Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo
After clearing customs, you'll hop on a shared shuttle bus heading to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are completely open, so wander around and get oriented at your own pace. Later, you'll receive details about when your tour officially kicks off.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel), Hotel (Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho), Hotel (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba)
- Day 2
Tokyo City Tour and Shinjuku
Start early with a five-hour guided tour covering Tokyo's main attractions. You'll see Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower, walk through the famous Shibuya Crossing, visit Meiji Shrine, stroll Omotesando Avenue, check out the Imperial Palace gardens and Nijubashi Bridge, then pass through Akihabara's Electric Town and see the Kokugikan sumo arena. Finish in historic Asakusa at Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street. After lunch, head back to rest. At 6:30 p.m., meet your guide and take the metro to Shinjuku for dinner at a local restaurant, then return by metro.
- Meals
- Lunch (Local restaurant), Dinner (Local restaurant in Shinjuku)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Shinagawa Prince Hotel), Hotel (Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho), Hotel (Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Tokyo (approximately 5 hours)
- Visit Zojoji Temple
- Visit Shibuya Crossing
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Drive along Omotesando Avenue
- View Imperial Palace and gardens and Nijubashi Bridge
- Pass through Akihabara district
- View Kokugikan sumo wrestling arena
- Visit Sensoji Temple
- Visit Nakamise Street
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Metro tour to Shinjuku district
- Dinner at local restaurant in Shinjuku
Landmarks Zojoji Temple Tokyo Tower Shibuya Crossing Meiji Shrine Omotesando Avenue Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge Akihabara Kokugikan Sensoji Temple Nakamise Street Shinjuku District 
- Day 3
Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
Today you're heading into scenic mountain terrain toward Mount Fuji. Start at Arakurayama Sengen Park for views, then move to the charming town of Kawaguchiko where you'll visit Fuji Sengen Shrine and take a boat ride on the lake. From there, drive up Mount Fuji's scenic road to the Fifth Station at 2,305 meters/7,546 feet for forest and mountain vistas. Later, take a leisurely walk along the lake before settling into a traditional ryokan for the night. You'll have time to soak in the onsen, and dinner is included.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional ryokan dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Fuji View Hotel Kawaguchiko), Hotel (Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort), Hotel (Kofu Kinenbi)
Included Activities
- Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Visit Fuji Sengen Shrine
- Boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko
- Ascend Mount Fuji to Fifth Station (2,305 meters)
- Leisurely stroll along Lake Kawaguchiko
- Relax in onsen (public bath)
Landmarks Arakurayama Sengen Park Mount Fuji Mount Fuji Fifth Station Lake Kawaguchiko Fuji Sengen Shrine 
- Day 4
Iyashi no Sato, Shiraito Falls, and Nagoya to Kyoto
Drive scenic roads around picturesque lakes to reach Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a traditional village that was rebuilt after a 1966 typhoon destroyed it and now functions as an open-air museum with shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits. Next, see Shiraito Falls and its 20-meter cascade. From there, continue to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum, then head to Kyoto for your overnight stay.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel), Hotel (Miyako Kioto Hachijyo)
Included Activities
- Visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba open-air museum
- Visit Shiraito Falls
- Visit Toyota Museum
Landmarks Iyashi no Sato Nenba Shiraito Falls Toyota Museum 
- Day 5
Kyoto
Explore Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital from 794 to 1868 and a city that escaped WWII bombing. Your day includes Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple with its bamboo forest and UNESCO recognition, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple surrounded by gardens. The order may shift depending on crowds. Afterward, you'll have free time to wander through Gion, the traditional district known for its lively atmosphere and geisha culture.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (New Miyako Hotel), Hotel (Miyako Kioto Hachijyo)
Included Activities
- Visit Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
- Visit Tenryuji Temple
- Walk through Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Visit Imperial Palace
- Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Optional Activities
- Explore Gion traditional district
Landmarks Togetsukyo Bridge Tenryuji Temple Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Fushimi Inari Shrine Kinkakuji Temple Gion 
- Day 6
Nara and Osaka
Travel to Nara to visit Todaiji, a 752 Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue inside and friendly deer roaming the park where you can interact with them. Lunch is included. Next stop is Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan's oldest Buddhist temple with a central pagoda that ranks among the oldest wooden structures anywhere. In the evening, you'll arrive in Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, and later visit Dotonbori for its lively, colorful nightlife and entertainment scene.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Candeo Osaka Namba), Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji), Hotel (Mystays Midosuji Honmachi)
