Best of South Korea & Japan

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Amazing Experience

Overview

  • Discover Seoul, from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwangjang Market with a private guide.
  • Ride the high-speed train to Andong’s Hahoe Village and Gyeongju’s UNESCO temples.
  • Explore Busan: Tongdosa, Haedong Yonggungsa, Gukje Market and Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge.
  • Savor Japan’s Kyoto and Hiroshima, from Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera to Peace Memorial Park.
  • Feel Tokyo’s pulse, then visit Mount Fuji and cruise Hakone’s serene Lake Ashi.

 

Trip Includes

  • Meet and Greet and private arrival airport transfer in Seoul
  • 3 nights premium accommodations in Seoul
  • 2 nights premium accommodations in Gyeongju
  • 2 nights premium accommodations in Busan
  • Private-guided tours in Seoul, Andong, Gyeongju and Busan as per itinerary
  • Local transportation for Seoul and Busan tours
  • Shared join-in group tour to the DMZ (max 40 passengers)
  • Private overland vehicle travel from Andong to Gyeongju as per itinerary
  • KTX Express Train Ticket (2nd class) from Seoul to Andong / Gyeongju to Busan
  • All applicable entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Arrival Meet & Greet Service at Osaka Kansai Airport
  • Shared arrival airport transfers from Osaka Kansai Airport to Kyoto
  • Shared departure airport transfers to Tokyo Haneda Airport
  • 3 nights first-class accommodations in Kyoto
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Hiroshima
  • 3 nights first-class accommodations in Tokyo
  • Private-guided Full Day Kyoto Gold Highlights Tour
  • Private-guided Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Tour
  • Private-guided Half Day Tokyo Edo Tour
  • Join-in Mount Fuji and Hakone Full Day Tour by Motorcoach  (max. 40 guests)
  • Bullet Train Tickets:  Kyoto-Hiroshima, Hiroshima-Tokyo (Ordinary Class)
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 6 lunches

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

 

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

 

On arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by an assistant in the arrival lobby after you exit the security zone. Then you will be escorted to your private vehicle to transfer to your hotel. The assistant will say goodbye once you board the vehicle. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. As a sprawling metropolis, it boasts historic palaces, bustling markets, futuristic architecture and a vibrant arts scene, making it a cultural, technological and historical hub in East Asia.

 

Arrive Seoul

 

Your Accommodation

Amid Hotel Seoul

Located within 10 minutes of Jongno, Insadong and Myeong-dong, Amid Hotel Seoul is centrally located near restaurants, shopping and religious interests. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Amid Hotel Seoul

Meet the guide in the lobby of your hotel at 9:00 and begin the urban exploration by visiting Gwanghwamun Plaza, a grand open space located in the heart of Seoul. The plaza is home to the iconic statues of King Sejong, the creator of the Koreannalphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, a national hero famed for his victories during the Japanese invasions. These statues serve as symbols of Korea’s rich history and offer a fitting introduction to the nation's past. From the plaza, proceed to Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. This majestic gate once served as the passageway for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. At Gwanghwamun, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony can be witnessed, a centuries-old tradition that continues to be performed. The ceremony provides a beautiful insight into Korea's royal heritage and offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s culture and history. Next, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Time can be spent exploring the palace’s stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. For those interested in a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural history, the National Folk Museum, located next to the palace grounds, offers a wealth of knowledge. Enjoy a delicious lunch, trying some local Korean specialties. From here, take a short walk to Insadong, a renowned street famous for its traditional Korean crafts, tea houses, and art galleries. The area provides an excellent opportunity to discover unique souvenirs and immerse in Seoul’s cultural scene. Afterwards, make a stop at Jogyesa Temple, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. This serene Buddhist temple, with its striking architecture and peaceful atmosphere, offers a tranquil break in the heart of the city. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, reflect, and take in the calm surroundings. Finish the city tour at Gwangjwang market, a bustling haven for Korean street food lovers. Try local favorites like mayak gimbap, bindaetteok, and tteokbokki in an energetic, authentic atmosphere.

