Scenic South Korea and Japan

Arrive in Seoul and transfer to your accommodation. The capital of South Korea, Seoul blends modernity with tradition, offering historic palaces, K-pop culture, delicious street food and vibrant nightlife. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers and enjoy an Insider Experience this evening.  

Insider Experience - Korean-Style BBQ

Join your Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Korean-style BBQ house. Savour the authentic flavours of the region and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Today is dedicated to the relationship between North and South Korea. You’ll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) 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 Insadong, a cultural hub in the heart of Seoul. This neighbourhood is steeped in tradition and boasts a plethora of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and traditional teahouses.  

Final stop of the day is Hanyangdoseong. Also known as Seoul City Wall, the historic fortification surrounding the city offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Seoul’s rich history and architectural legacy.  Take a walk along the wall soaking in the surrounding views and incredible history.  

Fill up at breakfast this morning – you’re in for a full day of sightseeing. After your first Insider Experience, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to taste Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) considered to be a healthy dish with medicinal benefits. Afterwards, embark on your second incredible Insider Experience for the day, followed by   a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History. Gain an insight into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.  

The last stop of your journey is Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses, showcasing Korea’s architectural heritage. Explore the narrow alleyways, experience the peaceful atmosphere, and admire the beautifully preserved structures.  

Insider Experience - Jogyesa Temple

Visit Jogyesa Temple for the chance to share tea with a monk and experience the unique culture of Korean Buddhism. Explore the fascinating temple compound and marvel at ancient well-preserved Buddhist treasures.  

Insider Experience - Gyeongbokgung Palace

Embark on a tour of Gyeongbokgung 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. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony, a tradition that has been performed for centuries in Korea and is a symbol of the nation's rich culture and history. 

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on your Insider Experience. 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. Explore the quirky Gamcheon Village, a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, street art and art galleries. Your final stop of the day is the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Transfer to the hotel to check in then this evening, head out to the neighbourhood market for a fresh seafood dinner, the speciality of Busan.  

Insider Experience - KTX Express Train to Busan

Board one of South Korea’s famous KTX Express Trains to Busan, a vibrant coastal city in South Korea offering beautiful beaches, lively markets and fresh seafood. Watch the beautiful countryside whip past your window, and jet right past busy cities as your train reaches speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour. 

Today, visit Dongbaekseom Island (island of Camellias) located at the right end of famous Haeundae Beach. Soak in the views of the beautiful coastline on a scenic coastal trail around the island’s nature forest. Head to Mipo Station (Blue Line Park) near Haeundae beach to board the Busan Sky Capsule, a unique observation deck offering panoramic views. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experience for lunch. Continue to Haedong Yonggungsa Seaside Temple, located on the seaside and offers a stunning view of the ocean, then journey to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Upon arrival, visit Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Tumuli Park). You’ll have a chance to see Cheomseongdae Observatory and Family Choi’s House, the oldest house in the area built in the 1600s.

Insider Experience - Bibimbap Culinary Class

Learn how to make Korea’s favourite dish, bibimbap. Enjoy a hands-on experience in making this traditional Korean dish and learn about the history, ingredients and preparation techniques making it a fun and educational experience for foodies.

This morning, after breakfast, your exploration of Gyeongju continues with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both World Heritage-listed. Both sites highlight the mastery of the architects and artists of the Silla Kingdom era.  Marvel at the vast collections of artifacts at the Gyeongju National Museum including relics and royal treasures and enjoy a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Travel to Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. Explore the charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery. Head back to Gyeongju and embark on the leisurely evening walk to the Woljeong Bridge, and the historical “gateway” connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, on the Namcheon stream. End the walk at the Wolji pond, an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park.

Make the journey to Haeinsa Temple, a World Heritage site, located within Gayasan National Park. As one of the three principal Buddhist temples in South Korea, discover Buddhist scriptures, which have been carved into more than 80,000 wooden blocks. Afterwards, head to Daegu train station for your Insider Experience. Tonight, celebrate your holiday with your fellow travellers and Tour Director with a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. 

Insider Experience – KTX Express Train

Travel by KTX Express Train to Seoul and experience the comfort and efficiency of this rail service firsthand. Glide by glorious landscapes at a spectacular pace. 

Today, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival you will be met and accompanied t your hotel. Later meet your Japan Tour Director for a briefing followed by a Welcome Dinner at a local izakaya style restaurant.

This morning, drive around the expansive outer grounds of the Imperial Palace (where Japan’s imperial family reside). Pass other key institutions such as Tokyo Station on the way to Sensoji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple in Asakusa with a vibrant market street leading to its entrance.  Later, visit Skytree and enjoy stunning views of the city. This afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish, you may like to join a Taiko drum experience or take part in a calligraphy workshop (both additional expense). 

Start your day with a visit to Tsukiji Market, a lively marketplace known for its fresh seafood, sushi restaurants and local food vendors. Explore the bustling stalls selling a variety of Japanese product and ingredients and discover why it is a popular destination for food lovers and tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience. After the market enjoy your Insider Experience.  

