Tokyo to Seoul & Jeju

Welcome to Tokyo and the start of your premium journey through Japan and South Korea. We meet in the hotel lounge for a welcome briefing with our tour leader and fellow travellers, where we set the scene for the experiences ahead and outline what to expect over the coming days.

This evening, we come together for a teppanyaki welcome dinner. It is a relaxed and social introduction to Japanese cuisine, with expertly prepared dishes, plenty of conversation and, of course, our first group photo.

We then head out to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic night-time views across the city. From here, Tokyo stretches out in a dazzling display of lights, offering a memorable first glimpse of the capital’s scale, energy and atmosphere after dark.

We start the morning with a hands-on sushi masterclass, learning the techniques behind one of Japan’s most famous dishes. Guided by local experts, we slice, roll and taste our own creations, picking up practical skills along the way in a fun and relaxed setting.

Next, we slow the pace at Meiji Shrine, a tranquil forest sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Here, our tour leader explains the significance of omamori - traditional Japanese charms believed to offer luck and protection - and collects one for each of us.

We then head into the vibrant streets of Harajuku, known for its bold fashion, quirky boutiques and colourful street food. From here, we continue on foot to Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, where we pause for photos with the faithful Hachiko statue, a symbol of loyalty in Japan.

For those wanting a bird’s-eye view, you can visit Shibuya Sky for sweeping views across the city, watching Tokyo’s energy unfold from above.

Today, we swap Tokyo’s neon skyline for a taste of retro Japan. We step back in time in Shibamata, a nostalgic neighbourhood that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era. We stroll along Taishakuten Sando, lined with traditional shops, local snacks and old-fashioned souvenirs, before visiting Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, known for its intricate wooden carvings and serene setting.

We then continue to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic districts. With its traditional streets, iconic landmarks and lively atmosphere, it offers endless opportunities for photos and a deeper look at the city’s past.

This evening, we enjoy a memorable sumo experience with dinner. We meet former sumo wrestlers who share stories from life in the ring, pose for photos and introduce us to Chanko Nabe - the nourishing hot pot traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers to maintain their strength and stamina.

Tokyo - Hakone. Today, we leave behind the buzz of Tokyo and head for the fresh mountain air of Hakone. We travel by Romance Car express, watching the cityscape give way to rolling hills and open countryside. On arrival in Hakone Yumoto, you have some free time to explore the area and pick up lunch before the afternoon’s activities begin.

We then bus to Moto-Hakone to board a pirate-style cruise across Lake Ashi. With its multi-level decks and wide-open views, it is a memorable way to experience this volcanic lake. On clear days, you may spot Mt Fuji rising above the surrounding landscape (weather dependent).

Next, we ride the cable car over the dramatic volcanic valley of Owakudani, where steam vents and rugged terrain reveal Hakone’s geothermal activity. After a full day of sightseeing, we return by bus to our accommodation.

The evening is free to relax. You may choose to enjoy a traditional onsen bath, soaking in the naturally heated waters and unwinding after a day of travel and exploration.

Hakone - Kyoto. This morning, we travel to Odawara Station and board the iconic Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. As the scenery speeds past, we make our way to Japan’s former imperial capital. On arrival, we drop our bags at the hotel before heading out to explore.

Our first stop is Higashi Honganji Temple, renowned for its immense wooden halls and peaceful atmosphere. One of its most unusual features is a rope woven from human hair, donated by devotees and used during the temple’s reconstruction - a striking example of dedication and craftsmanship.

This afternoon, we take part in a Japanese calligraphy class. With brush, ink and paper, we learn the fundamentals of this traditional art form and create a piece to take home as a personal souvenir.

In the evening, we come together for a lively karaoke night. From classic hits to guilty pleasures, it is a fun and relaxed way to bond as a group and end the day on an upbeat note.

We begin the day with a traditional Camellia tea ceremony, a refined introduction to one of Kyoto’s most cherished cultural practices. We watch as matcha is prepared with precision and grace, before trying it ourselves and enjoying the tea alongside delicate Japanese sweets. If you would like to enhance the experience, you can choose to wear a kimono for photos and a deeper sense of occasion.

Next, we visit Kiyomizu dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. Its impressive wooden stage juts out over the hillside, offering sweeping views across the city and surrounding forest. After our visit, you have time to wander the atmospheric streets nearby and stop for lunch at a local eatery.

This afternoon, we explore Kyoto’s most evocative districts on foot. We join a guided walk through Gion, learning about the area’s long-standing traditions and the world of geisha, before continuing to Pontocho Alley. This narrow, lantern-lit lane runs alongside the river and is lined with historic teahouses and restaurants, capturing the essence of old Kyoto.

The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might sample street food at Nishiki Market, browse the shops of Teramachi Street, delve into samurai and ninja history, or attend the GEAR non-verbal theatre performance. Kyoto offers a wide range of options to suit every interest tonight.

