Amazing Japan & South Korea (13 Days)

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival (Japan)

Upon arrival, from there you would be transferred in a private coach to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after a long flight.

Day 2: Tokyo – Sightseeing (B)

Transfer to visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, the place where Emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. You then also roam around the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current residency of the Imperial family. If you looking for a deeper look into the history of Japan then we will pay a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum. After lunch, free time for shopping at Ginza & Akihabara. Next will be Tokyo Skytree which is the tallest tower in Japan and offers great views of the city from its observatory.

Day 3: Tokyo – Fuji – Hakone (B, D)

After breakfast, heading to the renown Hakone area. The first stop of the day will be Owakudani Valley for a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. The valley itself is an active volcanic crater and is famous for its black boiled egg that is said to add eight years to your life. If weather permits, enjoy a scenic view of Mt. Fuji as your ride the ropeway down the hill. After that, we will make our way to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station where you will find breathtaking views of the mountain as well as the surrounding scenery. Dinner and overnight in a Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns) or Hot Spring Hot.

Day 4: Hakone – Kyoto (B)

After breakfast, you will embark on your first journey by high-speed Bullet train (Shinkansen train) to Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, you will visit to Tenryuji Temple, Zen Garden and Gion (the old Geisha quarter). In the late afternoon, you will enjoy the Nishijin Kimono show.  Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 5: Kyoto (B)

After breakfast, continue to explore one of the most famous cities in the world, Kyoto. Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) established in 778 then visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. In the afternoon, continue to visit to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple), set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake. Hear the story of how this 14th-century temple was burned to the ground by a young monk and then completely reconstructed. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 6: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka (B)

Located about 1 hour away from Kyoto is the first permanent capital, Nara. There, you can see the largest bronze Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in the iconic Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in Japan. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park where there are over 1000 free roaming deer, which are regarded as deities of the city. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to hotel in Osaka for spending the night there.

Day 7: Osaka – Sightseeing – Flight to Seoul (B) (South Korea)

After breakfast, you will enjoy a half day guided sightseeing tour of Osaka in a private coach. You will visit to the Osaka Castle (photo stop) then be free for shopping at Dotonbori area until transfer to the international Osaka airport for a flight to Seoul. Upon arrival, pick up to hotel for check in.

Day 8: Seoul – Sightseeing (B, L)

First stop is the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace where was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty then visit to the National Folk Museum which focuses on Korean culture and history. You continue on to Jogyesa Temple, the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea and nearby Insadong, a lively antique alley, lined with art galleries, antique, craft, pottery, traditional restaurants and teahouses. You then take a stroll alongside Cheonggycheon Stream which runs serenely through the heart of downtown’s gleaming sky scrapers. Our final stop is the Seoul Tower which provides spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observatory.

Day 9: Excursion to DMZ (B, L)

Transfer to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is a border between North and South. Our tour provides a fascinating insight into the events that resulted in Korea’s division and also includes a visit to Imjingak Park, built to commemorate those who lost their homes and families when Korea was divided and the 3rd North Korean Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel is 1.5km in length and 150m below ground, was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea. You will also have the chance to peek into the reclusive north by visiting Dora Observatory and visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between North & South.

Day 10: Seoul – Andong (B)

Leaving Seoul for Andong, the picturesque home of Korean Confucianism. On an afternoon tour, you explore ancient UNESCO listed Hahoe Village, where approximately 130 traditional houses of varying size and standard have been immaculately preserved by the same families for generations. You will also visit the Andong Folk Museum and the historic Dosansewon Confucian School, which was established in 1574.

Day 11: Andong – Gyeongju (B)

Traveling south we reach historic Gyeongju – the ‘museum without walls,’ which was the capital of Silla Kingdom from 57BC to 935AD. In the afternoon, you will visit the Gyeongju National Museum which is home to countless treasures including the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. At Tumuli Park, you see the incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds which house the Silla royal tombs and we take a stroll around scenic Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure. Another highlight of today’s touring is Cheomseongdae Observatory, one the world’s oldest astronomical observatories.

Day 12: Gyeongju – Seoul (B)

You visit two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed temples – Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, which is dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain and the beautiful temple of Bulguksa which was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty. Depart for Seoul this afternoon and spend your final evening at leisure in the capital.

Day 13: Seoul Departure (B)

Depending on your departure time, you will have some free time to relax or further explore Seoul on your own before a transfer to airport for your departure flight.