Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll meet your Adventure Leader and other travelers at the hostel for an intro briefing. After that, you're diving into a hands-on sushi-making class with a master chef to get a real feel for Japanese culture. From there, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to catch the city's sparkling skyline at night. Wrap up the evening at a local bar with your new friends, and the first drink's on the tour.
Included Activities
- Sushi-making class
- Panoramic city views from the Metropolitan Government building
Optional Activities
- Visit local bar for drinks with group
Landmarks/POIs Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Day 2
Tokyo
Start with fresh sashimi at Tsukiji Outer Market, then walk through the historic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and check out Nakamise-dori for local snacks and souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can pick your own adventure: get up close with sumo wrestlers, take a cruise on the Sumida River, or grab views from Tokyo Skytree. Later, head into Akihabara's neon energy and quirky cafes, then explore nightlife or shop in Ginza however you'd like.
Included Activities
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Asakusa district and Sensoji Temple
- Explore Akihabara
Optional Activities
- Sumo wrestler lunch experience
- Sumida River scenic cruise
- Tokyo Skytree visit
- Maid in Tokyo cafe experience
- Ginza shopping
Landmarks/POIs Tsukiji Outer Market Sensoji Temple Nakamise-dori Sumida River Tokyo Skytree Akihabara Ginza - Day 3
Tokyo
Your morning starts at the peaceful Meiji Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, then you'll head to Harajuku, Tokyo's trendiest fashion district. After lunch, experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and snap a selfie with the Hachiko Statue. If you're into thrills, zoom through the city in go-karts at Kartoon Karting. Spend the rest exploring TeamLab's digital art, the Imperial Palace, or wherever catches your interest.
Included Activities
- Head to Meiji Shrine
- Visit the famous Shibuya Cross and Hachiko statue
- Tokyo Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge
- Imperial Palace East Gardens
Optional Activities
- Harajuku fashion district exploration and lunch
- Kartoon Karting go-kart experience
- TeamLab digital art experience
- Imperial Palace exploration
Landmarks/POIs Meiji Shrine Harajuku Shibuya Crossing Hachiko Statue Tokyo Imperial Palace TeamLab - Day 4
Tokyo to Fujikawaguchi
Rise early for a trip to Mount Fuji at Fujikawaguchi. Start at Arakurayama Sengen Park for peaceful vibes at one of Japan's most beautiful shrines with Mount Fuji in the background. Hike to Tenku no Torii for postcard-quality views, then stroll to Mother White's Waterfall for another great photo spot. Head back to Tokyo for your final night and relax or grab a drink with fellow travelers.
Included Activities
- Arakurayama Sengen Park visit
- Tenku no Torii hike
- Mother White's Waterfall visit
Optional Activities
- Evening drinks with group in Tokyo
Landmarks/POIs Mount Fuji Arakurayama Sengen Park Tenku no Torii Mother White's Waterfall - Day 5
Tokyo to Kamakura
Hop on a train to Kamakura, a laid-back coastal town. After lunch, dive straight into exploring historical temples and get creative with a calligraphy class in a peaceful local temple where you'll learn the ancient art of Japanese writing and take home your own piece. The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, visit the Great Buddha statue, or wander through Hokokuji Temple's bamboo grove.
Included Activities
- Calligraphy class
- Visit the Daibutsu Buddha located in the Kotoku-in
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Hokokuji Temple bamboo grove exploration
Landmarks/POIs Kamakura Kotoku-in Hokokuji Temple - Day 6
Kamakura to Hakone
Leave Kamakura and take a series of trains and buses to reach the mountain town of Hakone (pack light since you'll store big bags here). Lace up your hiking boots and explore the Old Tokaido Trail, then enjoy lunch near Moto-Hakone. After, set sail on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background on clear days. Soar over Hakone on the Ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcanic zone famous for black eggs. End your day in a traditional Japanese onsen and sleep in a ryokan on tatami mats.
