Okinawa rail, this observation deck gives visitors expansive views over Usa Beach and Cape Hedo. Then embark on a guided walk through part of Yambaru Forest, spotting native flora and fauna. After a picnic lunch, head towards to the seaside and join your local guide on a guided sea kayaking excursion to Yasuda island. After a busy day, enjoy a dinner out together.

Kunigami/Ishigaki
Another day, another island. Today, head even further south to Ishigaki island. Still part of Okinawa, Ishigaki technically sits closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan. Join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious dinner sampling the famous Ishigaki beef.

Ishigaki
In the Hirakubo Peninsula in northern Ishigaki, hop aboard a Sabani, the traditional Okinawan sailboat, and cruise along the shores of the peninsula. Hop into the water to snorkel if you choose, or just admire the stunning untouched environment. These boats are hand carved in the traditional way from hollowed logs, and only hold 6 persons per boat. Enjoy this rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of Okinawan cultural heritage.

Taketomi Island
Just off the coast of the Ishigaki Port area is Taketomi Island, part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Surrounded by coral reef, the island is actually constructed of coral walls and structures, creating a unique architectural look within Japan. The central Ryukyu village is the most well known feature of the island, full of red tiled roof buildings and tropical flowers. There are plenty of ways to explore Taketomi, but in true G Adventures style we opt for a bicycle to be able to zip around and see as much as possible.

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
The island hopping continues as you head west again towards Iriomote island. Spend the day kayaking in a mangrove area, spotting birds and local flora you can only find in this area. Then hit the land and choose to hike to the top of Okinawa's tallest waterfall. After an epic day exploring the island, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner back in Ishigaki.

Ishigaki
Depart at any time.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.