Culinary Discovery of Japan & South Korea - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Shinjuku Food Tour

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo! Your driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Get settled in and grab your walking shoes—it's time for your first of many culinary adventures. Sushi is the most famous Japanese cuisine worldwide, so it only makes sense that your first nibbles in the country are a classic. Set off on a food tour in the bustling district of Shinjuku. Your first stop is at an omakase sushi restaurant, where skilled chefs curate a personalized tasting menu. 

Take a seat at the counter and watch as the chef meticulously prepares each piece of sushi using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Test your own cooking skills next as you learn how to grill thinly sliced pieces of Wagyu beef, known as yakiniku in Japan and renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Stroll the colorful and chaotic streets of Shinjuku afterward, and wrap up the experience with a sweet, matcha-flavored treat and drinks at a final local restaurant.

Day 2: Full-Day Tokyo City Tour of East Gardens & Imperial Palace

Kick off your first full day in Japan with a tour of the city with your local guide. The day begins at the Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine built in 1920. Stroll through the grand torii gate at the Yoyogi entrance, watch as worshippers make offerings, and pay a visit to the Meiji Jingu Museum to peruse the collection of artifacts. Next, you'll make a beeline for the Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest in Tokyo. This seafood market has stood the test of time, with roots dating back to the Edo period. Your guide will further explain Japan's culinary culture, and you'll make a pit stop at a local restaurant to sample fresh seafood.

Head for the striking East Gardens of the Imperial Palace after lunch. This is the only part of the complex that's open to the public. Stroll along the paths and look out at the traditional tea houses, scenic ponds, and picturesque stone bridges. Continue to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, built in 645 CE. Enter at the iconic Thunder Gate, adorned with a colossal red lantern, where you'll be welcomed by Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street. This is a great spot to snatch up souvenirs as you make your way across the complex to the Hozoman Gate.

Day 3: Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi Tour, Whisky Tasting

Trade the city for the countryside this morning as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes region to see Mount Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park. Ascend to the Chureito Pagoda perched on the hillside for panoramic views of the snowcapped mountain against the backdrop of seasonal foliage (like pink cherry blossoms if you visit in spring). In the afternoon, jump on a boat and cruise across Lake Kawaguchi to appreciate Mount Fuji from the glassy waters. If you're not a fan of boats, you can take a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway instead.

As the cable car gracefully ascends, enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the lush greenery, and the picturesque villages. When you reach the observation deck, look out at the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji. After thoroughly appreciating the mountain's beauty, start the drive back to Tokyo, stopping at Fuji Gotemba Distillery on the way. Step inside and learn about the meticulous whisky-making process, from the malting to the fermentation and distillation stages. Sample the different malt and grain whiskies before returning to your hotel in the city.

Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Samurai Ninja Museum, Kimono Tea Ceremony

Say goodbye to Tokyo as you head to the station this morning to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, considered the country's cultural capital. Make your way to the hotel, where you can refresh before the tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya. When you arrive, change into a kimono and learn about the ceremony, called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami, a type of straw mat, and join in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master. 

After the ceremony, walk five minutes to the Samurai Ninja Museum. Browse the collection of authentic samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts, all showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of these revered warriors. Watch the multimedia presentations to gain a deeper insight into the lives and philosophies of the samurai and ninja. Before you leave, try on a full samurai armor and choose from a selection of replica swords to take a commemorative picture.

Day 5: Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Tour, Kyoto Food Tour

Kyoto is home to numerous shrines, temples, palaces, and gardens, and you'll spend half the day exploring some of these sites, starting at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and look out at the golden structure reflected in the surrounding ponds. Since you can't enter the temple, continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle, home to the first shogun (military leader) of the Edo period.

Enter the main palace to see the walls adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from nature and Japanese folklore. Head outside to stroll through the expansive gardens, looking out at the serene reflecting ponds. After taking in the peaceful atmosphere, visit Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine with over 10,000 red torii gates, all donated by individuals or businesses and inscribed with their names and wishes. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest.

