HOKKAIDO + AOMORI, JAPAN
The Crafts, Food & Art of Northern Japan
May 17 - 26, 2025
Northern Japan’s breathtaking scenery provides a magnificent backdrop for some of the country’s finest food, captivating culture and history + unique arts and crafts. Join Ace Camps Travel as we journey from the northern city of Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido, via mountains, lakes and sea until we reach Aomori, located on the island of Honshu.
Our immersive adventure will explore the rich culinary practices of these regions which feature exceptional seafood and locally-grown produce. You will explore tasting menus and try your own hand at making some of these lesser known dishes.
We will introduce you to the indigenous Ainu culture and learn more about their delicate handcrafts, unique culinary practices and way of life. Reaching northern Honshu, we discover a curious place where modern and traditional art merge together. We’ll learn about local handcrafts through a series of hands-on workshops and take a deeper look at this region’s fascinating contemporary art and design.
Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
May 17 - 26, 2025 ∙ 10 Days, 9 Nights
PRICE
Shared Twin Room - $6395 USD
Private Room - $7395 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Demonstration and hands-on workshops led by local artisans
Origami style Paper Folding Workshop
Beechwood woodworking Workshop
Kogin-zashi Sashiko Workshop
Discover Indigenous Ainu culture and its traditional crafts
Explore contemporary art and sculpture in Aomori with visits to Aomori Art Museum + Towada Art Center
Enjoy and explore the flavours of the land and sea
Savour fresh seafood from Hokkaido’s pristine waters with a gourmet Sushi experience
Chef led cooking workshop featuring regional specialties
Experience and learn about the rich regional culinary traditions of Tsugaru in Northern Honshu
Carefully handpicked accommodations in Western + Japanese style hotels all with onsen springs
Undersea Shinkansen train transport from Hakodate to Aomori
Transport during workshops, tours and included meals
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Our Northern Japan Host: Rika Nishimura
Rika was born and raised in Kochi, Japan, she spent her 20's in Kyoto before moving to Australia, and returns to Japan every year where she leads bespoke cultural and art focused tours. Her dedication to authenticity transforms each tour into an incredibly deep exploration of the Japanese culture, tradition, landscape, and people. Rika’s passion for sharing her beloved home region shines through in every step she takes. Rika, a former professional interpreter, also holds a bachelor's degree in International Law from Ritsumeikan University.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Hokkaido! Our journey begins in the Northern city of Sapporo. Famous for its specialty miso ramen, Sapporo, is a vibrant and dynamic city on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. It is not only the region’s capital and largest city but also a unique blend of modern urban life and natural beauty.
Make your way to our hotel in central Sapporo. Settle into your room and we’ll meet early evening for a welcome dinner with Rika.
Overnight: Sapporo // Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
We begin our morning with a visit and tour of a 135 year old soy factory known for their incredibly smooth soy sauce. Founded in the Meiji period of the late 19th century, this brewery uses specially selected soybeans and wheat grown in Hokkaido along with Hidaka Kelp to produce a variety of sauces, broths, pastes and puddings.
For lunch today we will visit Moerenuma Park for a picnic. Sculptor Isamu Noguchi created the basic design based on the concept of “the whole park being a single sculpture.”
This afternoon we have the special opportunity for a hands-on workshop with a local washi paper folding artist who is well known for her intricately folded lantern sculptures. In this workshop, you’ll discover Hokkaido’s unique handmade paper, Fukigami, meticulously crafted by pounding the outer layer of butterbur stems. You’ll try your hand at various folding techniques using this delicate medium.
This evening is free for you to explore to flavours of Sapporo on your own or with others from the group.
Overnight: Sapporo // Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
This morning we take the train to the historical canal city of Otaru located just outside of Sapporo. We will walk through the old town and visit the Herring Mansion which pays homage to Otaru’s prosperous herring fisheries. For lunch we have a gourmet sushi experience! You’ll taste a variety of local specialty dishes featuring the chef’s choice of fresh seafood.
After lunch we visit an award-winning sake brewer situated in a restored Showa era building. The water for the sake is drawn from a water source about 70m underground, formed by years of melting snow from Mt. Tengu. The abundant natural resources surrounding Otaru is the secret to the high quality of this brewery’s sake. Here you’ll witness first-hand how this prized beverage is produced and enjoy a tasting of some of their specialty sakes.
We return to Sapporo later this afternoon and the rest of the evening is free for you to explore to flavours of Sapporo on your own or with others from the group.
