Hello all.
My partner and I are going to Japan next summer and have sketched out an initial itinerary (so a bit sparse in places), and we would like to know if we are missing anything significant. We’ve both been to Japan twice before and my partner just passed her N3. We’ll also get the JR pass for 28/7-10/8.
**26/7 – 30/7 Stay in Sapporo**
* one rest day to get over jetlag + some Sapporo exploring
* another full day of Sapporo exploring
* Day trip to Furano / Biei
* Day trip to Otaru
*We would like to see some live music in Sapporo, any recommendations for venues?*
**30/7 – 31/7 Noboribetsu**
* Explore Noboribetsu and stay in Ryokan *any recommendations?*
**31/7 – 03/8 Hakodate**
* Port festival
* Squid dance
* Fireworks
**03/8 – 06/8 Aomori**
* Nebuta festival
* Day trip to Hachinohe
*We have seen no hotel availability for these dates, and it’s for their festival. Is it something to worry about, or do you think hotels will come on in a couple of months*
**06/8 – 08/8 Akita**
* Not much planned for here; any tips?
**08/8-10/8 Matsushima**
* Ferry over the bay
**10/8 -12/8 Tokyo**
* Nothing strenuous – avoid succumbing to the humidity
* Seeing friends
* Fly home on 12/8
3 comments
> We have seen no hotel availability for these dates, and it’s for their festival. Is it something to worry about, or do you think hotels will come on in a couple of months
Some hotels may become available, but it may be worth to book fully refundable accommodation in Morioka near the station – just in case. Typically major festivals make accommodation very scarce and very expensive.
For Akita, there is also the Kanto festival happening in early August. It is one of the big 3 festivals in Tohoku, so it is probably worth checking out. Japantravel.com says it is happening on 03/Aug to 06/Aug next year, but the official website has not updated the dates for next year, so I don’t know how accurate those dates are. You might want to confirm the dates later and rearrange accordingly if you’re interested
>We have seen no hotel availability for these dates
The usual book time window for Japan hotels is 0-180 days, so it might be too early right now.
But hotels during Nebuta festival is usually full as soon as it’s available. You may need prepare plan-B like stay at Hakodate or Hachinohe, then commute by Sinkaisen (be aware that Sinkaisen may full during that time).
>06/8 – 08/8 Akita
How about Resort Shirakami of Gono line?
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/joyful/shirakami.html
You can visit Shirakami Sanchi, Lake Juniko, Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen.