Highlights
- Browse Korean handicrafts on the cobblestone streets of Insadong in Seoul
- See the ancient temples and relics of the Silla Kingdom in beautiful Gyeongju
- Walk the 108 steps at the gorgeous seaside Haedong Yonggungsa temple in Busan
- Learn to make sushi from an expert in Tokyo
- See the iconic views of Mount Fuji from a scenic boat tour on nearby Lake Ashi
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Seoul (South Korea), Korean War Memorial Tour | Seoul |
| Day 2 | Highlights of Seoul City Tour | Seoul |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Daegu via Andong Village | Daegu |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Gyeongju, Tour the Ancient Silla Kingdom | Gyeongju |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Busan, Busan Sea Culture Tour | Busan |
| Day 6 | Tour Haegeumgang & Oedo Islands, Fly to Osaka (Japan) | Osaka |
| Day 7 | Best of Osaka City Tour | Osaka |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima Island | Osaka |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Kyoto, Temples, Castles & Markets of Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 10 | Day Trip to Nara & Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Train to Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 11 | Private Tokyo Tour: Museums, River Cruise, Sushi Class & Tokyo Skytree | Tokyo |
| Day 12 | Day Trip to Mount Fuji via Lake Ashinoko & Hakone Checkpoint | Tokyo |
| Day 13 | Depart Tokyo |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Seoul (South Korea), Korean War Memorial Tour
Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea! Meet your driver at the airport for a transfer to your hotel, then after settling in, join your guide for a 30-mile (44 km) drive up to the border between South and North Korea, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Delve into the complex history and tensions between the "two Koreas" that characterize the area to this day and highlight the importance of peace. Your tour starts at the Third Infiltration Tunnel, an invasion tool dug by North Korea and discovered by South Korea in 1978.
Next, you'll visit the Dora Observatory, where you can look through telescopes over North Korea and see sites including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School, Mount Songak in Gaeseong, a statue of Kim Il Sung, and Geummamgol, a local cooperative farm. Finally, visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park to gain insight into the history of the Korean War. Return with your guide to Seoul, South Korea's dynamic capital, and spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.
Day 2: Highlights of Seoul City Tour
This morning, you'll meet your local guide for a full-day city tour of Seoul. Your first stop is the grand palace, Gyeongbokgung, to learn about the culture and history of the Joseon Dynasty. The complex, built in 1395 CE and restored in the 19th century, is among the most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces. Follow your guide to see some of its more than 50 buildings and 7,700 rooms spanning 90 acres (40 ha).
Then, drive past the Presidential Blue House, home to the current president, on your way to the Presidential Museum, which encompasses the history and future of Seoul and greater Korea. After your visit, head to the colorful Jogyesa Temple, the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the center of Korean Buddhism. Admire its exterior, decorated with scenes from Buddha's life, and enjoy its calm atmosphere as a contrast to the hectic pace of the city.
Afterward, head to the Insadong neighborhood to tour 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. For dinner, head to Gwangjang Market to taste specialty street food such as dak gangjeong (fried chicken), mandu (dumplings), and kkochi (skewers).
Day 3: Transfer to Daegu via Andong Village
It's time to transfer south today via historic Andong, known as "the capital of Korean spirit." After hotel checkout, travel with your driver to Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can learn more about Korea's traditional art and culture. Be sure to visit the Hahoe Mask Museum in the village, which displays a wide range of masks from all over the world, including the Hahoe masks worn in the Hahoe Pyolshin-gut t'al nori ceremony (a mask dance drama), dating from the 12th century.
Enjoy a spectacular view of the village and its surroundings from Booyongdae Cliff. Stop at a local eatery for lunch to try grilled Andong salted mackerel before continuing your journey three hours south to Daegu City. Check into your hotel, then head to Dongseongno Shopping District, one of the major fashion districts in the city. Lose yourself in the various shops and boutiques that offer the latest fashion trends and fun Korean souvenirs.
Day 4: Transfer to Gyeongju, Tour the Ancient Silla Kingdom
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Following one night in Daegu City, meet your driver after breakfast for a 1.5-hour transfer south to Gyeongju, a UNESCO-listed area recognized for its temples, palaces, pagodas, and sculptures from the Silla Kingdom. After checking into your hotel, you'll set off on a guided tour to explore archaeological sites, temples, and royal tombs, beginning at Bulguksa temple to see the incredible Buddhist art, including statues, stone pagodas, and wooden shrines.