Included Activities
- Hike along the Old Tokaido
- Take the Hakone sightseeing cruise from Moto-Hakone to Togendai
- Ride the ropeway to Owakudani
- Soak in a traditional Japanese Bath, called an Onsen
Landmarks/POIs Old Tokaido Trail Lake Ashi Owakudani - Day 7
Hakone to Kyoto
Board your first bullet train and zip from Hakone to the ancient city of Kyoto. After dropping bags off, take a peaceful orientation walk along the Kamo River with your Adventure Leader. The afternoon is yours to explore: visit Nishihonganji Temple, stroll through Shosei-en Garden, or check out Sanjusangendo. In the evening, join an optional karaoke night to sing with the group, and unlimited drinks are included.
Optional Activities
- Nishihonganji Temple visit
- Shosei-en Garden stroll
- Sanjusangendo visit
- Karaoke night with unlimited drinks
Landmarks/POIs Kamo River Nishihonganji Temple Shosei-en Garden Sanjusangendo - Day 8
Kyoto
Start your morning at Higashi Hongan-ji, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. You can hike to the top for views or stay closer to enjoy local street food. After lunch, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with sweeping Kyoto views. End your day with a stroll through Gion district with its traditional tea houses and geisha culture.
Included Activities
- Kiyomizu Dera
Optional Activities
- Higashi Hongan-ji visit
- Fushimi Inari Shrine hike
- Local street food at Fushimi Inari
- Gion district exploration
- Geisha performance
- Gion restaurant dinner
Landmarks/POIs Higashi Hongan-ji Fushimi Inari Shrine Kiyomizu-dera Temple Gion - Day 9
Kyoto to Nara to Kyoto
Head to Nara for a half-day adventure to see the massive Todaiji Temple with one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Explore Nara Park where friendly deer come up to greet you and even bow for treats. After free time for lunch, head back to Kyoto. The rest of the day is yours: visit the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, rent a kimono and walk around, or check out the Pokemon Center.
Optional Activities
- Todaiji Temple visit
- Nara Park deer encounter
- Arashiyama bamboo grove visit
- Kimono rental and street exploration
- Pokemon Center shopping
Landmarks/POIs Todaiji Temple Nara Park Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Day 10
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Get ready for an active morning cycling through Kyoto like a local. Your first stop is a Zen temple for meditation led by a Buddhist monk. After meditation and a quick lunch, visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji), one of Kyoto's most iconic sights. In the afternoon, cycle to the Kyoto Imperial Palace for a final dose of history. Later, board the bullet train to Hiroshima. Join the group for optional dinner at Okonomiyaki Village to watch the chef prepare this savory pancake.
Included Activities
- Cycling city tour
- Daisen-in Temple: Meditation class
- Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji
Optional Activities
- Okonomiyaki Village dinner
Landmarks/POIs Daisen-in Temple Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji) Kyoto Imperial Palace - Day 11
Hiroshima to Miyajima
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome to learn about the city's tragic history and resilience. Hop on a ferry to Miyajima Island where the iconic Itsukushima Shrine awaits with its massive torii gate rising from the sea. At low tide, you can even walk up to it. After lunch, take a scenic walk to the Miyajima Ropeway for island views. Spend the evening back in Hiroshima to relax.
Included Activities
- Visit the Peace Memorial Museum
- Day trip to Miyajima island
- The Great Torii
Optional Activities
- Miyajima Ropeway scenic walk
Landmarks/POIs Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Atomic Bomb Dome Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima Island - Day 12
Hiroshima to Osaka
Board the bullet train to Osaka, Japan's lively food capital. After dropping bags off, take a quick walk through the buzzing Shinsaibashi area for lunch and exploring. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to discover Osaka's many attractions: visit the historic Osaka Castle, shop in Umeda, or check out the National Museum. Later, reunite for a final farewell dinner in Shinsekai, a retro district. After dinner, snap a photo with the famous Running Man sign and toast to the end of your adventure.
