Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure to Tokyo
Your adventure starts with a night flight heading toward Japan. As the plane crosses the night sky, you'll catch the sunrise gradually painting the horizon red on approach - a fitting introduction to the land of the rising sun.
- Day 2
Tokyo
After landing in Tokyo, you'll make your way to the hotel at your own pace. Shake off the travel fatigue by walking around the city to get a feel for the towering skyscrapers and bustling energy. Stop at local konbini shops for snacks or grab a bowl of ramen at one of the many restaurants around the neighborhood.
Optional Activities
- Explore Tokyo independently
- Visit local konbini convenience stores
- Dine at local ramen restaurants
- Day 3
Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku
Start exploring Tokyo's trendiest districts beginning with Shibuya Crossing, one of the world's most famous intersections. See the Hachiko statue, then move to colorful Harajuku and Takeshita Street for kawaii fashion shopping. By evening, head to Shinjuku for shopping, karaoke, or arcade games at the Game Center.
Included Activities
- Shibuya Crossing visit
- Hachiko statue viewing
- Harajuku exploration
- Takeshita Street stroll
- Shinjuku exploration
Optional Activities
- Shibuya Scramble Square Observation Deck (ticket available on site)
- Karaoke in Shinjuku
- Golden Gai mini-bars exploration
- Game Center visit
Landmarks Hachiko Statue Shibuya Crossing Shibuya Scramble Square Takeshita Street Golden Gai - Day 4
Akihabara
Dive into Akihabara, Tokyo's Electric Town with towering screens, flashing storefronts, and shops catering to anime and gaming fans. Walk through cosplay cafés, manga stores, and game halls. Grab tempura, ramen, yakitori, udon, or sushi from one of the many restaurants and konbini shops scattered throughout the district.
Included Activities
- Akihabara exploration
Optional Activities
- Cosplay café visit
- Manga store browsing
- Game hall visit
- Restaurant dining
Landmarks Akihabara - Day 5
Tokyo to Kyoto
Take a train to Kyoto and settle into your accommodation. Head straight to Fushimi Inari Shrine with its countless red torii gates creating a tunnel effect. Hike up Inari Mountain to the Yotsutsuji viewing platform for sweeping views across the city. Visit Kiyomizudera Temple at sunset, then wander the alleyways of Higashiyama and Gion as lanterns light up the evening.
Included Activities
- Fushimi Inari Shrine visit
- Yotsutsuji viewing platform hike
- Kiyomizudera Temple visit
- Higashiyama alley stroll
- Gion alley stroll
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Kiyomizudera Temple Higashiyama District Gion District 
- Day 6
Arashiyama, Temples and Gardens
Walk through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama early in the day when it's quieter, with sunlight filtering between towering stalks. Check out the Zen gardens and historic temple halls nearby. Visit either Kinkaku-ji or the less crowded Ginkaku-ji depending on your preference. Later, explore traditional Kyoto in Pontocho alley with its wooden buildings housing bars and restaurants.
Included Activities
- Arashiyama bamboo forest visit
Optional Activities
- Tenryu-ji Temple visit (admission on site)
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) visit
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) visit
- Pontocho alley dining and exploration
Landmarks Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) Pontocho Alley - Day 7
Kyoto to Osaka
Catch the Shinkansen to Osaka, a city that balances modern metropolis with historic tradition. Shop at Shinsaibashi, then head to Umeda Sky Building for city views from above. Wander through the neon-filled Dotonbori district with its enormous signs and street food vendors. If you're interested in vintage, check out Amerika-mura and its cool bars.
Included Activities
- Osaka exploration
Optional Activities
- Shinsaibashi shopping
- Umeda Sky Building visit (ticket costs extra)
- Dotonbori exploration
- Spiderman on scallop shell photo
- Amerika-mura district visit
Landmarks Shinsaibashi Umeda Sky Building Dotonbori Amerika-mura 
- Day 8
Shrines and Gardens
Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine, the most famous of over 2,000 shrines with the same name throughout Japan where Shinto gods protect travelers at sea. Cross the bright red taiko bridge. Explore the Nishinomaru Garden offering views of Osaka Castle with 600 cherry trees, making it a perfect picnic spot during cherry blossom season in April.