In the evening, head out again with your local guide, this time on a foodie adventure through the backstreets of Gion and Pontocho. Stroll past beautiful architecture as your guide explains the area's history and culinary heritage. Your first stop is to sample Kyoto's famous appetizers like oden (Japanese stew) and yuba (tofu skin), washed down with saké. Next, you'll duck into an izakaya (Japanese bar) for savory nibbles that are perfectly paired with beer before ending the night at a traditional house for dessert.

Day 6: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park & Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Tucked on the outskirts of Kyoto is the beautiful Arashiyama district, known for the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Head out to this nature lovers' haven this morning with your local guide for a rickshaw tour through the forest. Continue along this emerald tunnel to uncover well-tended gardens and shrines. When you've had your fill of this natural marvel, continue to the Togetsukyo Bridge. Spanning the Katsura River, this 508-foot (155 m) bridge is entirely made of wood and is particularly photogenic in the fall when the leaves begin to change.

Once you're on the other side of the river, you'll arrive at the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Over 100 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, call this area home. Be sure to keep your distance and admire these gentle (but sometimes territorial) creatures from afar. You'll wrap up the day strolling the exquisite gardens of Tenryu-ji. This UNESCO-listed site is surrounded by tranquil lakes, undulating hills, and the sprawling temple itself. 

Day 7: Train to Osaka, Osaka Castle & Shinsaibashi Excursion, Dotonbori Food Tour

Make your way to the station this morning to catch a 30-minute bullet train to Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan." After settling into your hotel, you can explore on your own before this evening's food tour. A good place to start is Osaka Castle, a grand structure that served as both a castle and fortress in the 16th century. Cross over the moat to get to the main tower, adorned with gilded embellishments and imposing stone walls. Ascend to the upper floors for panoramic views of the city's modern skyline and discover the museum within.

Browse the collection of artifacts, armor, and artwork before continuing to the Shinsaibashi-Suji shopping street to explore the kaleidoscope of fashion, entertainment, and gastronomic delights. Pop in and out of shops, ranging from international brands to quirky boutiques, to shop for clothing or traditional Japanese crafts. Tonight. you're headed to the neon Dotonbori neighborhood for an immersive tasting experience. Hop between the street food stalls to try city specialties like takoyaki (a savory octopus ball drizzled with sauce and bonito flakes) or shabu shabu (Japanese hot pot).

Day 8: Kobe Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum & Himeji Castle Tour

After breakfast, transfer 30 minutes along Osaka Bay to Kobe, Japan's seventh-largest city. Head to the Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum to learn about the rich history of this traditional Japanese rice wine. Discover the saké-making process, from rice polishing to fermentation and bottling, and sample one of the psakéum sake varieties before continuing to Kobe Harborland, nestled along the city's scenic port area. Explore the sprawling shopping complexes or just take a walk along the waterfront promenade. When you get hungry, sit down for a lunch of Kobe beef at one of the many restaurants.

In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, often called the "White Heron Castle," for its resemblance to the elegant bird in flight. Ascend the steep stone path and navigate the labyrinthine interiors to discover the castle's ingenious defensive features, such as hidden staircases and strategic openings for archers. When you reach the top floor, take in the panoramic view of the expansive castle grounds and bustling cityscape. After exploring the castle, return to your hotel in Osaka for the night.

Day 9: Sushi Cooking Class, Fly to Seoul (South Korea)

Today, you'll get to learn how to make traditional dishes from an experienced chef. Start with the art of sushi-making and discover the delicate techniques required to create nigiri, a type of sushi consisting of a small ball of seasoned rice topped with raw fish. Oshizushi, a style of pressed sushi, is also on the menu, showcasing the meticulous layering of fresh ingredients. At the end of the class, indulge in your creations paired with wasabi and soy sauce before heading to the airport for a two-hour flight to Seoul, South Korea's capital. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.

Day 10: Seoul Highlights Tour, Myeongdong Street Food Adventure

Spend a full day exploring Seoul's highlights, starting at Gyeongbokgung, a palace built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty. Enter at the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate to discover the intricate architecture, traditional courtyards, and lush gardens. Before you leave, watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate. Continue to the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood full of well-preserved hanoks (traditional Korean houses.) Walk along the narrow, winding alleyways to admire the intricate wooden structures housing cultural centers, art galleries, and tea houses. 