Kyoto - Hiroshima. The morning is yours to experience Kyoto in the way that suits you best. You might choose to rise early and walk through the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari at sunrise, explore the tranquil gardens of Nijo Castle, admire the gold-leaf exterior of the Golden Pavilion, or wander through the atmospheric bamboo groves of Arashiyama. If you are feeling adventurous, you could travel to Nara to see its famous free-roaming deer. Alternatively, a slower morning soaking up Kyoto’s everyday charm is just as rewarding, though an early visit to Fushimi Inari is highly recommended for those keen to see it at its most peaceful.

In the afternoon, we regroup with our tour leader and travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima, watching the landscape shift as we head west.

This evening, we enjoy dinner together and sample a local speciality - Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Layered with noodles, vegetables and savoury flavours, it is a regional favourite and a great way to end the day as a group.

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima. Today, we head to Miyajima, a postcard-perfect island just offshore from Hiroshima. As we cross the bay by ferry, we catch sight of the iconic torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appearing to float on the water, one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks. We explore the shrine grounds and learn about its spiritual significance before continuing on to Mt Misen.

We ascend the mountain by ropeway, enjoying wide-ranging views across the Seto Inland Sea. You can ride the ropeway both ways or, if you are feeling energetic, choose to hike back down through forested trails and peaceful temple paths.

Later, we return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Museum with an audio guide. This powerful and thought-provoking experience shares the story of the atomic bombing and its aftermath, focusing on remembrance, resilience and the global message of peace.

Hiroshima - Okayama - Osaka. All aboard the bullet train - today we travel to Okayama. Our first stop is the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter, a beautifully preserved canal district where the atmosphere of Japan’s merchant past lives on. We wander along willow-lined waterways, past white-walled storehouses, traditional shops and inviting cafés, with time to sample a local sweet treat. For a different perspective, you may wish to take an optional boat ride along the canal, offering lovely views of this historic town.

Next, we visit Korakuen, considered one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Designed during the Edo period, its open lawns, ponds and carefully placed views reflect the refined tastes of a former feudal lord and change character with the seasons.

By mid-afternoon, we board the bullet train once more and continue to Osaka. After checking in and dropping our bags at the hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. You can relax nearby or head out to experience the lively, neon-lit streets of Shinsekai. If you’re feeling peckish, this is the perfect place to try kushikatsu - Osaka’s much-loved deep-fried skewers.

On our final day in Japan, we take things at a relaxed pace with a walk along Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s best-known shopping street. Lined with lively arcades, quirky boutiques and tempting street food, it’s a great spot for photos and last-minute browsing. There’s free time here to enjoy lunch and pick up any final souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we experience the city from the water on a Dotonbori boat cruise. Gliding along the canal beneath glowing signs and billboards, we see a different side of Osaka’s famous entertainment district.

As evening approaches, we come together for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on our journey, share highlights and toast an unforgettable adventure through Japan.

Osaka - Seoul (South Korea). This morning, you travel by private transfer to the airport for your included flight to South Korea. Please note that both the transfer and flight are unguided.

On arrival in Seoul, we begin the second leg of our Japan and South Korea adventure. Once you’ve landed and settled in, we meet our new tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting. This is a chance to learn more about Korean culture, pick up useful local tips and get ready for the experiences ahead.

We then dive straight into one of South Korea’s highlights - the food. We head out together for a group dinner, a great opportunity to get to know one another while sampling classic Korean dishes, with kimchi firmly on the menu.

After dinner, we take to the skies with a cable car ride up Namsan Mountain, continuing on to the top of Seoul N Tower. From here, we enjoy sweeping views across the city skyline, offering excellent photo opportunities and a memorable way to round off our first evening in Korea.

Please note: Some travellers may be leaving the tour in Osaka, and others may join in Seoul. The maximum group size will not be exceeded.

This morning, we start bright and early with a step back into Korea’s royal past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul’s historic palaces. We watch the colourful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony before exploring the palace grounds. If you wish, you can hire a traditional hanbok at your own expense and wander the elegant courtyards and quieter corners in traditional dress.

By lunchtime, we sit down to enjoy a local speciality - samgye-tang, a nourishing chicken and ginseng soup - in the atmospheric Bukchon Hanok Village. Afterwards, you have time to explore at your own pace, getting lost in the narrow lanes of the village or heading to nearby Insadong Art Street, known for its antique shops, traditional teahouses and local handicrafts.

In the evening, you can grab dinner before an optional group night out experiencing a true Korean pastime - karaoke. Expect big songs, plenty of laughs and the perfect opportunity to channel your inner K-pop star if the mood strikes.

Seoul - DMZ - Seoul. This morning, we set out on a half-day excursion to one of South Korea’s most thought-provoking destinations - the Demilitarised Zone. At the border with North Korea, we visit the Dora Observatory, where we look across to distant North Korean villages using binoculars, before descending into the Third Tunnel, an infiltration tunnel dug by North Korea that runs to within around 200 metres of the border. Before returning to Seoul, we take part in an open Q&A session with a North Korean defector, offering a rare and powerful personal perspective.