Included Activities
- Sumiyoshi Shrine visit
- Taiko bridge crossing
Optional Activities
- Nishinomaru Garden visit (payable on site)
Landmarks Sumiyoshi Shrine Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Castle - Day 9
Osaka to Himeji and Hiroshima
Take the Shinkansen to Himeji Castle, the striking white heron castle featuring six floors and beautiful cherry trees. Explore the interior and reach the top for sweeping views across the region. You can optionally visit the Japanese garden or try homemade udon at Menme restaurant. Continue by Shinkansen to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and atomic bomb dome to learn about the city's 1945 history. Stroll around Hiroshima Castle before heading back.
Included Activities
- Himeji Castle visit
- Hiroshima Peace Park visit
- Atomic Bomb Dome visit
- Hiroshima Castle stroll
Optional Activities
- Himeji Japanese garden visit
- Menme restaurant udon tasting
Landmarks Himeji Castle Hiroshima Peace Park Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Castle 
- Day 10
Hiroshima to Miyajima
Board an early ferry to Miyajima to see the famous red torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. The gate appears to float at high tide and you can walk right up to it at low tide. Ride the cable car through maple trees to Shishiiwa viewpoint for views of neighboring islands. Hike about 30 minutes to Mount Misen's highest point if you're interested. Try street food on Omotesando Street, visit the five-storey Senjokaku Pagoda, and stay to watch the sunset illuminate the torii gate.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Miyajima
- Itsukushima Shrine visit
- Torii Gate viewing
- Omotesando Street exploration
- Senjokaku Pagoda visit
Optional Activities
- Cable car to Shishiiwa viewpoint (payable on site)
- Mount Misen hike (approximately 30 minutes)
- Street food on Omotesando Street
Landmarks Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima Torii Gate Shishiiwa Viewpoint Mount Misen Senjokaku Pagoda - Day 11
Hiroshima to Fukuoka
Board the Shinkansen to Fukuoka, traveling to another island and starting your Kyushu adventure. Explore Canal City, an impressive shopping and entertainment complex with colorful stores and waterways winding through. Check out the city's shrines, parks, and various sights. As the sun sets, head to the yatai street food stalls in Tenjin and Nakasu for hakata ramen, grilled skewers, and fresh seafood.
Included Activities
- Canal City exploration
Optional Activities
- Yatai street food stalls (payable on site) - hakata ramen, grilled skewers, fresh seafood
Landmarks Canal City Fukuoka Tenjin District Nakasu District - Day 12
Fukuoka to Busan
Before your noon ferry to Busan, explore Fukuoka's less-touristy corners like the historic Hakata district or Ohori Park. Board the ferry to South Korea, arriving in Busan. Pick up your SIM card at the port and head to your accommodation. Later, visit Yongdusan Park where the 120-meter-high Busan Tower stands offering city overview views from above (fee applies on site).
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing Fukuoka to Busan
Optional Activities
- Hakata historic district exploration
- Ohori Park visit
- Busan Tower visit at Yongdusan Park (payable on site)
Landmarks Hakata District Ohori Park Yongdusan Park Busan Tower - Day 13
Gamcheon Village and Jagalchi Market
Explore Gamcheon Culture Village with its colorful houses built against the hillside, winding alleyways, cafés, and street art. Visit Jagalchi fish market for fresh fish prepared raw or grilled. Check out the nearby Nampo district's street food stalls and try Ssiat Hotteok, a hot sweet pancake with honey and seeds. Consider joining a cooking class with locals to learn how to make bibimbap, kimchi, or bulgogi.
Included Activities
- Gamcheon Culture Village exploration
- Jagalchi fish market visit
Optional Activities
- Nampo district street food exploration
- Ssiat Hotteok tasting
- Korean cooking class with locals - bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi
Landmarks Gamcheon Culture Village Jagalchi Fish Market Nampo District - Day 14
Busan to Gyeongju
Board a train from Haeundae station to Gyeongju, just over 30 minutes away, to explore the historic capital of the ancient Silla kingdom with an English-speaking guide. Visit Yangdong Cultural Village with its traditional thatched roofs. See the 1,500-year-old Bulguksa Temple and the Daereungwon burial mounds, final resting place of Silla Empire kings. Explore Hwangridan Street with restaurants and cafés before viewing Donggung Palace reflected in Wolji Pond at night.
