Craft & Food Tour | Northern Japan
The Art, Crafts + Food of Northern Japan
Hokkaido + Aomori, Japan | May 20 - 29, 2026
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 regional tasting menus, try your own hand at making sushi with fresh seafood, learn about the finest kombu and taste a variety of sake.
We will introduce you to the indigenous Ainu culture and learn more about their way of life and delicate handcrafts, through a hands-on Ainu embroidery workshop. Reaching northern Honshu, we discover a curious place where modern and traditional art merge together. We’ll learn about local handcrafts such as beechwood woodworking, Kogin-zashi stitching and wool fiber spinning through a series of hands-on workshops. We’ll also take a deeper look at this region’s fascinating contemporary art and design featuring artists such as Yoshitomo Nara, Toru Narita, Ron Mueck and Choi Jeonghwa.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
May 20 - 29, 2026
10 Days + 9 Nights
PRICING
Shared Twin Room* - $6,795 USD
Private Room - $7,795 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
NORTHERN JAPAN CRAFT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Demonstration and hands-on workshops led by local artisans
Beechwood woodworking Workshop
Wool Spinning Workshop
Kogin-zashi Sashiko Workshop
Discover Indigenous Ainu culture and its traditional crafts
Explore contemporary art and sculpture with visits to Aomori Art Museum, Towada Art Center + Sapporo Open Air Sculpture Park
Guided Tours of Hakodate + Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site
Enjoy and explore the flavors of the land and sea
Savor fresh seafood from Hokkaido’s pristine waters with a Sushi making experience
Demonstrative 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
Shinkansen train transport from Hakodate to Aomori
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
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
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Wednesday, May 20
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
Thursday, May 21
Our morning begins with a leisurely walk through the Sapporo Open Air Art Gallery. Located in a 40-hectare forest, Sapporo Art Park is a place of art and creativity symbolizing Sapporo as an artistic and cultural city. The property features over 70 permanent exhibitions of sculptures from regional Japanese artists as well as several international artists in vast grounds that look different each season.
This afternoon we’ve been invited to visit the small and homely workshop of textile artist Koko Shimomura who specializes in crafting with locally sourced wool fibers, cotton and linen. Deeply inspired by the natural beauty of Hokkaido, Koko creates tapestries, rugs, housewares, blankets, scarves, and three-dimensional artworks. We will learn about Hokkaido’s sheep and their history of wool shearing. Then you’ll try your hand at spinning your own bobbin of wool thread.
This evening is free for you to explore to flavors of Sapporo on your own or with others from the group.
Overnight: Sapporo
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Friday, May 22
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 located next to beautiful Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Overnight: Lake Toya
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Saturday, May 23
Leaving Lake Toya, we continue our journey south, passing along the shores of Uchiura Bay before we reach the coastal fishing town of Shikabe. Here we will learn about some of the finest kelp in Japan with a local women’s cooking collective who will teach us about kombu and their focused style of seafood cooking.
Kombu is essential to Japanese cuisine as forms the base “umami” flavor that is the basis of almost all Japanese cuisine. Nutrients cultivated in the forests flow into the sea through rivers, and the collision of warm and cold currents creates plentiful fishing grounds. Shikabe is a home to ”Shiraguchihama Makonbu”, which is known as one of the highest-quality kelps.
After our lunch experience we continue towards 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 5
Sunday, May 24
Today we’ll explore Hakodate with a local guide. Of particular note, we’ll visit Motomachi, a historic neighborhood, known for its unique blend of Western and Japanese architecture. The harbor of Hakodate was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1854 when Japan's era of isolation was coming to an end. As a result, many traders from China and Western countries moved to Hakodate influencing a unique blend of architectural styles.
Rarely found in Japan we will also visit Goryokaku, a star-shaped Western-style fort, now turned nature park. In 1864, the central government constructed Goryokaku for the defense of the northern part of the country. Protected by the star-shaped fortification and moat, the now rebuilt Magistrate’s Office was in the center of the fort.
This evening you’ll learn to make sushi using fresh ingredients from Hakodate, famous for its seafood. We’ll also sample a variety of sake that pair with your meal.
Overnight: Hakodate
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Monday, May 25
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.
