The Best of South Korea and Japan

Arrival at Seoul airport (Incheon ICN). 

You will be welcomed through customs by our airport assistant, who will provide essential information for a smooth trip to Seoul and will give you your E-Sim. You will then transfer by bus to your accommodation.

You will have time to freshen up and rest before starting your exploration of Seoul by following your travel diary. During your first day, you will explore the heart of Seoul and the immediate surroundings of your accommodation, starting with Gwanghwamun Square.

It's the second day of your stay in Seoul. After breakfast, you will set off to discover the historic heart of the city. 

Stroll in the capital, with recommendations in your Travel Diary :

• Visit the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung, which was the main residence of the Joseon dynasty for several centuries. Note that Changdeokgung Palace may also be an alternative depending on the opening days ;
• Take a stroll through the Bukchon neighbourhood to admire its traditional houses. Discover the unique Ikseondong neighbourhood, where old houses destined for destruction have found salvation thanks to vintage renovation and the opening of small local shops ;
• Take a walk along the small Cheonggyecheon River, which is the green vein of the capital. This river has undergone a unique evolution, having been a former slum, then a highway before becoming a river again.

Optional:
- Let a knowledgeable guide unveil Seoul's hidden gems.

For your third day in Seoul, why not take the day to explore the area surrounding the capital ?

• Hwaseong Fortress and its unique architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ;
• Bukhansan National Park, home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region, as well as several temples and a fortress ;
• Jeonju Hanok Village and its traditional houses that will transport you back in time.

Optionally, take a half-day guided tour to the border between the two Koreas, to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) near Doran Station where the Korean War Armistice was signed.

After dark, check out the city's nightlife in the lively districts of Gangnam, Itaewon or Honda.

Spend a relaxing day exploring Seoul Forest, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens. For a thrilling evening, head to Lotte World amusement park for some fun rides and attractions. If you're feeling tired, you can always unwind by the Han River Park, enjoying the scenic views and peaceful ambiance.

Depart for Busan via the high-speed KTX train, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you will head to your accommodation by local transport. Your exploration of Busan will then begin, in complete freedom, with a travel diary provided. Consider visiting:

• Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, famous for its incomparable freshness ;
• Discover the lively Nampodong district ;
• Stroll through the artistic village of Gamcheon, renowned for its colourful houses and urban art ;
• Evening stroll on Gwangalli Beach, with a breathtaking view of the magnificent Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

Depart for Gyeongju by express bus, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once arrived, you will enjoy free visits, guided by the suggestions of your travel diary to explore the historical heart of Gyeongju:

• Explore Daereungwon Tumuli Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its impressive royal tombs ;
• Discover Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as one of the oldest observatories in Asia ;
• Explore the remains of Wolseong Fortress, witnesses of the region's ancient history ;
• Visit the small traditional village of Kyochon, where time seems to have stood still ;
• Admire the reconstructed Wolyeonggyo Bridge, a beautiful example of traditional Korean architecture.

Your return to Busan is scheduled for the end of the day. 

Enjoy a free day, enriched by detailed visit suggestions in your travel diary:

• Explore Huin-yeo-ul Art Village, a vibrant place of creativity and culture ;
• Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a spectacular seaside site offering a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views ;
• Take a walk along the Cheongsapo seaside promenade to Dalmaji, using the monorail for a unique experience with sea panoramas ;
• Discover Haeundae Beach, renowned not only for its beautiful beachfront but also for its charming hidden market.

Departure for Fukuoka, Japan on board the Camelia Ferry, in the evening. You will stay on the ferry for the night. Please note that dining options are available on the ferry, but payments must be made directly onboard.

Arrival at Fukuoka in the morning.
Welcome to Japan! 日本へようこそ！

With its 2000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been the gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Dutch and Portugal Jesuits). A different Japan, further away from Tokyo, awaits you. Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of the most dynamic cities in Japan with its many high-tech companies and the hosting of a global event : the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.

In the afternoon, meet your English-speaking guide and explore Fukuoka's many iconic sites:

• Momochi district : Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - Japan in the 22nd century ;
• Canal City Hakata, a huge shopping center seamlessly integrates with a city park and charming canals ;
• Asian Art Museum, the world's first museum for modern Asian art ;
• Shofoku-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in all of Japan ;
• Hakata Machiya, a captivating district lined with traditional merchants' houses.

