Highlights of Japan & South Korea 2027

Kon’nichiwa and welcome to the capital of Japan – Tokyo! Meet your group and tour leader for an informal welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6.30pm. With a population of above 10 million people, Tokyo offers endless choices when it comes to shopping, green spaces, entertainment, historical sites, culture, and dining!

Rise and shine in the city of Tokyo! After a full breakfast, follow your tour leader to learn about the diverse history and colourful culture of Japan as we visit the Sensoji Temple, Hama Rikyu Garden and Meiji Jingu (Shrine), before making the famous Shibuya/Harajuku walk in the city. Your tour leader will be happy to recommend the best places and activities to your taste during your free time. You can catch some fresh air at the public Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum within. Or explore one of the many fascinating museums across the city including Edo-Tokyo Museum, Hokusai Museum, or Odaiba Team Labo – home to immersive, futuristic art installations.

This morning your luggage will get forwarded to Kyoto. We will farewell Tokyo for the breath-taking Kawaguchiko. Grab a seat for the train & bus journey as we head towards the scenic lakeside town. Explore the crystal-clear ponds of Oshino Hakkai and climb up to the iconic Chureito Pagoda for a classic, panoramic view of the region & Mount Fuji.

Kick-start the day with a scenic mountain train & bus ride as we head to Kyoto via Odawara. Considered the cultural and historic heart of the country, Kyoto is brimming with temples, shrines, peaceful gardens, geisha, restaurants, and shops. This traditional city is the perfect place to get lost in! After arrival you will have a walking tour in the Old Town, including Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and the famous Gion District.

Enjoy a full day to explore the cultural hub of Japan as we roam the city! Immerse yourself in the city’s spiritual side as we visit the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine, wandering through its path of thousands of vibrant red torii gates. Next, we journey to western Kyoto to experience the breathtaking beauty of Arashiyama. Here, we will stroll through the towering, emerald-green bamboo forest and visit the historic Tenryuji Temple Garden, a Zen masterpiece that reflects the surrounding mountains. We will finish our guided tour at the buzzing Nishiki Market, where you can sample local street food. In the afternoon, you will have free time to discover the city.

This morning your luggage will get transferred to Osaka** We will farewell Kyoto and board the bullet train to the historic city of Himeji, home to Japan’s most spectacular original samurai castle. Enjoy time to explore the grand keeps and elegant grounds of Himeji Castle. Afterward, we continue by express train to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima is well known for the 1945 atomic bomb attack which destructed the entire city within a 2km radius. After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild Hiroshima. The city was tastefully reconstructed in a way that still pays tribute to the suffering, with a large park built in the city centre - Peace Memorial Park. Following your guide through the park, you will visit the Peace Memorial Museum to learn of the historical war events that took place here. This evening, you can explore Hiroshima on your own.

Known as the ‘romantic shrine Island’ just 1 hour outside of Hiroshima, Miyajima Island makes for the perfect day trip and is home to some of Japan’s best views. Visit the island with your local guide and explore the famous floating Torii Gate and Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. You can hop on the nearby cable car to the top of Mt Misen and embrace the 360-degree views of the inland sea. Enjoy some photo opportunities on the mountain top before returning to Hiroshima, where you can also join the optional ropeway.

In the late afternoon, we will board the bullet train and travel to Osaka. This evening, dive into the city's dazzling nightlife with a Dotonbori walk. Take in the famous neon lights, see the iconic Glico Running Man sign, and explore the bustling streets filled with Osaka's legendary street food stalls. Your guide will be more than happy to offer tips and suggestions on what to see and do during your first night in Osaka.

After an early morning train from Osaka, arrive in the ancient capital of Nara to visit the monumental Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Great Buddha. Next, stroll through the surrounding Nara Deer Park to meet and feed the hundreds of sacred, freely roaming sika deer.

In the afternoon, board the scenic Nankai Koya Line and reach the sacred plateau of Koyasan. After checking into your traditional shukubo, conclude your day with an authentic temple dinner.

After a morning stroll through Okunoin, Japan's most sacred cemetery, where thousands of moss-covered stupas rest beneath towering ancient cedars, visit the nearby Kongobuji Temple, the head monastery of Shingon Buddhism, to admire its beautiful screen paintings and the country's largest rock garden.

In the afternoon, board the train to descend the mountain, arriving back in vibrant Osaka by evening.

This morning your luggage will get transferred back to Tokyo. We will farewell Osaka and board the train for a scenic journey into the mountainous Hida region to the historic town of Takayama.

Upon arrival, dive straight into the charm of the Edo period with a guided Old Town walk. Wander through the beautifully preserved narrow streets of Sanmachi Suji, lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, historic sake breweries, and local craft shops. After exploring the historic heart of the town, check into your accommodation for a relaxing overnight stay in Takayama, with the evening free to sample the region's famous Hida beef.

After an early morning bus from Takayama, arrive in the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago to explore its unique Open-air Museum, where traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses showcase centuries-old alpine heritage. Next, head up to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for a panoramic, postcard-perfect view of the entire village nestled in the river valley.

In the afternoon, board the highway bus to continue your journey through the mountains, arriving in the historic cultural hub of Kanazawa by evening.

After a morning stroll through the breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden, celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, explore the historic Higashi Chaya district, where beautifully preserved Edo-period wooden teahouses line the cobblestone streets.

In the afternoon, board the sleek Shinkansen bullet train to zip across the country, arriving back in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo by evening.

Today we say our goodbyes to Japan! Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before check-out. Later, you will get transferred to the airport for your flight to South Korea. At Seoul, our representative will meet & drive you to your accommodation. The afternoon is yours to explore the dazzling city.

Begin the day with a visit to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae), the official residence of South Korea’s president, beautifully set against the backdrop of Bugaksan Mountain. Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally constructed in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

In the afternoon, travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty, known for its deep historical roots and cultural landmarks.

Explore Bulguksa Temple and the stunning Seokguram Grotto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover the beauty of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, remnants of the Silla era.

Next, visit the Gyeongju National Museum, home to a rich collection of Silla Dynasty artifacts. Later, head to Daegu and enjoy some time in the lively Dongseongno Shopping District.

Experience Korea’s countryside charm with a stop at Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO-listed site known for its traditional architecture and preserved heritage. Continue to Sokcho Daepo Port, a scenic coastal village famous for its fishing culture and fresh seafood markets.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its rare flora and fauna. Visit Sinheungsa Temple and take a cable car ride to Gweongeumseong Fortress for sweeping mountain views.

Return to Seoul to explore Insadong, known for its antique shops and traditional crafts, and stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, where beautifully preserved hanok houses offer a glimpse into Korea’s past.

Take an insightful trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to see North Korea’s 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, an extraordinary site located just northwest of Seoul. On your way back, stop at the Amethyst Center, known for its beautiful gemstones.

Note: If access to the DMZ is restricted, the itinerary will include a visit to Imjingak Resort instead.

Today we say our goodbyes! Enjoy a final breakfast together before hotel check-out at 10:00.