Niigata, Nikko, + Sado Island: Countryside Hot Springs 2025 | 10 Days | Rustic Escape

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Niigata, Nikko, + Sado Island: Countryside Hot Springs

10 days 9 nights
from
RESERVE ONLINE RESERVE
2025
Rustic Escape
Nikko, Gunma, Niigata, Sado Island

Awaken Your Senses in Rustic Japan

Taiko drums on Sado beat through the air,
Niigata's charm, beyond compare.
Tub boats glide on waters serene,
Riverside onsen, nature's scene.

Meet a geisha, grace refined,
In a ryokan where time unwinds.
Rice, sake, and flavors so sweet,
Memories linger, a journey complete.

tour-map

Highlights

The duration of this trip is calculated starting from the day of arrival, excluding flight time.
  • Seasonal Highlights | Feel the beauty of different seasons
    • June to September: The calm summer waters of the Kinugawa River make our wooden boat ride an ideal and refreshing way to enjoy the beauty of the Kinugawa Valley up close.
    • Mid October to early November: Special arrangements for viewing the turning of the fall leaves at Ryuzu Waterfall, Nikko's best spot for fall foliage viewing.
  • Nikko | Be immersed in this peaceful and historical town, home to one of Japan's most famous shrines
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine: Final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu and well-known for its intricate wood carvings
    • Chuzen-ji Temple: Intimate and serene, the views of nearby Lake Chuzenji are also breathtaking
  • Gunma  | Stay in world-famous hot spring resorts and enjoy mountain scenery
    • Mt. Haruna: Ride the cable car for an expansive bird's-eye view of the Kanto Plain and Lake Haruna scenery
    • Suwakyo Gorge Trail: Hike the trails and admire brilliant seasonal colors along mountain streams
    • Takaragawa Onsen: Named one of Japan's best hot springs by Lonely Planet (and locals too!), the flowing riverside hot spring will soothe your mind
    • Joetsu Train: Cross the long tunnel into "snow country," setting of the namesake novel by Nobel Laureate Kawabata Yasunari
  • Niigata | Experience Japan's traditional customs, culture and food
    • Stay in Shima Tamura, one of Japans' oldest Ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) and most renowned hot springs
    • Northern Culture Museum: Meet elegant geishas and join in on fun games with a private performance. Tour the Northern Culture Museum and experience traditional mochi pounding.
  • Sado Island | Explore culture unique to Sado, even by Japan's standards, thanks to its remote location
    • Two nights on Sado Island give us ample time to explore
    • Learn Taiko drumming, enjoy immense natural beauty, rich folk culture, and sample delicious food from the Sea of ​​Japan

Itinerary

Open All Days
USA/Canada aircraft-icon
Arrive in Narita International Airport (NRT) 2
3 mi
, 10 mins

Narita
Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!
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HILTON TOKYO NARITA
Narita 2
110 mi
, 2 hrs
30 mins

Nikko
White Wisteria in Ashikaga Flower Park (Late April to Mid May)
White Wisteria in Ashikaga Flower Park (Late April to Mid May)
Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls
Nikko:
  • Kinugawa River Boat Ride:

    The calm summer waters of the Kinugawa River make our wooden boat ride an ideal and refreshing way to enjoy the beauty of the Kinugawa Valley up close.

  • Ryuzu Falls:

    One of the three waterfalls in Okunikko area, known as the "Dragon Head Waterfall" for its unique shape. It's the best spot for fall foliage viewing in Nikko.

  • Chuzenji Cruise:

    Take a criuse to view the turning of the fall leaves from Lake Chuzen-ji.

  • Chuzenji Temple:

    This quiet and unique location overlooking Lake Chuzenji has a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

  • Lake Chuzenji Onsen: 
    Known as "the spring of good skin", the hot spring water appears emerald green, but turns milky white when in contact with air. The emulsified mineral water is good for cleaning and exfoliation.
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Kinugawa Onsen Hotel or Similar Hotel
Nikko
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Ryuzu Falls (Autumn Only)
Ryuzu Falls (Autumn Only)
Nikko:
  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine:

    A World Heritage Site. Enshrines the most famous samurai leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first general of the Edo period. All buildings were carved and luxuriously lacquered by skilled craftsmen from all over Japan.

  • Nikko Carving:

    Using a unique v-shaped gouge called a “hikkaki”, create your own unique woodworked piece of art.

  • Kegon Falls:

    One of Japan's three famous waterfalls. This 300ft high waterfall is prized for its perfect shape representing the prime beauty of nature.

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Kinugawa Onsen Hotel or Similar Hotel
Nikko 2
105 mi
, 2 hrs

Gunma
Tomioka Silk Mill
Tomioka Silk Mill
Getting Inspired at Shima Onsen Street Sekizenkan
Getting Inspired at Shima Onsen Street Sekizenkan
Gunma:
  • Tomioka Silk Mill:

    Registered as a World Heritage Site in 2014, this national treasure symbolizes the start of Japan's Industrial Revolution.