During your full-day tour, visit Seokguram, a 1,300-year-old stone temple at the nearby Seokguram Grotto, and spend time at Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong, one of the largest Silla Kingdom tombs open to the public. Inside Cheonmachong, learn about the discovery of 11,526 kingdom artifacts, then visit the nearby astronomy tower, Cheomseongdae, to discover how stars were used to forecast the weather. Next, explore the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses relics from the Silla Kingdom.
Take a relaxing break at the palace Donggung and Wolji Pond, where you can walk among trees, small hills, and pavilions once used for state festivals and banquets. Finish with a visit to the picturesque Gyeongju National Park, which features a palace complex and forests from the ancient Silla kingdom. Finally, head to your hotel to rest for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 5: Transfer to Busan, Busan Sea Culture Tour
Rise early this morning for a one-hour transfer to the relaxed coastal city of Busan. After you settle in at your hotel, meet your guide to explore the city, starting at the historic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (East Sea Dragon Palace Temple). First built in 1376 CE, its picturesque location on a cliff offers rewarding views of the sea. Take them in as you walk down its 108 steps lined with intricately carved stone lanterns.
View the ocean waves through the transparent floor of the thrilling Oryukdo Skywalk, set on a giant coastal cliff. From there, head to Gamcheon Cultural Village, the "Machu Picchu of Busan," to discover the colorful terraced houses and winding alleys decorated with murals and sculptures by residents. For dinner, try local specialties such as jangeo-gui (grilled eel) or bibim dangmyeon (boiled glass noodles with pickled radishes, fish cakes, and vegetables).
Day 6: Tour Haegeumgang & Oedo Islands, Fly to Osaka (Japan)
This morning, kick off your adventure by meeting your guide for a three-hour island tour before your flight to Japan. Together, you'll hop aboard a scenic ferry at Dojangpo Wharf to cruise to Haegeumgang Island, also known as the "Sea Diamond," nestled within Hallyeo Marine National Park. Explore the island's rugged coastline of towering rocky cliffs on a scenic hike with your guide, or find a serene spot to sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere and views of azure waters.
Continue to Oedo Island, home to the enchanting Oedo Botania, a vast landscape garden teeming with vibrant, colorful flora. Wander along the lush pathways, offering peekaboo ocean views, before taking another ferry back to Busan. At the dock, meet your driver for a seamless transfer to the airport to catch your 1.5-hour flight to Osaka, one of Japan's liveliest cities.
Day 7: Best of Osaka City Tour
Welcome to Osaka, considered by many to be Tokyo's younger (and cooler) sibling. This morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a full-day tour of Osaka's most famous sights, such as Osaka Castle and its blossom-filled grounds. Delve deep into Osaka's history at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, a detailed recreation of the townscape throughout history. Wander through the exhibits while your guide provides insights into the city's culture and lifestyle.
Then, make your way to Dotonbori, a high-powered sensory overload of neon, modern buildings, and throngs of people. Nicknamed "Osaka's Times Square," you'll find endless food stalls where you can try iconic street food, including takoyaki (octopus dumplings). A few minutes away, discover the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where you'll admire the famous 18th-century Japanese prints and try making your own woodblock print.
At the end of the day, take the elevator up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the rooftop of the Umeda Sky Building, a landmark duo of 40-story towers linked by an atrium-like walkway known as the Floating Garden Observatory. Take in the spectacular views of the city before heading back to your hotel.
Day 8: Day Trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Take a day trip today with your guide to the beautiful city of Hiroshima, which is about an hour away. While perhaps most known for the tragedy of the atomic bomb that essentially destroyed it in World War II, Hiroshima is a major urban hub with some incredible cultural sights. Learn more about this resilient city today, starting with a visit to Peace Memorial Park, which features the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the only buildings left standing after the blast. Visit other meaningful sites in the park, including the Peace Museum.
In the afternoon, 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 by sailboat, visiting elegant Shinto shrines that can only be reached by boat, including the famous 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine, with its orange torii gate, partially submerged during high tide. Before returning to Osaka, explore the island and sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes or hiroshimayaki (Japanese pancakes).
Day 9: Transfer to Kyoto, Temples, Castles & Markets of Kyoto
Transfer half an hour with your driver from Osaka to Kyoto, a cultural powerhouse of a city known for its rich historical traditions, geisha entertainers, temples, gardens, and palaces. After checking into your hotel, spend the day exploring some of these sites with your guide via the excellent local bus system, starting at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion. Stroll through the gardens and marvel at the gold-leaf-covered structure reflected in the surrounding ponds.
