Transcendent Journey Through Korea and Japan

Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival in Seoul, a transfer will be provided to take you to your hotel, giving you a chance to relax and settle in. Later in the afternoon, we will meet with you to share essential information regarding the start of your tour. During this free time, feel free to explore your surroundings or unwind as you prepare for the exciting journey 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 day two, we will set off early to the Cheorwon region to explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer zone that divides North and South Korea. Our first stop will be the Second Tunnel, an underground passage secretly constructed by North Korea and uncovered in 1975. Next, we will visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the DMZ and the initial villages of North Korea. Inside, there's a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our journey continues to the deserted Woljeong-ri Station, followed by a visit to the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which honours the French UN battalion's contributions during the conflict. Lunch is included today.In the afternoon, we will visit a local Makgeolli producer, allowing us to learn about this traditional Korean rice liquor. As evening approaches, we will return to Seoul. Remember to carry your passport as the DMZ is a military area and may close unexpectedly, in which case an alternative plan will be arranged.In Seoul, with our guide, we'll visit City Hall to admire the remarkable tsunami-inspired architecture. Across the street, the beautifully illuminated Deoksugung Palace offers an opportunity to appreciate the harmony of Korean tradition with modernity. We will then wander through Myeongdong, the largest shopping and entertainment district in South Korea, which translates to "bright town." Dinner will be enjoyed in a local restaurant before we take the efficient metro back to the hotel, with tickets included for your convenience. You'll stay overnight in your hotel.

Today, we embark on an enriching five-hour tour of Seoul, beginning with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Changdeokgung Palace. This historical gem stands proudly amidst a sprawling park and houses a collection of architecturally stunning palaces. Following this, we stroll past Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming and traditional neighbourhood that offers a glimpse into Korea's past with its quaint hanok homes.Our next stop is the War Memorial of Korea, a profound museum that provides an in-depth look at the numerous conflicts which have shaped Korea, including the Korean War. This period holds particular significance as soldiers from various countries contributed under the United Nations banner. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, where we sample delicious Korean cuisine.After lunch, we proceed to the bustling Gangnam District, famous for its vibrant shopping centres and entertainment venues. Our day concludes at the breathtaking Lotte World Tower, a towering 550-metre skyscraper. Here, you'll have some free time to either ascend the tower for panoramic views (ticket not included) or explore the opulent shopping malls and beautiful park that surrounds it. Later, we return to the hotel, and the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

On day four, we begin with a visit to the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. This impressive palace, steeped in over six centuries of history, offers us a chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, should the timing align. Subsequently, we’ll depart the bustling capital and venture southwards to Suwon, once Korea's capital. Known for its imposing UNESCO World Heritage-listed walls, Suwon offers us a glimpse into its past military prowess. Here, we will explore these formidable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, a charming summer palace. Lunch is included during our stop.Our journey then leads us to Jeonju, a city celebrated for its captivating historic centre. In Jeonju's Hanok Village, you’ll discover quaint houses, traditional shops, and art galleries that beautifully capture Korea’s heritage. The day promises to be an enriching journey through Korea's illustrious past and cultural treasures.

Today, we depart from Jeonju for Sunchang Gochujang Village, nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan. This picturesque hamlet, with its traditional hanok houses and distinctive courtyards filled with clay pots known as hang-a-ri, is renowned for its masterful artisans crafting gochujang, a traditional Korean chilli paste. Here, we’ll partake in a hands-on experience learning the art of making this famous sauce. Our journey continues to Damyang, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the serene charms of Juknokwon Bamboo Forest. These tranquil pathways are among the most beautiful spots in the country, ideal for meditation and enjoying a fresh breeze. You’ll discover an array of bamboo products, celebrated at spots like the Bamboo Museum. We’ll savour a local specialty for lunch: rice cooked and served in a bamboo stalk.Surrounded by captivating mountain landscapes and lush forests, we arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most significant Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it safeguards the Tripitaka, a complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, intricately carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. Our day concludes as we travel to Busan, Korea’s vibrant second-largest city, where we will be accommodated for the night.

In the morning, we'll set off from Busan to explore Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple impressively situated by the seaside. Following this, we will return to the city to visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a poignant site honouring people from various countries. Our next destination is Korea's largest fish market, located near the bustling Nampo Port, where you will be surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of local trade. Lunch is included at a nearby restaurant, giving you a taste of the regional culinary delights. After our activities in Busan, we'll transfer to the airport for your included flight to Osaka. Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can settle in for the evening.

