Journey Through Korea and Japan's Heritage
Begin in Seoul and finish in Hiroshima on a 15 day Korea and Japan journey – a blend of culture and standout views. In Korea you will explore grand palaces and Bukchon lanes, look across the DMZ, make gochujang, stroll Damyang bamboo groves, admire UNESCO listed Haeinsa, and enjoy Busan’s seaside temple and markets. Fly to Tokyo to discover Kamakura and Enoshima, cruise Lake Kawaguchiko with Mount Fuji in sight, and take in Tokyo shrines. Then speed by bullet train to Kyoto, call in at Nara and Osaka, see Himeji Castle, and reflect in Hiroshima with time on Miyajima.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
SeoulEnds
HiroshimaMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in South Korea that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
South Korea, JapanPassengers
$8,960.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Seoul
Suwon
Jeonju
Damyang
Haeinsa
Busan
Tokyo
Kamakura
Odawara
Gora
Mount Fuji
Kawaguchiko
Kyoto
Nara
Osaka
Himeji
Korakuen Garden
Okayama
Kurashiki
Itsukushima
Hiroshima
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Seoul
Arrival in Seoul – welcome to Korea. We’ll arrange your transfer to the hotel, after which you’ll have free time to settle in or take a short stroll nearby. In the afternoon, we’ll provide information about the start of your tour.
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.
Day 2 - Seoul
We begin with a visit to Aegibong Observatory in Gimpo, close to the border with North Korea, where we can clearly see across the frontier. We then transfer to the Paju Demilitarised Zone (DMZ Imjingang) for an included lunch before visiting the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, and the Imjingak Pavilion temple, a symbol of peace. An included cable car ride gives us elevated views towards the Military Demarcation Line, and we finish at the Freedom Bridge, long associated with hope and reunion. Please bring your passport – it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may close without notice; if this happens, we will provide an alternative tour.Later, with our guide, we head to the square by City Hall to view the building’s distinctive design inspired by waves. Across the way, we see Deoksugung Palace illuminated, a striking meeting of tradition and modernity, before walking on to Myeongdong, the largest commercial and entertainment district in Korea, whose name translates as bright tunnel. Dinner is included at a local restaurant, and we return by Seoul’s modern subway – ticket included. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 3 - Seoul
We set out on a guided tour of Seoul lasting around five hours, beginning at Changdeokgung Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site set within an expansive landscaped park – before strolling through Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighbourhood of well-preserved traditional homes. We then visit the War Memorial of Korea – entry included – which presents the country’s military history with a particular focus on the Korean War, in which soldiers from many nations served under the United Nations.Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We continue to the Gangnam district, one of the city’s most dynamic areas with extensive shopping and entertainment. To round off the day, we stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive skyscraper standing 550 metres tall, where you have free time to go up to the observation deck – admission not included – or to wander the park and luxury shopping centres at its base. We return to the hotel – free time.
Day 4 - Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju
Morning visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace – entrance included – Seoul’s grand complex with more than 600 years of history. If the ceremonial changing of the guard is taking place during our time there, we will stop to watch. We then leave Seoul and travel south to Suwon – the former capital – renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage fortress walls. We will view these impressive fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace – entrance included. Lunch is included. We continue to Jeonju to explore its historic centre, Hanok Village, with its small traditional houses, craft shops and art galleries.
Day 5 - Jeonju - Damyang - Haeinsa - Busan
We depart Jeonju for Sunchang Gochujang Village at the foot of Mount Amisan, a hanok neighbourhood where courtyards are lined with clay hang‑a‑ri jars. Here, master artisans produce gochujang – Korea’s signature chilli paste – using traditional methods, and we’ll take part in a hands‑on session to make it ourselves.We then continue to Damyang to wander the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest – entrance included – and visit the Bamboo Museum – entrance included. Lunch is included today, featuring a local speciality of rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.Surrounded by mountain scenery, we travel on to Haeinsa Temple – entrance included – a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 802 and home to the Tripitaka Koreana, over 80,000 wooden tablets of Buddhist scriptures. After our visit, we continue to Busan, Korea’s second‑largest city, for our overnight stay.
Day 6 - Busan
In the morning we leave Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th century Buddhist temple set by the sea. We return to Busan to visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), the resting place of service personnel from many countries. We then explore the country’s largest fish market by Nampo port – lunch is included. From here we walk to Yongdusan Park to see its 120 metres pagoda. In the afternoon we head to Songdo Beach for a ride on Korea’s first maritime cable car (included, weather permitting) with sweeping views of the bay, before continuing to the Gamcheon Cultural Village with its brightly coloured houses, labyrinthine lanes, galleries, pottery workshops and cafés. We return to the hotel in Busan for the night.
