Edit: I just realised i've outlined basically two weeks here. The remaining time is in Tokyo for other stuff I've already prebooked.
Hello! This will be my 6th time to Japan and first time north of Tokyo. I'm heading to Japan this time for an expo in Tokyo and and stretching out the trip to include some places I haven't been before. I'll most likely be detouring along the way to fill out my goshuincho. I've left out the first and last few days in Tokyo as I'm keeping those spontaneous for things i find along the way, any last minute day trips or goshuin i'd like to pick up.
Some questions i have:
- Is it worth stopping over in Sendai if i'm doing a day trip to Yamadera temple? It doesn't seem to be much sightseeing in the city itself and friends only seem to recommend the food or shopping around the station
- if dropping sendai, should i spend more time in Kanazawa? or Sapporo?
Here's what I have so far:
Day 6: Monday, March 9, 2026
- Fly to Sapporo: HND-CTS. land by 12pm.
- Hokkaido Shrine Tongu
- odori park/sapporo tower
- sapporo beer museum tour
- sapporo beer garden for ayce lamb https://sapporobiergarten-kaitakushikan.com/
Day 7: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Sapporo:
- Jozankei/Otaru combined day tour. (might just skip Otaru and the tour, and just spend evening in Sapporo)
Day 8: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
- Sapporo/Noboribetsu:
- AM: shrine hopping https://www.magical-trip.com/media/complete-guide-to-sapporo-shrines-and-temples-2025-9-sacred-hot-spots/
- won't get all of these but would try to get a few
- PM: Noboribetsu @ Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Day 9: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Noboribetsu/Sendai:
- AM: Noboribetsu. Explore town then catch bus to CTS.
- PM: Flight from CTS to Sendai SDJ
Day 10: Friday, March 13, 2026
- Sendai:
- Yamadera Temple day trip
Day 11: Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Sendai/Kanazawa:
- AM:Sendai-Tokyo-Kanazawa Shinkansen.
- PM: Kanazawa
- Myoruji
- Nagamachi
Day 12: Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Kanazawa:
- Kanazawa Loop
- Kenrokuen garden
- Kanazawa Castle
- Omicho Ichiba for lunch
- Higashi Chaya-Gai
- Evening/Night?
Day 13: Monday, March 16, 2026
- Kanazawa/Kyoto:
- AM: Kanazawa to Kyoto train
- PM: Kyoto
- Depending on timing:
- fushimi inari hike to top
- shopping
Day 14: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
-
Kyoto:
- Wazuka day trip
- tour with dmatcha (might change to full day in Uji)
-
PM: Uji
- Byodoin omotesando and Byodoin temple
- maybe other places if time.
Day 15: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Hotel, Kyoto/Tokyo:
free day
by wasnt_a_lurker