In the evening, visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin districts and their hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air food stalls called yatai. 

You will receive all your travel documents for your trip to Japan (prepaid transportation card, Japan Rail Pass, pocket wifi, etc...) directly at your hotel in Fukuoka.

In the morning, head to Hiroshima by shinkansen (about 2 hours, included with your Japan Rail Pass). 

Discover the city, a place of great history :

The must-sees:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
• The peace monuments (The dome, the memorial of the young Sadako Sasaki, one of the many victims of radiation)
• The famous Hiroshima castle
• Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its world-famous, highly-photographed large torii
• Folklore Museum (Egami House)
• Senjôkaku Shinto temple and its pagoda

Breakfast at the hotel.

From Hiroshima, head to the unmissable Miyajima (train and ferry ride included in the Japan Rail Pass, about 30 km, 45 minutes): Miyajima Shrine Island is an essential complement to the visit of Hiroshima. "The island of the Gods", is one of the most visited sites in Japan. Discover this little piece of island paradise, and its famous torii gate.

• Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its big gate (ootorii).
• Momijidani park
• Daishô-in temple
• The treasure pavilion, Homotsukan
• The five-story Gojû-no-tô pagoda
• Egami House
• The view of the bay from Mount Misen, Shishi-no-iwa

Today, you will take the shinkansen for Kyoto (direct, approx. 2h, included with your Japan Rail Pass). Once arrived in the former capital of Japan, check into your hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, and then consider visiting:

• Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
• The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ;
• Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:

• The Zen garden of Ryoan-ji ;
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ;
• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) ;
• The enchanting Philosopher's Path ;
• Nanzen-ji temple.

Then, step into a serene tea room and be graciously welcomed by a tea master for a traditional tea ceremony. Witness the meticulous preparation and presentation of matcha, a vibrant green tea, served in exquisite handcrafted pottery. 

Savor the delicate flavours of wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet, alongside the frothy tea. This enchanting experience promises a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture.

For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, included in your package.

Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century and consider visiting:

• Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns ;
• Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate ;
• Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda.

Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii gates, winding in tunnels up the mountain.

If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides can reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Tokyo (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Hakone.

First, go to Kyoto Station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train for Hakone Yumoto (about 1h30 journey, included with you Japan Rail Pass). The train leaves the Japanese old capital and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach your ryokan to drop off your small bag and explore the region.

You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is included in your package.

If you wish to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can help reveal the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).

Come back to your ryokan at the end of the afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before enjoying a Japanese-style night!

In the morning, hop on the shinkansen for Tokyo (direct, approx. 1h30, included with your Japan Rail Pass). What can you do in Tokyo on your first day? We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly, by visiting the following areas:

• Harajuku, the center of youth fashion and cosplay culture ;
• Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine ;
• Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street full of trendy stores and crepe stands ;
• Omotesando, a tree-lined shopping avenue known as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ;
• Shibuya and its impressive giant crossroads.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9AM to 5PM).

End your day in style with an evening stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most important districts. Meet your guide at 7pm for an unique walk lasting around 2 hours, during which you will pass through Kabukichô and the Golden Gai, among others. More details on the exact day and meeting place will be in your travel diary.

For your second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following itinerary. Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit:

• Ginza, Tokyo's high-end shopping district ; 
• Tsukiji, the outdoor seafood market ;
• Hama-rikyu, a beautiful Japanese garden amid Tokyo's buildings ;
• Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
• Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
• Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic views of Tokyo at sunset.

Between Hama-rikyu Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River?

There are still many places to discover according to your taste ! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path! You can also make the most of our many optional activities:

• Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!
• Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.
• Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

Take a direct transfer shuttle to Haneda or Narita airport (included, but unaccompanied).

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive at the airport between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure time of your flight, and stops may be made before you arrive at the airport.

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option when booking.

Return flight to Europe, North America or Australia...

Or, if you'd like to extend your trip by a few days, in the capital or elsewhere...Get in touch and we will be happy to advise you!