 

Seoul Full Day City Tour

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Amid Hotel Seoul

Located within 10 minutes of Jongno, Insadong and Myeong-dong, Amid Hotel Seoul is centrally located near restaurants, shopping and religious interests. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Amid Hotel Seoul

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide for a shared tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This border barrier between South and North Korea is steeped in history and intrigue. Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum and the Dora Observatory. Return to Seoul, where you will be dropped off at City Hall. Your guide can provide instructions or directions to return to your hotel.

 

Full Day DMZ Excursion

Meal

Breakfast

 

Your Accommodation

Amid Hotel Seoul

Located within 10 minutes of Jongno, Insadong and Myeong-dong, Amid Hotel Seoul is centrally located near restaurants, shopping and religious interests. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Amid Hotel Seoul

This morning, transfer to the train station to take the high speed KTX train to Andong. The journey takes approximately 2 hours (no guide on the train). Andong is considered the spiritual and cultural heart of South Korea, known for its preservation of traditional Korean culture, customs, and architecture. Upon arrival in Andong, meet your guide at the train station and begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to Hahoe Folk Village and the scenic Buyongdae Cliff that offers stunning views of Hahoe Village, the Nakdonggang River and surrounding mountains. The walk to the cliff takes about 30 minutes and is relatively easy. Then it's time to explore the village and surroundings. Hahoe Village is known for its well-preserved Joseon Dynasty architecture, including its thatched-roof houses and tile-roofed mansions. Continue to the Hahoe World Mask Museum which is home to a collection of over 800 masks from over 50 countries. The masks are displayed in five exhibition halls, each of which focuses on a different region or culture. After lunch, continue sightseeing in Andong with a visit to Byeongsan-seowon Confucian Academy which was established in the mid-16th century during the Joseon Dynasty. The academy is renowned for its stunning architectural design and the harmony between the buildings and the natural landscape. Then transfer by private vehicle to Gyeongju, a 2-hour overland journey. Gyeongju was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and is a historical treasure trove, brimming with palaces, temples, and tombs.

 

Seoul to Andong to Gyeongju

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Gyeongju GG Hotel

Gyeongju GG Hotel enjoys a convenient city-center location in Gyeongju, close to historic sites, local dining, and cultural attractions. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with access to facilities such as an on-site restaurant, spa, and fitness centre, making it a great base for exploring the area. Guests can unwind after sightseeing and enjoy the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere in this heritage-rich destination.

Gyeongju GG Hotel

After breakfast, visit Bulguksa Temple complex, one of the most famous and important Buddhist temples in Korea. The temple was first built during the Silla Dynasty and destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 16th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century. Next stop is Seokguram Grotto located about 3 km away. The grotto is part of the Bulguksa temple complex and consists of a stone Buddha statue in a central chamber surrounded by a corridor. This afternoon visit the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, relics, and royal treasures. The museum features a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty. Also visit the Daereungwon tomb complex (Tumuli Park) to take a stroll and pay respects to the Silla rulers. Take a closer look at the Cheonmachong Tomb which consists of a wooden coffin placed inside an underground chamber mounded with boulders and earth, characterized as a typical upper-class tomb of the Silla period. This evening take a walk to Woljeong Bridge, and the historical "gateway" connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, on the Namcheon stream. End the walk at the Wolji pond, an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park that was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.

 

Gyeongju

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Gyeongju GG Hotel

Gyeongju GG Hotel enjoys a convenient city-center location in Gyeongju, close to historic sites, local dining, and cultural attractions. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with access to facilities such as an on-site restaurant, spa, and fitness centre, making it a great base for exploring the area. Guests can unwind after sightseeing and enjoy the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere in this heritage-rich destination.