After an intense and eye-opening morning, we slow the pace with time in Hongdae, Seoul’s youthful and creative neighbourhood. Known for its street art, live performances, independent shops and offbeat cafés, it’s an ideal place to wander and soak up the city’s contemporary culture.

As evening approaches, we head to Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s most energetic districts. We explore its famous street food scene, with time to browse shops and sample local favourites, before coming together for the Nanta Show. This high-energy performance combines comedy, percussion, acrobatics and cooking, with plenty of audience interaction, making for an entertaining and distinctly Korean way to end the day.

Seoul - Gyeongju. This morning, we depart Seoul by KTX (high-speed rail), travelling south to Gyeongju - Korea’s ancient capital and one of its most historically rich cities. We arrive around lunchtime, with free time to enjoy a meal and explore the local streets at your own pace.

In the late afternoon, we set out on a guided bike tour to discover Gyeongju’s standout sights. Cycling through the historic centre, we pass the Chunmachong Ancient Tombs, explore Daereungwon Tumuli Park and stop at Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia, dating back to the Silla Kingdom.

As evening arrives, we come together for a special dining experience at a traditional hanok. We enjoy a classic Korean set meal, accompanied by a tasting of traditional Korean liquor, offering a deeper insight into local food culture. Afterwards, we visit the beautiful Anapji Pond, where the softly lit palace pavilions reflect on the water, creating a peaceful night-time scene. We then return to our hanok accommodation, an atmospheric and fitting place to rest ahead of tomorrow’s explorations.

Gyeongju - Busan. This morning, we leave the city behind and travel into the mountains to Golgulsa Temple, set among peaceful scenery and sweeping views. Here, we gain insight into centuries-old Korean Buddhist traditions and a slower, more reflective way of life.

We take part in a series of temple activities, beginning with a guided meditation session. This is followed by a sunmudo martial arts class, a discipline rooted in Buddhist practice, and an introduction to traditional archery. The experience is rounded off with a nourishing Buddhist vegetarian dinner, prepared in line with temple customs.

In the late afternoon, we continue south to Busan. On arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening, ready to explore this energetic coastal city the following day.

We begin the day with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa, one of Korea’s most striking temples. Dramatically set on a rocky coastline, the temple offers sweeping ocean views, with waves crashing below - a memorable contrast to the mountain settings of most Korean temples.

Next, we visit Gamcheon Culture Village, often dubbed the ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’. Here, you have time to explore independently, wandering past brightly painted houses, creative art installations and tucked-away cafés. We then continue to the Songdo Marine Cable Car, where panoramic views stretch out across the coastline and open sea. Afterwards, we head to BIFF Square, the lively heart of Busan’s film district.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. You may wish to relax or join fellow travellers in Haeundae, a popular area for nightlife.

After a more relaxed start, we meet mid-morning for one of the day’s highlights - a traditional Korean cooking class. Under local guidance, we learn how to prepare classic dishes such as bibimbap or gimbap, before sitting down together to enjoy our creations for lunch.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Busan your way. You might choose to unwind at a jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean spa, relax on one of the city’s sandy beaches or take a swim in the sea. If you’re feeling creative, there is also the option to join a traditional pottery-making class, which must be booked in advance.

As evening approaches, we come together for a lively boat party, cruising through the harbour with city lights reflecting on the water. Those keen to keep the celebrations going can head out afterwards to Haeundae, known for its vibrant nightlife, dining and beachfront bars.

Busan - Jeju. This morning, we fly to the final stop of our tour - the beautiful Jeju Island. We arrive in the early afternoon, with time to check in, drop our bags and take a short break before heading out to the coast.

Later, we take to the water for a fishing experience with a difference. Boarding a yacht, we cast our lines and try our luck at catching our own fish, enjoying Jeju’s coastal scenery along the way.

The evening is free for you to explore Jeju at your own pace. You may wish to wander nearby streets, sample the island’s local cuisine or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere on your first night on the island.

This morning, we set out to explore Jeju’s natural landscapes on a walk along Olle Trail No. 7. Following a mix of coastal paths and green inland stretches, we pass dramatic sea views before stopping at Jeongbang Waterfall, one of the few waterfalls in Asia that flows directly into the ocean. We also visit Oedolgae Rock, a distinctive coastal formation and a popular photo stop.

The afternoon is free for you to choose how you’d like to continue exploring the island. You may wish to hike Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, a UNESCO-listed volcanic crater formed more than 5,000 years ago. Other options include a visit to Sangumburi Crater, now home to a rich variety of plant life, or time at Jeju Folk Village, where traditional 19th-century island homes offer insight into Jeju’s past.

In the evening, we come together for our final night in Korea with a Korean BBQ dinner. It’s a fitting way to share stories and celebrate the journey before returning to Seoul tomorrow.

Jeju - Seoul. Your tour comes to an end today, but not before your included flight back to Seoul. You'll travel without a guide, and your tour comes to an end on arrival back in the South Korea capital.