







Trip summary statistics
10days
Flavors of Northern Japan: Tokyo to Hokkaido
Tokyo, Sendai, Hakodate, Sapporo
Walk Tokyo's backstreets with a private guide, and eat through local kitchens and food stalls.
Sample sushi and sake near Sendai, then cruise the pine-clad islands of Matsushima Bay.
Explore Sapporo's Olympic legacy, Beer Museum, and fresh seafood market on a private day.
Visit a local Yoichi winery, taste coastal wines with the owner, and lunch on Hokkaido flavors.
Count on your Destination Expert for curated dining picks and seamless travel throughout.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
We personalize
There's no formula, we simply listen to you and make it happen.
We expertly plan
From your itinerary to the small details, we prepare it all on your behalf.
We don't settle
Refining your itinerary until you're happy, even while you're traveling.
When would you like to travel?
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What's your ideal trip length?
If anything changes, we can always adjust.
Prefer to speak with a destination expert?
TokyoThe Adventure Begins
- Airport - Private Transfer with Meet & Greet
- Self Guided - Tokyo Ramen Suggestions
TokyoCity Streets and Tasty Treats
- Private Tokyo Culinary Neighborhoods Tour with Lunch by Private Vehicle | 8 hrs
Tokyo to SendaiExplore with an Expert
- Train Station - Private Transfer
- Train - Tokyo - Sendai [2 hrs] - Green class
- Sendai: History & Flavors (with Lunch, 6 hrs) - Private Tour by Private Vehicle
SendaiTreasures and Pleasures
- Matsushima & Shiogama's Sushi Culture (with Lunch, 8.5 hrs) - Private Tour by Private Vehicle
Sendai to HakodateLike a Speeding Bullet
- Train Station - Private Transfer
- Train - Sendai - Hakodate [3 hrs] - Green Class
- Train Station - Private Transfer
- Hakodate Dining Recommendations
HakodateA Journey Back in Time
- Hakodate Heritage Walk (6 hrs) - Private Tour by Private Vehicle
Hakodate to SapporoTastes and Traditions
- Train Station - Private Transfer
- Train - Hakodate - Sapporo [3.5 hrs] - First / Green Class
- Train Station – Private Transfer
- Sapporo’s Evening Food Scene (3 hrs) - Private Tour by Private Vehicle
SapporoSights and Insights
- Highlights of Sapporo (with Lunch, 8 hrs) - Private Tour by Private Vehicle
SapporoA Festive Feast
- Yoichi Whisky & Culinary Indulgence (with Lunch, 5.5 hrs) - Private Tour by Private Vehicle
SapporoBon Voyage
- Airport - Private Transfer
TOKYO


The Adventure Begins
Meet your Kensington Tours Airport Representative who will escort you to your driver for an accompanied airport transfer into Tokyo city-center by private vehicle.
Choose from a variety of ramen spots across Tokyo on your own, discovering the city’s rich noodle culture. Savor Michelin-starred Tantanmen at Nakiryu, refreshing Yuzu Shio at Afuri, or creamy Tsukemen at Fuunji. Aternatively, you could visit Rokurinsha beneath Tokyo Station - widely regarded as one of Tokyo's most iconic ramen shops, and credited with pioneering the popularity of tsukemen (dipping noodles) since it first opened in Osaki in 2005. During your stay in Tokyo, you can also try bold broths at Menya Musashi, Tonkotsu at Ichiran, refined Shoyu at Ramenya Toy Box, and spicy miso at Kikanbo.
Where you’ll be staying
Essential Room
TOKYO


City Streets and Tasty Treats
Experience Tokyo through its classic flavors and old-town character with a private guide, starting at Tsukiji Outer Market among specialty food shops and sushi counters. Continue to Hama Rikyu for matcha and a sweet at a traditional teahouse, then head into Asakusa to explore the historic streets around Senso ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. A tempura lunch anchors the neighborhood visit, before time to browse Kappabashi’s kitchenware shops and sample local snacks in lively Ameyoko. Conclude your fulfilling experience with a return to your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Essential Room
TOKYO TO SENDAI


