hokkaido & tohoku, with aomori’s nebuta festival
july 2027
relle mott
*** Preliminary Itinerary ***
Discover the path less travelled in northern Japan during its moderate summer, exploring diverse histories, indigenous culture, serene temples and exquisite natural beauty
OVERVIEW
The island of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region offer a side of Japan not experienced by most travellers, as poet Bashō noted centuries ago in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Hokkaido’s scenery forms a stunning backdrop for Japan’s indigenous Ainu culture, and the island offers art from the traditional to the contemporary, as well as exceptional seafood and locally-grown produce. Tohoku, in northern Honshu, is similarly diverse, from the vibrant Nebuta Festival, when enormous lantern floats parade through Aomori’s streets, to heritage-listed castle towns and excellent collections of modern art.
Our tour commences in Sapporo, best known as a winter holiday base but vibrant in summer with spectacular scenery and a fascinating modern history. Travelling into Hokkaido’s interior, fields of bright flowers form a backdrop to our visits, as we encounter the Ainu village at Noboribetsu, innovative gardens including the Tokachi Millennium Forest, and Hakodate’s historic sites.
Crossing the Tsugaru Strait by ferry, we explore Japan’s ancient past at a well-preserved Jomon archaeological site, survey Hirosaki’s samurai district, and revel in Aomori’s Nebuta Festival. Witnessing the vibrant parade of brightly-coloured Nebuta Festival floats is on the bucket list of many Japanese and is a fitting celebration for the end of our tour.
The itinerary is complemented by the expertise of tour leader Relle Mott, an experienced tour leader and Japan specialist who led many tours to the country while working at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
TOUR LEADER
Relle Mott is an experienced tour leader and has had a long career with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, including leading garden tours to Japan. She is actively involved with the Friends of the Gardens and with the Volunteer Guides.
Relle’s connection with Japan was inspired by two years as an exchange student, leading to a Fine Arts degree in Japanese arts, culture and language and a postgraduate year spent at Tokyo’s prestigious Keio University. As a practicing ceramicist, she brings her knowledge of the artform to her tours, along with her deep understanding of Japanese culture.
“Relle was fantastic” – Stephen N., Japan’s Art Islands & the Setouchi Triennale, 2025
Highlights
Encounter the now-protected Ainu culture and traditional crafts at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum
Immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s gardens and fields of flowers, in the full bloom of summer
Experience the annual Nebuta Festival in Aomori, with lantern floats, taiko drummers and dancers joyously parading
Explore outstanding contemporary art and sculpture in Sapporo and Aomori
Understand the influence of the West following Japan’s era of isolation, in Sapporo and Hakodate
Savour fresh seafood from Hokkaido’s pristine waters, excellent local beef and distinctive local sake and whiskeys
Questions?
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