Later, head to Hakone, a place of staggering beauty. At your hotel, you can opt to partake in a traditional onsen experience, a restorative communal bath, or enjoy the privacy of your en suite bathroom in your hotel room. Enjoy a banquet dinner at your hotel tonight.  

Insider Experience — Sushi-making Class

Take part in a sushi-making class and learn how to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch. 

Begin your day with a walk on part of the Old Tokaido road. Then, embark on a boat ride on Lake Ashi (also known as Ashinoko) a natural caldera formed after a major volcanic explosion some 3000 years ago. Then, transfer to a ropeway and cable car up to the top of Owakudani Geothermal Valley where you may catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji. After some time spent at Owakudani, head to the hotel to relax, if you like, you can take the opportunity to visit some of the museums and galleries dotted around Hakone on your own.

Today, journey to Hamamatsu. First, visit the Hamamatsu Flower Park, a picturesque botanical garden showcasing a colourful display of flowers and seasonal blooms. Then, have a quick lunch and continue to the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, lots of musical instruments from around the world are displayed. Then, head to the hotel to check in and relax in the evening.

Travel to Nara, which briefly reigned as capital of Japan. On the way, visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to see developments in textiles and automobile technologies. Continue to Nara and visit Yakushiji Temple. With a 1,300-year history, the East Pagoda is the only wooden structure to have survived fires and other disasters at the temple since it was first built until today. Head to the hotel to check in and relax.

Visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most famous temples housing the huge, seated, bronze Buddha.  Stroll through Nara Park, with its friendly wild deer that roam throughout the park and the city. Then, move on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital for over 1,000 years. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Walk along the impressive path framed by Torii gates which winds up through dense woods behind the main shrine complex. Later, enjoy your Insider Experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.  

Insider Experience - Japanese Tea Ceremony

Delve into traditional Japanese culture during a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan. 

Today, explore UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavillion, a stunning Zen temple with a golden exterior, serene gardens and historical significance. Travel on to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed sites in the city. Explore Tenryuji temple with its beautiful garden and stunning backdrop.  

Make the coach journey this morning to Kanazawa, a historic city in Japan, famous for its Edo period districts, traditional tea houses, samurai residences and Kenrokuen Garden.  

Once in Kanazawa, visit the district called Higashi Chaya, a place for geiko (the local name for geisha) to entertain wealthy merchants with music, dance, and games. The district’s traditional wooden buildings and lattice-work windows retain the atmosphere of their 200-year history. Today, many of these buildings function as cafes, restaurants, sweet shops, and craft shops, but some are still geiko teahouses nowadays. Then head to the hotel to check in. 

Enjoy a free morning with the option of a Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden tour or a Gold Leaf Craft Experience. Then, journey to the alpine village of Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go offers a glimpse into rural Japan's history and culture. The village is particularly beautiful in winter when covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. Later, move on to Takayama, explore the old town area and try local sake. In the evening, you try Hida Beef at a local restaurant. 

Enhance your Journey - Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Visit

Witness one of Kanazawa’s key historic landmarks, Kanazawa Castle. Elements of the striking structure have been reconstructed after multiple fires over centuries. Its seamless restoration emphasises the heritage and importance the castle plays in Japan’s history. Be enchanted by Kenrokuen Garden’s splendour. 

Enhance your Journey - Gold Leaf Experience

Learn about the process of producing this precious metal and discover tools used in Gold Leaf crafts. Staff will assist you in creating a personal item that you will be able to take with you once the workshop is over and keep as a unique souvenir of Kanazawa, the gold leaf capital of Japan. 

Insider Experience - Sake Tasting

Japan is the birthplace of sake, a rice wine. It all began in the eighth century, within the Imperial Palace in Nara. Learn more about the drink’s history as you indulge in an authentic sake tasting and learn how sake is produced. 

Visit the Takayama Morning Market, a bustling and vibrant market featuring local produce, crafts and souvenirs. Get a taste of local life with this must-see cultural experience. Then discover the colourful local festive floats at the Float Museum, before heading to your Insider Experience. After this, enjoy your free afternoon.  

Insider Experience - Sarubobo-Making Experience

Enjoy a Sarubobo-making workshop. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck. 

Depart early for Matsumoto. Famous for buckwheat soba noodles and Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, a historic Japanese castle built in the 16th century. One of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, it’s black exterior and unique architecture make it a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Matsumoto. Explore inside the castle and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains from the top of its turret. Embark on your first Insider Experience before the journey back to Tokyo. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner celebrating your last night in Japan.  

Insider Experience - Miso Factory Visit

Explore a miso factory, discovering how this traditional Japanese culinary staple is produced. Gain an insight into the authentic production of three-year fermented miso in wooden barrels and delight your tastebuds with dishes featuring the traditional soybean paste.  

Insider Experience - Farewell Dinner 

Gather for a Japanese Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers. Reflect on your amazing journey with new friends and plan your next adventure. A drink of your choice is included. 

After breakfast transfer to Haneda Airport for your onward journey.