At 11:30 a.m., we depart from Osaka and make our way to the revered Mount Koya, a significant hub for Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This enchanting pilgrimage site boasts 120 temples and monasteries and is steeped in spiritual history. We will explore the Okuno Mausoleum, a serene resting place surrounded by nature, with over 200,000 gravestones. Our visit continues to Kongobuji Temple, which dates back to 1593.For tonight, we will experience the unique opportunity of staying in a Buddhist monastery. Here, monks will lead us through a session of Ajikan, a form of Zen meditation. A vegetarian dinner, prepared to reflect the simplicity and purity of monastery cuisine, is included. You may also choose to take part in a traditional religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.Please be aware that during the winter months, nights fall earlier, which may restrict our access to the interior of Kongobuji Temple. Staying at the monastery is a rich cultural experience, though it is worth noting that accommodations are basic, featuring traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and communal bathrooms. Meditation sessions may not be available during peak tourist seasons, and if the monasteries are fully booked, alternative arrangements for nearby hotel stays, with half board, may be provided.

We begin our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, setting the tone for an immersive cultural experience. Departing early in the morning, we head to Kyoto, a city steeped in history, having served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868. Remarkably preserved during World War II, Kyoto boasts an exceptional artistic and cultural heritage. It also holds a place in global environmental history as the site of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions.Our exploration of Kyoto includes visits to some of its most iconic sites. We admire the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vibrant torii gates. The itinerary continues with a visit to the historic Imperial Palace, once the residence of the Emperor of Japan. We'll also marvel at the splendour of the Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the "Golden Pavilion," which is beautifully complemented by its meticulously maintained gardens. You will have free time to delve into Kyoto’s rich atmosphere at your own pace before we head to Gion, the city's famed traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, additional free time allows you to absorb the unique vibe of this bustling area teeming with tea houses and traditional wooden machiya buildings. If you've previously explored Kyoto’s main attractions, our guide will offer insightful recommendations to help you discover other facets of this captivating city.

After a leisurely breakfast, we set off to explore some of Japan's cultural treasures, beginning with a scenic journey past one of the country's largest lakes. Our first destination is Shirahige Ginra, a quaint shrine that graces the lake's edge with its serene beauty. From here, we continue to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery established in 1244, recognised as a vital centre of Zen Buddhism in Japan. This spiritual haven, with its exquisite architecture and tranquil gardens, provides an ideal setting for monks dedicated to Zazen meditation and a disciplined lifestyle.In Katsuyama, our journey takes us to the renowned Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's foremost site for dinosaur fossils. Within these educational exhibits, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and marvel at over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Our next stop is the Great Buddha of Echizen, where we can ascend a five-storey pagoda to take in the panoramic views before we arrive in Kanazawa by evening.

Today, we'll explore Kanazawa, a city that miraculously survived the air raids of World War II, allowing it to preserve its rich history and culture. Our guided city tour will begin in the castle area, where we can admire the impressive fortifications. As we wander through the Nagamachi neighbourhood, we'll discover the historical atmosphere of the samurai era, complete with original residences, earthen walls, and narrow lanes dissected by water canals.A visit to Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s renowned three most beautiful gardens, will be a highlight. With its elegant design and seasonal beauty, it's a perfect example of Japanese gardening mastery. When the morning tour concludes, you’ll have free time to explore Omicho, the bustling traditional market, where you can enjoy a variety of lunch options amidst the lively atmosphere. The afternoon is yours to continue uncovering the charms of Kanazawa at your own pace.

Today, we embark on a journey through the breathtaking mountain landscapes and charming villages of the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for their traditional houses with steep, thatched roofs resembling monks' hands joined in prayer. These unique roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall typical of winter here. Our first stop is Ainokura, a quaint village offering a chance to explore its serene environment. We then proceed to the larger and more bustling Shirakawa-go Ogimachi. There's ample time to stroll and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst these picturesque settings.Continuing our adventure, we arrive in Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture. Here, we visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, an open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period, relocated to create this fascinating site. Each building is authentically furnished, showcasing the tools and utensils used in everyday life by past generations. Afterwards, you'll have free time to wander the old town, where the charming wooden houses and traditional shops offer a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture.

