Korea-Japan Heritage and Culture Odyssey

Upon your arrival in Seoul, the vibrant capital of Korea, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. This afternoon, you'll have some time to relax and explore your surroundings at your own pace. Later, you'll receive essential information about the commencement of your tour, setting the stage for an exciting adventure 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, we start our journey early, heading towards the Cheorwon region to explore the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which marks the division between North and South Korea. We delve into the fascinating history of the DMZ by exploring the Second Tunnel, a clandestinely constructed passage by North Korean forces, discovered in 1975. Next, we visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the DMZ, catching a glimpse of the initial North Korean villages. The observatory also houses a small museum detailing the Korean War.Our journey continues with a stop at Woljeong-ri railway station, now abandoned, before we head to the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, a tribute to the French UN battalion's involvement in significant battles. Lunch is included today, providing a taste of local cuisine. In the afternoon, we visit a local producer to learn about Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor. Important to note is the necessity to carry your passport, as entry to the DMZ, a military zone, is restricted and may close unexpectedly. If this occurs, we'll provide an alternate itinerary.Upon our return to Seoul in the evening, we accompany you to City Hall to view its architecturally striking tsunami-inspired design. Opposite, admire the night-lit Deoksugung Palace, where the traditional meets the contemporary. Our evening stroll then leads to the vibrant Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, aptly named "bright town." Dinner will be enjoyed at a local eatery, followed by a metro ride back to the hotel. The metropolitan system ticket is included. We will spend the night in Seoul, ensuring you rest well for the adventures to come.

On the third day of our adventure in Seoul, we will embark on an extensive five-hour tour of the city. Our first stop is the majestic Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within a picturesque park, featuring a collection of beautifully preserved palaces. As we continue our exploration, we'll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming historic neighbourhood known for its traditional homes that offer a glimpse into Korea’s past.Our journey through history continues at the War Memorial of Korea, a captivating museum providing deep insight into the conflicts that have shaped Korea's history, with a particular focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from various nations fought under the banner of the United Nations. A delightful lunch awaits us at a local restaurant, where you'll savour authentic Korean cuisine.Refuelled, we head to the vibrant Gangnam District, one of Seoul's most bustling areas, celebrated for its shopping centres and entertainment venues. To conclude our day, we'll visit the striking Lotte World Tower, an architectural marvel standing at 550 metres tall. You will have the opportunity to ascend the tower for breathtaking views of the city (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxurious shopping malls at your leisure. After a day filled with diverse experiences, we return to the hotel, where you are free to enjoy the rest of your evening.

We’ll begin our day with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent site with over 600 years of history. If the timing is right, you'll have the opportunity to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard. Following our palace visit, we’ll head south from Seoul, making our first stop in Suwon, the former capital of Korea. Suwon is famous for its grand UNESCO-listed city walls, where we’ll explore the impressive fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. A delightful lunch is included today. Later, we’ll journey to Jeonju, where you can immerse yourself in the captivating historic centre, known as Hanok Village. Here, you’ll find charming traditional houses, unique shops, and intriguing art galleries to explore.

On the fifth day of our tour, we'll head to the scenic Sunchang Gochujang Village, tucked at the foothills of Mount Amisan. This charming settlement, with its traditional hanok houses and courtyards brimming with hang-a-ri (traditional Korean clay pots), is famous for producing gochujang, a distinctive chili paste central to Korean cuisine. We will enjoy a hands-on session where you can try your hand at making this renowned sauce using time-honoured methods. Our journey continues to Damyang, home to the renowned Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. Here, you can savour the serene atmosphere as you wander some of South Korea's most picturesque paths, admired for their tranquility and beauty. Within the forest, you'll find a variety of bamboo products celebrated in locations such as the Bamboo Museum. Lunch, featuring a local speciality of rice cooked in a bamboo stalk, will be offered. Enveloped by stunning mountain views and verdant forests, we will proceed to Haeinsa Temple, one of Korea's most significant Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 802, Haeinsa safeguards the Tripitaka Koreana, an entire collection of Buddhist scriptures meticulously carved onto 80,000 wooden tablets. Finally, we'll journey onward to Busan, Korea's second-largest city, known for its vibrant energy, where we will stay overnight.

Today, we begin our exploration of Busan by visiting Haedong Yonggung, a picturesque 14th-century Buddhist temple perched by the sea. We return to Busan to visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a poignant tribute to soldiers from various countries who fell during the Korean War. Next, we explore Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest in Korea, located beside Nampo Port. This bustling market offers an authentic taste of local life, where you can observe vendors displaying an abundance of fresh seafood. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.Afterwards, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through Yongdusan Park, home to Busan Tower, which rises 120 meters and offers impressive views of the city. Later, we head to the port to complete boarding formalities – the latest check-in time for the ferry is 5:30 p.m. We set sail from Busan at 9:00 p.m., embarking on an overnight journey across the Sea of Japan in double cabins equipped with private bathrooms.Please note that, due to the limited availability of double cabins, we may opt for a high-speed ferry departing Busan at 3:00 p.m., arriving in Fukuoka, Japan, around 6:30 p.m. In this case, you will have free time to explore Fukuoka before we settle into hotel accommodation for the night.