Included Activities
- Osaka Castle
Optional Activities
- Shinsaibashi area lunch and exploration
- Umeda shopping
- National Museum visit
Landmarks/POIs Shinsaibashi Osaka Castle Umeda National Museum Shinsekai - Day 13
Osaka to Seoul
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers during breakfast in Osaka, then head to the airport for your flight to Seoul, South Korea. You'll arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of one adventure and perhaps the start of another in this vibrant capital city.
- Day 14
Seoul
Meet your guide and group at the hostel in the afternoon for a pre-departure briefing and basic Korean phrases. Kick off with a Taekwondo training session to test your skills. Head to Myeongdong for a special welcome dinner with your group. Make your way to the top of Namsan Mountain by cable car for spectacular views of Seoul at night. Wander through the padlocks of love at the base of Seoul N Tower. Head to the top of the Tower if you want an even better view, then take the cable car down and walk back to your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Taekwondo Class (Seoul)
- Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Optional Activities
- Seoul N Tower visit
- Myeongdong evening exploration
Landmarks/POIs Namsan Mountain Seoul N Tower Myeongdong Gyeongbokgung Palace - Day 15
Seoul
Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard and explore royal heritage. Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming spot preserving traditional Korean architecture. Stroll along the serene Cheonggyecheon stream, a peaceful oasis in the urban bustle. You'll have free time to explore Seoul's hidden treasures like the vibrant Insadong district with its art galleries, tea houses, and cultural delights.
Included Activities
- Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Optional Activities
- Bukchon Hanok Village exploration
- Cheonggyecheon stream stroll
- Insadong district exploration
Landmarks/POIs Gyeongbokgung Palace Bukchon Hanok Village Cheonggyecheon Insadong - Day 16
Seoul to DMZ and Hongdae
Take a journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a historic site offering insights into Korea's divided past. Experience the Dora Observatory where you can look into North Korean villages through binoculars. Explore the mysterious 3rd Tunnel, a testament to North Korea's covert operations. Engage in K-Pop dance to experience South Korea's vibrant pop culture, then spend the evening in Hongdae's lively nightlife with diverse dining and entertainment options.
Included Activities
- Tour around the DMZ, including Dora Observatory, tunnels, and Q&A with North Korean defector
- K-Pop Class (Seoul)
Optional Activities
- Hongdae nightlife exploration
Landmarks/POIs Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Dora Observatory 3rd Tunnel Hongdae - Day 17
Seoul to Sokcho
Check out of your accommodation and depart to Sokcho in the north-eastern part of the country. Arriving at Seoraksan National Park in the late morning, hike to Ulsanbawi Rock for spectacular panoramic views or follow the well-signed waterfall trail and take a cable car to another scenic peak. After lunch, board a bus to Sokcho town and hop on a gatbae (traditional boat) to cross the river to Abai village. In the evening, join a food market tour before heading to the local fish markets for dinner with fresh seafood or local favorites.
Included Activities
- Visit to Seoroksan Park, including Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, waterfalls, and Ulsanbawi Rock
- Gatbae boat & visit to Abai Village
- Traditional liquor tasting
Optional Activities
- Sokcho food market tour
- Fish market dinner
Landmarks/POIs Seoraksan National Park Ulsanbawi Rock Abai Village Sokcho - Day 18
Sokcho to Gyeongju (Temple Stay)
Begin your day at your own pace before transitioning to Golgulsa Temple for an immersive temple stay. Engage in meditation sessions and experience traditional arts like Sunmudo. Participate in the serene evening chanting service, then savor a simple yet nourishing Buddhist dinner in a communal setting, sharing stories and moments of reflection with other temple visitors.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner), Breakfast (Traditional Buddhist breakfast)
Included Activities
- Golgulsa Temple stay
- Sunmudo training session
- Buddhist meditation session
- Traditional vegetarian dinner & breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Golgulsa Temple - Day 19
Gyeongju
Travel to Gyeongju, the former capital, and embark on a picturesque bike tour. Explore the Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs within Tumuli Park and visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia. Have lunch at Dosol Maeul, a local gem known for traditional meals. As evening sets, head to Anapji Pond to soak in the nighttime views of the illuminated palace grounds.