Overnight: Sapporo // Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Travelling through Hokkaido’s interior we leave Sapporo and begin our journey south through the hills until we meet the pacific ocean. Today we visit the Upopoy Museum. This National Ainu Museum seeks to promote respect for the Ainu as an indigenous people in Japan, to establish proper recognition and understanding of Ainu history and culture both nationally and internationally, and to contribute to the creation and development of new Ainu culture.
Here we will deepen our learning of the Ainu culture of the indigenous people of Hokkaido as we explore their traditional tools, food, lifestyle and crafts such as embroidery and wood carving.
This afternoon we will visit Noboribetsu hot springs which generate some 10,000 tons of hot water a day. Also knows as Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Nature Walk, here you can observe colourful intermittently erupting geysers.
Our final stop of the day takes us to our hotel that overlooks beautiful Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Overnight: Lake Toya // Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Prepare your tastebuds for the ultimate gourmet experience as we visit the kitchen and homestead of chef Ian Fong. Set high on a serene hill surrounded by fertile farmland overlooking the nutrient-rich Uchiura Bay and Mt. Usu, this unique location has allowed chef Ian to source very high-quality foods from both the land and the sea. Using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, we will prepare and enjoy a feast of Hokkaido meat, seafood and produce.
Following a day of culinary delights, we make our way to the city of Hakodate. We’ll visit the top of Mt. Hakodate to take in the spectacular view of the city and mountains before we check into our city hotel.
This evening is free for you to explore to flavours of Hakodate on your own or with others from the group. If you are still hungry, we recommend Hakodate ramen, known for its light, clear broth.
Overnight: Hakodate // Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
This morning we leave the island of Hokkaido by undersea bullet train and travel to the northern prefecture of Honshu known as Aomori where we will spend the next four days exploring.
Upon reaching Aomori, our first stop is the the Aomori Museum of Art which exhibits works by master printmaker Shiko Munakata, pop artist Yoshitomo Nara, Toru Narita, and other artists associated with Aomori Prefecture. The distinctive building of the museum was designed with inspiration from the adjacent World Heritage Site of Sannai-Maruyama, and the building itself is highly regarded as a work of art.
Later this afternoon we visit Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site which is one of Japan’s largest historical sites consisting of the remains of human settlement from approximately 5500 to 4000 years ago. An archeological excavation in 1992 unearthed stilt-houses and also uncovered various earthenware and stoneware artifacts, as well as those composed of jade and skillfully created lacquer.
This evening we check into our traditional Japanese inn and enjoy a regional tasting-course dinner.
Overnight: Hirosaki // Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Today will focus our learning on the crafts of Aomori with two distinctly different hands-on workshops. Our morning begins at The Kogin Institute which is housed in one of the oldest modernist buildings in Japan. The Hirosaki Kogin Institute is an organization dedicated to carefully preserving the traditional craft of Kogin-zashi. During the Edo period, farmers in this region were only allowed to wear linen kimonos. In order to get through Tsugaru's harsh and long winters in as much comfort as possible, sashiko began to be applied to linen cloth with cotton thread for warmth and reinforcement, and eventually `Tsugaru Kogin-zashi' was created.
This afternoon we visit Bunaco, a specialty woodworking workshop. Located in the Nishimeya Village, the gateway to the world's largest virgin beech forest. Here we will learn about their very unique technique where the beech is cut into thin tape-like strips and wound in spirals, rolled like baumkuchen into a flat board-like state, and is gradually molded into a three-dimensional shapes.
Overnight: Hirosaki // Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
This morning we continue our learning about local crafts with a visit to the Tsugaru Clan Neputa Village which showcases a variety of local craft projects. The centerpiece of the village is dedicated to the Hirosaki Neputa Festival. Neputa are elaborate 10-meter-tall illuminated floats decorated with intricate hand-painted designs.
For lunch today, we have been invited to a very special experience with Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai, a group of local woman who are working to preserve and share traditional local flavours with younger generations. They use locally sourced fresh vegetables and other ingredients as a base, as well as preserved foods such as salted and dried vegetables, to create set meals that incorporate seasonal flavours.
On our way to our hotel we will travel through the scenic mountainous Towada-Hachimantai National Park which offers stunning natural scenery, where delicate green leaves and moss overhang the Oirase Gorge, and alpine flowers carpet the slopes of Mount Akita-Komagatake.
