Highlights
- Savor the tastes of Tokyo on a food and walking tour in the Old Town
- Cruise across serene lake Kawaguchi-ko in Mount Fuji's shadow
- Craft your own katana in a workshop led by a Japanese swordsmith in Kyoto
- Discover the secrets of Korean pottery in an ancient ceramics town near Seoul
- See royal tombs and gold relics in Gyeongju, South Korea's "living museum"
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Old Town Tokyo Food & Walking Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Tokyo City Tour with Imperial Gardens | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Mount Fuji with Lake Cruise & Whisky Tasting | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Train to Kyoto, Gion Walking Tour & Geisha Show | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Temples & Markets of Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Katana Workshop in Kameoka, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tour | Kyoto |
| Day 7 | Train to Hiroshima, Miyajima Island & Peace Memorial Park Tour | Hiroshima |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Osaka via Himeji Castle & Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum | Osaka |
| Day 9 | Osaka Castle Tour, Fly to Seoul (South Korea) | Seoul |
| Day 10 | Tour Seoul's Historic Sights, Gwangjang Market Food Experience | Seoul |
| Day 11 | Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour & Icheon Ceramic Experience | Seoul |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Andong, Andong Hahoe Folk Village & Byeongsan Seowon Tour | Andong |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Gyeongju, Tour the Ancient Silla Kingdom | Gyeongju |
| Day 14 | Transfer to Incheon, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Old Town Tokyo Food & Walking Tour
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's glittering capital, where modernity competes with centuries-old culture, from skyscrapers to temples. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel in the city. After you settle in, you'll join your guide on a half-day food and walking tour in Tokyo's Old Town—the Yanaka district. Begin the tour at Nezu Shrine, a Shinto shrine built in 1705 CE. Enter through the towering torii gates and follow your guide along the path lined with colorful azalea bushes to the main hall.
Admire the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the shrine, then wander the sacred grounds full of koi-filled ponds, vermilion bridges, and stone lanterns. After exploring the shrine and its natural surroundings, stroll along the narrow lanes to sample traditional sweets in a nearby café. Then, head to a studio where you'll paint a ceramic maneki-neko (lucky cat), which locals believe can bring happiness and luck.
Your next stop is at street food stalls selling mochi, a sweet rice cake typically filled with red bean paste, and dorayaki, red bean pancakes. For lunch, break up the sweets with a delicious bowl of soba noodles. Then, continue to explore, visiting traditional shops and a Japanese izakaya pub while learning about local culture and history from your guide before returning to your hotel.
Day 2: Tokyo City Tour with Imperial Gardens
Join your guide this morning for a full day exploring Tokyo's iconic landmarks, starting at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 CE. Step through the towering torii gate into the forested grounds and admire the ornate Japanese architecture. Continue your tour to the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, a bustling hub with stalls offering seafood from sushi to grilled scallops. After the market, head to the Imperial Palace. Start at the East Gardens, the only part of the palace open to the public. The garden features seasonal flowers, green lawns, fountains, teahouses, and the impressive double-arched Nijubashi Bridge.
Next, you'll visit Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples, built in the seventh century CE. Inside, stroll along the buzzing Nakamise-dori, lined with shops, until you reach the second gate, Hozomon. This gate leads to the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda where you can pick up an omikuji (a Japanese fortune slip) and get a temple seal stamp next to the main hall. At the end of your tour, return to your hotel and unwind.
Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Fuji with Lake Cruise & Whisky Tasting
Take a day trip from Tokyo today to the Fuji Five Lakes region to see the iconic Mount Fuji from different viewpoints. Meet your guide and travel for two hours to the famous Arakurayama Sengen Park. Ascend to the beautiful Chureito Pagoda perched on the hillside and surrounded by seasonal foliage, including cherry blossoms in spring. Enjoy panoramic views of the snowcapped mountain, then walk around the eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai, created by snowmelt from the slopes of Mount Fuji itself.