Day 7 - Busan - Tokyo
We arrange your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo. On arrival in Japan – after completing border formalities – our assistant, usually Spanish speaking though sometimes English speaking, will meet you and guide you to a shared shuttle bus for the transfer to your hotel. You’ll then have free time.
Day 8 - Tokyo - Kamakura - ENOSHIMA - Odawara
We leave Tokyo for Kamakura, a former capital of Japan for two centuries known for its temples and gardens. At Hokoku-ji Zen Temple we wander its serene bamboo grove – admission and a cup of green tea included – before continuing to Sugimoto-dera, founded in 734 and regarded as the city’s oldest temple. You then have free time in the compact city centre before we visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) – admission included.We follow a scenic coastal road along the Pacific to Enoshima, a small island linked to the mainland by a bridge, where you have free time for lunch and a stroll. Later we travel on to Odawara to visit its castle – admission included – a prominent Edo-period fortress restored in the 20th century. Overnight stay.
Day 9 - Odawara - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchiko - Tokyo
From Odawara, we travel into the Hakone region – a landscape of lakes and mountains near Mount Fuji. We begin with an ascent to Owakudani, a volcanic crater known for its steam vents, bubbling mud and sulphur gases. Please note – access can be closed due to volcanic activity; if so, we visit Arakurayama Sengen Park instead. We continue to Oshino Hakkai, a small village with eight clear ponds offering fine views of Mount Fuji, before heading to Kawaguchiko, a peaceful lakeside town where we enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko. Later, we drive up Mount Fuji to the Fifth Station at 2,305 metres, taking in the forested slopes and broad views along the way. In winter, the road is often closed due to weather – in that case, we go as far as permitted. We return to Tokyo at the end of the day.
Day 10 - Tokyo
We spend around seven hours exploring Tokyo, where vibrant neighbourhoods sit alongside tranquil spaces. We begin with a short stop at Zojoji Temple for a classic view of Tokyo Tower, noticing the rows of Jizo statues adorned with knitted hats and pinwheels. From here, we see the famous Shibuya Crossing from the bus before visiting Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then head to Tokyo Skytree – admission included up to the Tembo Deck at 350 metres – for far‑reaching city views. Our tour ends in Asakusa as we explore Sensoji Temple and stroll along Nakamise Street. On the drive back to the hotel we pass Akihabara – the Electric City, known for manga and anime culture – and the Ginza district.At 6.30 pm we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway – tickets included – to Shinjuku for a guided walk through this lively area, followed by dinner at a local restaurant – included. We return to the hotel by subway with our guide. Note that the order of visits may change depending on our timed entry to Tokyo Skytree, and in case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances an alternative viewpoint will be offered.
Day 11 - Tokyo - Kyoto
We travel by bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, departing early – the journey covers nearly 500 km in just over two hours. On arrival, we spend the day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s former capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, it was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during the Second World War, preserving its rich artistic heritage – and it gave its name to the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997.Our visit covers key highlights: we admire the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple – known as the Golden Pavilion – surrounded by magnificent gardens. Later, we stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. You’ll then have free time to continue exploring at your own pace.
Day 12 - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
We leave Kyoto for Nara to visit Todaiji, founded in 752 and home to a giant Buddha statue. In the surrounding park we’ll have time to see and photograph the deer that roam freely. Lunch is included. We then continue to the Horyuji Buddhist temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising a seminary, monasteries and temples – where the central pagoda is among the oldest wooden structures in the world and the complex is regarded as Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. We travel on to Osaka, arriving in the evening for an overnight stay in this dynamic city, Japan’s second largest urban area, and later we visit Dotonbori, a lively, colourful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.
Day 13 - Osaka - Himeji - Korakuen Garden - Okayama
We leave Osaka for Himeji, where we include entry to its vast castle complex – an outstanding example of Japanese castle architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant – included – we continue to Okayama to visit Korakuen, regarded as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, with lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. From here you can cross the pedestrian bridge over the river to see Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century fortification rebuilt in 1966 after destruction during the Second World War – visiting the interior is not included. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the city, a lively provincial capital of just over 700,000 people. Note: On some dates we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki may take place this afternoon.
Day 14 - Okayama - Kurashiki - Itsukushima - Hiroshima
We leave Okayama for Kurashiki, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre – you’ll have time to wander its charming streets. We then continue to Hiroshima, a city marked by the atomic bombing of 1945, where we visit Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum. After these reflections, we take the ferry to the island known as the place where men and gods live together – we visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and built in part over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and the picturesque town centre and to have lunch. We return to our hotel in Hiroshima – dinner is included. The order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall itinerary.
Day 15 - Hiroshima
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Hiroshima. You are free to arrange your onward travel and depart at a time that suits you.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Hiroshima
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Seoul
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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