Explore Japan & South Korea (22 Days)

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at leisure. 

Day 2: Tokyo – Sightseeing (B)

Start your day in Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town then visit to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a centuries old shopping street. Next, take a cruise down Sumida River passing under 12 bridges before disembarking in Hamarikyu garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden. Stop for a cup of steaming matcha in a tea house on a small island in the park’s lake. Later, travel across town to Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji. Take a walk down Omotesando shopping street before return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Tokyo – Free at Leisure (B)

Delve deeper into Tokyo with a free day to explore and peel back the layers of this bustling metropolis.

Day 4: Tokyo – Hakone – Fuji (B, D)

Take a train into the majestic mountainous of Hakone National Park. The ultimate urban escape in the shadow of Mt. Fuji, take advantage of this time to slow down and enjoy some traditional Japanese pastimes in a beautiful natural setting. Next, catch the ropeway up Mt. Owakudani, soaring above fuming rivers with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji if the weather is clear. Finally, drift across the three thousands year-old Ashinoko Lake on a grandiose replica pirate ship, before zigzagging through the mountains on the Hakone Tozan ‘switchback train.’ In the evening, treat yourself to a soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices, before enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner.

Day 5: Hakone – Kyoto (B) 

Take one last soak in the onsen before taking bullet train to the ancient capital of Kyoto. Upon arrival, take in the city’s ancient splendour by making a quick trip in your free afternoon to Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine houses over 10,000 torii gates forming a path snaking up the mountain. Stroll through the gates as you snap some pictures of this majestic scenery.

Day 6: Kyoto (B)

Begin your day at Ginkakuji, a temple with a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. Then, take a stroll on the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone passage through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, which follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Stop to visit the Yasaka Shrine then walk through Higashiyama en route to a Japanese Tea Ceremony called Cha-no-yu which has more than 400 years of history. Visit Kodaiji Temple with lavish buildings belonging to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Finally, visit Kiyomizu Temple enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto from the 13 metre high veranda jutting out from the Main Hall. Learn about the building’s fascinating history before returning to your hotel.

Day 7: Kyoto – Free at Leisure (B)

Take a free day to explore the former imperial capital of Japan on your own.

Day 8: Kyoto – Hiroshima (B)

Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing, and remains until now. Then, get a bird’s eye view of the Peace Park from the new Orizuru Tower. This ultra modern tower is 50 metres high and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Miyajima island. It also has interactive exhibits, and features local artwork of the creator city.

Day 9: Hiroshima – Free at Leisure (B)

Free time to relax or explore more Hiroshima on your own.

Day 10: Hiroshima – Osaka (B)

Head to Osaka by Shinkansen. Upon arrival, visit to the Osaka Castle (photo stop). Here you will learn about the shoguns that ruled the country before power was restored to the Meiji Emperor. After exploring the castle and its grounds, take a stroll to the riverside to board the Aqualiner for a one hour tour of the waterways of Osaka giving you a fresh perspective of the city. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel where you can freely venture through the city in the evening.

Day 11: Osaka – Takayama (B)

Take the bullet train to Nagoya for approximately 50 minutes. There, you will then change to the scenic Hida Wide View Express train for a more scenic and leisurely trip through some of Japan’s beautiful mountain scenery. Arrive in Takayama, nestled in the charming Hida region and be sure wander about this Edo period merchant town, with its beautifully preserved buildings and distinctive culture. As you have freedom, be sure to grab a bite of delicious Hida beef, which is as good as its more famous Kobe counterpart.

Day 12: Takayama (B)

Transfer to visit the riverside markets of Takayama, known for their locally grown produce. Then stroll through the old town on the way to Takayama Jinya – the last remaining government building from Samurai and Shogun times. This afternoon, enjoy wandering about Takayama by heading to Hida Folk Village. Here, more than 30 traditional buildings including thatched and shingled houses, shrines, sheds, and others are scattered around the village. All can be entered and explored at your own pace.

Day 13: Takayama – Tokyo (B)

Say farewell to the alpine air and journey back to Tokyo for your final evening in Japan. Ride back on the Hide Wide View Express train back through the mountains before transferring to your final Bullet Train to Tokyo.

Day 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 22: Seoul Departure (B)

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