In the afternoon, join your guide for a cruise on the picturesque lake Kawaguchi-ko. Pass charming lakeside villages with Mount Fuji as a backdrop reflected on the water. Or, savor the sights on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Hop off at the observation deck under Mount Tenjo, which provides incredible panoramas of Fuji and the surrounding area. Then, stop at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, which distills malt and grain whiskies. Learn about the multiple stages of distilling and taste a glass of whisky before returning to Tokyo.
Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Gion Walking Tour & Geisha Show
Check out of your Tokyo hotel and catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital. Overflowing with history and more traditional than its Tokyo counterpart, the pace of life is slower here, and the people tend to be more laid-back. This cultural powerhouse is known for its rich historical traditions, geisha entertainers, temples, gardens, and palaces. Check into your hotel, then meet your guide in the late afternoon for a tour of Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district.
As you walk through the alleyways lined with traditional residences your guide will share intriguing facts about geisha (female Japanese performing artists), their traditions, and lifestyle. Wander down the stone-paved street of Hanami-koji, bordered by traditional wooden townhouses and shops, and see if you can spot beautiful geisha on their way to appointments. At the corner of Shijo Street and Hanami-koji, you'll find the legendary Ichiriki Ochaya Teahouse, a 300-year-old establishment that is invite-only but still makes for an iconic photo.
In the evening, you'll enjoy a maiko show (which includes singing, musical, and dance performances) with dinner in a tatami room of a traditional teahouse designed in Japanese style and lined with mats. Immerse yourself in the world of geisha and maiko (geisha in training) while tucking into a multicourse kaiseki dinner, which usually includes a fish course, a rice course, and a local dessert. Afterward, return to your Kyoto ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a cozy evening.
Day 5: Temples & Markets of Kyoto
Spend today on a guided tour of Kyoto's top UNESCO World Heritage sites. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk the peaceful grounds here and see the temple's two top floors, entirely covered in gold leaf, reflected in the lake. The 11th-century Ryoanji Temple is your next destination, renowned worldwide for its immaculate rock garden. Ryoanji is one of the finest surviving examples of kare-sansui, a style of Japanese gardening inspired by Zen ideals.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Then, join your guide for a tour of the famous shrine Fushimi Inari-taisha, beginning with an enchanting hike through the 10,000 red torii gates. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest. Then, walk back through the forest, discovering smaller shrines, moss-covered animal statues, and ancient stone tablets.
Having worked up an appetite, head to the 400-year-old Nishiki Ichiba Market. Mingle with the locals doing their food shopping as you walk among the 100 stalls crammed into this bustling, narrow street. Take in the vibrant colors and sweet aromas, then stop along the way to sample some of Kyoto's signature dishes, such as yu dofu (boiled tofu), nishin soba (noodles with dried herring), or delicious soy milk doughnuts.
Day 6: Katana Workshop in Kameoka, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tour
Meet your guide this morning and head 25 minutes from Kyoto to Kameoka for a katana (Japanese sword) crafting workshop led by a skilled Japanese swordsmith. Learn about the ancient artistry and craftsmanship behind Japan's legendary samurai swords and witness the intricate process of selecting raw materials, heating, hammering, and shaping your own hilt-less blade known as tousugata katana. Take part in each step to gain a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating each blade by hand.
Your explorations continue in the scenic district of Arashiyama, located on the outskirts of Kyoto. Stroll through the verdant Sagano Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest encompassing more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha). Then, hop on a rickshaw to explore the paths and trails through the serene greenery of towering stalks as you discover gardens and shrines. End your tour at the temple gardens of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of Kyoto's finest Zen temples, then return to your hotel in Kyoto.
