Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea

Welcome to South Korea. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel in Seoul. Following a welcome briefing, head out on a Signature Experience. Later, take a relaxing stroll along the Cheonggyecheon stream, a beautiful, redeveloped canal which flows through the heart of Seoul and is bursting with life throughout the year. Tonight, meet your tour director and fellow travellers for another Signature Experience.

Accommodation
Three Nights, Lotte Hotel Seoul

• Dinners

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Enjoy a full-day tour of South Korea’s vibrant capital today. Following breakfast, head to Gyeongbok Palace, the country’s largest palace and a former royal residence for five centuries. Witness the colourful changing of the guard ceremony before taking a tour of the beautiful palace. Following a Korean BBQ chicken lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the lively Insadong Antique Street filled with galleries, teahouses and local restaurants, then tour Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential neighbourhood with restored traditional Korean houses. Later, head to Jijidaeak for a Signature Experience, then choose where to dine this evening.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Embark on a morning tour of the fascinating Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea. Following a drive to Paju, see Imjingak Park, then visit the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall and walk along the Third Infiltration Tunnel. Transfer to a local restaurant for a hot pot lunch before returning to Seoul to visit the War Memorial of Korea and its extensive museum. Enjoy the late afternoon and evening at your leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Following a breakfast at your hotel, be driven to the city of Yongin for a Signature Experience. Continue to Jeonju, a city famous for its food scene, where you’ll take part in a delicious Signature Experience.

Accommodation
Lahan Hotel Jeonju

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Seoul , South Korea

In Jeonju this morning you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience before visiting Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeongdong Cathedral. Journey to Gayasan National Park to visit Haeinsa Temple, which is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, a remarkable collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks. Next you’ll move on to the historic city of Gyeongju. Check in to your new accommodation with views of the lake and indulge in dinner , featuring a selection of Western and Korean dishes at the hotel.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Lahan Select Gyeongju

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Discover two of South Korea’s most valued World Heritage sites this morning. Start with a visit to Seokguram Grotto, a government-classified National Treasure of South Korea which overlooks the East Sea and contains some of the most important Buddhist sculptures in the world. Next you’ll explore Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple completed in AD774 by the Silla royal court. Following the morning’s sightseeing, sit down for a Korean bulgogi lunch at a local restaurant. Later, traverse more of Gyeongju’s highlights including visits to the Gyeongju National Museum, Cheomseongdae Observatory and Tumuli Park, a fascinating area featuring a variety of burial mounds containing tombs of kings and officials of the Silla dynasty. You’ll also enjoy a moonlight walking tour of Donggung Palace – once a secondary palace of the crown prince of the Silla kingdom – and the beautiful Wolji Pond, which was built in AD674.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Head to Ulsan after breakfast and discover Daewangam Park and Ulsandaegyo Bridge Observatory, the latter of which offers panoramic views of the Hyundai Shipyard. Following lunch at a local restaurant, be transferred to your stylish hotel in Busan then visit Haedong Yonggung Temple, an impressive Buddhist temple built in 1376. Later, set off on a Signature Experience before sitting down to dinner.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Grand Josun Busan

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Embark on an in-depth discovery of Busan today. Head downtown for a walking tour of Gamcheon Culture Village. Marvel at the village’s street art and pastel-coloured houses before taking a cable car to Songdo Island. Visit BIFF Square, a bustling movie district, and Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest of its kind in South Korea. Enjoy panoramic views from Busan Tower before stopping at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, which is the only one of its kind and features 22 unique burial sites designated to each nationality of the buried service members.

• Breakfast

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Transfer to the station this morning and take a KTX express train back to Seoul in the luxury of a deluxe seat. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in before setting off on the activity of your choice. Tonight, toast your Korean adventure with an unforgettable Signature Experience.

Accommodation
Lotte Hotel Seoul

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Seoul , South Korea

Fly to Tokyo today. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Japan Tour Director for a welcome dinner at your hotel, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair.

Accommodation
Three Nights, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Following breakfast, meet your guide and head to Roppongi, where you’ll soak in the scenery at the observation deck at Mori Tower, which on a clear day provides outstanding panoramic views of Tokyo. Next up is Tokyo’s old town of Asakusa, which is home to the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji. Visit the iconic temple and stroll through the Namikaze shopping street indulging in snacks and souvenir shopping. Following lunch, embark on your exciting Freedom of Choice activity.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji Following your delectable Signature Experience, be guided to Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district. Marvel at the presentation and diversity of food at a local department store before experiencing the fascinating Kabukiza Gallery, dedicated to the traditional performance art of Kabuki. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Depart for Hakone following breakfast and catch glimpses of iconic Mount Fuji if it’s a clear day. Your first stop is at Hakone Shrine, a beautiful, historic Shinto shrine nestled in the forest by the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy a a cruise on the picturesque lake and arrive at Togendai before taking in the scenery on the way to the volcanic valley of Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway. Follow the walking trails around the bubbling pools and steam vents and perhaps try one of the famous black eggs boiled in the area’s natural hot springs. Head to your luxury hotel, which boasts access to a naturally heated onsen, and delight in a kaiseki- style dinner, a traditional multi-course meal, this evening.