Included Activities
- Visit Todaiji Temple
- Interact with deer at Todaiji park
- Visit Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple
- Visit Dotonbori district
Landmarks Todaiji Temple Horyu-ji Temple Dotonbori 
- Day 7
Osaka to Busan
Head to Osaka for your included flight to Busan, South Korea. After arriving, you'll be transported to your hotel with free time to explore this vibrant coastal city. Later in the day, your group assembles and you'll meet your guide who'll lead the rest of the tour.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Crown Harbor), Hotel (Ramada Encore Busan Station)
Included Activities
- Free time to explore Busan
- Day 8
Gyeongju
Start your day visiting the 8th-century Seokguram Buddhist Grotto on Tohamsan's slopes and Bulguksa Temple, considered one of Korea's most beautiful. You'll arrive in Gyeongju, Korea's longest-reigning capital with 992 years of history under 56 kings, to photograph the wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge over the Namcheon River. After lunch, visit Tumuli Park with 1,500-year-old royal burial mounds from the ancient Silla Kingdom, exploring one tomb before walking to Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, East Asia's oldest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Daegu, Korea's fourth-most populous city, stopping at Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic Christian missionary area, and Dongseong-ro, the city's liveliest shopping and dining street.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Daegu Prince Hotel), Hotel (Susung Daegu)
Included Activities
- Visit Seokguram Buddhist Grotto
- Visit Bulguksa Temple
- Photograph Woljeonggyo Bridge
- Visit Tumuli Park
- Explore royal burial tomb
- Visit Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory
- See Dongsan Cheongna Hill
- Visit Dongseong-ro commercial street
Landmarks Seokguram Buddhist Grotto Bulguksa Temple Woljeonggyo Bridge Tumuli Park Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory Dongsan Cheongna Hill Dongseong-ro 
- Day 9
Daegu, Andong, and Seoul
Begin with a Daegu tour visiting the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine and the surrounding Herbal Medicine Market, famous for high-quality ginseng and other herbal products. Head north to Andong and explore Hahoe Village's outskirts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels frozen in time, then visit the Hahoe Mask Museum with masks from around the world. After included lunch, visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, founded in the 16th century in a peaceful riverside setting. Arrive in Seoul by evening, and weather permitting, stop at Banpo Bridge over the Han River, known for its illuminated water fountain display.
- Meals
- Lunch (Local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mercure Ambassador Hongdae)
Included Activities
- Tour of Daegu
- Visit Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine
- Stroll through Herbal Medicine Market
- Visit Hahoe Village
- Visit Hahoe Mask Museum
- Visit Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy
- Stop at Banpo Bridge (weather permitting)
Landmarks Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine Herbal Medicine Market Hahoe Village Hahoe Mask Museum Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy Banpo Bridge 
- Day 10
DMZ Cheorwon and Seoul Evening
Leave early for the Cheorwon region and DMZ tour marking North and South Korea's division. You'll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by North Korea and discovered in 1975, and visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory with DMZ views and a Korean War museum. Continue to the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station and Baek Ma Battle Memorial honoring a French UN battalion's role in the conflict. After included lunch, visit a local Makgeolli producer to learn about traditional Korean rice liquor. Back in Seoul, meet your guide at City Hall to see its distinctive architecture, then visit beautifully lit Deoksugung Palace across the way. Walk to Myeongdong, South Korea's largest shopping and entertainment district. Dinner is included at a local restaurant, and you'll return by metro.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mercure Ambassador Hongdae)
Included Activities
- Explore Second Tunnel in DMZ
- Visit Cheorwon Peace Observatory
- Visit Woljeong-ri railway station
- Visit Baek Ma Battle Memorial
- Visit local Makgeolli producer
- Visit City Hall
- View Deoksugung Palace
- Visit Myeongdong district
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks DMZ Cheorwon Second Tunnel Cheorwon Peace Observatory Woljeong-ri Railway Station Baek Ma Battle Memorial City Hall Deoksugung Palace Myeongdong 
- Day 11
Seoul City Tour
Spend approximately five hours on an extensive Seoul tour. See Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within a large park housing multiple palaces. Pass by Bukchon Hanok Village with its charming historic homes, then visit the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum covering various conflicts with special focus on the Korean War and international involvement. After included lunch, head to Gangnam District, one of the city's busiest areas for shopping and entertainment. Stop at Lotte World Tower, a 550-meter-tall skyscraper where you'll have free time to either go up (ticket separate) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. Return to your hotel with free time.
