Korea & Japan Explorer

Welcome to Korea! Upon your arrival in Seoul, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, we will provide all the necessary information about the commencement of your tour, ensuring you are fully prepared to embark on this exciting journey. Enjoy this opportunity to relax, explore the local surroundings, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Seoul at your own pace. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day of your journey, we depart early from Seoul to the Cheorwon region, home to a significant section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas. We begin our exploration with the Second Tunnel, a secret passageway dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. From there, we visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, offering panoramic views across the DMZ and into the first villages of North Korea. Inside, you’ll find a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our journey continues with a stop at the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station, before visiting the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which honours the French UN battalion's involvement in local battles. Lunch is included.In the afternoon, we'll take the opportunity to visit a local Makgeolli producer to learn about this traditional Korean rice liquor. As we return to Seoul in the evening, please ensure you have your passport with you, as it is required for entry into the DMZ, a military zone that may close unexpectedly without notice. Should this occur, an alternative route will be provided.Back in Seoul, we'll visit City Hall to admire its distinctive design, reminiscent of a giant wave. Ahead, you'll find Deoksugung Palace, which is beautifully illuminated at night, exemplifying the country's harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. A short walk takes us to the bustling Myeongdong district—South Korea’s largest hub for shopping and entertainment, aptly named “bright town.” Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Following our meal, we will return to the hotel via the city’s modern and efficient metro system, with tickets included. You will spend the night in Seoul.

Today we embark on a five-hour exploration of Seoul, beginning with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. This historical gem once served as a royal residence for Korean monarchs. Our journey continues through Bukchon Hanok Village, where you’ll encounter traditional Korean architecture amidst charming alleyways. Next, we delve into Korea’s turbulent past at the War Memorial of Korea. This museum offers a profound understanding of the conflicts that have shaped the nation's history, with an emphasis on international involvement in the Korean War, particularly under the United Nations. Lunch will be provided at a local eatery, allowing you to savour the local cuisine. Afterward, we head to the bustling Gangnam District, celebrated for its dynamic shopping and entertainment venues. The day concludes with a stop at the impressive Lotte World Tower, a striking skyscraper reaching 550 metres in height. Here, you can choose to ascend the tower for panoramic views of the city (tickets not included) or explore the adjacent park and luxury shopping centres at your own leisure. We’ll return to the hotel, and the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Today, we'll begin our journey at the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a site steeped in over 600 years of history. If we're lucky, we'll witness the ceremonial changing of the guard—a captivating glimpse into the past. Departing from Seoul, we'll head south to Suwon, once the capital of Korea. Suwon is known for its formidable UNESCO World Heritage walls, and we'll explore these fortifications and visit the Hwaseong Haenggung, a summer palace that exemplifies Korean architecture. We'll enjoy lunch together before continuing to Jeonju. Here, you'll experience the charm of its historic centre, Hanok Village, with opportunities to explore its quaint traditional houses, inviting shops, and vibrant local art galleries.

Today, we set off for Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the base of Mount Amisan. This village is famous for its traditional hanok houses and courtyards brimming with clay pots known as hang-a-ri. Here, we’ll meet skilled artisans who craft gochujang, a distinctive Korean chilli paste, and enjoy a hands-on session to learn the art of making this renowned sauce. Following this enlightening experience, we continue to Damyang to explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Considered among the country's most beautiful, these tranquil paths invite meditation and a reprieve from the day’s journey. Visitors can admire and purchase bamboo crafts highlighted in the local Bamboo Museum. Our included lunch will feature a unique local speciality – rice cooked and presented inside a bamboo stalk. In the afternoon, we will immerse ourselves in the remarkable mountain scenery as we travel to Haeinsa, a pivotal Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, this temple is renowned for safeguarding the Tripitaka, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist texts engraved on 80,000 wooden tablets. Our day concludes as we journey to Busan, Korea’s vibrant and second-largest metropolis, where we'll settle in for the night.

In the morning, we will set off from Busan to visit the Haedong Yonggung, a marvellous 14th-century Buddhist temple perched by the sea, offering stunning coastal views. We'll then return to Busan to explore the UN Memorial Cemetery, where soldiers from numerous nations are honoured. Our next stop is the country’s largest fish market by Nampo Port, a bustling hub of local life, where we will also enjoy an included lunch. From here, we'll take a leisurely walk to Yongdusan Park, which boasts a striking 120-metre pagoda at its heart. Our afternoon will be spent at Songdo Beach, where you can opt to ride Korea’s first marine cable car, granting spectacular views of the bay, weather permitting, as the ticket is included. We'll then continue our exploration at the Gamcheon Culture Village, renowned for its vibrant and colourful buildings, and maze-like alleyways filled with art galleries, pottery shops, and charming cafes. After a fulfilling day of discovery, we will return to Busan for an overnight stay, allowing you ample time to reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, we will arrange your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival in Japan’s vibrant capital, and after completing the necessary border formalities, you will be greeted by an assistant, who, though primarily Spanish-speaking, may also speak English. Together, you'll board a shared shuttle bus to your hotel, where you'll check in. The rest of the day will be yours to explore Tokyo at your leisure.