Overnight: Lake Towada // Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Covered by a deep natural forest, this morning we venture into Oirase Gorge for a morning walk. Here the landscape is full of dynamism created by the flow of water, and the power of earth. A promenade with large treetops covers the sky in layers and a green tunnel.
This afternoon we visit the curious Towada Art Center. Featuring a permanent collection of artworks by the likes of Ron Mueck, Choi Jeonghwa, and Yoko Ono, the Towada Art Center is at the heart of Towada City’s artistic initiative. The center was designed by Japanese architect Ryue Nishizawa and consists of 16 distinct geometric structures, inviting visitors to navigate their own journey through the artwork.
We return to the hotel late afternoon for a group dinner this evening to celebrate our journey together.
Overnight: Lake Towada // Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Departure Day
This morning we pack our bags and say our goodbyes. We’ll have a private transfer to Hachinohe station - here you can take the shinkansen train direct to Tokyo (less than 3 hours) or a short distance up to Aomori airport. Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey around Northern Japan!
Meals included: Breakfast
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Where We’re Staying
As we traverse Northern Japan, you’ll be staying in a variety of hand picked Western style and Japanese style hotels in Sapporo, Lake Toya, Hakodate, Hirosaki and Towada Hachimandai National Park. Highlights include rooms with incredible landscape views of Lake Toya + Lake Towada, traditional ryokan rooms in Hirosaki and a comfortable city center hotel in Sapporo. All hotels feature onsen springs.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 10 guests and maximum 12 guests. All Prices are in USD.
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARE ROOM
The fee for this trip is $6395 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2995
Final Payment due November 19, 2024: $3400
Room Notes: You will share a room with one other guest, each guest will have a twin bed. In Hirosaki, the beds are traditional Japanese floor futons.
All hotels, except for one, include an ensuite bathroom. In Hirosaki (2 nights), this traditional Japanese inn features rooms with in suite toilets and basins, however baths and showers are part of the traditional shared onsen hot springs. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
The fee for this trip is $7395 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2995
Final Payment due November 19, 2024: $4400
Room Notes: You will have a private bedroom for the duration of the trip. In Hirosaki, the beds are traditional Japanese floor futons.
All hotels, except for one, include an ensuite bathroom. In Hirosaki (2 nights), this traditional Japanese inn features rooms with in suite toilets and basins, however baths and showers are part of the traditional shared onsen hot springs. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Important Trip Notes + Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to handle specific dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances on this trip. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional foods.
While we won’t be challenging you with the strangest aspects of the food culture, even day-to-day eating in Japan can taste quite different to someone unfamiliar with the cuisine.
Accessibility
Please note this tour includes several walking tours. You should be able to walk non-stop for a distance of at least 2 miles. Uneven terrain, gravel or dirt pathways and unpaved walking areas are a possibility. You may be sitting on the ground during certain meals and workshops. You will have to remove your shoes at various locations. Please ensure you are comfortable with these conditions.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on with a local, rural community of skilled artisans and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel. If you have any pending health concerns you should contact your health care provider prior to registration of this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts in Sapporo, Hokkaido and ends in Shichinohe, Aomori.
There are several ways to arrive and depart around Northern Japan. The most common options are via plane and train from Tokyo. We’ll provide guests with more specific travel suggestions once the trip is guaranteed.
Weather
May is one of the best months to visit Northern Japan. The chill of winter is over but the intense heat of summer has not yet arrived. The air is fresh and plants are in bloom. Temperatures range from 50°F (10C) to 75°F (24C), which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the odd shower.
Included in this Trip
Demonstration and hands-on workshops led by local artisans
Origami style Paper Folding Workshop
Beechwood woodworking Workshop
Kogin-zashi Sashiko Workshop
Discover Indigenous Ainu culture and its traditional crafts
Explore contemporary art and sculpture in Aomori with visits to Aomori Art Museum + Towada Art Center
Enjoy and explore the flavours of the land and sea
Savour fresh seafood from Hokkaido’s pristine waters with a gourmet Sushi experience
Chef led cooking workshop featuring regional specialties
Experience and learn about the rich regional culinary traditions of Tsugaru in Northern Honshu
Carefully handpicked accommodations in Western + Japanese style hotels all with onsen springs
Undersea Shinkansen train transport from Hakodate to Aomori
Transport during workshops, tours and included meals
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp. We will also send you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
Questions + FAQ’s
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQ’s here.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the start date of the trip will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests have Travel Insurance.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws including various Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During our trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payments, Cancellations and Trip Changes.