- Meals
- Lunch (Local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mercure Ambassador Hongdae)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Seoul (approximately 5 hours)
- Visit Changdeokgung Palace
- Pass by Bukchon Hanok Village
- Visit War Memorial of Korea
- Visit Gangnam District
- See Lotte World Tower
Optional Activities
- Go up Lotte World Tower (ticket not included)
Landmarks Changdeokgung Palace Bukchon Hanok Village War Memorial of Korea Gangnam District Lotte World Tower - Day 12
Seoul, Suwon, and Jeonju
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace with over 600 years of history and a chance to see the ceremonial changing of the guard if scheduled. From there, head south to Suwon, the former Korean capital, to see its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. After included lunch, continue to Jeonju to explore its historic Hanok Village center featuring little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Best Western Plus Jeonju), Hotel (Gloucester)
Included Activities
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
- View ceremonial changing of the guard (if scheduled)
- See Suwon fortifications walls
- Visit Hwaseong Haenggung summer palace
- Explore Jeonju Hanok Village
Landmarks Gyeongbokgung Palace Suwon Fortifications Hwaseong Haenggung Jeonju Hanok Village 
- Day 13
Sunchang, Damyang, and Busan
Head to Sunchang Gochujang Village at Mount Amisan's base, where traditional hanok houses and courtyards display clay pots. Meet master artisans crafting gochujang and participate in a hands-on session making this famous Korean chili paste. Continue to Damyang for the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest with paths considered some of the country's most beautiful for walking and meditation. After included lunch featuring rice cooked inside a bamboo stalk surrounded by mountain landscapes, arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea's most important Buddhist temples and UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 802. It houses the Tripitaka, the most complete Buddhist scripture collection carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. End the day in Busan.
- Meals
- Lunch (Rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Crown Harbor), Hotel (Ramada Encore Busan Station)
Included Activities
- Hands-on experience making gochujang in Sunchang
- Visit Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
- Visit Bamboo Museum
- Visit Haeinsa Buddhist Temple
Landmarks Sunchang Gochujang Village Mount Amisan Juknokwon Bamboo Forest Bamboo Museum Haeinsa Buddhist Temple 
- Day 14
Busan
In the morning, leave Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully located by the sea. Return to explore the UN Memorial Cemetery with resting places for people from many nations, then see the country's largest fish market by Nampo Port. After included lunch, stroll to Yongdusan Park with its towering 120-meter pagoda. Head to Songdo Beach where you'll ride the country's first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting) enjoying bay views. Continue to Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful buildings, maze-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and cafes. Return to Busan for your final night.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Crown Harbor), Hotel (Ramada Encore Busan Station)
Included Activities
- Visit Haedong Yonggung Temple
- Visit UN Memorial Cemetery
- Visit largest fish market at Nampo Port
- Visit Yongdusan Park
- Ride marine cable car at Songdo Beach (weather permitting)
- Visit Gamcheon Culture Village
Landmarks Haedong Yonggung Temple UN Memorial Cemetery Nampo Port Fish Market Yongdusan Park Songdo Beach Gamcheon Culture Village - Day 15
Tour End
Your tour comes to an end today, leaving you with lasting memories of your time across Japan and Korea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
