Essence of Japan & South Korea

Once you have arrived into Tokyo, make your way to your accommodation ready to begin this tour through Japan and South Korea. With the rest of the day free, you could take a first wander through the historic streets of Asakusa or the busy shopping lanes of Ginza before settling in for the night.

This afternoon, you join a walking tour through Tokyo's Shibuya district with a local guide, meeting at Shibuya Mark City to begin. The tour crosses the world-famous Shibuya Crossing for a classic photo moment, then heads up to the rooftop gardens of Miyashita Park, where shops, green space and skyline views come together.

From here, you wander the narrow alleyways of Nonbei Yokocho, learning about the traditional izakaya culture behind its tiny bars, before passing through Shibuya Center Gai, a lively hub of trendy shops and youth culture. The route also takes in Maruyamacho, known for its live music bars, small clubs and local character.

The tour ends at the Hachiko Statue, where your guide tells the story of Japan's most loyal dog, before you have free time to explore further.

The day starts early with a full-day excursion to Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, meeting at designated points in Shinjuku or central Tokyo before the coach departs at 8 am with a tour leader. Your first stop is Oishi Park, for lakefront views over Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji, before continuing to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, where a Five-Storied Pagoda makes for one of the day's best photo spots.

The tour continues to Mt Fuji Fifth Station for panoramic mountain views (or Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba as an alternative, should the station be closed), before visiting Oshino Hakkai, a traditional village with clear spring ponds fed by snowmelt from Mt Fuji. Lunch is not included today, so you'll have free time to find something to eat in Mt Fuji, Kawaguchiko or Gotemba, before the coach returns to Shinjuku by around 6 pm.

Please note: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Please note: The itinerary may change slightly due to weather or traffic conditions.

This morning, you transfer by rail from Tokyo to Kyoto on the JR Nozomi service. The direct journey takes around two hours and 15 minutes, departing Tokyo Station at 9:30 am and arriving into Kyoto Station at 11:45 am.

Once you have arrived, make your way to your accommodation in Kyoto, a city that served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years and is home to some of the country's most significant temples, shrines and gardens.

Please note: Baggage allowance for this service is 20 kg per person.

Today, you take a full-day tour through Kyoto and Nara, departing from the Kyoto VIP Lounge near AEON Mall at around 9:10 am with a guide and air-conditioned coach. The first stop is Kinkaku-ji, the golden Zen temple famously reflected in Mirror Lake, where you have around 40 minutes to explore its Muromachi-era gardens and architecture.

From here, you continue to Arashiyama for two hours of free time, taking in the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge and the local shops along the way. The tour then continues to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto's most visited and spiritual shrine, where you walk beneath the thousands of vermillion torii gates that make up the Senbon Torii.

The final stop is Nara Park, where you have free time to explore Todai-ji Temple and its Great Buddha, along with Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Shrine and the Nara National Museum, and to see (and feed) the park's more than 1,300 roaming deer. The tour returns to Kyoto by around 6:10 pm.

You can start the day with a free morning and afternoon to continue exploring Kyoto independently. You could visit further temples such as Kiyomizu-dera, or explore the historic geisha district of Gion.

From here, you transfer by rail to Osaka on the JR Nozomi service, travelling from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka. The direct journey takes around 15 minutes, departing at 12:45 pm and arriving at 1 pm.

Once you have arrived, make your way to your accommodation in Osaka - a lively modern city known for its street food, nightlife and striking architecture.

Later, you join a walking food tour through Kuromon Market with a local guide, sampling five to six of the city's street food favourites, from takoyaki to wagyu and sushi. Along the way, you'll also browse traditional Japanese kitchenware and tableware, and take in Hozenji Temple and the colourful streets of Dotonbori.

Please note: Baggage allowance is two pieces per person.

In the morning, you fly from Osaka to Seoul with Korean Air, departing Kansai Airport at 9:05 am and arriving into Incheon International Airport at 10:55 am, a flight of around one hour 50 minutes.

Once you have arrived, make your way to your accommodation in Seoul - a city that blends royal palaces and traditional temples with a modern, fast-paced energy, set along the Hangang River and surrounded by mountains. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in.

Please note: Baggage allowance for this flight is one piece per person.

Today, you head out on a full-day tour to Suwon and Gwangmyeong, meeting at Myeongdong Subway Station (Exit 9) or Seoul City Hall Subway Station (Exit 6) at around 8:50 am, with a guide, entrance fees and transportation all included.

The day begins at the Starfield Library in Suwon, a striking four-floor space with towering 22-metre bookshelves holding some 50,000 books, along with cosy reading nooks and the Vinyl Cafe - allow around two hours here.

From here, you descend into Gwangmyeong Cave for around an hour, a former gold mine dating back to 1912 that has been transformed into a 7.8 km underground attraction, with illuminated features such as the Golden Waterfall, an aquarium and a wine cellar among its themed zones.

The day continues with around two hours at Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO-listed Joseon Dynasty fortress built by King Jeongjo in honour of his father. Its stone and brick walls stretch for around 5.74 km, and you're free to walk sections of the ramparts for panoramic views over Suwon.

Please note: Lunch is not included today, so you may wish to pick something up at your drop-off point - either the street food stalls of Myeongdong or the historic sights around Seoul City Hall - before the tour returns.

You can start the day with a free morning and afternoon to continue exploring Seoul independently. You could visit one of the city's grand palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung, or explore the Jogye Temple, one of the city's major Buddhist sites.

Today, your tour comes to an end. Check out from your accommodation in Seoul, with the rest of the day free until your onward or return journey.