We have two places left on the WAZA & Friends Northern Japan Green-Spring trip in May 2026.
This small-group journey follows the WAZA travel approach of moving slowly, staying longer in fewer places, and balancing cities with rural regions. The May itinerary travels north from Tokyo through Tōhoku to Hokkaidō, using carefully chosen bases that allow for walkable days and a pace that feels structured without being rushed or prescriptive.
Group size is capped, accommodation and logistics are arranged in advance, and participants are free to explore independently alongside shared experiences. The format has proven especially well suited to couples and solo travellers, including first-time visitors to Japan.
If you are interested in joining, please CONTACT US or send an email directly to info@wazashop.co.za. A full information document for the May 2026 visit is available, outlining the itinerary, costs, inclusions and practical considerations in detail.
Registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis for the last two spots.
May 2026: Northern Japan in green spring
The May 2026 trip focuses on Tōhoku and Hokkaidō, Japan’s northern regions. This journey is defined lby landscape, season and everyday life.
Mid-May in northern Japan marks the transition into green spring just after the cherry blossoms bloomed, with fresh foliage, cooler temperatures and clear air. It follows after the major influx of tourists, resulting in fewer crowds and a calmer rhythm. The emphasis is on observation rather than spectacle: regional cities instead of megacities, forests and coastlines closely tied to daily life, and food shaped by climate and place.
The itinerary moves gradually north from Tokyo through Sendai and Aomori, crosses into Hokkaidō via Hakodate, and continues by road through Lake Tōya, Jōzankei and Sapporo before returning to Tokyo. Travel days are deliberately spaced to avoid constant packing and unpacking, while driving sections allow for unscheduled stops and small discoveries along the way.
This trip suits travellers interested in a quieter, more spacious Japan: those who enjoy walking, food culture, nature and regional identity, and who value time to absorb a place rather than move quickly through it. It also works well for people who prefer cooler weather.
Eligibility
WAZA & Friends visits in 2026 are limited to eight participants older than 18 years, travelling with two coordinators. Our trips are not commercial package tours, but peer-coordinated group journeys arranged through established Japanese service providers. Accommodation prioritises location, walkability and atmosphere rather than luxury branding. Days typically involve 5–10 km of relaxed walking, with frequent pauses and flexibility for those who prefer to slow down.
The trips are suited to people who want structure without rigidity, context without overload, and a way of experiencing Japan that values everyday life as much as recognised highlights.