Gyeongju GG Hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Gyeongju Station on your own to take a late morning train to Busan (train tickets will be provided). The train time is approx. 35 mins. Upon arrival in Busan, a private transfer from the station to your hotel will be arranged, where luggage can be stored. Then meet your guide and begin exploring Busan together using public transportation. The tour starts with a visit to Gwangalli Beach, one of Busan’s iconic landmarks, ideal for souvenir photos and a refreshing drink overlooking the coastline. Continue to Dongbaekseom Island (Island of Camellias), located at the western end of the famous Haeundae Beach. Follow the scenic coastal trail along the raised wooden deck, surrounded by forest and sea views. Next, head towards Dalmaji Hill, renowned for its panoramic views of Haeundae Beach and as one of the best sunset spots in Busan. The 30-minute walk reveals an artistic atmosphere with numerous galleries and boutiques along the way. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and the city. After the visit, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

 

Gyeongju to Busan

Meal

Breakfast

 

Your Accommodation

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae

Ramada Encore Haeundae is Wyndham's global brand hotel with the world's largest hotels. Located right in front of Haeundae Station (Busan Line 2), Ramada Encore Haeundae provides the most comfortable travel experience for guests visiting both the beach and the city of Haeundae. Haeundae Beach is a 500-meter walk from the beautiful sea, and you can easily find a variety of foods that give you a taste of Busan. Located 10 minutes away from the hotel, BEXCO is also easily accessible by public transport, making it a great location for those visiting Haeundae for business.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae

After Breakfast, meet the guide in the hotel lobby and start today with The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Visiting the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan is not only a way to pay respects to the fallen soldiers but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history. Next, head to Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea’s largest seafood market, offering a great opportunity to experience the city’s unique seafood culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, stop by BIFF Street (Busan International Film Festival Street) and sample local treats such as seeds hotteok, a popular Busan specialty. Continue to the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, known for the houses built in a tightly-knit fashion on the hillside, giving it the unique appearance. Originally, the area was with substandard living conditions, and settled by refugees fleeing from the Korean War. Then, it’s time to sit back and relax on a cable car for a 1.62km journey (15-20 mins) across the ocean at a height of 86m. With the cable car traveling in the middle of the sea, enjoy panoramic views of Songdo Beach, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Namhangdaegyo Bridge, Songdo Coastal Dullegil Road and rock cliffs. Hop out of the cable car, follow the signs and head to Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge which connects Amnam Park to the small uninhabited island of Dongseom Island. Take in the 360 degree views of the ocean, cliffs and surrounding islands.

 

Busan Full Day City Tour

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae

Ramada Encore Haeundae is Wyndham's global brand hotel with the world's largest hotels. Located right in front of Haeundae Station (Busan Line 2), Ramada Encore Haeundae provides the most comfortable travel experience for guests visiting both the beach and the city of Haeundae. Haeundae Beach is a 500-meter walk from the beautiful sea, and you can easily find a variety of foods that give you a taste of Busan. Located 10 minutes away from the hotel, BEXCO is also easily accessible by public transport, making it a great location for those visiting Haeundae for business.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae

Enjoy time at leisure until your hotel check out and transfer to the airport in Busan for your departure flight, your driver (no guide) will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. You may have to fly to Seoul to connect with your onward flight.

 

Osaka Kansai International Airport to Kyoto - City Centre

 

Your Accommodation

Noku Kyoto

Noku Kyoto features elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities, and local artisan touches for a comfortable and refined stay. The hotel’s boutique atmosphere combines warm hospitality with serene sophistication, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Kyoto’s cultural district.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

 

Noku Kyoto

A celebrated site, the world - famous Fushimi Inari Shrine sees millions of visitors every year. Thousands of bright red torii gates line the mountain trail of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Walking through the truly unique vermillion gate pathway is a visually stunning experience. Inari is the Japanese God of rice harvest. It is also believed to bless businesses with an abundance of fortunes, hence its popularity with merchants. The shrine complex spans over the entire Mt. Inari (233m/765ft). On your tour, you will visit the main shrine hall. Then, you will proceed through the famed vermillion gate tunnel. Next, visit a temple that once caught fire and was reconstructed a century after it was first constructed. Then visit Sanjusangendo, at 120 meters it is the longest wooden structure in Japan. Inside, you will find 1001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist saint of Mercy. Continue to the celebrated UNESCO site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is older than Kyoto as the capital of Japan. Built for Kannon, the Buddhist saint of mercy, this temple is said to grant wishes of all kinds - and especially so for women praying for safe childbirth. The temple is famous for its wooden platform stage, the Kiyomizu Butai. The massive stage was constructed out of wood and joints - no nails. At four stories high, it was once a popular wish-making spot. Then visit Kinkakuji Temple, a favorite to millions of visitors each year, you will quickly see why this jewel set into the northern hills is one of the most visited sites in Japan. It is covered in real gold leaf and vibrant at any time of year no matter the weather. Your last stop is Kintano-tenmangu, a remarkable shrine to scholarship that was built to appease the spirit of an angry ghost. The shrine's surrounding entertainment district was first built after a fire in 1444, when a large section of the temple had to be rebuilt, and the remaining timber was used to construct 7 tea houses that became the first 'flower town' or Geisha district in Kyoto.

Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience

Begin your tour with a visit to Peace Memorial Park. The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the Atomic Bomb on August 6th, 1945. After the bombing, Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack. Stroll through the park and discover the many memorials, monuments and statues in the park before heading into the Museum itself. From Hiroshima, a short train and ferry ride will take you to Miyajima Island. A small sacred island located in the Island Sea, it has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan - The Floating Torii Gate. Designated as one of Japan's '3 Most Beautiful Views', the shrine dates back to the 6th century with the present structure dating back to the 12th century. You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples and sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes.

 

Escort Assistance from Kyoto Hotel to the Bullet Train Platform to Board the Train

 

Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station Bullet Train

 

Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station Bullet Train

 

Private Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Tour

 

Your Accommodation

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima offers modern rooms with sleek decor, and a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, a fitness center, and meeting facilities. Conveniently connected to Hiroshima Station, the hotel provides a warm, sophisticated ambiance and easy access to local attractions like the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Buffet Breakfast

 

Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

One way ticket on the Nozomi bullet train from Hiroshima Station to Tokyo Station in Ordinary class.

 

Hiroshima Station to Tokyo Station Bullet Train

 

Your Accommodation

Park Hotel Tokyo

The Park Hotel Tokyo is ideally situated in Shiodome, a flourishing new centre of business and culture. They provide a superior level of service to satisfy the needs of their global guests. As a member of the design hotels TM group, the Park Hotel Tokyo offers an extraordinary level of service and coordinated interior designs. The logo of Park Hotel Tokyo, which shows its colour concept throughout the hotel's interior, reflects a feeling of warmth and sophistication. Blue is for clean comfort, Green is for nature, and Red is for warmth, an expression of Park Hotel Tokyo's warm at-home hospitality.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Buffet Breakfast

 

Park Hotel Tokyo

Travel around Tokyo using the city's sophisticated and efficient subway and train lines together with your private guide to visit some of Tokyo's main sites. Start the tour with a visit to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. After visiting the temple grounds, stroll along Nakamise shopping street to look for souvenirs. Then travel to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a part of the inner palace area. The palace itself is not open to the public as it is the residence of the emperor, but you can walk through the garden grounds to see the moats, remains of Edo castle and gardens. Next, visit either Ginza or Tsukiji Outer Fish Market.

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji by bus this morning and head up to the 5th Station. The 5th Station is situated at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) above sea level. At this height, you will be amazed at spectacular, breathtaking views from above the clouds. After which you will enjoy lunch. After lunch, hop on board the Sorakaze, a cruise ship on Lake Ashi in Hakone. Enjoy a peaceful moment as you take in the stunning views of the lake and Mt. Fuji. This crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago, and on a clear day provides postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering 30 km northwest. Afterwards, take a cableway ride up to the spiritual Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya (original shrine) that nestles at the Komagatake mountaintop. Enjoy the scenery of Lake Ashi in the Hakone National Park spreading out below. Depart Hakone and proceed to Odawara Station by bus. From Odawara, you'll continue by bus back to Tokyo where you'll be dropped off at either Tokyo Station or in Shinjuku. You will arrive back in Tokyo between 8-10pm, all dependent on traffic conditions. You will need to make your own way back to your hotel on arrival.

Tokyo - Minato & Bay to Tokyo Haneda Airport

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