Beauty of Japan & South Korea (18 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 – Hakone – Fuji (B, D)

Transfer to Hakone by public transportation like the Hakone Tozan Cable Car or enjoy a bird’s eye view from the Hakone Ropeway. As a national park, you will be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Complementing the natural beauty are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will be visiting. As we take a soothing Boat Cruise on Lake, you will have chance to see the awe inspiring Mt. Fuji in the distance if the weather permits it. Later, you relax in the Onsen (hot spring) at a Japanese traditional inn. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Fuji – Kyoto & Sightseeing (B)

In the morning, take the bullet train to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of Japan. Upon arrival, transfer to visit the Tenryuji Temple Zen Garden. Next will be Gion where you can find the Geisha district. Later afternoon, you will enjoy the Nishijin Kimono show.

Day 5: Kyoto – Sightseeing (B)

In the morning, transfer to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove,  the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. In the afternoon, continue to visit the Kinkakuji Temple where is known as the Golden Pavilion and the Fushimi Inari Shrine which has over 1000 torii gates.

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 Todaiji Temple. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park where there are over 1000 free roaming deer, which are regarded as deities of the city. Later, you will be transferred to hotel in Osaka for spending the night there.

Day 7: Osaka – Hiroshima (B)

Transfer to Himeji for visiting the Himeji Castle. The castle is known as “White Egret Castle” and “White Heron Castle” because of its brilliant white exterior and structure resembling a bird taking flight. Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. Later, take a bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, pick to hotel for check-in.

Day 8: Hiroshima (B)

You will visit the Peace Memorial Park, which was built in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The park symbolizes the hope for a world without nuclear weapons. From the park you can see the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the very few surviving structures from the attack. You will also be stopping by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which has detailed records of life after the atomic bomb was dropped. In the afternoon, transfer to Miyajima island for visiting the Itsukushima Shrine, which is known for its large torii gate that is built in the sea. Overnight in Hiroshima.

Day 9: Hiroshima – Tokyo (B)

Take the bullet train back to Tokyo. The trip is about 4 hours. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel. Enjoy half the day following your own plans; last minute shopping, dining, and entertainment all for you!

Day 10: Tokyo – Flight to Seoul (B) (South Korea)

After breakfast, take free time until transfer to the airport for a flight to Seoul. Upon arrival, pick up to hotel for check in.

Day 11: Seoul – Sightseeing (B, L)

Visit to the Blue House (outside) then transfer to Gyeongbokgung Palace which was built by the last Korean Dynasty. Within the Palace grounds visit Jogyesa Temple dedicated to Buddhism and still influential today. Here, you will also gain an insight into Korean culture, tradition & history at the National Folk Museum. After that, heading to Insadong which has a traditional atmosphere and represents Korean culture both past and present. After lunch, explore many antique, craft, pottery shops, traditional restaurants and teahouses. Lastly take in the panoramic views of city from the Seoul Tower, which is located on top of Mount Namsan.

Day 12: Seoul – Gyeongju (B)

Traveling from Seoul to Gyeongju. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, which ruled the Korean Peninsula during 7th till 9th Centuries. On arrival, visit to Tumuli Park where has 20 tombs from the Silla period. Also once part of the ancient Silla complex is Anapji Pond, a picturesque pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure time. During renovations to the area in the 1970’s & 80’s many relics were unearthed and are today housed in the Gyeongju National Museum alongside the Emille Bell. Top off today’s sightseeing with a visit to Cheomseongdae Observatory – oldest surviving observatory in the world.

Day 13: Gyeongju – Busan (B)

Visit the UNESCO listed temple of Bulguska and Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain, 750 metres above sea level and looking out over the Sea of Japan. This afternoon travel onwards to Busan. On arrival, visit to Busan Tower located in Yongdusan Park and offering spectacular views of the old port city. Then get a visit to the Jagalchi Fish Market where fishermen sell their fresh catch and the locals haggle for a good deal. Then it’s time to practice some haggling at Kukje Market, the best place in Busan to find silk, clothing, linen, handbags and much more.

Day 14: Busan – Flight to Jeju Island (B)

Transfer to airport for a flight to Jeju Island. About one hour from Busan by air, Jeju Island is a volcanic island brimming with natural beauty, unique cultural traditions and a perfect temperate climate. This afternoon take a tour of Jeju Island to Hallim Park with its exotic botanical gardens, lava caves, folk village and O’Sulloc Tea Museum where guests can learn more about the traditional Korean tea culture.

Day 15: Jeju Island (B, L)

Explore the scenic landscape of Jeju Island on a hiking tour of Mt.Hallasan National Park visiting the spectacular volcanic rock formations of Jusangjeolli Cliff, and the beautiful three tiered Cheonjeyeon Falls. Evening at leisure.

Day 16: Jeju Island – Flight to Seoul (B)

Visit to Manjanggul cave, the UNESCO listed cave is the world’s longest lava cave stretching for approximately 8 kilometres; also see Seongsan Sunrise Peak, a magnificent volcano crater rising from the sea with cliffs to the southeast and north sides and the northwest side a verdant grassy hill. Then visit Seongeup Village, a mountain village still living a mountain existence with villagers residing in traditional thatched roof houses with stone and clay walls. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for a flight back to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel fro check-in.

Day 17: Excursion to DMZ (B, L)

Take a tour to visit the DMZ and get a better understanding of the events that resulted in the division of Korea. This tour also includes a visit to Imjingak Park where commemorate all those who were separated from their families when Korea was split in two and the 3rd North Korean Tunnel. The tunnel was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea and discovered by South Korea in 1978 after a tip from a North Korean defector. You will have chance to peek into the North by visiting Dora Observatory. Here, visitors use binoculars and can see as far as Kaesong, a light industrial city of North Korea. Later visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between the South and the North.

Day 18: Seoul Departure (B)

After check-out at hotel, you will be transferred to the airport in Seoul for your own departure flight home.