Enchanting Journey Through Korea and Japan

Welcome to Korea! Upon your arrival in Seoul, you'll be transferred to your hotel, offering you some time to relax and get acclimated. In the afternoon, we'll provide you with essential details about the start of your tour. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city, where you can explore at your leisure and soak up the unique atmosphere that defines Seoul. 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 two begins with an immersive exploration of Seoul, lasting approximately five hours. We commence at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled within a sprawling park and surrounded by royal palaces. Our journey continues with a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic district characterized by traditional Korean houses. We then proceed to the War Memorial, a significant museum detailing Korea's military history, with a highlight on the Korean War, which witnessed the participation of soldiers from numerous countries under the United Nations. We'll pause for lunch at a local restaurant before venturing into the vibrant Gangnam District, well-known for its shopping and entertainment options. As the day unfolds, we make our way to the Lotte World Tower—a breathtaking 550-metre skyscraper. During your free time, you may choose to ascend the tower (admission not included) for panoramic views or explore the luxury shopping centres and park surrounding it.Later, we'll transfer you to the station to board a high-speed train (ticket included) bound for Busan. Upon arrival in Busan, you'll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we will set off from Busan to visit the Haedong Yonggung, a magnificent 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully positioned by the sea. We’ll return to Busan to pay our respects at the UN Memorial Cemetery, which honours individuals from numerous nations. Our next stop is South Korea's largest fish market by Nampo Port, after which we will enjoy a meal together. Following lunch, we'll take a leisurely walk to Yongdusan Park, famous for its 120-metre-high pagoda. Later, we will visit Songdo Beach, where you can enjoy a ride on the country's first marine cable car – weather permitting – to admire the splendid views of the bay. Our explorations will continue to the Gamcheon Culture Village, renowned for its vibrant, colourful buildings, winding pathways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafes. Afterwards, we’ll head back to Busan for an overnight stay.

Leaving Busan, we will venture to the Seokguram Grotto, nestled on the Tohamsan slope. This esteemed 8th-century Buddhist grotto is a serene refuge of spiritual heritage. Afterwards, our journey takes us to the Bulguksa Temple, recognised for its exquisite architecture and historical significance as one of Korea's most striking temples.The next stop is Gyeongju, the longest-serving capital in Korean history, which was the epicentre for 992 years under the rule of 56 kings. Here, you can capture the captivating sight of the wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge spanning the Namcheon River. A leisurely lunch is included before we head to Tumuli Park, home to the ancient burial mounds of the Silla Dynasty's monarchs, over 1,500 years old. We shall also explore one of the royal tombs before visiting Cheomsongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our travels will then take us to Daegu, Korea’s fourth-largest city. Before settling in for the night, we’ll explore Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historical area once inhabited by missionaries, and discover the bustling energy of Dongseong-ro, renowned for its vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants. Accommodation for the night will be in Daegu.

Our day in Daegu begins with a visit to the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, a celebrated institution renowned for its role in the history of medicinal herbs. We'll then wander through the nearby Herbal Medicine Market, noted for its wealth of herbal shops, especially those offering high-quality ginseng products. Our journey takes us north to Andong to explore the traditional Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into Korea's rural past. You will have time to meander through this timeless village environment. The Hahoe Mask Museum, showcasing masks of international significance used in various cultural practices, awaits our exploration next.Lunch is organised at a local restaurant before we proceed to the tranquil Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, established in the 16th century and set against an idyllic riverside backdrop. We'll arrive back in Seoul in the evening. If the weather permits, a stop at Banpo Bridge over the Han River is planned, where we'll witness the spectacular fountain show that colours the night with its water and light display. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Seoul. Please note, the visit to Banpo Bridge is subject to favourable weather conditions.

After breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival in Japan, you will go through the border procedures, where a friendly assistant—usually Spanish-speaking, but occasionally English-speaking—will be on hand to help. From there, you will be transferred via a shared shuttle bus to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, providing an ideal opportunity to acquaint yourself with the vibrant city of Tokyo at your own pace.

In the morning, we embark on a captivating guided tour of Tokyo, a city where vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighbourhoods coexist harmoniously with serene, tranquil spaces. Our tour will span approximately five hours. We'll start with a brief visit to the Zojoji Temple, offering you the chance to capture one of Tokyo's most iconic views, with the Tokyo Tower as a backdrop. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, stone figures believed to protect children, dressed in colourful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.We then head to the vibrant Shibuya Crossing, renowned as one of the world's busiest intersections, before visiting the Meiji Shrine, a tranquil site dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey continues along the graceful Omotesando Avenue. We’ll pass by the picturesque Imperial Palace gardens and admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. We then journey through Akihabara, often referred to as the "Electric Town," a lively hub for manga and anime enthusiasts, and pass by the renowned Kokugikan sumo wrestling arena.Our tour concludes with a visit to the historic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and the notable Nakamise Street. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.Later, at 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet in the hotel lobby to join our guide for a metro ride (tickets included) to the dynamic Shinjuku district. Here, amidst bustling streets famous for their vibrant nightlife, we’ll stroll towards a local restaurant for an included dinner. Finally, we return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

We’ll begin our day by taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. This high-speed journey covers nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours, bringing us to a city steeped in history and culture. Kyoto, Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, remains a cornerstone of cultural heritage, having been spared from World War II bombings. This preservation allows us to experience its rich artistic and historical treasures firsthand. Kyoto is celebrated not only for its beauty but also as the site of the Kyoto Protocol, a significant 1997 agreement focused on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.Our exploration will take us to some of Kyoto's most cherished landmarks. We’ll visit the spectacular Fushimi Inari Shrine, wander through the grounds of the Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkakuji Temple, famously known as the "Golden Pavilion," with its exquisite surrounding gardens. After immersing ourselves in these iconic sites, you’ll have free time to explore Gion, Kyoto's traditional district renowned for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the vibrant energy of this storied area before relaxing with some leisure time for further personal exploration.