  • Tomioka Country Town:

    In this simple town, a reproduction of a Meiji café of the early twentieth century plays music of the 1930s and offers a taste of the local miso pudding, a true delicacy!

  • Mt Haruna Ropeway Cable Car:

    Fans of the racing anime, Initial D, will know Mt. Haruna Cable Car as Mt. Akina, the most famous "touge" (mountain pass). Take a cable car to the highest point for a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain with the famous lake Haruna, and overlook peaceful mountain roads.

  • Shima Onsen:
    A quiet hot spring well-known for its healing properties, rumored to be able to heal forty thousand ailments! Savor the old-world atmosphere of this town, which is famous for being the inspiration for the animated film Spirited Away.
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Shima Tamura (Shima Hot Spring)
Gunma
Minakami Fruit Land Mogitore
Minakami Fruit Land Mogitore
Suwakyo Gorge Trail
Suwakyo Gorge Trail
Gunma:
  • Suwakyo Gorge:

    Follow the promenade for breathtaking views of the Tone River and nearby mountain canyons.

  • Minakami Fruit Land Mogitore:

    Tour a local farm for seasonal fruit picking. Taste unbelievably fresh fruits unlike anywhere else - delicious and fun!

    • Mid Jan-mid May: Strawberries, mid Jun-early Jul: Cherries, Jul: Blueberries, early to mid Aug: Peaches, late Aug-Sep: Grapes, late Sep-Nov: Apples
    • In case of poor harvest, if there is not enough fruit to pick, this will be replaced by another activity. 
  • Takaragawa Onsen:

    Noted as one of Japan's top 10 hot springs by Lonely Planet and the world's largest open-air hot spring. The alkaline content of the water is said to help fatigue and digestive troubles.

    • Beware: the springs here are very traditional as they are mixed gender. Visitors who prefer not to bathe may relax and enjoy the magnificent and serene atmosphere of the nearby Tone River rustling through the hot springs.
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Shima Tamura (Shima Hot Spring)
Gunma 2
31 mi
, 1 hr

Minakami 4
45 mins

Niigata 2
80 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Iwamuro Onsen
Best Rice In The World – Koshihikari
Best Rice In The World – Koshihikari
Sake tasting at Asahi-shuzo
Sake tasting at Asahi-shuzo
Minakami:

"The train came out of the long tunnel into the snow country." Board the Joetsu train line to original place of inspiration for Nobel-winning novel Snow Country by Kawabata Yasunari

Niigata:
  • Echigoyuzawa Station:

    Explore fun local markets where all of Niigata's most famous agricultural products are gathered in one place, including world famous Koshihikari Rice from Minami Uonuma.

  • Asahi shuzo:

    Niigata's rice is considered the best in Japan, and with great ingredients comes great sake unique to the region! Try the especially popular Kubota series.

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Hotel Hoho (Iwamuro Hot Spring) or Similar Hotel
Iwamuro Onsen 2
24 mi
, 1 hr

Niigata 3
2 hrs
30 mins

Sado Island
Yahiko Shrine
Yahiko Shrine
Sunset in Nanaura Seaside
Sunset in Nanaura Seaside
Niigata:
  • Yahiko Shrine:

    Surrounded by Mt. Yahiko, the huge torii gate here is a symbol of Yahiko Shrine, the most renowned shrine in Niigata Prefecture. Established 1300 years ago, it is a shrine honoring love and good fortune. National treasures, including paintings and other valuable cultural assets, are displayed in the treasure hall.

  • Yahikoyama Ropeway:

    Standing on the top of Mt. Yahiko, enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, Sado Island and the Echigo Plain at your feet.

Sado Island:
  • Toki Forest Park:

    Visit the conservatory to see one of the world's most endangered species up close, the Japanese Crested Ibis.

  • Nanaura Seaside:

    Encounter beautiful and strange rock formations along the Nanaura coast paired with fading sunset light - an unforgettable view of the Sea of Japan (we will adjust our schedule based on the season and sunset time).

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Yahatakan (Yahata Hot Spring)
Sado Island
Experience the Tub Boat in Sado Island
Experience the Tub Boat in Sado Island
Sado Island Taiko Center
Sado Island Taiko Center
Sado Island:
  • Yajima:

    Picturesque like a postcard, the sight of "Tarai Bune" tub boats bobbing in clear waters are a unique sight.

  • Sado Island Taiko Centre:

    Learn the art of Taiko from local Taiko Masters. It's a fun invigorating activity which taps into the full energy of your body. Here, you have a chance to beat taiko 600-year-old drums and hear echoes from ancient times.

  • Shukunegi:

    Unique even by Sado Island standards, Shukunegi was a village of shipbuilders who turned their skills to architecture as the local shipyard demand shrank. Through the course of years, they've managed to create a truly distinct building style in this isolated town.

  • Senkakuwan Ageshima Park:

    Take a close look at the marine ecology of Senkaku Bay.

  • Sado kinzan Gold Mine:

    The largest gold mine in Japan 400 years ago, the mine today is preserved as a national heritage site. Tour the actual mining tunnels for an up-close understanding of what life was like during the mining era.

