South Korea & Japan Discovery - 14 day tour

Sunday. Welcome to Seoul! Airport arrival transfer to our city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Seoul

Today we discover highlights of the nation’s charming capital on a guided tour. First stop is the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty and within the beautiful palace grounds we visit the National Folk Museum which focuses on Korean culture and history.

We continue on to Jogyesa Temple, the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea and nearby Insadong, a lively antique alley, lined with art galleries, antique, craft and pottery shops, traditional restaurants and teahouses. We then take a stroll alongside Cheonggycheon Stream which runs serenely through the heart of downtown’s gleaming sky scrapers. Our final port of call is the lofty Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsa, which provides spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observatory.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast

Seoul - DMZ - Seoul. We take an exciting excursion to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) today, which is located 45km north of Seoul and acts as the buffer zone and border between the two nations of North and South Korea. Our private tour provides a fascinating insight into the events that resulted in Korea’s division and also includes a visit to Imjingak Park, built to commemorate those who lost their homes and families when Korea was divided and the 3rd North Korean Infiltration Tunnel. The tunnel, which is 1.5km in length and 150m below ground, was built with the intention of a surprise invasion by North Korea.

You’ll also have the chance to peek into the reclusive north by visiting Dora Observatory situated on Mount Dora and visit Dorasan Station, once used for freight trains to travel between the South and the North. On the way back to Seoul the tour coach makes a stop at an amethyst or ginseng shop, for those who are interested.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast

Seoul - Andong. Leaving Seoul we travel south to Andong, the picturesque home of Korean Confucianism. On an afternoon tour we explore ancient UNESCO Listed Hahoe Village, where approximately 130 traditional houses of varying size and standard have been immaculately preserved by the same families for generations. We’ll also visit the Andong Folk Museum and the historic Dosansewon Confucian School, which was established in 1574.
Overnight: Andong  |  Breakfast

Andong - Gyeongju. Travelling south we reach historic Gyeongju - the ‘museum without walls,’ which was the capital of Silla Kingdom from 57BC to 935AD. This afternoon we visit Gyeongju National Museum which is home to countless treasures including the 23 ton Emille Bell cast in AD771. At Tumuli Park we see the incredible giant grass-covered burial mounds which house the Silla royal tombs and we take a stroll around scenic Anapji Pond where the Silla royal family spent their leisure. Another highlight of today’s touring is Cheomseongdae Observatory, one the world’s oldest astronomical observatories.
Overnight: Gyeongju  |  Breakfast

Gyeongju - Seoul. This morning we visit two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Listed temples - Seokguram Grotto, one of Asia’s finest Buddhist shrines, which is dramatically located on the slopes of Toham Mountain and the beautiful temple of Bulguksa which was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty. Depart for Seoul this afternoon and spend your final evening at leisure in the capital.
Overnight: Seoul  |  Breakfast

Seoul - Tokyo. Saturday. An airport transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.

We recommend arriving before 3pm on this day, as there will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.

PLEASE NOTE: The international flight from Seoul to Tokyo is not included in the cost of this tour. Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost.
Overnight: Tokyo  |  Breakfast

Today we explore the capital. Taking the subway to Asakusa we visit the lively Sensoji Temple District, which is home to Tokyo’s first temple and scores of interesting souvenir and craft stalls. In the afternoon we’ll head to Harajuku, which is a magnet for young and fashionable Tokyoites with its hip shops and cafes. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. Yoyogi Park, beside the shrine is a popular hangout for locals and there is always a lot going on, especially on Sundays with bands playing, drum circles, dancers and busking.

The last stop of the day is Shibuya Crossing - regarded as one of the busiest intersections in the world. The famed junction has no less than 7 pedestrian crossings and when the traffic lights turn red a wave of pedestrians, up to a 1000, converge onto the intersection from every direction. Known as 'the scramble', it's a well-practised art to duck and weave with sportsman like agility to avoid collision, which we'll watch from the second floor of Starbucks, located directly opposite the crossing. This evening offers free time, though if travelling in January, May and September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (must be booked in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.
Overnight: Tokyo

Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. This morning we board a train for our day trip to Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital, which is just an hour from Tokyo. Kamakura is a popular seaside location with a quaint village life feel and some stunning Zen temples. Here we’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji with its beautiful bamboo garden. Here, you can drink tea and learn about the tea ceremony before walking the cobbled shopping district - adorned with lovely locally made items before returning to Japan’s bustling capital for the night. Tonight, we'll organise a Shabu Shabu (a traditional Japanese hot pot meal) if the majority of the group are interested.
Overnight: Tokyo

Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.
Overnight: Tokyo

Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway bus (with luggage forwarding) to Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt Fuji in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of a snow-capped Fuji most of the year. Upon arrival we’ll travel along the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and visit the observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 15 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop. No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling authentic Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan (a Japanese inn), which is where we’ll bed down tonight. At the ryokan, sample tasty local cuisine and take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring baths.
Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi  |  Dinner

Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. The area has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. We then travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.

As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple, famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Late this afternoon we head to Gion, for a walking tour of this famous Geisha District. After, you may wish to watch a cultural performance at Gion Corner Theatre where you'll have the opportunity to see a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing.
Overnight: Kyoto  |  Breakfast

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) a stunning Zen Buddhist temple and part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. The top two floors of the monument are completely covered in gold leaf. Set upon a small lake with landscaped gardens, the large completely gilt structure is impressive, as it is a beautiful Temple. Kinkakuji Temple continues to be one of Japan's most visited temples.

This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of bright red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.
Overnight: Kyoto  |  Breakfast