Accommodation
Hakone, Kowakien Ten-yu

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Set out this morning for a Signature Experience. Following your lunch, continue to Matsumoto and embark on your chosen activity before being transferred to your new hotel in Takayama, where you’ll indulge in dinner tonight.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Associa Takayama Resort

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Start off the day with a morning visit to the Miyagawa morning market, one of the largest in Japan. All the market’s traders are independent farmers and craftspeople from the region, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try some of the area’s best produce. You’ll also take a stroll through Takayama Jinya, a beautifully preserved 17th-century building built for a noble family and the Tokugawa shonugate. Following your Signature Experience, then wander along the stunning streets of the city’s old town on the way to the Festival Floats Museum, where you’ll admire the ornamental floats of the Takayama Festival. For dinner, you’ll have the chance to try the region’s famous Hida beef at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Today you’ll visit the World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go en route to Kanazawa. Some of the village’s famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses date back more than 250 years, and you’ll stop at Kanda House to gain a deeper insight into the traditional homes before strolling around the peaceful village. Continue to Kanazawa and the marvellous Kenroku-en garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai district and the traditional Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy your choice of restaurant for dinner.

Accommodation
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Start your day in the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s largest geisha district. Enjoy a special Signature Experience before visiting the traditional Shima teahouse. Following lunch, be transferred to the train station to board a bullet train to Tsuruga, then change to a limited express train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, walk to your nearby accommodation and settle in before savouring a delicious dinner at the restaurant of your choice.

Accommodation
Four Nights, The Thousand Kyoto

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past the Nonomiya Shrine and the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following your rickshaw experience, stop off at the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples which was founded in 1339. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. You’ll then visit historic Nijo Castle before returning to your hotel and spending the evening at your leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Begin your day with a special Signature Experience. In the afternoon, head out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity before returning to your hotel.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

After breakfast, board a private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the capital of Japan for 74 years in the eighth century. Visit the incredible Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home to the country’s largest statue of Buddha. Stroll through the fascinating temple before exploring the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat. Next, see Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in AD768. Return to the hotel with free time this afternoon before savouring a special Signature Experience for dinner.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Head to Kyoto Station by foot and take a first-class bullet train to Himeji, where you’ll visit one of Japan’s most iconic and spectacular castles, World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle. Having avoided damage from war and natural disasters, the beautifully preserved castle is a fascinating historic site to explore. Journey on to a sake brewery for a Signature Experience. Following lunch at a local restaurant, return to the train station for another first-class bullet train journey to Okayama. Discover the city at leisure in the afternoon and evening after checking into your hotel.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Hotel Granvia Okayama

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Fukuoka , Japan

Treat yourself to a full day on the remarkable Naoshima Island today, first taking a private coach to Uno Port for your ferry to the island. Following your day-long Signature Experience, be transferred back to your accommodation and enjoy an evening at your leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Fukuoka , Japan

This morning, explore the beautiful and spacious Korakuen Garden, a member of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Afterwards, board a bullet train for a first-class ride to Hiroshima. After lunch, be taken to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which lies at ground zero of the devastating atomic bomb which dropped on the city in August 1945. Stroll through the park and discover its memorials and monuments before a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Later, head to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower for expansive views of the surrounds. Tonight you’ll indulge in a yakiniku dinner, where delicious meats and sides are flame grilled over wood charcoal.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Sheraton Grand Hiroshima

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Fukuoka , Japan

After breakfast, set off on your chosen activity before boarding a ferry to Miyajima Island. A sacred island and holy place of Shintoism, Miyajima is home to the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, which is famous for its partially submerged “floating” torii gate. After strolling around the island, be transferred back to your hotel and enjoy Hiroshima’s charm at your leisure.

• Breakfast

Location
Fukuoka , Japan

After breakfast, set off by foot to Hiroshima station. Board a first-class bullet train to Fukuoka, where you’ll have free time for lunch before taking a private coach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Explore the shrine before reboarding your coach and driving to your accommodation. Tonight, soak in the atmosphere at a local izakaya, where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner to toast your incredible journey through South Korea and Japan.

Accommodation
Fukuoka, Miyako Hotel Hakata

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Fukuoka , Japan

Your journey finishes today after breakfast, with a transfer to Fukuoka Airport for your onward flight.

• Breakfast

Location
Fukuoka , Japan