Journey Through Korea and Japan's Heritage

Welcome to Korea! Upon your arrival in Seoul, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can settle in and relax. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the vibrant city, take in the sights, or simply unwind after your journey. In the afternoon, we'll be providing all the essential information to kick-start your tour through this fascinating country. Enjoy your first night in Seoul, excited for the adventures that lie ahead. 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 our journey, we embark on an early departure to the Cheorwon region, which is home to a significant part of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas. Our exploration begins with the discovery of the Second Tunnel, a covert passage constructed by the North Korean army, which came to light in 1975. We then visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the DMZ and catch a glimpse of the first villages within North Korea. The observatory houses a small museum dedicated to the Korean War, providing historical context to this complex region. Our travels continue to the deserted Woljeong-ri railway station, followed by a visit to the Baek Ma Battle Memorial. This site pays homage to the French UN battalion and their crucial role during significant battles. A local lunch is included today, providing a taste of Korean cuisine. Our final stop in the region is at a traditional producer of Makgeolli, a popular Korean rice liquor, before we make our way back to Seoul in the evening.Please remember to bring your passport, as it is essential for entry to the DMZ. Being a military zone, the DMZ can close without notice; should this happen, an alternative itinerary will be organised.Back in Seoul, we enjoy an evening visit to City Hall and a view of its striking tsunami-inspired architecture. We then admire Deoksugung Palace, illuminated at night, perfectly illustrating the seamless blend of Korea’s historical and modern aspects. A walk to the bustling Myeongdong district follows, known as South Korea's largest area for shopping and entertainment. Here, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of "bright town," as its name suggests. Dinner is included at a local eatery, and we wrap up the day's explorations with a ride on Seoul's state-of-the-art metro (ticket included) back to our hotel for an overnight stay.

After a delectable breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive five-hour exploration of Seoul, starting with the majestic Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. Next, we meander through the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses provide a glimpse into the past. Our journey continues as we delve into the War Memorial of Korea, a profound museum detailing Korea’s turbulent history, with particular emphasis on the Korean War. Lunch is thoughtfully arranged at a local eatery. We then venture to the bustling Gangnam District, synonymous with vibrant shopping and entertainment options. Our final stop is at the awe-inspiring Lotte World Tower, which soars 550 metres into the sky. Here, you are free to ascend the tower for breathtaking views or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. We conclude our day by returning to the hotel, after which the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Today, we will visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent structure dating back over 600 years. If the timing is right, we'll witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. After exploring the palace, we’ll leave Seoul and travel south to Suwon, historically the capital of Korea and known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed walls. Here, we will explore these extraordinary fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, a former summer palace. Lunch will be included. Our journey then takes us to Jeonju, where we'll wander through its captivating historic centre, Hanok Village, adorned with charming houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

We'll start our day by departing from Jeonju towards the foothills of Mount Amisan, where you'll find the charming Sunchang Gochujang Village. With traditional hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots known as hang-a-ri, this village is renowned for producing gochujang, a spicy Korean chilli paste. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in a hands-on experience, learning the art of making this distinctive sauce from master artisans. Our journey continues to Damyang, home to the picturesque Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. These serene paths, famed for their beauty, offer a perfect setting for meditation amidst a fresh, invigorating breeze. You’ll also discover an intriguing array of bamboo products, with insights provided at the Bamboo Museum. Lunch features a local delicacy: rice elegantly prepared and served inside a bamboo stalk.Later, we'll travel through breathtaking mountain landscapes to Haeinsa, one of Korea's most revered Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, Haeinsa preserves the Tripitaka Koreana—an invaluable collection of Buddhist scriptures intricately carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. Finally, we journey onward to Busan, Korea’s lively second-largest city, where we will arrange your accommodation for the night.

In the morning, we depart from Busan to explore Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully perched by the sea. Upon returning to Busan, we'll visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a solemn tribute to the many soldiers from diverse nations who laid down their lives during the Korean War. Next, we'll experience the bustling atmosphere of the country's largest fish market near Nampo Port, where you'll witness the vibrant activity and variety of seafood on offer. A delightful lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Following our eventful morning, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Osaka, which is included in your tour. Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we'll ensure you have a smooth transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in and relax for the remainder of the day.

We leave Osaka at 11:30 a.m. and travel to the revered Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This mystical pilgrimage site, surrounded by serene nature, hosts 120 temples and monasteries. Our visit here includes the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual area with over 200,000 graves, and Kongobuji Temple, initially erected in 1593. We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery where monks will guide us through a Zen meditation session known as Ajikan, and enjoy a vegetarian dinner. If you wish, you may join the temple's religious ceremony before breakfast the next morning. Please note that during winter months, limited daylight may not allow us to visit Kongobuji Temple's interior. Staying at the monastery offers a uniquely enriching experience, although please be aware the rooms are simple, featuring traditional Japanese decor with tatami mats and shared bathrooms. During peak tourist times, meditation sessions may not be available. In some instances where accommodation at Mount Koya's temples is not possible, alternative accommodations in nearby hotels will be arranged, offering half-board.

