Tour Scenic South Korea And Japan (2023) | Visit Korea (Republic of), Japan

Meals

29 meals – 18 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners Experience local Japanese life with a special dinner at an izakaya-style restaurant

Others

See the changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbok Palace and take a moonlight stroll at Donggung Palace Visit a traditional Korean village at Bukchon Hanok and enjoy tea with a monk at Jogyesa Temple Visit the snowcapped Mt Fuji and explore Matsumoto Castle Wander through the towering bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Transport

Coach Rail Included flight

Accommodation

18 nights in premium accommodation Three Nights, Seoul, Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun Busan, Avani Hotel Two Nights, Gyeongju, Commodore Hotel Seoul, Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun Two Nights, Tokyo, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu Hakone, Susukinohara Inchinoyu Matsumoto, Hotel Kagetsu Two Nights, Takayama Ouan or Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Agora Kanazawa Three Nights, Noku Kyoto Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

Guide

Services of Travelmarvel Tour Directors

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Incheon, Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Incheon, Seoul

Arrive into Incheon and transfer to Seoul. After a Welcome Dinner this evening, you’ll be transported back to your hotel which is located in the heart of Seoul.
Day 2 Day 2: Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Seoul

Fill up at breakfast this morning - you’re in for a full day of sightseeing. The excitement begins with a tour of Gyeongbok Palace, the largest palace in South Korea. Built in 1392 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the main royal palace for five centuries. After a number of Insider Experiences, your final stop for today is Insadong Antique Alley, where quirky amulets and jewellery among other wares are scattered across stalls. Poke around the many streets, maybe picking up a souvenir or two.
Day 3 Day 3: Seoul, Paju, Demilitarised Zone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Seoul, Paju, Demilitarised Zone

Today is dedicated to the relationship between North and South Korea. You’ll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) in Paju to gain an understanding of the bordering countries. See Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom and the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where it’s believed that some 30,000 soldiers could pass through within an hour. You’ll also spend time at the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the station, along with Dora Observatory which offers binocular views into North Korea. Return to Seoul for an afternoon visit to the War Memorial Museum to reflect further on the conflict.
Day 4 Day 4: Seoul, Busan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Seoul, Busan

After breakfast at your hotel, travel to Busan. Upon arrival in South Korea’s second-largest city, you’ll be taken on a city sightseeing tour of some of Busan’s most well-known sites. Begin at Busan Tower, which offers a great vantage point to the city’s bustling port. Visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. Here, locals select seafood that is straight from the ocean and take their purchase to the market’s chefs to be prepared just how they like it, for a fresher-than-fresh seafood lunch. Finish your explorations in Gamcheon Village, a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, street art and art galleries.
Day 5 Day 5: Busan, Gyeongju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Busan, Gyeongju

There’s more of Busan to be explored this morning. At Taejongdae observatory, admire sweeping views of the natural wonders of Taejongdae Resort Park. Continue to the United Nations Memorial cemetery - the only one of its kind. Afterwards, voyage to the seaside for a visit to Haedong Yonggung temple before journeying to Gyeongju. Be welcomed into the ancient city with a traditional performance at Jeongdong Theatre.
Day 6 Day 6: Gyeongju
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Gyeongju

Set your sights on the World Heritage Bulguksa Temple resting on the slopes of Mt Toham. Built in 774 AD, the temple is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Nearby, explore Seokguram Grotto and see the giant Sakyamuni Buddha which is buried in the grotto’s inner chambers. Afterwards, take a stroll across the green grounds of Tumuli Park and Family Choi’s House, the oldest house in the area which was built in 1630. Also visit the Cheomseongdae observatory. After time for dinner, this evening experience a special Insider Experience.
Day 7 Day 7: Gyeongju, Gayasan National Park, Seoul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Gyeongju, Gayasan National Park, Seoul

Make the journey by coach to Haeinsa Temple. As one of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, discover Buddhist scriptures within the temple, which have been carved into more than 80,000 wooden blocks. Afterwards, head to Dongdaegu train station to board a KTX Express Train to Seoul. Tonight, celebrate the Korean part of your holiday with your fellow travellers and Tour Director with a special dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 Day 8: Incheon, Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Incheon, Tokyo

Today, fly to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Japan Tour Director for a welcome meeting before dinner.
Day 9 Day 9: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tokyo