Explore with an Expert
Meet your driver and assistant for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Board a train from Tokyo with direct service to Sendai. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
Uncover Sendai’s vibrant character through a privately guided day that blends local flavors, hidden temples, and the legacy of the powerful Date clan. Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private transfer to Date no Komichi near Sendai Station to sample northern Japanese sake and ease into the city’s culinary scene. Continue to the lively Sendai Morning Market to snack on fishcakes, croquettes, sweets, and green tea alongside local shoppers. Discover the colorful Mitaki Fudoson Temple tucked within the arcade, then visit Zuihouden, the ornate mausoleum of Date Masamune. End at Aoba Castle’s ruins for sweeping city views before returning by private transfer.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
SENDAI


Treasures and Pleasures
Savor the flavors of northern Japan and admire one of its most poetic seascapes on a privately guided journey through Shiogama and Matsushima. Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private transfer to Shiogama, a city celebrated for its deep connection to seafood and sushi culture. Visit the lively wholesale fish market for tastings, then wander local streets to sample traditional sweets and enjoy a relaxed sake tasting, followed by a stop at a neighborhood Shinto shrine. Continue to Matsushima for a scenic cruise through pine-covered islands scattered across the bay. After lunch, visit Zuiganji’s cedar-lined approach, the cliffside Godaido Hall, and Entsuin Temple before returning by private transfer.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
SENDAI TO HAKODATE

Like a Speeding Bullet
Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Board a train from Sendai with direct service to Hakodate. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Enjoy a self-guided culinary exploration sampling local dining favorites. Savor Hakodate’s renowned Shio Ramen, known for its clear, delicate broth, or try a fresh Kaisendon seafood rice bowl topped with the day’s catch. Experience the fun of Kaiten Sushi, where plates glide past on a conveyor belt, or settle into a casual Japanese pub for small plates and sake. For something uniquely local, don’t miss the famous Lucky Pierrot burgers.
Please note: This is a suggestion for your leisure time and does not include admissions, a guide, or transfers.
Where you’ll be staying
Premier Queen
HAKODATE


A Journey Back in Time
Discover Hakodate’s layered history on a privately guided walk through its most storied neighborhoods. Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private transfer to the atmospheric waterfront, where your journey begins among the iconic red brick warehouses—landmarks that speak to Hakodate’s emergence as one of Japan’s earliest international trading ports. Continue to the charming Motomachi district, distinguished by its hillside streets lined with elegant Western-style homes built in the 1850s for foreign merchants. For lunch on your own, explore the lively morning market, a vibrant showcase of local seafood and regional flavors. In the afternoon, visit the star-shaped Goryokaku Fortress, strolling its vast grounds before taking in sweeping views from the nearby observation tower. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Premier Queen
HAKODATE TO SAPPORO


Tastes and Traditions
Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Board a train from Hakodate with service to Sapporo. The train ride is approximately 3.5 hours.
Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Dive into Sapporo’s celebrated food culture on a private evening that highlights the city’s signature flavors and lively neighborhoods. Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private transfer to begin a tailored culinary walk designed around your preferences. Sample local favorites such as Genghis Khan lamb barbecue, rich butter ramen, or exceptionally fresh seafood sourced from nearby coasts, with stops selected to match your tastes. Explore the bustling Tanukikoji shopping arcade and the vibrant nightlife streets of Susukino, where Sapporo’s energy comes alive after dark. End on a sweet note with a shime parfait, a creamy dessert made with prized Hokkaido dairy, before returning by private transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior King Room
SAPPORO


Sights and Insights
Uncover Sapporo’s lesser-known highlights on a thoughtfully paced exploration that blends panoramic views, Olympic legacy, and local flavors. Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private transfer to Mt. Okura, a scenic hill offering sweeping city views and insight into the dramatic world of ski jumping, reached by a thrilling ski lift ride. Continue to the Sapporo Olympic Museum to learn how the 1972 Winter Games shaped the city’s modern identity. Enjoy lunch at the central wholesale market, savoring fresh seafood or regional specialties. Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to discover the city’s brewing heritage and enjoy a tasting, then return to central Sapporo with local tips before concluding with a private transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior King Room
SAPPORO