Arriving in Hirosaki, we’ll visit the small but beautiful Fujita Memorial Garden. The garden was designed and built in 1919 in the style of a traditional Japanese landscape garden. The spacious garden is separated into two main parts, an upper section and a lower section. We’ll have a casual lunch near the garden.
This afternoon we will visit The Kogin Institute for a Kogin-zashi hands on workshop. The institute 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 evening we check into our traditional Japanese inn and enjoy a regional tasting-course dinner.
Overnight: Hirosaki
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Tuesday, May 26
This morning we have a tour and workshop with 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.
From here we will visit 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.
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.
Overnight: Hirosaki
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Wednesday, May 27
Today 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, we have been invited to a very special experience with Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai, a group of local woman (infamously known as the Aomori Grannies) 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: Oirase Gorge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Thursday, May 28
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’ll celebrate our last evening together with dinner at a local eatery in Towada. We return to the hotel after dinner.
Overnight: Oirase Gorge
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Friday, May 29
Departure Day
This morning we pack our bags and say our goodbyes. We’ll have a morning transfer to Hachinohe station - here you can take the shinkansen train direct to Tokyo (less than 3 hours). Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey around Northern Japan!
Meals included: Breakfast
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 lake + forest landscape views, ryokan style rooms in Hirosaki and comfortable city center hotels in Sapporo + Hakodate. All hotels feature onsen springs.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Group Size: Minimum 10 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
*Shared Rooms are only available for two guests travelling together.
Shared rooms at some hotels may be set up with Hollywood Twin Beds - with little to no space between beds.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM*
$6,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
*Shared Rooms are available for two guests travelling together. In some hotels our shared rooms may be set up with Hollywood Twin Beds - meaning there is little to no space between beds.
Shared rooms have two twin beds. You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip. Rooms in Japan may be smaller than North American standard rooms.
For our two nights in Hirosaki at a Japanese inn, the rooms feature traditional floor futons, not westerns style beds. You should be comfortable getting up and down from the floor. Rooms at the Hirosaki hotel have a toilet and sink but do not have a shower or bath. All shower and bath facilities are a part of the communal baths.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due November 24, 2025: $4,300
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
$7,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
Private rooms will have a mix of Queen size beds and two twin beds. You will have a private room for the duration of the trip. Rooms in Japan may be smaller than North American standard rooms.
For our two nights in Hirosaki at a Japanese inn, the rooms feature traditional floor futons, not westerns style beds. You should be comfortable getting up and down from the floor. Rooms at the Hirosaki hotel have a toilet and sink but do not have a shower or bath. All shower and bath facilities are a part of the communal baths.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due November 24, 2025: $5,300
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate any specific dietary requirements, allergies, or intolerances on this trip.
While we won’t be challenging you with the strangest aspects of the food culture, even day-to-day eating in Japan can be quite different for those unfamiliar with the cuisine.This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional ingredients and flavors.
Please contact us before booking if you have any culinary questions.
Accessibility
This tour includes several walking tours. You should be able to walk at a moderate pace for a distance of at least 2 miles. Uneven terrain, gravel or dirt pathways, stairs and unpaved walking areas are a possibility.
You will need to be able to sit on the ground during certain meals.
You will have to remove your shoes at various locations in a standing position.
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
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts in Sapporo, Hokkaido and ends in Hachinohe, 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 confirmed.
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.
Supplies
Supplies for your hands on workshops will be provided.
Included in this Trip
Demonstration and hands-on workshops led by local artisans
Beechwood woodworking Workshop
Wool Spinning Workshop
Kogin-zashi Sashiko Workshop
Discover Indigenous Ainu culture and its traditional crafts
Explore contemporary art and sculpture with visits to Aomori Art Museum, Towada Art Center + Sapporo Open Air Sculpture Park
Guided Tours of Hakodate + Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site
Enjoy and explore the flavors of the land and sea
Savor fresh seafood from Hokkaido’s pristine waters with a Sushi making experience
Demonstrative 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:
2 nights accommodation in Sapporo
1 night accommodation in Lake Toya
2 nights accommodation in Hakodate
2 nights accommodation in Hirosaki
2 nights accommodation in Oirase
Transport during included meals and activities; we’ll travel by mini bus and local trains
Undersea Shinkansen train transport from Hakodate to Aomori
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
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 send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more
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 trip start date 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 to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
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 any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the 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 the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
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 Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
Hear from Our Past Guests