Scenic South Korea and Japan

19 days, 29 meals. Combine South Korea and Japan for the ultimate Asia discovery. On this 19-day journey, feast on Korean BBQ in Seoul, share tea with a monk at Jogyesa Temple, and spot a geisha in Japan’s culture capital, Kyoto.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Seoul

Arrive in Seoul and transfer to your accommodation. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers and enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.

Day 2: Seoul

Fill up at breakfast this morning – you’re in for a full day of sightseeing. The excitement begins with a tour of Gyeongbok Palace, the largest palace in South Korea. Built in 1392 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the main royal palace for five centuries. After a number of Insider Experiences, your final stop for today is Insadong Antique Alley, where quirky amulets and jewellery among other wares are scattered across stalls. Poke around the many streets, maybe picking up a souvenir or two.

Day 3: Seoul, Demilitarized Zone, Seoul

Today is dedicated to the relationship between North and South Korea. You’ll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to gain an understanding of the bordering countries. See Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom and the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where it’s believed that some 30,000 soldiers could pass through within an hour. You’ll also spend time at the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the station, along with Dora Observatory, which offers binocular views into North Korea.

Day 4: Seoul, Busan

After breakfast at your hotel, travel to Busan. Upon arrival in South Korea’s second-largest city, you’ll be taken on a city sightseeing tour of some of Busan’s most well-known sites. Begin at Busan Tower, which offers a great vantage point to the city’s bustling port. Visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. Here, locals select seafood that is straight from the ocean and take their purchase to the market’s chefs to be prepared just how they like it, for a fresher-than-fresh seafood lunch. Finish your explorations in Gamcheon Village, a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, street art and art galleries.

Day 5: Busan, Gyeongju

There’s more of Busan to be explored this morning. At Taejongdae observatory, admire sweeping views of the natural wonders of Taejongdae Resort Park. Continue to the United Nations Memorial cemetery – the only one of its kind. Afterwards, voyage to the seaside for a visit to Haedong Yonggung temple before journeying to Gyeongju.

Day 6: Gyeongju

Set your sights on the World Heritage Bulguksa Temple resting on the slopes of Mt Toham. Built in 774 AD, the temple is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Nearby, explore Seokguram Grotto and see the giant Sakyamuni Buddha, which is buried in the grotto’s inner chambers. Afterwards, take a stroll across the green grounds of Tumuli Park, where over 200 royal tombs can be found and Family Choi’s House, the oldest house in the area which was built in 1630, also visit the Cheomseongdae observatory. After time for dinner, this evening experience a special Insider Experience.

Day 7: Gyeongju, Seoul

Make the journey to Haeinsa Temple, a World Heritage site, located within Gayasan National Park. As one of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, discover Buddhist scriptures, which have been carved into more than 80,000 wooden blocks. Afterwards, head to Dongdaegu train station to board a KTX Express Train to Seoul. Tonight, celebrate your holiday with your fellow travellers and Tour Director with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Incheon, Seoul, South Korea, Tokyo, Japan

Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Tokyo. On arrival be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Japan Tour Director for a welcome meeting before dinner.

Day 9: Tokyo

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city. Next, it’s on to the Imperial Palace, where the Japanese royal family reside) for a photo stop and pass other important buildings on the drive to Tsukiji Outer Market. Take a walking tour of the largest fish market in Japan where fresh seafood is delivered daily. Wander the narrow aisles of this atmospheric marketplace to find all sorts of delicious and uniquely Japanese food – from fish and shellfish to barrels of green tea, dried seaweed and all manner of pickles and other tasty morsels before joining a sushi workshop. Stop at Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world before visiting Meji Shrine. Enter through the massive tori gate and discover a peaceful Shinto shrine.

Day 10: Tokyo, Hakone

Travel to Hakone today. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Geothermal Valley. Continue on to Lake Ashi and enjoy a cruise around the lake. This caldera lake was formed 3,000 years ago when Mount Hakone erupted. On a clear day, you may see Mount Fuji. Later, for the ultimate exercise in relaxation, perhaps partake in a traditional onsen experience at your hotel.

Day 11: Hakone, Matsumoto

This morning, travel to Mount Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Stop for your Insider Experience and lunch before continuing on to Matsumoto. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the merchant district of Nakamachi, where streets are lined with well-preserved Edo-style buildings

Day 12: Matsumoto, Takayama

Dive deeper into Japan’s alpine region, admire the stunning alpine scenery before l reaching the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway in Oku-Hida region. Take the cable car to an observation deck that is elevated to 2,156 metres. Later, arrive in the picturesque mountain town of Takayama. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Tonight, perhaps discover the famous Hida beef, a remarkably tender variety of Wagyu beef (additional charge).

Note: Between May – early August 2024 the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is closed for maintenance. During this period guests will visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Home to a collection of works by the famous Yayoi Kusama who was born in the city in 1929 and several revolving exhibitions.

Day 13: Takayama

This morning, stroll through the Miyagawa Morning Market. After, enjoy an Insider Experience. Up here in the mountains makes for perfect sake-producing conditions, at a local brewery spend time on an Insider Experience. The afternoon is at your leisure, where you might like to explore further.

Day 14: Takayama, Kanazawa

Following breakfast, head to Kanazawa, stopping en route at the alpine village of Shirakawa-go, made famous by its collection of original gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, which have been World Heritage listed. Continue to Kanazawa, sometimes referred to as the hidden pearl of Japan’s west coast and join a walking tour through the geisha and samurai districts.

Day 15: Kanazawa, Kyoto

Begin your explorations with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden. Stroll across bridges, passing tranquil ponds and fountains, and admire a landscape dotted with Japanese pines, cherry trees and maples. Afterwards, continue to Kyoto.

Day 16: Kyoto

Today your Kyoto explorations begin at Sanjusangedo temple where you can see the thousand statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress covered in gold leaf. Step inside Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and its stunning Japanese garden. Take a walk through Arashiyma Bamboo Forest and visit Tenryuji temple. Finish with a tea ceremony and experience the art of brewing, serving and drinking this special beverage which plays such an important in Japanese traditions.

Day 17: Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto

Rise early this morning and follow the path marked by thousands of scarlet torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ll then board your coach for a day trip to Nara, which briefly reigned as the capital of Japan in the 8th-century. Immerse yourself in Nara culture with a visit to Todai-ji Temple. You’ll also head to Nara Park to see the friendly wild deer, and Kasuga Shrine, whose countless lanterns have been donated by worshippers.

Day 18: Kyoto, Osaka

Travel to Osaka, Japan’s unofficial culinary capital. Visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building, and soak in the incredible views across this dynamic city. After, admire Osaka Castle on a photo stop before heading to Dotonbori, a hotspot for street food. Your final night is celebrated with a Farewell Dinner at a local sukiyaki restaurant.

Day 19: Depart Osaka

After breakfast, be transferred to Kansai International Airport for your onward flight.