As we begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, we prepare to depart early for Kyoto, a city rich in history and culture. Once the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and the location of the Imperial Court, Kyoto remarkably survived the bombings of World War II intact, thus preserving its incredible artistic and cultural treasures. It’s also notable as the place where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.During our visit, we will explore some of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. We’ll admire the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, and visit the historic Imperial Palace. The day will also include a visit to the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the "Golden Pavilion," which is renowned for its beautiful gardens and reflection on the building's waters.You'll have some free time to further delve into Kyoto's charm before we head to Gion, a traditional district famed for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll enjoy more free time to amble through the streets and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Should you have visited Kyoto previously on your tour, our guide will offer suggestions for other fascinating parts of the city to discover on your own.

After breakfast, we set off along the shores of one of Japan’s expansive lakes, heading first to the Shirahige Ginra shrine, which gracefully overlooks the water. Continuing onwards, we arrive at Eihei-ji, an important temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a pivotal centre of Zen Buddhism (admission included). The temple is renowned for its serene environment, impressive architecture, and beautiful gardens, providing a key training ground for monks practising Zazen meditation and adhering to a disciplined lifestyle. Our journey then takes us to Katsuyama, where you'll have the chance to visit the Dinosaur Museum, situated at Japan's richest dinosaur fossil site. Here, you’ll find engaging exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons and can take the opportunity to explore and have lunch at your own pace. Before leaving Katsuyama, we'll also visit the grand temple housing the Great Buddha of Echizen and climb its five-storey pagoda to enjoy stunning views. Our day concludes as we arrive in Kanazawa in the evening, ready for further adventures.

Today, we dedicate our time to exploring the captivating city of Kanazawa, a city rich in history that managed to escape the devastation of World War II air raids. We begin with a guided morning tour, taking in the impressive castle area and its well-preserved walls. We'll wander through Nagamachi, a historic neighbourhood offering a glimpse into the lives of samurai families, with its time-honoured residences, earthen walls, traditional gates, narrow lanes, and water canals.We will also visit Kenrokuen, recognised as one of Japan's three most exquisite gardens, where you will have the chance to appreciate the stunning landscapes. Our tour route concludes at Omicho Market, a bustling venue offering a variety of options for lunch—perfect for indulging in local culinary delights.The afternoon is yours to explore Kanazawa further at your leisure. Whether discovering more of the city’s cultural gems or enjoying a relaxing stroll through its charming streets, the choice is yours.

Today, we venture through the picturesque mountain landscapes and traditional villages of the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions, both celebrated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These quaint settlements are renowned for their distinctive houses, characterised by steeply pitched roofs reminiscent of praying hands, designed to bear the weight of heavy winter snow. We'll pause in Ainokura, a serene, modest village, and then in the larger, more popular Shirakawa-go Ogimachi. Here, you will have time to wander around and enjoy lunch at your own pace.Our journey continues to Takayama in the afternoon, where we'll explore the Hida Folk Village Museum. Situated in a tranquil setting, this open-air museum displays over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period, relocated from their original locations to recreate a historic village in 1971. Within these structures, you can discover various tools and items that were once part of daily life. After this cultural exploration, you'll have some free time to immerse yourself in the charm of Takayama's old town, with its wooden buildings and traditional shops.

In the morning, we set off for Hida Furukawa, where we'll meander through the delightful old town. This city is celebrated for its UNESCO-recognised festival, famous for its large drums and exquisitely decorated floats. We'll gain insight into this cultural treasure with a visit to the local museum, which beautifully displays the festival's floats, costumes, and drums. Continuing our journey, we'll venture across the Japanese Alps, admired for their perennial snow-capped beauty. Our next stop is Matsumoto, home to the stunning "Crow Castle", with its striking black façade dating back to the 16th century. You will have free time for lunch and to explore the charming town at your own pace. In the afternoon, our journey proceeds towards Tokyo, where we'll arrive by the close of the day.

Our day commences with an extensive five-hour guided exploration of Tokyo, a city that brilliantly merges dynamic innovation with serene tranquillity. We begin at Zojoji Temple, offering a breathtaking view of Tokyo Tower. The temple is adorned with numerous Jizo statues, delicately crafted stone figures traditionally seen as guardians of children, each adorned with vivid knit caps, bibs, and windmills.We then move to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, renowned as possibly the busiest intersection on the globe, a true symbol of Tokyo's vibrant pace. Our next stop is the peaceful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, highlighting Japan's rich imperial history. As we journey by bus, we'll travel along the sophisticated Omotesando Avenue, before pausing to admire the scenic beauty of the Imperial Palace, its lush gardens, and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.Continuing, we traverse the lively Akihabara district, often referred to as the "Electric Town," famous for its celebration of manga and anime culture. We'll also glimpse the Kokugikan, Japan's esteemed sumo arena, en route to Asakusa. Here, we will visit the historic Sensoji Temple and stroll along Nakamise Street, immersing ourselves in its traditional atmosphere. Lunch is included today at a local eatery.Upon returning to the hotel, we meet our guide at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby for an evening adventure. We'll take the metro (tickets provided) to the energetic Shinjuku area, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife. As we explore the lively streets, our journey culminates in a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, rounding off our day. We then return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Following breakfast, our eventful journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the experiences and sights we've shared together.