Journey from South Korea to Japan

Itinerary

• Day 1: Seoul, Arrival

  Welcome to Seoul and be welcomed by your driver at the airport.

  The remaining time after arrival at your downtown hotel is free to refresh from jet lag or get acquainted with South Korea's fashion and traditional capital at your own pace.

  • Seoul

• Day 2: Seoul, Historical Palace & Hanok Village & Bustling Market

  Start your discovery of Seoul at the Gyeongbokgung Palace and immerse yourself in its rich history and traditional architecture. Within the imperial compound, pay a visit to the Korean Folk Museum and get an insight into Korean traditional culture and customs. Stroll along the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and admire well-preserved traditional Korean houses.

  Late afternoon, take a romantic cable car ride or hike up to the Namsan Tower for panoramic views of the city. Then, spend some time browsing and sampling authentic Korean flavors at the bustling Gwangjang Market.

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  • Seoul

• Day 3: Seoul - Gyeongju, KTX Train & Historic Heritages in Gyeongju

  This morning, a 4-hour KTX (Korean Train Express) journey will take you to Gyeongju, once the glorious capital of the Silla Kingdom. Condensing the essence of antiquity, it's often hailed as a living "museum without walls".

  On arrival, explore its celebrated ancient ruins and archaeological sites, such as the Royal Tumuli Park and Cheonmachong Tomb. After nightfall, visit Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. Then, take a leisurely walk through the Silla-era Donggung Palace and admire the beautiful reflections over the tranquil Wolji Pond.

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  • Gyeongju

• Day 4: UNESCO-Listed Bulguksa Temple & Train Journey Back to Seoul

  Start the tour today from the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite architecture and serene surroundings. Continue to visit the Seokguram Grotto, an ancient Buddhist cave temple filled with remarkable stone carvings.

  In the afternoon, head to the quaint village of Gyeongju Folk Craft. Wander through the narrow alleyways flanked with Hanok houses and adorned with thatched or tile roofs to appreciate its old charms. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about traditional Korean culture and make folk crafts on your own. Then, be dropped off at the railway station for your return journey back to Seoul.

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  • Seoul

• Day 5: Seoul Leisure Day

  It's a leisure day to discover more of what this city has to offer.

  Those who love shopping may linger on the vibrant streets of Myeongdong, browsing its wide arrays of local and international brands, or dive into the bustling markets of Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, haggling for unique fashion items, accessories, and souvenirs.

  For those seeking a more historical and thought-provoking experience, we suggest an optional tour of the DMZ. This heavily guarded border between North and South Korea offers a glimpse into the complex history and ongoing tensions of the Korean Peninsula.

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  • Seoul

• Day 6: Seoul - Osaka - Kyoto

  Bid farewell to South Korea and board your flight departing for Nippon, the land of the rising sun.

  Arrive in Osaka in about two hours, meet your Japanese driver, and take a two-hour land journey to Kyoto, the everlasting spiritual heart of Japan.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: The UNESCO-Listed Kyoto

  Meet your informative guide at the hotel lobby and commence your Kyoto discovery at the Nijo Castle, with a history of over 400 years and on the world cultural heritage site list since 1994. Followed by is the Nishiki Market, the well-established 'Kyoto Kitchen' that a foodie must not miss.

  Later, climb up along the cobblestone streets of the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka while skimming the antique building that typifies Kyoto to reach Kiyomizu-dera. Stand on its old-timey veranda supported by huge columns and capture fantastic views of time-honored Kyoto. Finish your day with a stroll around the Gion, a famous area to enjoy traditional Geisha dance and tea ceremony.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 8: Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine

  About 45km north of Kyoto, the long-standing Nara is the focus of your tour today. Here, you will marvel at Todaiji - the magnificent Eastern Great Temple that reached its power height in 784AD, get up close and feed wild-roaming deer in Nara Park, and find distinguished bronze and stone lanterns at the celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

  In the afternoon, return to Kyoto and pay a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. With thousands of red torii gates lined up Mount Inari, the Shinto shrine has long been a landmark of Kyoto.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 9: Kyoto - Tokyo

  Have a leisurely morning to take in Kyoto's archaic rhythm or delve into the natural beauty of Arashiyama. Walk through the towering bamboo forest, or take a scenic train and a traditional boat to enjoy the picturesque scenery.

  In the afternoon, board a Shinkansen train back to Tokyo.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 10: A Glimpse into the Historical and Futuristic Tokyo

  Discover the historical side of Tokyo from the Meiji Shrine, built in 1920 to commemorate the virtues of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Continue to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, attached to the east side of Imperial Palace offering seasonal flowers.

  Later, at the Sensoji Temple, spot the landmark of Asakusa – the Kaminarimon boasting a giant red lantern nearly 4 meters high. Trapse through the centuries-old Nakamise shopping street in front of the temple complex to find dazzling souvenirs and snacks.

  After the tour, be sent back to your hotel or dropped off at either Shinjuku or Ginza, for shopping and more chances to taste local flavors.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 11: An Exploration of Mount Fuji

  Mount Fuji, about 130 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, is not only the highest mountain in Japan but also a quintessential icon of the country's allure. Today, a 1.5-hour drive will take you to Oshino Hakkai, renowned for its crystal-clear spring water and traditional thatched-roof houses.

  Next, ascend to Shin-Kura Mountain to find the serene and divine Arakurayama Sengen Shrine. On a clear day, it's worth climbing up the Chureito Pagoda to capture one of the most iconic images of Japan, a towering pagoda backdropped by the snowcapped Mt. Fuji.

  Afterward, make your way to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes at the base of Mount Fuji. Witness the reflection of Mount Fuji appearing on the crystalline waters, a mesmerizing sight that will surely captivate your senses. Finally, feast on a dinner and get back to Tokyo.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 12: Tokyo, Departure

  Saying Goodbye to Japan! Today you'll bid farewell to Japan and reflect on all the fantastic memories you've made during your trip.

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