Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure to Tokyo
Your journey starts with a night flight heading toward Japan. As the plane crosses the ocean, you'll catch the sun rising on the horizon, filling the sky with red and orange tones. It's a fitting way to begin your trip to this country.
- Day 2
Tokyo
You land in Tokyo as daylight breaks. The city spreads out below with neon signs, tall buildings, and constant motion everywhere. This metropolis mixes old temples with modern skyscrapers, and the streets have energy that hits you right away.
- Day 3
Tokyo
Today covers Tokyo's most recognizable areas. You'll start at Shibuya Crossing where thousands of people cross at once, then move to Harajuku to see its colorful shops and fashion culture. After some quiet time at Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine, the evening takes you to Shinjuku where neon-lit izakayas and yakitori spots line the streets.
Included Activities
- Visit Shibuya Crossing
- Explore Harajuku
- Visit Yoyogi Park
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Explore Shinjuku
Landmarks Shibuya Crossing Harajuku Yoyogi Park Meiji Shrine Shinjuku - Day 4
Tokyo
This day mixes food and history. Start early at Tsukiji market where over 400 places serve fresh seafood and other dishes. Later, walk through the quiet Imperial Palace grounds before heading to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. In the evening, ride Tokyo Skytree up for sweeping views of the city glowing below.
Included Activities
- Visit Tsukiji market
- Walk to Imperial Palace
- Visit Senso-ji (Kannon Temple) in Asakusa
Optional Activities
- Tokyo Skytree viewing platform (ticket available on site)
Landmarks Tsukiji Market Imperial Palace Senso-ji Temple Tokyo Skytree Nihonbashi - Day 5
Tokyo
Teamlab Planet invites you into a digital art space where you walk barefoot through rooms filled with floating spheres, moving lights, and crystal displays. After exploring these interactive installations, check out Toyosu Gurui Park or Tokyo Big Sight if time allows.
Optional Activities
- Teamlab Planet immersive digital art experience (payable on site)
- Visit Toyosu Gurui Park
- Visit Tokyo Big Sight
Landmarks Teamlab Planet Toyosu Gurui Park Tokyo Big Sight - Day 6
Tokyo
Takeshita Street in Harajuku shows off colorful fashion shops and oversized cotton candy stands. The Kawaii Monster Café gives you a wild experience with its pink carousel and wild menu items. Later, head to karaoke to sing with friends and cap off the night with that energy.
Included Activities
- Explore Takeshita Street in Harajuku
Optional Activities
- Kawaii Monster Café experience (payable on site)
- Karaoke night in Tokyo
Landmarks Takeshita Street Kawaii Monster Café - Day 7
Tokyo to Kyoto
After traveling to Kyoto and getting settled, you head to Fushimi Inari Shrine with its countless red torii gates creating passages through the hillside. Hike to Yotsutsuji for wide views, then check out Kiyomizudera Temple and walk through the historic alleyways of Higashiyama and Gion as evening lanterns turn on.
Included Activities
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Hike to Yotsutsuji viewing platform
- Visit Kiyomizudera Temple
- Explore Higashiyama alleyways
- Explore Gion alleyways
Landmarks Fushimi Inari Shrine Kiyomizudera Temple Higashiyama Gion - Day 8
Kyoto
Arashiyama's bamboo forest has tall stalks with sunlight filtering through them. From there, visit the quiet Zen gardens at Tenryu-ji Temple, then choose between seeing Kinkaku-ji's gold or the calmer Ginkaku-ji. You'll finish the evening at Pontocho alley where traditional wooden buildings house bars and restaurants.
Included Activities
- Explore Arashiyama bamboo forest
Optional Activities
- Tenryu-ji Temple visit (admission on site)
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) visit
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) visit
Landmarks Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji Pontocho Alley - Day 9
Kyoto to Osaka
The train takes you to Osaka, a city mixing modern energy with centuries of history. Shop at Shinsaibashi for souvenirs and gifts, visit Umeda Sky Building's Floating Gardens for city views, then hit Dotonbori's neon and chaos. Amerika-mura offers another option if vintage shops and music venues interest you more.
Included Activities
- Explore Shinsaibashi shopping district
Optional Activities
- Umeda Sky Building and Floating Gardens (ticket cost)
- Explore Dotonbori
Landmarks Shinsaibashi Umeda Sky Building Dotonbori Amerika-mura - Day 10
Osaka
Traditional Osaka means visiting Sumiyoshi Shrine, one of Japan's major Shinto sites for travelers. Cross its bright red taiko bridge to symbolically leave negativity behind. The optional Nishinomaru Garden shows off Osaka Castle with 600 cherry trees (April brings the best bloom).
Included Activities
- Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine
Optional Activities
- Nishinomaru Garden visit with view of Osaka Castle (payable on site)
Landmarks Sumiyoshi Shrine Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Castle - Day 11
Osaka to Hiroshima
A train ride through Japan shows you changing scenes from city buildings to green hills and rice fields. On clear days, you might spot Himeji Temple in the distance. When you reach Hiroshima, check out Peace Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome museum, or walk around Hiroshima Castle as evening arrives.
Optional Activities
- Peace Park visit and A-Bomb Dome museum
- Hiroshima Castle exploration
Landmarks Peace Park Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Castle - Day 12
Hiroshima
If you didn't see them yesterday, today covers Hiroshima's key spots including Peace Park, the A-Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle. You'll pay respects at the Children's Peace Monument for Sadako Sasaki and visit the Flame of Peace. Later, relax at the quiet Shukkei-en Garden where you can see turtles, then try Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki.
Included Activities
- Visit Peace Park
- Visit A-Bomb Dome
- Visit Hiroshima Castle
- Visit Children's Peace Monument
- Visit Flame of Peace
Optional Activities
- Shukkei-en Garden relaxation
- Okonomiyaki meal in Hiroshima
Landmarks Peace Park Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Castle Children's Peace Monument Flame of Peace Shukkei-en Garden - Day 13
Hiroshima to Fukuoka
The Shinkansen takes you to Kyushu island and Fukuoka. Canal City has colorful stores and green-covered walls worth an afternoon. When the sun sets, find the legendary yatai street food stalls in Tenjin and Nakasu where vendors serve Hakata ramen, skewers, and fresh seafood under bright lights.
Included Activities
- Explore Canal City Fukuoka
Optional Activities
- Yatai street food stalls experience in Tenjin and Nakasu
Landmarks Canal City Fukuoka Yatai stalls - Tenjin Yatai stalls - Nakasu - Day 14
Fukuoka to Busan
Before your noon ferry, explore lesser-known parts of Fukuoka like the historic Hakata district or Ohori Park if you want more time. The ferry carries you to Busan in South Korea. Once there, climb the 120-meter Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park for an overview of the city from up high.
Optional Activities
- Historic Hakata district exploration
- Ohori Park visit
- Yongdusan Park and Busan Tower visit (payable on site)
Landmarks Hakata District Ohori Park Yongdusan Park Busan Tower - Day 15
Busan
Gamcheon Culture Village has colorful houses tumbling down the hillside in a patchwork pattern with winding paths and street art throughout. Jagalchi fish market is where fresh seafood gets sold and prepared right in front of you. The Nampo district has street food options, and you can book a Korean cooking class to learn making bibimbap, kimchi, or bulgogi.
Included Activities
- Visit Gamcheon Culture Village
- Visit Jagalchi fish market
Optional Activities
- Nampo district street food exploration
- Cooking class with locals (bookable online in advance)
Landmarks Gamcheon Culture Village Jagalchi Fish Market Nampo District - Day 16
Busan to Gyeongju
An optional train ride to Gyeongju takes 30 minutes and brings you to the ancient Silla Kingdom capital. Yangdong Folk Village shows traditional aristocratic homes with straw and curved roofs. Bulguksa Temple dates back over 1,500 years, and Daereungwon has 23 burial mounds to explore. End at Hwangridan Street's cafes overlooking Donggung Palace reflected in Wolji Pond.
Optional Activities
- Full day tour to Gyeongju City (payable locally)
- Yangdong Folk Village visit
- Bulguksa Temple visit
- Daereungwon burial mounds visit
- Hwangridan Street exploration
Landmarks Yangdong Folk Village Bulguksa Temple Daereungwon Hwangridan Street Donggung Palace Wolji Pond - Day 17
Busan to Jeonju
The train to Jeonju rolls through scenery worth watching the whole way. After settling in, find quiet time at Gyeonggijeon Shrine built in 1410 and holding King Tae-jo's portrait. Jeonju's specialty is bibimbap, so grab some from a street vendor or proper restaurant to refuel.
Included Activities
- Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Optional Activities
- Bibimbap meal at local restaurants
Landmarks Gyeonggijeon Shrine - Day 18
Jeonju
Breakfast comes from one of many cafes near Hanok Village, mixing traditional teahouses with modern coffee shops. Jaman Mural Village shows off colorful street art with Studio Ghibli characters, the Beatles, and pop culture figures. Deokjin Park has a lotus-framed bridge to cross, then head to Veteran Noodles for steaming kalguksu.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at cafes around Hanok Village - traditional teahouses or modern coffee shops)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at Hanok Village cafes
- Visit Jaman Mural Village
- Visit Deokjin Park
Optional Activities
- Kalguksu meal at Veteran Noodles
Landmarks Hanok Village Jaman Mural Village Deokjin Park Veteran Noodles - Day 19
Jeonju to Seoul
Travel to Seoul, South Korea's capital and largest city. After you settle in, walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace with mountains in the background and traditional buildings everywhere. Hanbok rentals come free with paid entry if you want to dress up. Tongin Market uses wooden tokens instead of cash for lunch options like bibimbap or japchae. Insadong's narrow streets have teahouses, galleries, and arts and crafts to browse.
Included Activities
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Optional Activities
- Hanbok rental at Gyeongbokgung Palace (free with entry)
- Tongin Market dining experience
- Insadong exploration
Landmarks Gyeongbokgung Palace Tongin Market Insadong - Day 20
Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace was favored by many Joseon kings and offers hanbok rentals (optional, paid on site) for free palace entry and an authentic experience. You can walk through independently from Donhwamun Gate to Injeongjeon Hall or join a guide. The secret garden Huwon has ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees creating a calm atmosphere.
Included Activities
- Visit Changdeokgung Palace
Optional Activities
- Hanbok rental (payable on site, provides free palace entry)
- Guided palace tour (optional)
- Secret garden Huwon exploration
Landmarks Changdeokgung Palace Donhwamun Gate Injeongjeon Hall Huwon Secret Garden - Day 21
Seoul
Bukchon Hanok Village's quiet alleyways pass over 900 traditional wooden hanoks with tiled roofs and historic gates. The N Seoul Tower (236 meters, fee applies) gives you sweeping views of the skyline, mountains, and city lights. Later, explore hidden bars in Itaewon or Hongdae, or relax at a pocha with plastic chairs, neon signs, spicy snacks, and cold beer.
Included Activities
- Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
Optional Activities
- N Seoul Tower visit (fee required)
- Speakeasies and hidden bars in Itaewon or Hongdae
- Pocha (street food tent) experience
Landmarks Bukchon Hanok Village N Seoul Tower Itaewon Hongdae - Day 22
Seoul
K-pop culture started in Seoul, and this day dives into that world. K-Star Road in Gangnam has colorful teddy statues for different pop groups so you can find and photograph your favorites. Myeongdong's shops carry exclusive fan merchandise. Head to Hongdae to watch fan performances with idol choreography, and if you're brave, join in with the dancers.
Optional Activities
- K-pop City Tour
- K-Star Road exploration in Gangnam
- Myeongdong shopping district
- Hongdae fan performance viewing and participation
Landmarks K-Star Road Gangnam Myeongdong Hongdae - Day 23
Seoul Departure
It's time to leave South Korea, though your head stays full of memories from all the highlights and surprising moments. Think back on the good meals, new places, and friendly people you met along the way. As the city disappears behind you, you already know you'll return.
- Day 24
Arrival Home
The plane lands and you collect your luggage. Your mind spins with stories about new places, good people, and favorite moments to share. The trip ends here, but these memories stick with you long after.