After arriving at Shimonoseki Port at 8 a.m. (please note breakfast is not included), we will proceed with border crossing formalities. Our journey then takes us to Iwakuni, a picturesque town where you'll see the historic Kintai-Kyo Bridge, renowned for its elegant arches and rich history. Following this, we will take a ferry to Miyajima, an island celebrated as the place "where gods and humans coexist." Here, you'll find the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine, a structure dedicated to the guardian of the seas and noted for its unique position partially built over water. There will be ample time to explore the shrine, wander through the charming town centre, and enjoy a lunch. Our next stop is Hiroshima, a city known worldwide for the devastation it suffered due to the atomic bomb in 1945. In Hiroshima, we will visit the Peace Memorial Park, view the poignant atomic bomb dome, and spend time in the remarkable Peace Museum. Dinner is included to conclude our day full of historical insights and reflections.

Today, we embark on a ferry journey to the enchanting Shikoku Island, a serene two-and-a-half-hour voyage that offers a glimpse into Japan's intricate island landscape. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we'll ascend via cable car to its magnificent castle, providing a taste of the region's historic allure. Our exploration continues as we visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple that is also a significant pilgrimage site. A delightful lunch awaits at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, we'll treat ourselves to the soothing experience at Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where you can unwind in its historic and tranquil setting.

Today, we will embark on a journey to Kotohira, where we will visit a renowned Shinto shrine nestled on Mount Zosu, famed for its dedication to the God of sailors. The path to this sacred site involves climbing a challenging 785 steps, a pilgrimage in itself for many visitors. Continuing our travels, we arrive in Takamatsu, where we will explore Ritsurin Garden, celebrated as one of the most exquisite gardens in Japan. The serene beauty of this landscape provides a perfect backdrop for our included lunch at a local restaurant. Our afternoon takes us to Naruto, where you will have the unique opportunity to walk across an impressive bridge and observe the powerful whirlpools swirling below through a glass floor located 45 metres above the sea. Journeying onwards, we'll enjoy breathtaking views as we cross a series of splendid bridges, linking various islands and offering unparalleled vistas over the seascape. Our day concludes in Kobe, where we will settle in for the night.

In Kobe, we will visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, dedicated to the memory of the 1995 earthquake and celebrating the city's remarkable recovery. From there, our journey continues to Osaka before we head to the revered Mount Koya, a sacred site of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This mystical destination features 120 temples and monasteries. We will explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a profoundly spiritual location and expansive cemetery nestled in nature with over 200,000 graves. Our visit also includes the Kongobuji Temple, originally constructed in 1593. Our overnight stay will be in a Buddhist monastery, where we will participate in a Zen meditation session, known as Ajikan, led by the monks. Dinner, a vegetarian meal, will be provided. You will also have the opportunity to attend a morning religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast if you wish.Please note that on certain dates, the Earthquake Museum visit might be substituted with a stop at the Sake Museum or an excursion to Kobe Tower. The monastery stay is a cherished experience, although rooms are simple and traditionally styled with tatami mats, featuring shared bathrooms. During peak tourist periods, meditation sessions may not be available, and due to limited accommodation at Mount Koya, alternative nearby hotel arrangements might be necessary, with half board included.

We begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the monastery, immersing ourselves in the tranquillity of Mount Koya. As the morning unfolds, we journey to Kyoto, a city steeped in history as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, where emperors once called home. Remarkably, Kyoto emerged unscathed from World War II bombings, preserving its rich artistic and cultural heritage—a testament to its significant past. Kyoto also holds a place on the global stage as the birthplace of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.Our exploration of Kyoto commences with the revered Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its iconic red torii gates that wind their way up a picturesque mountain trail. We then move on to the historic Imperial Palace, a symbol of Japan's imperial legacy. Continuing our journey, we visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, famously known as the "Golden Pavilion," which dazzles with its gold leaf exterior set against stunning landscaped gardens.In the afternoon, you have the freedom to delve deeper into Kyoto’s charms, whether it be wandering through its quaint streets or discovering hidden gems. Later, we head to Gion, a lively traditional district celebrated for its Geisha culture. Here, you can further immerse yourself in the unique ambiance and perhaps catch a glimpse of the traditional tea houses and kimono-clad Geishas.For those who have previously explored Kyoto, our guide will share insights and suggestions for discovering new facets of the city, ensuring a fulfilling and personalised experience.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventures. We wish you safe travels and hope your experiences continue to inspire you long after returning home.