- Highlights:
- Explore Seoul’s buzzing neighbourhoods, historic palaces and lively markets
- Discover Gyeongju’s ancient temples, tombs and traditional Korean charm
- Taste your way through Jeonju, home to Korea’s famous food and hanok houses
- Experience Japan’s highlights alongside the best of South Korea
On this tour, you’ll discover two fascinating countries, travelling from South Korea to Japan. Wander through lively city neighbourhoods, sample local specialities at bustling markets and get a feel for the traditions that are still part of everyday life. After crossing by ferry to Japan, the pace changes as you discover a mix of striking culture, peaceful landscapes and authentic experiences. Your journey ends in lively Tokyo, where neon lights and modern trends sit alongside centuries old traditions. With your hotels and transport arranged, you can focus on exploring and enjoying the journey.
Day 1 – Arrival in Seoul
Your South Korea adventure starts in Seoul, where futuristic skyscrapers sit alongside traditional hanok houses and centuries old palaces. After landing, your driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel. The journey takes around an hour, giving you your first glimpse of the city as you pass modern skylines, lively neighbourhoods and pockets of green.
The rest of the day is yours. Take it easy at the hotel or head out and start exploring. It’s easy to get around by taxi using the Naver app, so you can wander through a local neighbourhood, stop for a bite to eat or settle into a café and watch Seoul go by.
Day 2 – City tour in Seoul
After breakfast, you’ll explore Seoul by public transport with a local guide, travelling from one neighbourhood to the next and seeing the city through the eyes of someone who knows it well. Start at the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you’ll wander past the grand throne room, peaceful courtyards and gardens. From here, continue to Jogyesa Temple, an important Buddhist centre tucked away in the heart of the city. Along the way, your guide will share stories about South Korea’s history and give you an insight into everyday life in Seoul.
You’ll then make your way to lively Myeongdong, where neon signs, shops and street food stalls fill the streets. In Insadong, things feel a little more traditional, with cosy tea houses, galleries and craft shops. Finish your day in Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most creative neighbourhoods, known for its cafés, street performers and youthful atmosphere. It’s a great introduction to the different sides of Seoul and will leave you feeling a little more at home in the city.
Day 3 - Exploring Seoul independently
Today, you’re free to explore Seoul at your own pace. Wander through the traditional streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, visit the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace or browse the tea houses and craft shops of Insadong. For a taste of everyday Seoul, head to Gwangjang Market to try some local snacks and watch the city go by.
Getting around is easy by public transport, so you can pick and choose what interests you most. Explore the creative streets of Hongdae, browse the shops in Myeongdong or take a walk up Inwangsan for views across the city. There’s no set plan today, so take your time and enjoy Seoul your way.
Day 4 – Travel to Gyeongju
Today you’ll travel to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom and one of South Korea’s most fascinating historic cities. As you explore, you’ll come across ancient temples, grassy burial mounds and historic streets where traditional Korea meets modern life. In the evening, head to Hwangnidan gil, a lively street lined with cosy cafés, small boutiques and local restaurants. It’s a great spot to wander around and find somewhere for dinner.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a traditional Korean hanok, giving you the chance to experience a different side of Korea. Your hosts will make you feel at home and are happy to share stories and tips about the local area. It’s a lovely way to experience the warm hospitality Gyeongju is known for.
Day 5 – More time to explore Gyeongju
Today is yours to explore more of Gyeongju. The city is easy to get around by bike, making it a great way to see the sights at your own pace. If cycling isn’t your thing, taxis are an easy alternative. Start at Tumuli Park, where dozens of grassy burial mounds rise from the landscape. They may look like natural hills, but these impressive mounds are actually royal tombs dating back to the Silla Kingdom.
Take your time wandering between ancient temples, historic buildings and peaceful parks, soaking up Gyeongju’s unique atmosphere. If you have time, visit the National Museum of Gyeongju, where you can see artefacts uncovered in the surrounding area and learn more about the Silla Kingdom. It’s an easy way to get under the skin of this fascinating city and understand why it’s known as the cultural heart of South Korea.
Day 6 – Next stop Busan
After breakfast, you’ll travel on to Busan, South Korea’s lively coastal city. It’s a change of scene from historic Gyeongju, with sandy beaches, a busy harbour and modern neighbourhoods all adding to the city’s character. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore.
Take a wander through Jagalchi Fish Market, where stalls are piled high with the day’s catch, or explore the city’s smaller neighbourhoods and stop at a local café or restaurant. You can also head towards the waterfront for a stroll along the beach and enjoy the sea air. With an extensive metro network and plenty of taxis, getting around Busan is easy, so you can spend the day discovering the city at your own pace.
Day 7 - Busan city tour
Today you'll have plenty of time to explore more of Busan. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of South Korea's most beautiful temples, perched dramatically beside the sea. Next, you'll take the Sky Capsule along the coast, taking in the scenic views over beaches and cliffsides, before wandering through the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village. Here, narrow lanes wind between brightly painted houses, street art and cosy little squares.
