Japan & South Korea Highlights

Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. After check-in, depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to rest or begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace. In the evening, join your tour guide and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Japanese cuisine, where you'll receive a briefing about your upcoming cross-cultural journey. Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Tokyo's highlights. Begin at the serene Meiji Shrine, an oasis of calm in the bustling city, followed by a stroll through the trendy Harajuku district and elegant tree-lined Omotesando Avenue. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the historic Asakusa district to see the iconic Senso-ji Temple and vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street. Continue to the ultramodern Shibuya area, famous for its scramble crossing, before ending your day with a visit to the observation deck of either Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower (depending on weather conditions) for breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Tokyo.

After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Mount Fuji and Hakone. Drive to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji (weather permitting) at an elevation of 2,300 meters, offering spectacular views of Japan's most iconic natural landmark. After lunch in the Hakone region, enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi and experience the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and, if weather permits, Mount Fuji in the distance. Return to Tokyo in the evening. Overnight in Tokyo.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Tokyo Station to board the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, begin your exploration of Japan's cultural capital with a visit to Nijo Castle, known for its "nightingale floors" designed to chirp when walked upon as a security measure. Continue to the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf that sits majestically beside a reflective pond. Conclude your day with a stroll through the picturesque Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha quarter, where you might glimpse a geiko (Kyoto's geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to evening appointments. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Kyoto's refined cuisine. Overnight in Kyoto.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Kyoto's cultural treasures. Begin at the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming tunnels up the sacred Mount Inari. Continue to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside offering spectacular views of Kyoto. After lunch, visit the Arashiyama district to see the iconic Bamboo Grove and the elegant Tenryu-ji Temple with its beautiful landscape garden. In the late afternoon, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you'll learn about this important cultural ritual and the spiritual philosophy behind it. Return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight in Kyoto.

After breakfast, check out and take a short train ride to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues housed in the world's largest wooden building. Explore Nara Park, famously known for its free-roaming deer considered sacred messengers of the gods. After lunch, continue to Osaka, Japan's vibrant food capital. Check into your hotel and then explore Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks, providing insight into the country's feudal past. In the evening, visit the lively Dotonbori district, famous for its dazzling neon lights, food stalls, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy dinner sampling Osaka's famous street food specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Overnight in Osaka.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kansai International Airport for your flight to Seoul, South Korea (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, you'll be met by our Korean representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Seoul. After check-in, depending on your arrival time, enjoy an orientation tour of Seoul, including Gwanghwamun Square and a stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, an 11-km long modern public recreation space in the heart of the city. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner to Korea featuring traditional Korean barbecue and an introduction to Korean dining customs. Overnight in Seoul.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Seoul's historic and modern highlights. Begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, where you can witness the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. Visit the adjacent National Folk Museum to learn about Korean history and traditional lifestyles. After lunch featuring traditional Korean cuisine, explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a well-preserved traditional Korean village with hundreds of hanok (traditional houses). Continue to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis. End your day with a visit to Myeongdong, one of Seoul's main shopping districts, where you can browse for Korean skincare products, fashion, and street food. Overnight in Seoul.

After an early breakfast, embark on a half-day tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the buffer zone between North and South Korea (subject to availability and security conditions). Visit Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel discovered in 1978. Observe North Korean territory from the Dora Observatory. Return to Seoul for lunch, then transfer to Seoul Station to board the KTX high-speed train to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and principal seaport. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps strolling along Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most famous beaches. Overnight in Busan.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of Busan's highlights. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of the few seaside temples in Korea, spectacularly built on rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. Continue to Gamcheon Culture Village, known as the "Machu Picchu of Busan," a hillside community of brightly painted houses that has been transformed into a vibrant arts district. After lunch, visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market, and BIFF Square, the center of Korean cinema. In the late afternoon, board the KTX train back to Seoul. Check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Korean royal court cuisine, a refined multi-course meal once served to Korean kings. Overnight in Seoul.

After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing depending on your departure flight schedule. Popular options include Insadong Antique Street for traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs or Gangnam district made famous by the global hit song. At the appointed time, transfer to Incheon International Airport for your onward journey. End of services.