Following breakfast, we'll set out for Hida Furukawa, a town renowned for its charming traditional streets. As we explore, you'll notice its cultural richness, celebrated especially during its festivals that showcase impressive drums and ornate floats, designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. We’ll include a visit to the local museum to view these intricate festival floats, costumes, and drums.Our journey will continue as we traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-capped views for much of the year. Upon reaching Matsumoto, we'll explore its iconic 16th-century castle, often called "Crow Castle" due to its deep black colour. After this historical immersion, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and wander around the delightful town at your leisure.In the afternoon, we'll proceed to Nagano where we will spend the night, setting the stage for further adventures to come.

In Nagano, we'll begin our day with a visit to Zenko-ji, a highly revered pilgrimage site known for housing the first Buddhist image brought to Japan. Here, you'll experience the Gomakuyo ceremony, believed to offer blessings and good fortune. Following this, our journey takes us through the spectacular Japanese Alps as we head towards Jigokudani Monkey Park. After a leisurely lunch, enjoy a stroll through tranquil forests, where you'll encounter Japanese macaques bathing in the park's natural hot springs. As we ascend to 2,172 metres, you'll be treated to breathtaking high mountain scenery, passing by semi-active volcanoes. Our next stop is Kusatsu, a picturesque spa town renowned for its vibrant main square. Wander through the park, where you’ll find an open-air onsen, before we continue to Ikaho. Another delightful spa town, Ikaho is famed for its charming stair-stepped streets and historic centre. We’ll spend the night at a traditional Japanese ryokan, where you can unwind and appreciate both the baths and an included traditional Japanese dinner. Note: In the autumn, the monkeys' movement is unpredictable, depending on the availability of mountain fruit. If they do not descend, the park may be closed. Furthermore, visits to Kusatsu can be affected by weather conditions between November and April.

As we journey onwards, we arrive at the enchanting town of Nikko, where we will visit the striking Nikko-Toshogu Temple, renowned for its incredible acoustics in the celebrated "Hall of the Sounding Dragon." We will also explore the tranquil Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, an inspiring and serene site nestled amidst lush landscapes. Our wanderings continue along the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where you can reflect beside the riverbanks, silently watched by rows of Jizo statues. Take some time to explore the town’s centre at your leisure before we make our way back to Tokyo, where we'll arrive around 6:30 p.m.

This morning, we'll embark on a captivating five-hour guided tour of Tokyo, a city where vibrant energy harmonises effortlessly with serene retreats. Our adventure begins with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, set against the iconic backdrop of Tokyo Tower. Here, you'll find the temple grounds adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, stone figures dressed in bright knit caps and bibs, standing as protectors of children.Next, we'll make our way to the renowned Shibuya Crossing, celebrated as the world's busiest intersection, before visiting the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our journey continues with a drive along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, leading us to the picturesque surroundings of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, where we'll pause to admire the famous Nijubashi Bridge.As our tour progresses, we'll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the "Electric Town"—a cultural hub for Japanese manga and anime enthusiasts. We'll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan's famed sumo wrestling arena, before concluding our tour in Asakusa. Here, you'll explore the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street. A local restaurant will host us for lunch, after which we'll return to the hotel for some relaxation.In the evening at 6:30 p.m., we gather in the hotel lobby with our guide to take the metro (tickets included) to Shinjuku, a bustling district known for its vibrant nightlife. We'll wander through its lively streets, eventually arriving at a local restaurant for dinner (included). Following our meal, we'll return to the hotel via metro with our guide accompanying us.

Today, we'll set off for the breathtaking Mount Fuji region, where enchanting landscapes await us. Our first destination is Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its picturesque pagodas and offering the quintessential view of Mount Fuji. We continue to the tranquil town of Kawaguchiko, beautifully nestled among mountains, vibrant blooms, and its namesake lake. Here, we'll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a peaceful retreat among towering trees, traditionally the start of pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. We’ll pause to appreciate the serene atmosphere of this remarkable location. A relaxing boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko follows, providing a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the calm splendour of the area. Afterwards, we’ll take the scenic route up Mount Fuji to the Fifth Station, at an elevation of 2,305 metres, where the stunning natural vistas are not to be missed. We'll then head back to Tokyo, returning by the evening. Please note that during winter, if snow or adverse weather conditions affect accessibility, we'll ascend as far as conditions safely allow.

After breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of the incredible experiences and sights encountered during your journey.