You'll also take a boat trip along the river, with views of the city skyline, while your guide shares stories about Busan's history, culture and everyday life. Finish your day at Busan's port, where you can sit back with a coffee, enjoy the views across the water and watch the city gradually wind down for the evening.
Days 8 & 9 - From South Korea to Japan
Today you’ll say goodbye to South Korea and fly from Busan to Osaka, where your Japan adventure begins. After checking into your centrally located hotel, head out with a local guide to discover the city’s famous food scene in Dotonbori. This neon lit street in the lively Namba district is packed with Japanese street food, from sizzling takoyaki to local specialities. Your guide will introduce you to some of the must try dishes and you’ll sample a few snacks and a drink before continuing to explore at your own pace.
The next day is yours to discover Osaka independently. Take your time wandering through the city’s lively neighbourhoods, browse the shops or visit some of its famous sights. Food lovers are spoilt for choice, so why not return to Dotonbori and try a few more local dishes, or seek out a quieter neighbourhood café. With plenty to see, eat and explore, you can spend the day discovering Osaka in your own way.
Day 10 - Osaka to Kyoto
Today you’ll travel by train from Osaka to Kyoto, a short journey that gives you a first glimpse of Japan beyond the city. From the station, make your own way to your accommodation near the centre and get settled in. Once evening arrives, head out to explore Kyoto’s food scene. You’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants serving local specialities, from delicate seasonal dishes to comforting bowls of noodles. Pair your dinner with a glass of local sake and enjoy your first evening in this atmospheric city.
Day 11 - Morning bike tour with a guide
This morning you’ll head out to meet your English-speaking guide and hop on your bike. Cycling through the back streets feels like a world (and century) away from the car-congested highways. You’ll visit the old entertainment districts with their wooden houses and make a stop at Shinto shrines with their Torri gates. You’ll finish at Kyoto station at about 1pm, giving you the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 12 - Explore Kyoto independently
Today is yours to discover Kyoto. Take your time exploring the city’s mix of ancient temples, peaceful gardens and atmospheric neighbourhoods. Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, wander through the narrow streets of Gion or explore the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. You could also seek out quieter temples and traditional tea houses away from the main sights, stopping for a bowl of noodles or a matcha treat along the way. With plenty to see and do, choose your own highlights and enjoy Kyoto at your own pace.
Day 13 - Hello Hakone
Today you’ll travel to Hakone, a beautiful mountain town known for its hot springs, scenic views and traditional ryokan. Once you arrive, check into your accommodation near the centre and settle into a more relaxed pace.
You’ll have a Hakone Free Pass for the next couple of days, making it easy to explore the area using its wonderfully varied transport network. Hop between trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways as you discover lakeside scenery, mountain views and local sights. The pass also gives you discounts at a selection of attractions, so there’s plenty to see and do.
Day 14 - Explore Mount Fuji and surrounding area
Today is yours to explore Hakone. Use your Free Pass to hop on the railway, take a boat across Lake Ashi or visit the striking Hakone Shrine and one of the town’s many museums. If you fancy some fresh air, there are also hiking trails that lead into the surrounding hills. After a day of exploring, unwind in a traditional onsen, where naturally heated waters offer a relaxing way to end the day. Come evening, choose one of the local restaurants for dinner and try some Japanese specialities, perhaps with a plate of freshly made gyoza.
Day 15 - Final stop: Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, you’ll make your way to your centrally located hotel and get settled in. The rest of the evening is free, so take some time to recover from the journey or head straight out to get your first taste of this enormous city. Wander through the nearby streets, find a cosy izakaya or settle down for your first bowl of ramen and a cold drink. There’s no need to pack too much into your first evening, so take it easy and enjoy your first taste of Tokyo before heading back to your hotel.
Day 16 - Explore the city with a local
In order to see the best of what Tokyo has to offer this morning you will meet your local, English speaking guide that has lived in the city for a while and can give you a unique insight into the people, customs and Japanese etiquette as well as visiting the well known attractions. You will meet the guide around 10am and explore the city together on foot and by metro (payable locally). Tokyo’s hi-tech public transport system is an experience in itself and makes it easy and fast to travel through the different parts of the city.
Discover the old and the new Tokyo as you walk along the Ameyoko market street and through the Ueno Park, which is full of historical sights and gives you a good insight into Japanese history. Continue to the famous Yanaka Cemetery, where your guide will tell you more about Japanese funeral traditions. The cemetery lies in the beautiful Yanesen district, which was largely spared during the Second World War so you can discover many small temples and old houses here. After lunch (not included) you will get to know modern Tokyo. Find an insight into some of the most interesting subcultures of Tokyo in Nakano, and as a last stop you will visit the districts of Harajuku or Shibuya. Finally, your guide will give you tips for the rest of the afternoon and where you can eat in the evening. In total, this city tour takes about 6 hours and you always have the option to add the night tour if you wish.
Day 17 - International departure
Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. Depending on the time of your international flight, you may have a little time left to enjoy Tokyo, perhaps with one last wander through the city or a final Japanese meal. When it’s time to leave, make your way to the airport for your flight home, taking plenty of memories from your time exploring South Korea and Japan with you.
Accommodation