Since you can't enter the temple, continue to Nijo Castle, home to the Edo period's first shogun. Explore the castle grounds, then enter Ninomaru Palace to see the walls adorned with intricate nature and folklore paintings. From here, follow your guide to 400-year-old Nishiki Ichiba Market. Walk among the 100 stalls crammed into this narrow street, where you can try some of Kyoto's signature dishes, such as yu dofu (boiled tofu), nishin soba (noodles with dried herring), or soy milk doughnuts.
Later in the day, head to Kiyomizu-dera ("Pure Water Temple"), another UNESCO-listed site and one of Japan's most celebrated temples, constructed on the site of the Otowa Waterfall. Enjoy splendid views of the numerous cherry and maple trees, plus Kyoto below. End the day at Sanjusangendo, a temple featuring a central hall, the longest wooden structure in Japan, lined with 1,001 gold-leaf-encrusted statues of Kannon (the goddess of mercy).
Day 10: Day Trip to Nara & Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Train to Tokyo
This morning, check out of your Kyoto hotel and meet your driver for a full-day excursion to Nara (prior to catching a train to Tokyo). Nara is a quaint city renowned for its picturesque parks, ancient temples, and free-roaming deer. Set off on a city tour with your local guide, starting at Nara Park, home to over 1,000 tame deer. Here, you'll visit the Buddhist temple, Todai-ji. Constructed in 752 CE, this is one of Japan's most historically significant temples, known for its giant bronze Buddha statue.
Next, visit the UNESCO-listed Kasuga-taisha, a detailed Shinto shrine renowned for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns and surrounded by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. As you walk through the grounds, look out for the playful deer, who bow in exchange for food. Then, stop for a saké tasting at a local traditional-style brewery, where you'll sample different saké types before returning to Kyoto.
On your return trip, you'll stop at the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha for an enchanting hike through the 10,000 red torii gates. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain for panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest. Walk back through the forest, discovering smaller shrines, moss-covered animal statues, and ancient stone tablets before continuing to Kyoto. On arrival in the late afternoon, head to the train station for your 2.5-hour trip to Japan's capital, Tokyo.
Day 11: Private Tokyo Tour: Museums, River Cruise, Sushi Class & Tokyo Skytree
Meet your guide after breakfast for a private full-day tour of incredible Tokyo. Start with futuristic fun at TeamLab Borderless, a collection of interactive, three-dimensional art exhibits of light, sound, and projections. Immerse yourself in the colorful digital art installations as you wander through the continuous and "borderless" world within. From here, catch a water bus for a boat cruise on the beautiful Sumida River to see Tokyo from a different point of view, passing neighborhoods that include Hamamatsucho, Toyosu, and Odaiba.
Later, dive into another treasured Japanese tradition—sushi! Visit one of the world's largest seafood markets with a local guide, where they'll highlight how fish is caught, distributed, and sold. Follow up with a cooking class on the sushi-making process under the expert guidance of your instructor, who'll provide pro tips and a history of sushi from an insider's perspective. Sample different types of sushi, such as inari, sushi rice stuffed into deep-fried tofu pockets, or maki, where the classic ingredients are rolled in seaweed, and finish the lesson by enjoying your creations for lunch.
End your tour at the towering Tokyo Skytree, which stretches 2,080 feet (634 m) high. At the top, enjoy the endless city views from its 360-degree observation deck, with glimpses as far as Mount Fuji on a clear day. Afterward, return to your hotel and enjoy your evening.
Day 12: Day Trip to Mount Fuji via Lake Ashinoko & Hakone Checkpoint
Rise early for a day trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park. Pack some warm clothes and join your expert guide for a two-hour drive, stopping first at the Fuji Visitor Center, where you'll get an overview of the famous mountain's nature and history. Then, drive up to Mount Fuji's Fifth Station. Situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet (2,300 m), this is the highest point on the peak accessible by car. You'll also be able to enjoy far-reaching views of Fuji Five Lakes and Lake Yamanaka.
Continue with your guide to the scenic Lake Ashinoko (Lake Ashi), formed by a volcanic eruption around 3,000 years ago. Cruise across the lake on a replica pirate ship to enjoy views of the mountain and Hakone-jinja, a Shinto shrine with striking torii gates on the water's edge. Your next stop is the Hakone Checkpoint, along the Tokaido highway, which linked Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo Period. Tour the gates, a prison chamber, and a lookout tower before transferring back to Tokyo for your final night in Japan.
Day 13: Depart Tokyo
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