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Sensoji Temple. Next, it’s on to the Imperial Palace for a photo stop and a walking tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market, the largest fish market in Japan, where fresh seafood is delivered daily. We wander the narrow aisles of this atmospheric marketplace to find all sorts of delicious and uniquely Japanese food – from fish and shellfish to barrels of green tea, dried seaweed and all manner of pickles and other tasty morsels. Continue to Ginza, Tokyo’s famous upmarket shopping district. Here, you’ll have time for lunch or perhaps join an optional sushi-making class (additional expense). The last stop is Meiji Shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Day 10 Day 10: Tokyo, Hakone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Tokyo, Hakone

Travel to Hakone today. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Geothermal Valley. Continue on to Lake Ashi and enjoy a cruise around the lake. This caldera lake was formed 3,000 years ago when Mt Hakone erupted. On a clear day, you may see Mt Fuji. Later, for the ultimate exercise in relaxation, perhaps partake in a traditional onsen experience at your hotel.
Day 11 Day 11: Mt Fuji, Matsumoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Mt Fuji, Matsumoto

This morning, travel to Mt Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Continue to Matsumoto and afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the merchant district of Nakamachi, where streets are lined with well-preserved Edo-style buildings.
Day 12 Day 12: Matsumoto, Takayama
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Matsumoto, Takayama

Dive deeper into Japan’s alpine region with a visit to Oku-Hida region, where you’ll board the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway to an observation deck that is elevated to 2,156 metres. Later, arrive in the picturesque mountain town of Takayama. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Tonight, perhaps discover the famous Hida beef, a remarkably tender variety of Wagyu beef (additional expense).
Day 13 Day 13: Takayama
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Takayama

This morning, visit the Miyagawa Morning Market. Afterwards, enjoy two Insider Experiences. The afternoon is at your leisure, where you might like to explore further.
Day 14 Day 14: Takayama, Kanazawa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Takayama, Kanazawa

Following breakfast, head to Kanazawa, stopping en route at the alpine village of Shirakawa-go, made famous by its collection of original gassho-zukuri style farmhouses. Continue to Kanazawa and join a walking tour through the geisha and samurai districts.
Day 15 Day 15: Kanazawa, Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Kanazawa, Kyoto

Begin your explorations with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden. Stroll across bridges, passing tranquil ponds and fountains, and admire a landscape dotted with Japanese pines, cherry trees and maples. Afterwards, continue to Kyoto.
Day 16 Day 16: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Kyoto

Today your Kyoto explorations begin at the Heian Jingu Shrine. Walk under the giant red torii gates and stroll across the shrine’s court. After, visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and its stunning Japanese garden. Visit Nijo Castle before spending the rest of the day exploring Kyoto your way. Or you may choose an optional tea ceremony experience (additional expense).
Day 17 Day 17: Kyoto, Nara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kyoto, Nara

Rise early this morning and follow the path marked by thousands of scarlet torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ll then board your coach for a day trip to Nara. Immerse yourself in Nara culture with a visit to Todai-ji Temple. You’ll also head to Nara Park to see the friendly wild deer, and Kasuga Shrine, whose countless lanterns have been donated by worshippers.
Day 18 Day 18: Nara, Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Nara, Osaka

Travel to Osaka, where you will visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Afterwards, admire Osaka Castle for a photo stop before heading to Dotonbori, a hotspot for street food. Your final night is celebrated with a Farewell Dinner at a local sukiyaki restaurant.
Day 19 Day 19: Depart Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Depart Osaka

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

+16

19 days tour

Scenic South Korea And Japan (2023)

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Scenic South Korea And Japan (2023)

Day 1: Arrive Incheon, Seoul

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul, Paju, Demilitarised Zone

Day 4: Seoul, Busan

Day 5: Busan, Gyeongju

Day 6: Gyeongju

Day 7: Gyeongju, Gayasan National Park, Seoul

Day 8: Incheon, Tokyo

Day 9: Tokyo

Day 10: Tokyo, Hakone

Day 11: Mt Fuji, Matsumoto

Day 12: Matsumoto, Takayama

Day 13: Takayama

Day 14: Takayama, Kanazawa

Day 15: Kanazawa, Kyoto

Day 16: Kyoto

Day 17: Kyoto, Nara

Day 18: Nara, Osaka

Day 19: Depart Osaka

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