Day 7: Train to Hiroshima, Miyajima Island & Peace Memorial Park Tour
Say goodbye to Kyoto this morning as you catch a 1.5-hour bullet train to the city of Hiroshima, the site of the world's first atomic bomb in 1945 CE. The city has since been rebuilt, and the radiation levels are extremely low, so it's safe to visit. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel, where you can leave your bags in your room and refresh. Then, meet your guide and board a 45-minute ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima. This small island in Hiroshima Bay, known as the "Island of the Gods," is covered in thick forests and ancient temples.
Tour the island and visit elegant Shinto shrines that can only be reached by boat, including the UNESCO-listed 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine, with its red-orange torii gate, partially submerged during high tide. Follow the boardwalk to see the shrine, dedicated to the three sea goddesses, up close. Then, explore the complex's intricately designed halls, pagodas, and bridges. Before returning to the mainland, discover more of the island and sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes or hiroshimayaki (local Japanese pancakes).
In the afternoon, return to Hiroshima by ferry to visit the Peace Memorial Park, located at the epicenter of the atomic bombing. Stroll to the park's centerpiece, the skeletal Genbaku Dome, one of the only buildings left standing after the devastating blast. End the tour at the Peace Memorial Museum within the park to learn more about the bombing and how it affected the lives of the city's survivors.
Day 8: Transfer to Osaka via Himeji Castle & Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum
Make the journey from Hiroshima to Osaka today, beginning with a scenic, one-hour train ride to the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, a spectacular example of Japanese castle architecture with a network of 83 buildings and advanced defensive systems. You'll have time to explore this beautiful white castle (nicknamed the White Heron Castle) and its grounds before catching the train for another hour to the ancient town of Kobe, known for its saké and Wagyu beef.
Follow your guide through the Nada district, where you'll visit the Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum, an old saké-brewhouse turned into a museum. Sample several different types of saké and learn about modern and ancient brewing practices. Then, meet your driver and continue your journey for about 40 minutes to Osaka, one of Japan's most vibrant cities, often described as Tokyo's younger (and cooler) sibling. Check into your hotel for the night, then head out to explore the flavors of the city. Try tako-yaki, Osaka's most famous specialty of octopus pieces in batter and cooked in a mold.
Day 9: Osaka Castle Tour, Fly to Seoul (South Korea)
Rise and shine for a half-day tour of Osaka's most famous sights. Meet your guide and start with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle. Learn more about Osaka's history at this beautiful landmark, which bears witness to the bloody power struggles that preceded the establishment of the Edo era in 1603 CE. Here, you'll find a wealth of information on Japan's rich history, including dioramas depicting various battles, uniforms, helmets, and a large observation deck offering excellent city views. Roam around the complex to appreciate its beautiful features and learn the stories behind its reconstruction from your guide.
Then, continue your discovery of Osaka's history at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, a detailed recreation of the townscape through different periods. Wander through the exhibits while your guide provides insights into the city's culture and lifestyle in the past. After your Osaka history tour, meet your driver for a transfer to Osaka's Kansai International Airport, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Seoul, South Korea's capital city. Then, transfer one hour from the airport to the city center, where you'll check into your hotel and rest for tomorrow.
Day 10: Tour Seoul's Historic Sights, Gwangjang Market Food Experience
Enjoy a full guided day of exploring Seoul's landmarks, beginning at Changdeokgung, the only one of Seoul's five major palaces to receive UNESCO recognition. Be sure to visit the palace's Secret Garden, filled with lotus ponds, intricate pavilions, and ancient trees. Then, continue to the neighboring Chongmyo Royal Shrine, one of the oldest Confucian royal shrines in the world, from 1395 CE. Follow the serene pathway to the main hall and learn about the kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910 CE) to whom the shrine is dedicated.