A Festive Feast
Uncover Hokkaido’s rising wine heritage on a thoughtfully curated day in the coastal town of Yoichi, where cool sea air and fertile land produce distinctive local vintages. Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private transfer to this scenic seaside region. Begin with a visit to a local winery, exploring the vineyards and cellars before tasting wines alongside the owner, who explains the character of Yoichi’s terroir. Stop at a local market to discover the town’s renowned seafood and everyday culinary culture. Continue to a stylish hotel restaurant dedicated to showcasing Yoichi produce, where a carefully paired lunch highlights regional meats, seafood, and rare local wines. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior King Room
SAPPORO
Bon Voyage
Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle.
TOKYO






The Gate Hotel Tokyo
The Gate Ginza offers a contemporary urban retreat in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Ginza district, where sleek design meets thoughtful comfort. Each room is designed with modern elegance, featuring windows that frame the bustling city streets below, while interiors blend minimalistic style with subtle Japanese accents. Dining at the onsite restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients, presenting a mix of Japanese and international flavors in a relaxed setting. Later, enjoy a crafted cocktail at the stylish bar, an inviting spot to reflect on the day’s adventures. The Gate Ginza combines a prime location with sophisticated design and attentive service, creating a seamless balance of urban excitement and calm retreat. It is the perfect base for discovering Tokyo while enjoying comfort and style at every turn.
SENDAI





The Westin Sendai
Located near Sendai’s financial and industrial hub, The Westin Sendai enjoys one of the city’s most sought-after downtown addresses, just moments from Sendai Station. Occupying the uppermost floors of the Sendai Trust Tower, the hotel offers sweeping views across Aobayama Park, the Zao Mountain range, and the distant Pacific Ocean, creating a striking sense of place from arrival. Contemporary rooms are thoughtfully designed with modern comforts and refined amenities, providing a calm retreat above the city. On-site restaurants present a curated selection of international and regional cuisine, ideal for both casual meals and refined dining moments. After a day of exploration or meetings, unwind with a crafted drink at the bar while taking in the city lights below. For deeper relaxation, the spa offers soothing massage treatments designed to restore balance and energy. The Westin Sendai combines elevated comfort, panoramic views, and a prime location for a rewarding stay in Miyagi.
HAKODATE





Century Marina Hakodate
Century Marina Hakodate is located in a convenient spot near Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Morning Market, and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, opening a new chapter in the story of this historic port town. Hakodate’s coastal character carries the romance of a faraway land, where night air glistens with a fine powder of frost and harbor lights shimmer across the water. 17 thoughtfully designed room types are spread across different floors, each offering modern amenities and a calm, contemporary style. Quietly standing along the port, the hotel inspires a sense of escape and the simple pleasure of leaving daily routines behind. Before turning in for the night, unwind with a pint of craft beer or a glass of wine, enjoying relaxed conversation in an inviting atmosphere. For deeper relaxation, the hot spring spa and sky open-air bath provide a soothing retreat above the harbor, completing the experience with quiet indulgence.
SAPPORO







Hotel Sosei Sapporo
Nestled within the iconic Sapporo Factory complex, Hotel Sosei blends Hokkaido’s pioneering heritage with contemporary elegance in downtown Sopparo. This MGallery hotel boasts 118 stylishly designed guestrooms and suites, merging comfort with the essence of Hokkaido’s frontier era. Start your day with a fusion of global favorites and traditional Japanese breakfast options, then explore the vibrant offerings of Sapporo. Relax by the indoor fire pit or enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the lounge bar, then embark on an intimate culinary journey at the hotel's restaurant, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from across Hokkaido. This serene yet centrally located hotel provides a peaceful retreat while keeping Sapporo's top attractions at your doorstep. Just moments away from world-class shopping and entertainment, you’ll have effortless access to the city's highlights, from the stunning vistas of Mount Moiwa to its tranquil shrines, offering endless possibilities for exploration. Discover the beauty and adventurous spirit of Hokkaido from this refined urban retreat.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.