Included Activities
- Gyeongju guided tour with English-speaking guide
- Yangdong Cultural Village visit
- Bulguksa Temple visit
- Daereungwon burial mounds visit
- Hwangridan Street exploration
- Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond night viewing
Optional Activities
- Restaurant or café stop on Hwangridan Street
Landmarks Yangdong Cultural Village Bulguksa Temple Daereungwon Burial Mounds Hwangridan Street Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond - Day 15
Gyeongju to Jeonju
Take a train to Jeonju and check into your accommodation in Hanok Village, the traditional district with old roofs and narrow alleyways full of history. Stroll past hanoks with curved lines, mud walls, and wooden doors. Visit the quiet Gyeonggijeon Shrine with views of King Taejo's portrait. End your day following the aroma of Jeonju's famous bibimbap through street food stalls and small restaurants in the alleyways.
Included Activities
- Hanok Village accommodation and exploration
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine visit
Optional Activities
- Bibimbap street food and local restaurants
Landmarks Hanok Village Gyeonggijeon Shrine - Day 16
Mural Village and Parks
Start your morning finding the perfect breakfast spot among the many cafés and traditional teahouses around Hanok Village. Head to Jaman Mural Village just minutes away to explore colorful street art featuring Studio Ghibli characters, the Beatles, and pop culture icons. Move to Deokjin Park for a quiet moment walking across a bridge framed by lotus flowers. Finish with a steaming bowl of kalguksu noodle soup at Veteran Noodles.
Included Activities
- Jaman Mural Village exploration
- Deokjin Park visit
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at local cafés or teahouses
- Veteran Noodles kalguksu dining
Landmarks Jaman Mural Village Deokjin Park Veteran Noodles - Day 17
Jeonju to Seoul
Travel by train to Seoul and store your luggage. Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace set against mountains with huge wooden gates and traditional architecture. Rent a traditional hanbok costume on site (entry is free). Visit Tongin Market where you exchange cash for wooden tokens to buy bibimbap, tteok, japchae, and other items. End at Insadong with its narrow alleyways, teahouses, small galleries, and Korean arts and crafts shops.
Included Activities
- Gyeongbokgung Palace visit
- Tongin Market visit
Optional Activities
- Hanbok rental at Gyeongbokgung Palace (free entry with rental)
- Insadong exploration - teahouses, galleries, arts and crafts
Landmarks Gyeongbokgung Palace Tongin Market Insadong 
- Day 18
Bukchon and N Seoul Tower
Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village with over 900 traditional hanoks featuring wooden gates and tiled roofs. Stroll through silent alleyways and feel the city shift around you. Take the N Seoul Tower up to 236 meters for next-level skyline and mountain views (fee applies). End your evening exploring speakeasies and hidden bars in Itaewon or Hongdae with entrances behind bookshelves or telephone booths, or stay casual at a pocha for spicy snacks and cold beer.
Included Activities
- Bukchon Hanok Village exploration
Optional Activities
- N Seoul Tower visit (236 meters, for a fee)
- Speakeasies and hidden bars in Itaewon or Hongdae
- Pocha (street pojangmacha) casual dining
Landmarks Bukchon Hanok Village N Seoul Tower Itaewon Hongdae - Day 19
Bukhansan National Park
Escape the city chaos with a trip to Bukhansan National Park, a short train or bus ride away (extra ticket cost). Put on your hiking boots and head into nature with narrow paths, rugged rocks, and forests so quiet your thoughts slow down. Experience no traffic or noise, just wind and birdsong. Climb toward the summit through increasingly lighter air. From the top, Seoul spreads out like a puzzle of light and forest.
Included Activities
- Bukhansan National Park hiking
Landmarks Bukhansan National Park - Day 20
Departure from Seoul
Time to say goodbye with a head full of memories and too many highlights to count. Head to the airport for your flight home. Take one last look at the city, then settle back knowing everything you experienced stays with you.
- Day 21
Arrival Home
Your plane touches down and you grab your luggage heading home. Your head's already spinning with stories about new places, the people you met, and favorite moments from the journey that you'll want to share.