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Yahatakan (Yahata Hot Spring)
Sado Island 3
1 hr
30 mins

Niigata 2
20 mi
, 1 hr

Tsukioka Onsen
Japanese Garden
Japanese Garden
Private Geisha Performance
Private Geisha Performance
Niigata:
  • Northern Culture Museum:
    • Relax your mind in the Japanese gardens and quiet atmosphere of the museum.
    • Specially-arranged private geisha performance: enjoy elegant dancing and play games with authentic Niigata Furumachi Geigi  - Geisha of Niigata.
    • Try "3 person mochi pounding" for a fun and delicious experience.
    • Wisteria blooms of the Northern Culture Museum usually take place late April to early May.
Tsukioka Onsen:

One of the most popular hot springs in Niigata is Tsukioka Onsen, which was found by accident by a prospecting oil company in 1917. Its mineral-rich waters make your skin smooth and firm, winning it the nickname "Hot Spring of Beauty".

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SHIRATAMA NO YU: KAHOU (Tsukioka Hot Spring)
Tsukioka Onsen 2
16 mi
, 1 hr

Niigata 4
2 hrs
15 mins

Tokyo
2
43 mi
, 45 mins

Narita International Airport (NRT)
  • Board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) bound for Tokyo Station
  • After arriving at Tokyo Station, a Supera representative will send all guests to the airport together.
A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!
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Refund - Explore with our helpful maps & Suggestions

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From CAD 6150
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  • Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.
  • Balance:Due days before tour departure.
  • Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book flights scheduled to arrive/depart within the times listed below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!
A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.


HILTON TOKYO NARITA

Just 2.5 miles from Narita International Airport, the Hilton is the best in the area. Its proximity to Japan's largest international airport makes it the ideal resting point after a long flight. Available amenities include swimming pool, fitness center, and tennis court (fee required).

Deluxe Room    
35 m² (377 ft²)
120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Deluxe Room + Rollaway Bed (90 x 180 cm)

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel is based on the concept of "yui tabi"―the idea of first and foremost cherishing personal ties. The hotel's history goes back to the founder's encounter with Dr. Hepburn, and has continued to develop over the years through "yui" with a variety of individuals.

Yuraku-kan Tower Japanese Room    
12 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + Extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Shima Tamura

One of the oldest businesses in Japan, Shima Tamura was founded 450 years ago and is considered one of the best hot springs in the country. The name, Shima, originates from the word representing 40,000 - signifies the nickname for the natural hot springs which were said to be able to cure 40,000 ailments. Our two night stay here lets you try each of its seven unique baths.

Japanese Room    
15 ~ 16 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Hotel Hoho

The ancient hot springs of Ohashi began flowing in 1713, making it one of the oldest local onsen. Supera Tours provides special arrangements for our guests to enjoy the unique stone spa in the hotel. Created exclusively with natural water and ore, the sauna will rejuvenate your body with a unique sauna experience.

Japanese Room in Yubae Building    
16 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Yahatakan

Cradled in a vast pine forest, this ryokan features a combination of modern facilities and Japanese tradition. It is a favorite for celebrities and members of the royal family visiting Sado Island. Enjoy beautiful local gardens and luxurious hot springs including a magnificent open-air bath with views of the pine garden.

Mountain View Japanese Room    
16 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Mountain View Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

SHIRATAMA NO YU: KAHOU

Drawn from 3000ft underground, the mineral content of the onsen here is rich in hydrogen sulfide, known as the "beauty mineral." This hotel is one of the top ten hot spring hotels in Japan, combining natural hot springs, delicate and intimate service, and exquisite meals.

Japanese Room    
58 m² (624 ft²)
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room
May T.
(04/18/2023) May T.

This is my 3rd time with Supera and as before, very pleased with the tour. The tour programs, scenic spots and activities are well designed and operated. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Andrew S.
(04/11/2023) Andrew S.

Our guide Hui is a gem. Her presence added so much to my enjoyment of the trip. For lack of a better expression, she is a most beautiful person - not just her appearance and demeanor, but her constant attention to the needs of travelers. She was rarely able to eat the food presented because there were matters or details or persons to attend to. All this was done with constant positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. I hope we meet again on another tour.

Carol S.
(04/01/2020) Carol S.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was well run, the places we stayed at were very nice and the food was excellent. Above all, Hui, our tour guide was absolutely fantastic!! Thank you for such a wonderful trip!

Evelyn S.
(11/11/2019) Evelyn S.

Super Value (now Supera) did it again! We had a wonderful trip except my husband got a bad case of gout at the beginning. However, the hotels, airlines, and especially our escort, Hui, all took specially good care of him. She arranged & escorted him to the doctor for which we are grateful. She even went back to NRT airport from the hotel to buy him a cane; took her at least 2 hours. Can't say enough good things about her and her cheery disposition.

 
Minako B.
(10/30/2019) Minako B.

Thank you for everything. Super Value [now Supera Tours] is the only company we will travel with to Asia.