After immersing yourself in South Korea's rich history, stroll along the Insadong Antique Alley to discover its tea houses, shops, and restaurants as you walk along cobblestone streets lined with ginkgo trees. Browse porcelain, wood, metal, and earthenware stores and learn about South Korea's traditional handicrafts with your local guide leading the way. End the tour at the National Museum of Korea, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Later in the day, discover South Korea's culinary roots with a self-guided street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang Market. This century-old market sells everything from textiles to authentic Korean dishes. Wander along the narrow walkways, snacking on dishes such as dak gangjeong (fried chicken), mandu (dumplings), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (rice cakes), and mukluk (fish cake soup). End the night with skyline views at Seoul Sky, an observation deck with a glass floor high above the city.
Day 11: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour & Icheon Ceramic Experience
Today, join your guide and driver for a half-day tour of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, a 30-minute drive from Seoul. The ancient structure stretches for 3.5 miles (5.7 km), past four ornate gates, command posts, pavilions, observation towers, and fire-beacon platforms. Learn the history of why the fortress was built for King Jeongjo, the functions it served during the Joseon period, and the significance of its directional gates. Head nearby to explore the palace of Hwaseong Haenggung, a smaller, more intimate version of the fortress that housed the king during a war.
Afterward, visit Icheon Ceramics Village, which was a center for traditional pottery from the Joseon Dynasty. You'll be able to learn about pottery production and participate in a hands-on pottery workshop, during which you'll make your own souvenir to take home. Then, return to Seoul and make the most of your final evening in the city, eating your favorite Korean dishes and sampling craft beers.
Day 12: Transfer to Andong, Andong Hahoe Folk Village & Byeongsan Seowon Tour
Leave Seoul this morning and meet your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer to historic Andong, known as "the capital of Korean spirit." On arrival, you'll meet your guide for a tour of the area, starting with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Andong Hahoe Folk Village on the Nakdong River, organized around Korean feng shui in a lotus flower shape.
Explore the village's narrow alleyways and the Hahoe Mask Museum, which displays a wide range of masks from all over the world, including the Hahoe masks worn in the ancient local ceremony (a mask dance drama) dating from the 12th century. Then, board a river boat to Buyongdae Cliff at the end of the Taebaeksan Mountain Range. For an overhead view of the village, you can hike up to Buyongdae's summit.
For lunch, sample an Andong specialty, heotjesabap, a traditional dish mixed in a rice bowl and made with grilled fish, Korean pancakes, veggies, and ganjang (soy sauce). Then, walk along a forest trail to the historic 14th-century Confucian academy, Byeongsan Seowon, where you can learn more about South Korean history and admire the well-preserved architecture, including the Jondeoksa Shrine and Ipgyodang Lecture Hall. Finally, check into your hotel in Andong and relax for the evening.
Day 13: Transfer to Gyeongju, Tour the Ancient Silla Kingdom
After breakfast in Andong, meet your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer south to Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BCE to 935 CE). Today, it's nicknamed the "museum without walls." Immerse yourself in history by beginning your full-day tour at the beautiful Bulguksa temple, an eighth-century architectural wonder housing six national treasures, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas. Continue to the Seokguram Grotto on Mount Toham, home to a monumental Buddha statue facing the sea.
From the grotto, travel about one hour north to Tumuli Park, where you'll walk among 23 royal tombs set within green hills, some of which date to the fifth century CE. Visit the Cheonmachong tomb, created for an unknown Silla king, to see some of the ruler's ornamental jewelry. From the park, take a break for lunch, then step into one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, followed by a visit to the Gyeongju National Museum to marvel at Silla-era relics, such as a fourth-century gold crown.
Then, take a relaxing break at the palace of Donggung and Wolji Pond, where you can walk among trees, small hills, and pavilions once used for state festivals and banquets. End the day by wandering the picturesque Hwangnidan Street, exploring the mix of traditional and modern buildings, and stopping for dinner in one of the many inviting restaurants.
Day 14: Transfer to Incheon, Depart
Today, your two-week cultural journey through Japan and South Korea ends. Meet your driver for a 3.5-hour transfer back to Seoul, where you'll catch your departing flight at Incheon International Airport. Safe travels wherever the road takes you next!
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