16-Day Inspiring Japan and South Korea Tour Package

Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea! When you arrive at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by your private driver. After check-in at the hotel, you can explore Seoul for the rest time.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Seoul

This morning, you will head to Gyeongbokgung Palace of the Joseon dynasty where you can appreciate typical Korean architecture. Then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea and learn about the culture and traditional life of the Korean people. Stop at Gwanghwamun Gate and watch the changing of the royal guard ceremony.

Enjoy authentic Korean cuisine at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will travel to Bukchon Hanok Village with a 600-year history. Walking on the streets, you can appreciate restored traditional homes. Then discover interesting artworks and handcrafts at Insadong Culture Street.

Venture to Gwangjang Market and experience the bustling and vibrant Seoul. You can find abundant traditional food items, like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), gimbap (seaweed rice roll), Kimchi pancake, etc.

Kind Reminder:
1. Hanbok rental is at one's own expense. Rental fees are collected on-site.
2. The changing of the Royal Guard at Gwanghwamun Gate will be held at 10:00 and 14:00 and usually lasts about 20 minutes. Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Seoul

In the morning, you will travel to Imjingak Park, which was built to commemorate the Korean War and the division of the North and South. You can visit many related monuments and exhibitions. Then visit the Bridge of Freedom which was blown up at the outbreak of the Korean War.

Then you will visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer between North and South Korea. Take a shuttle bus tour to Dorasan (Mount Dora) and visit Dora Observatory. Listen to the tour guide explain the history while overlooking the Demilitarized Zone and the North Korean area. After visiting the northernmost train station in South Korea, Dorasan Station, you will travel to the Third Tunnel. Step into the tunnel and feel the tense atmosphere of the Korean Peninsula's history. Get a glimpse of the North Korean countryside on Odusan Unification Observation Deck.

In the evening, you can visit Hongdae Street on your own. Hongdae Street is famous for its street art and lively nightlife. Strolling down the bustling streets and appreciate live music performances. Taste various famous street food.

Kind Reminder:
If you don't want to visit the DMZ, you will have a day free in Seoul.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Seoul

This morning, you will transfer to Gyeongju by KTX Train. This journey takes about 2-2.5 hours.

Your first stop is the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 23 ancient tombs, among which Cheonmachong Tomb is one of the most famous. Then head to Cheomseongdae Observatory, a star-gazing tower.

Relish in a serene atmosphere when visiting Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. The surrounding area is lit up and perfect for strolling.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Gyeongju

Gyeongju was once the capital of the Kingdom of Silla, leaving behind a large number of historical relics. The world-famous Bulguksa Temple is one of them. You can the culture of the Silla kingdom and Korean Buddhism. Seokguram Grotto is regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art with amazing stone carvings.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Gyeongju Folk Craft Village. Explore traditional Korean crafts, such as ceramics and hanbok. You can visit the artisans' workshops and catch a glimpse of local life.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Busan

In the morning, you will travel to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea. You can appreciate a stunning view of the sea on the cliffs. Then head to Gamcheon Culture Village where you can walk along well-layered streets and admire brightly painted houses. It is known as the "Korea's Santorini" for its artistic hillside houses.

Enjoy your lunch at a restaurant in the Gamcheon Culture Village. In the afternoon, head to Busan downtown and visit Yongdusan Park. You can see the views of Busan City and Busan Port at the top of Busan Diamond Tower (Busan Tower). Enjoy the panoramic view of Busan's stunning skyline from Songdo Cable Car.

Taste delicious seafood at a restaurant in Jagalchi Market, Korea's largest seafood market. At bustling Gukje Market, you can find a wide variety of items, like clothing, souvenirs, street food, kitchenware, etc.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Busan

Today is a full day of free exploration. You can arrange your Busan itinerary freely. You can embark on a walking tour through the streets and discover the local culture. Find local cuisine to satisfy your appetite. Pick up some souvenirs from shops.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Busan

This morning, you will say goodbye to South Korea and transfer to Japan. After about a two-hour flight, you will arrive in Osaka. Once settled in, you can have a break or explore Osaka by yourself.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

This morning, you will travel to Nara and visit Nara Park, which is famous for its charming deer and ancient temple. In Todaiji Temple, you can see a 15-meter-high Buddha and the world's largest wooden architecture. Then you will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine where you can appreciate vermillion shrine buildings and beautiful brass lanterns.

In the afternoon, you will return to Osaka. The well-known Osaka Castle Park is a must-see attraction in Osaka. You can learn about Osaak's history in Osaka Castle Tower (Osaka Castle Museum). There are various seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms, plums, peach blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, etc.

In the evening, travel to Shinsaibashisuji and Dotonbori and enjoy energetic nightlife. Shinsaibashisuji and Dotonbori are renowned for their commerce and entertainment.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Stroll through the tunnel of torii gates and reach sacred Mount Inari. For lunch, you will enjoy Kaiseki Ryori (Japanese haute cuisine).

After visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Then wander to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka where you can see historic Japanese-style buildings. Continue to Hanamikoji Street and discover Kyoto's geisha district, Gion.

Put on a kimono and enjoy authentic Japanese tea ceremony at a Japanese izakaya (little pub). After learning about how to make matcha, you can savor traditional desserts with your own matcha.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Spend a full day in Arashiyama with sacred temples and shrines. In Jojakkoji Temple, you can admire red maples, lush pines, and golden ginkgo trees in autumn. Then travel to quaint Tenryu-ji Temple, skillfully arranged with ponds, rocks, pine trees, temple buildings, and Arashiyama mountain.

In the afternoon, you will take the Sagano Romantic Train and enjoy a 25-minute sightseeing train tour to nearby Kameoka. Then take a traditional boat along Hozu-gawa River and return to Arashiyama, which will take you about 2 hours.

Disembark a few hundred meters from the Togetsukyo Bridge and take a walk in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Today, you will transfer to modern Tokyo by Japanese bullet train. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and check-in at your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore Tokyo. Tokyo blends modernity with tradition and is known for its vibrant neighborhoods and historic landmarks.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, start your Tokyo tour with Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. Kaminarimon Gate is the main entrance of Sensoji Temple and a popular spot for photography. After walking through Kaminarimon Gate, you will reach bustling Nakamise-dori Street where you can buy some traditional snacks and souvenirs. Then you can pray for peace for yourself and your family at the main hall of Sensoji Temple.

After visiting Sensoji Temple, you will head to Tsukiji Outer Market for lunch. You can find delicious and fresh seafood and produce. Akihabara is an electric town in Tokyo and a haven for tech enthusiasts and otaku culture. Head to the upmarket shopping district - Ginza and shop till you drop. The view from Tokyo Tower is not to be missed.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

After breakfast, you will embark on a day trip to Mt. Fuji. Oshino Hakkai is a small village below Mt. Fuji with eight crystal-clear ponds. Then visit the iconic Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park and appreciate unbeatable views of Mt. Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi is one of the five lakes of Mt. Fuji. You may see upside-down Fuji reflected in the clear water of the lake when it is sunny without any wind. You can take good pictures when you take a boat trip on Lake Kawaguchi or ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, you are free to explore this amazing city. You can head to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea for an immersive adventure. Appreciate breathtaking scenery and take part in various activities at Ueno Park (Ueno Koen). Ascend the 634-meter-tall Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic view of the whole of Tokyo. Attracted by Shinjuku City's lively nightlife. Choose a Japanese izakaya (little pub) to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

This is the end of your 16-day South Korea and Japan tour. After having breakfast, you will be taken to the airport. You can fly home or to your next destination.

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A