Our day in Tokyo begins with a comprehensive guided tour, immersing us in this captivating city's vibrant energy and serene spaces. Over the next five hours, you'll experience the fascinating contrast of modernity and tradition. We'll make our first stop at the Zojoji Temple, where you'll have the chance to photograph one of Tokyo's most iconic views with the Tokyo Tower in the background. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, which are believed to be protectors of children and are uniquely dressed in colourful knit caps and bibs.Our exploration continues as we head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, renowned as one of the busiest intersections in the world, followed by a visit to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. We'll drive along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, admiring the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, with a stop to marvel at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.We'll proceed through Tokyo's vibrant Akihabara district, a hub of Japanese manga and anime culture, before passing the Kokugikan – Japan’s esteemed sumo wrestling arena. Our tour concludes in Asakusa, where we’ll explore the historic Sensoji Temple and stroll down the famous Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch at a local restaurant will round off our morning exploration.Back at the hotel, you'll have some time to relax before our evening excursion. At 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet in the hotel lobby and take the metro – tickets included – to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, you can soak in the dynamic nightlife and bustling atmosphere as we meander through its streets, culminating in a dinner at a local restaurant, also included. We’ll then make our way back to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Today, we will embark on a journey to the breathtaking Mount Fuji region, passing through enchanting landscapes along the way. Our first destination is the Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its stunning pagodas and offering some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From here, we will proceed to the delightful town of Kawaguchiko, surrounded by majestic mountains, colourful blossoms, and the tranquil lake that shares its name. Upon arrival, we will visit the serene Fuji Sengen Shrine, nestled amidst towering trees, which serves as the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. While here, we will pause to appreciate the magical essence of the place.Our itinerary includes a charming boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, allowing you to absorb the area's peaceful beauty. Following this, we will ascend to the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji via a scenic road, reaching an altitude of 2,305 metres, where we will be surrounded by awe-inspiring forests and vistas. Please note that during winter, the ascent might be limited due to snow or adverse weather conditions, and we will travel as far as conditions allow.After descending, we will return to Kawaguchiko, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside. Tonight, our accommodation will be in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax and unwind in the onsen, a communal hot bath. Dinner is included. Please be advised that some rooms in the ryokan feature traditional tatami mats, while others are Western-style, and occasionally, we may stay in a Western-style hotel instead.

Today, we'll embark on a delightful journey starting with a scenic drive through picturesque landscapes to Iyashi no Sato Nenba. Once ravaged by a typhoon in 1966, this village has been beautifully restored as an open-air museum. Here, traditional houses now serve as arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, providing a charming window into Japan's history. Our next stop is the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, renowned for its striking beauty, with water cascading down a 20-metre drop. We will then continue to Nagoya, where car enthusiasts will particularly enjoy our visit to the Toyota Museum, with entrance included, which showcases the fascinating world of automotive innovation. As the day concludes, we'll head to Kyoto for our overnight stay, ready to explore more of this historic region.

Today, we fully immerse ourselves in the cultural and historical heart of Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and the residence of the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from the bombings of World War II, Kyoto has preserved its vast artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.Our exploration will focus on Kyoto’s iconic sites, starting in Arashiyama. Here, we’ll marvel at the Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the 'Bridge over the Moon,' offering stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Next, we’ll visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s esteemed “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a peaceful stroll through the enchanting bamboo groves.The adventure continues with a visit to the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. We'll then explore the Imperial Palace and the Kinkakuji Temple, the dazzling 'Golden Pavilion,' renowned for its stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. (Please note that the sequence of these visits may vary.)After our guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district famed for its lively ambiance and sightings of geishas. Enjoy the chance to explore at your leisure before we conclude our day of discovery.

We will set off for Nara to explore the impressive Todaiji Temple, constructed in 752 and home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you will also have the opportunity to snap photos and interact with the friendly deer that meander through the adjoining park. Lunch will be provided. Later, we will head to the Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a seminary, monasteries, and ancient temples. Its pagoda is among the oldest wooden structures globally and holds the title of Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, maintaining its significance as a cherished place of worship. Our journey will continue to Osaka, where we will arrive in the evening. You'll stay in this dynamic and modern city, recognised as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later on, we'll explore Dotonbori, a bustling and vibrant district famed for its lively nightlife.

Today, we'll embark on a journey towards Himeji to explore its expansive castle complex, a marvellous example of Japanese castle architecture. After enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue our adventure to Okayama. Here, we'll visit the tranquil Korakuen, renowned as one of Japan's most exquisite gardens, featuring serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. A short walk over a pedestrian bridge takes you to Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century stronghold reconstructed in 1966 following its destruction during World War II. While entry into the castle is not included, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore this active provincial capital, home to over 700,000 residents. Please be aware that on certain occasions, we may stay overnight in either Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with the possibility of visiting Kurashiki later in the day.

We begin our day in Kurashiki, a city celebrated for its well-preserved historic centre. You'll have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along its atmospheric streets, where echoes of the past still resonate. Our journey continues to Hiroshima, a city eternally etched in history by the 1945 atomic bombing. Here, we will reflect on resilience and remembrance at the Peace Memorial Park, see the haunting yet powerful Atomic Bomb Dome, and explore the Peace Memorial Museum to gain deeper insights into the city's poignant legacy.Seeking a sense of tranquillity, we will board a ferry bound for an island renowned as the place "where men and gods live together." Our destination is the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to the guardian of the seas, elegantly perched above the water. You'll have time to absorb the serene beauty of the shrine, wander through the charming town centre, and enjoy lunch amidst this captivating setting. We'll conclude our day with a return journey to Hiroshima, where dinner awaits at the hotel.Please note that in Hiroshima, the sequence of our visits might be adjusted while ensuring the itinerary remains complete.

On the final day of our unforgettable journey, following breakfast, it's time to part ways. As we wrap up our adventure in Hiroshima, we hope you take with you not only memories of the captivating places we've explored but also a deep appreciation for the histories and cultures we've encountered. Safe travels as you continue your journey, with the experiences of this trip lingering in your heart.