Highlights of Japan & South Korea (15 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 – Andong (B)

Transfer to Andong which is considered the spiritual home of Korea as well as the cradle of Korea’s cultural tradition. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Andong which includes the charming UNESCO listed Hahoe Folk 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 which has several interesting exhibits relating mainly to Korea’s folk traditions, the ritual standards of confucianism and folk plays.

Day 13: Andong – Gyeongju (B)

Leave Andong for Gyeongju. Serving as the capital of Silla Kingdom from 57BC to 935AD, the entire city of Gyeongju is a living museum containing the remnants of the Silla Kingdom as well as relics pertaining to Buddhism, the national religion at the time. Your afternoon tour of Gyeongju includes visiting to Gyeongju National Museum which is home to the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771 and numerous priceless treasures; Tumuli Park, with its collection of Silla royal tombs; Cheomseongdae Observatory, one the world’s oldest astronomical observatories and the scenic Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure time.

Day 14: Gyeongju – Seoul (B)

You will visit two UNESCO World Heritage listed temples – Seokguram Grotto, one of the Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, surrounded by Bodhisattva, disciples, devas and the guardian king; Bulguksa Temple which was built during the glorious period of Silla Kingdom. The architectural design of Bulguksa Temple is one of constrained dignity and peaceful harmony and the temple still remains one of the most remarkable achievements of the ancient Far East. Depart for Seoul this afternoon and spend your final evening at leisure.

Day 15: Seoul Departure (B)

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