We will depart for Nara, where our first stop will be the Todaiji Temple, an architectural marvel established in 752, famous for housing a gigantic Buddha statue. While here, you will also encounter the park’s friendly deer, a delightful experience unique to Nara, and perfect for photos. Lunch is included in our plans. Our next visit will take us to the Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient wooden structures, including the central pagoda considered one of the oldest in the world. Horyu-ji holds significant importance as Japan's earliest Buddhist temple and remains a revered site of worship. Our journey continues to Osaka, a vibrant metropolis and the second-largest urban area in Japan, where we will arrive in the evening for our stay. Later in the night, we will explore Dotonbori, a lively district celebrated for its dynamic nightlife and energetic atmosphere.

On day 10, we will set off for Himeji, where you'll experience the grandeur of a traditional Japanese castle – entry is included. Following a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue our journey to Okayama to explore Korakuen, one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, featuring serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and charming teahouses. A pedestrian bridge over the river invites you to visit Okayama Castle, originally from the 16th century and faithfully reconstructed in 1966 after wartime devastation – do note that the interior visit is not covered. Afterwards, take time to wander around the lively city, a bustling provincial capital housing over 700,000 residents. On some occasions, accommodation may be provided in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with a potential afternoon visit to Kurashiki.

Today, we will embark on a journey to Kurashiki, celebrated for its remarkably preserved historic centre. You'll have time to leisurely explore the charming streets, where the rich history and unique atmosphere are still vibrantly alive. Our travels will then continue to Hiroshima, a city intimately acquainted with the devastating impact of the atomic bomb dropped in 1945. Here, we will visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park, the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, and the insightful Peace Memorial Museum, where the story of Hiroshima’s resilience is powerfully presented.After these poignant reflections, we'll find solace with a ferry ride to an island renowned as a place “where men and gods live together.” On the island, we will visit the famed Itsukushima Shrine, an ethereal shrine dedicated to the guardian of the seas, unique for being partially built over water. You'll have the opportunity to delve into the shrine's beauty, wander through the picturesque town centre, and enjoy lunch in this serene setting. In the evening, we will return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where we will share dinner together. Note that the sequence of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted to ensure the best experience.

Today, we will embark on a delightful ferry journey to Shikoku Island, taking around two and a half hours. This voyage offers a perfect opportunity to appreciate Japan’s island geography. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we'll ascend via cable car to explore its impressive castle, noted for its stunning vistas and historical significance. Following this, we'll visit the Ishiteji Temple, a revered Buddhist site that attracts pilgrims from afar with its rich cultural history. A local restaurant will provide our lunch, featuring authentic regional cuisine. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, for a truly relaxing experience.

Today, we begin our adventure in Kotohira, home to a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors. This important pilgrimage site is set atop Mount Zosu, accessible by ascending 785 steps. Continuing our journey, we move to Takamatsu, where we'll explore Ritsurin Garden, celebrated as one of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.Our afternoon takes us to Naruto, where we will encounter a remarkable bridge spanning the sea. Here, you can marvel at its impressive architecture and experience the thrill of walking over its glass floor, offering a unique view of the powerful whirlpools below from a height of 45 metres. Our scenic drive continues over stunning bridges connecting islands across the sea, leading us ultimately to Kobe, where we'll settle in for the evening.

In Kobe, we'll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, commemorating the tragic earthquake of 1995 and celebrating the city's extraordinary recovery. Next, we head to Osaka before making our way to the revered Mount Koya, Japan's pivotal centre of Shingon Buddhism. This enchanting site houses 120 temples and monasteries. Our time on Mount Koya will include a visit to the Okuno Mausoleum, a spiritually profound location with a vast cemetery set amidst nature, housing over 200,000 graves. We will also explore the Kongobuji Temple, originally established in 1593.Tonight, we embrace the unique experience of staying in a Buddhist monastery, where you can engage in a Zen meditation practice known as Ajikan, guided by the monks. Dinner will be a traditional vegetarian meal. For those interested, there's also the opportunity to attend a religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast the next day.Please note that on specific dates, visits to the Earthquake Museum may be exchanged for a tour of the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower. The overnight monastery stay is a truly enriching experience, albeit with simple accommodations, shared bathrooms, and the traditional Japanese tatami floor mats. During peak travel, the meditation practice might not be available. Due to limited temple accommodations, we might occasionally lodge groups in nearby hotels, including half board.

We begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. As dawn breaks, we'll set out for Kyoto, where you'll have the entire day to uncover the wonders of this enchanting city at your own pace. Our guide will be on hand to offer suggestions, ensuring you can make the most of Kyoto's captivating sights and experiences. Enjoy this opportunity to discover the charm of Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage and serene beauty.

We'll set off through the picturesque rural landscapes to Tsumago, a delightful village renowned for its traditional wooden architecture and charming atmosphere. Here, you'll have some time to leisurely wander and soak up the unique character of one of Japan's most scenic spots. We'll then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to the tourist-favourite city of Matsumoto. We'll visit its remarkable 16th-century castle, famously known as "The Crow" for its distinctive black hue. After exploring the castle, you'll have some time to uncover more of the town's highlights on your own. As the afternoon unfolds, we'll travel onwards to Tokyo, arriving by the end of the day.

As your adventure draws to a close, begin your final day in Tokyo with a leisurely breakfast, reflecting on the incredible journey you've experienced. Today marks the end of this remarkable tour, but the memories you've gathered will remain vivid, offering stories and inspiration for years to come. We hope you depart with lasting impressions of the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes that have filled your travels. Safe onward journey and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon.