The Best of Japan & South Korea

Day 1  Fly to Osaka, Japan    

Days 2-4  Kyoto    
Welcome to Japan! Arrive in Osaka and transfer by train to Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital. Over two days get to know this fantastic city. On a private day tour, discover highlights such as the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple and Gion, the historic geisha district and enjoy a shared traditional Japanese tea ceremony.    

Day 5  Kyoto to Fuji Hakone NP    
Journey by train to Hakone and enjoy mesmerising mountain scenery. Ride the cable car up Mount Owakudani or take a boat trip across Lake Ashinoko; on a clear day you may be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Stay overnight in a ryokan and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.    

Day 6  Fuji Hakone NP to Tokyo    
Continue by train to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital where fast-paced city life lies within reach of historic temples and fascinating museums.

Days 7-8  Tokyo    
See Tokyo’s sights with a private day tour utilising the city’s super-efficient metro system. Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the vibrant, creative districts of Omotesando and Harajuku and the more traditional Yanaka and Asakusa neighbourhoods. The following day is at leisure.    

Day 9  Tokyo to Busan, South Korea    
Fly to Busan in South Korea.    

Day 10  Busan    
A private guide will help you to get under the skin of Korea’s energetic port city. Visit the poignant United Nations Memorial Cemetery, pop in to the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, stroll through the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village and take a scenic cable car ride over the ocean.  

Days 11-12  Busan to Gyeongju    
Drive north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju, known as the ‘museum without walls’. Explore the temples, palaces and tombs of this historical treasure and experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks with a unique temple visit including a Sunmudo meditation demonstration.

Day 13  Gyeongju to Seoul    
Take a high speed train to Seoul. Get your first taste of South Korea’s vibrant capital with a delicious street food lunch at a traditional market before embarking on a sunset cruise for beautiful city views.  

Days 14-15  Seoul    
See the city’s highlights on a private day tour including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. The following day join a shared tour to the DMZ, the notorious border between North and South Korea.

Days 16-17  Fly home