Included Activities
- Cycling tour of Gyeongju
- Visit to Chunmachong Ancient Tombs in Daereungwon Tumuli Park
- Visit to Cheomseongdae
Landmarks/POIs Cheonmachong Ancient Tombs Tumuli Park Cheomseongdae Anapji Pond - Day 20
Gyeongju to Busan
Wake up to a peaceful sunrise and engage in morning temple rituals. Journey to Busan via high-speed train, then venture into Gamcheon Culture Village known for its vibrant art-filled alleyways. Soar aboard the Marine Cable Car for stunning coastal views and dive into the bustling energy of BIFF Square in Nampo-dong. Wander through Jagalchi Market, a seafood haven with fresh catches, before settling into your hostel in Haeundae for a relaxing evening.
Included Activities
- Private day tour of Busan, including Gamcheon Village, Songdo Marine Cable Car, and BIFF Square entertainment area
Optional Activities
- Jagalchi Market exploration
Landmarks/POIs Gamcheon Culture Village Songdo Marine Cable Car BIFF Square Jagalchi Market Nampo-dong Haeundae - Day 21
Busan
Start your morning at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on coastal cliffs with breathtaking sea views. Later, head to Spa Land in Centum City to rejuvenate using South Korea's renowned jjimjilbang facilities. As night falls, soak in the mesmerizing light show at Gwangan Bridge or opt for an evening boat cruise to embrace the bay's beauty.
Included Activities
- Visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Optional Activities
- Spa Land jjimjilbang experience
- Gwangan Bridge light show
- Evening boat cruise
Landmarks/POIs Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Spa Land Gwangan Bridge - Day 22
Busan to Jeju Island
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Busan's attractions or try suggested activities like the Haeundae Blueline coastal railway or visit the observatory of one of Korea's tallest buildings. Later, head to the airport for a flight to Jeju Island. Upon arrival in Seogwipo, settle into your accommodation and take in the initial sights of this captivating island.
Optional Activities
- Haeundae Blueline coastal railway
- Observatory visit
Landmarks/POIs Jeju Island - Day 23
Jeju Island
Wake up on Jeju and start with a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, soaking in iconic coastal views and serene natural surroundings. Visit Jeongbang Waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean. Then hike to Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions over 5,000 years ago. Back at the hotel in early afternoon, you can head to Jungmun Beach, visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, explore the Maritime Park, or visit The Cliff for a sunset drink.
Included Activities
- Half-day nature hike in Jeju Island
- Hike to summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong
Optional Activities
- Jeju Olle Trail trek
- Jeongbang Waterfall visit
- Haenyeo performance (13:30, subject to availability/weather)
- Optional lunch by volcano
- Jungmun Beach
- Cheonjiyeon Waterfall visit
- Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge exploration
- The Cliff sunset drink
Landmarks/POIs Jeju Olle Trail Jeongbang Waterfall Seongsan Ilchulbong Jungmun Beach Cheonjiyeon Waterfall - Day 24
Jeju Island
Visit the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs, a striking volcanic rock formation shaped by nature over thousands of years. After taking in the dramatic coastal scenery, reboard the bus for a yacht sailing tour where you'll set sail on the open sea and relax in the fresh ocean air with fellow travelers. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace or ask Adventure Leaders for recommendations. In the evening, gather for a farewell barbecue dinner with Jeju's famous black pork, watching the sun set over the island and celebrating into the night by the seashore.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell BBQ dinner with Jeju's famous black pork)
Included Activities
- Yacht sailing tour
- Farewell BBQ dinner
Landmarks/POIs Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliffs - Day 25
Jeju Island Departure
Bid a final farewell to your fellow travelers and reminisce together about the incredible time you've had in these two countries. If you want to extend your stay in Jeju or Seoul, the team can help arrange that. They can also help you book transport back to Seoul if you need to catch a flight home.
Optional Activities
- Stay extension in Jeju or Seoul
- Transport booking to Seoul