For lunch, head to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in the country. Browse the stalls brimming with handmade goods and Korean street food, like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap (rice topped with marinated meat and sautéed vegetables). Once you're full, take a stroll through Namsan Park, sitting at the base of Namsan Mountain. Follow the well-maintained trails up the mountain, or take a cable car to the top to get to N Seoul Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city to end the tour.

In the evening, head to Myeongdong Shopping Street on your own, a pedestrian-friendly district full of local and international brands. Browse the trendy boutiques and beauty shops or visit one of the many street food stalls to try local delights, like tteokbokki (sweet and spicy rice cakes) or odeng (fish cake skewers served with a hot broth). While you eat, watch the streets of Myeongdong come alive with neon lights and the sounds of K-pop music as performers line the streets. End the night with a sweet treat of bingsu, a shaved ice dessert that comes in a variety of flavors, such as red bean, matcha, or chocolate. 

Day 11: Gangnam Neighborhood Excursion

Today is all about exploring the famous Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. Your first stop of the day is a stroll down Garosu-gil, a ginko-lined street chock-full of cosmetic shops, boutique stores, and cafés. Of course, you can't visit Gangnam without exploring some of the iconic K-fan sites! Head for K-Star Road, where you'll find the GangnamDols, human-scale bears that represent different K-pop groups. As a stark contrast to these modern sites, the Bongeunsa Temple is up next.

Housing 3,000 Buddhist scriptures and founded in the eighth century, this is one of Seoul's most important religious sites. Even more striking is the stark contrast of modern and ancient where the 91-foot (28 m) Maitreya Buddha faces a cluster of skyscrapers. Finish off the day at the sprawling Starfield COEX Mall, Asia's largest underground shopping center, complete with the COEX Aquarium, a food court, restaurants, and endless retail therapy opportunities. You'll also have time to pop into the social media-famous Starfield Library and its two-story bookshelf.

Day 12: Half-Day Market Visit & Cooking Class, Train to Busan

You've been nibbling your way through Seoul, and today, you'll dive into the basics of Korean culinary traditions in a half-day cooking class. Follow a local chef and your mentor for the day deep inside a local market to hunt for your ingredients. Grab inspiration along the way, tasting local tidbits from street stalls before heading back to the kitchen to get started. After a few hours of sizzling, searing, and chopping, you'll have a few new Korean dishes in your culinary repertoire. Sit down to enjoy your hard work alongside desserts prepared by your host.

In the afternoon, it's time to hop on a train south to the seaside city of Busan. You'll climb aboard the KTX high-speed train, zooming three hours through the countryside. A driver will be waiting for your arrival, transferring you to your hotel for the next two nights. Spend the rest of your day however you wish, relaxing at the hotel, catching the sunset at Dadaepo Beach, or searching for dinner at BIFF Square.

Day 13: Full-Day Busan Exploration

Join your private guide for a fun tour of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. Begin at the picturesque Buddhist temple, Haedong Yonggungsa, on Busan's rugged coastline, then head to Haeundae Blueline Park for a ride on the Haeundae Sky Capsule. Each brightly colored capsule is a retro-style car that seats four, traveling on an elevated railway over the coastline. Afterward, stroll along the white sands of scenic Haeundae Beach and explore Dongbaek Island, a wooded retreat with beautiful nature trails. 

If you've seen pictures of Busan, you've probably seen images of a rainbow of homes tucked on a mountain hillside. This is the Gamcheon Culture Village, and you'll be heading there this afternoon. Stroll around the neighborhood, admiring the kaleidoscope of buildings while navigating the layered streets and staircases sprinkled around town. Grab dinner back in town at BIFF Square, where piping hot mandu (dumplings) are on the menu tonight. You'll end the evening at Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea, where you should take the opportunity to try the fresh lobster or octopus.

Day 14: Depart Busan

Your private driver will take you to the airport in Busan today. Whether you're headed home or to your next destination, watch as the "Land of Morning Calm" disappears beneath the clouds. Safe travels!

 

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