Classical Korea and Japan

18 Nights / 19 Days - 02 Countries / 13 Cities
Seoul (3N) - Jeonju (1N) - Busan (2N) - Hiroshima (1N)- Matsuyama (1N) - Kobe (1N) - Mount Koya (1N) - Kyoto (1N) - Tokyo (2N) - Sendai (1N) - Morioka (1N) - Hakodate (1N) - Sapporo (2N)

Accomodations

  • 03 nights at Mercure Ambassador Hongda or similar, Seoul
  • 01 night at Best Western Plus Jeonju or similar, Jeonju
  • 02 nights at Crown Harbor or Shimonoseki Ferry or similar, Busan
  • 01 night at Hilton Hiroshima or similar, Hiroshima
  • 01 night at Candeo Hotel Matsuyama or Similar, Matsuyama
  • 01 night at Monterey Kobe or similar, Kobe
  • 01 night at Monasterio Fukuchi in or similar, Mount Koya
  • 01 night at New Miyako Hotel or similar, Kyoto
  • 02 nights at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or Similar, Tokyo
  • 01 night at Monterey Sendai or similar, Sendai
  • 01 night at Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing or similar, Morioka
  • 01 night at Cabin President or similar, Hakodate
  • 02 nights at Mercure Sapporo or similar, Sapporo

Sightseeings :

South Korea 🇰🇷

Seoul

  • City tour highlights (cultural sites)

  • Gangnam district

  • Lotte World Tower

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace

Cheorwon (DMZ Area)

  • DMZ sites & observatories

  • War memorials

  • Makgeolli producer

Suwon

  • UNESCO Hwaseong Fortress walls

  • Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Jeonju

  • Hanok Village (traditional houses & culture)

Gochang / Haeinsa Region

  • Gochang chili paste experience

  • Bamboo forest

  • Haeinsa Temple

Busan

  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

  • UN Memorial Cemetery

  • Jagalchi Fish Market

  • Yongdusan Park

Japan 🇯🇵

Shimonoseki (Arrival Port)

  • Ferry port city arrival

Iwakuni

  • Kintai-kyo Bridge

Miyajima (Itsukushima Island)

  • Itsukushima Shrine (floating torii gate)

Hiroshima

  • Peace Memorial Park & Museum

  • Atomic Bomb Dome

Matsuyama (Shikoku)

  • Matsuyama Castle

  • Ishiteji Temple

  • Dogo Onsen (historic hot spring)

Kotohira / Takamatsu (Shikoku)

  • Kotohira Shrine (Konpira-san)

  • Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu)

  • Naruto Sea Bridge & whirlpools

Kobe

  • Earthquake Memorial Museum / other museums

Mount Koya (Koyasan)

  • Buddhist temples & monasteries

  • Meditation & vegetarian temple dinner

  • Morning temple rituals

Kyoto

  • Major city highlights (temples, shrines, gardens)

  • Gion district (geisha quarter)

Tokyo

  • City highlights tour

  • Shinjuku district (nightlife & dining)

Nikko

  • UNESCO shrines & temples

  • Jizo statues

Sendai

  • City sightseeing tour

  • Evening dining

Matsushima

  • Traditional tea house experience

  • Matsushima Bay cruise

Hiraizumi

  • UNESCO temples & Zen ceremony

Morioka

  • Overnight stay city

Hirosaki

  • Hirosaki Castle & gardens

Aomori

  • Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE

Hakodate (Hokkaido)

  • Hakodate Morning Market

  • Goryokaku Tower & star fort

  • Hakodate historic district

Onuma Quasi-National Park

  • Nature walks & scenic views

Noboribetsu

  • Volcanic landscapes & hot springs (Hell Valley)

Sapporo

  • City highlights tour

  • Hill of the Buddha (Makomanai Takino Cemetery)

  • Otaru canal town

Day 1 | Seoul

You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

Day 2 | Seoul

We’ll depart early for the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that marks the division between the two Koreas. We’ll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. We’ll then head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, offering panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, there is a small museum dedicated to the Korean War. Our route will continue with a visit to the abandoned Woljeong-ri railway station. We’ll also visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, which honors the role of a French UN battalion during the battles. Lunch included. Finally, we’ll visit a local producer of Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice liquor. We’ll return to Seoul in the evening.

Day 3 | Seoul

Today, we’ll enjoy an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul. We’ll see the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a large park and home to a collection of palaces. Afterward, we’ll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional and historic neighborhood with little homes. Next, we’ll learn about the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that provides a deep insight into the various conflicts that have shaped Korea’s history, with a special focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll then head to the Gangnam District, one of the city´s busiest areas, known for its shopping centers and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, a stunning skyscraper standing 550 meters tall. You’ll have free time either to go up the tower (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. After, we will return to the hotel, and you will have free time.

Day 4 | Jeonju

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to Jeonju, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

Day 5 | Busan

We’ll depart for the Sunchang Gochujang Village, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to Damyang to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation

Day 6 | Busan


In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. After returning to Busan, we’ll learn about the United Nations Memorial, where people from various countries are buried. Next, we’ll visit the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch will be included. We’ll then walk to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. Later, we’ll go to the port to complete boarding formalities (the latest check-in time for the ferry is 5:30 p.m.). The ferry is scheduled to depart from Busan at 9:00 p.m., crossing the Sea of Japan. Night will be spent onboard in double cabins with private bathrooms.

Day 7 | Hiroshima

Arrival at 08:00 a.m. at Shimonoseki Port (breakfast not included), followed by a border crossing. We’ll head to Iwakuni, a charming town where we’ll pass by the beautiful and historic Kintai-Kyo Bridge. We’ll then take a ferry to Miyajima, the island known as the place “where gods and humans coexist.” It is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. There will be time to explore the shrine, stroll through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll head to Hiroshima, a city sadly known for the atomic bombing in 1945 that destroyed it. We’ll tour the Peace Memorial, see the atomic bomb dome, and visit the impressive Peace Museum. Dinner will be included.

Day 8 | Matsuyama


Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour journey that will help us understand Japan, a country made up of numerous islands. In Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle. After that, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a popular pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

Day 9 | Kobe

We’ll head to Kotohira, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site built on Mount Zosu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
Afterward, in Naruto, we’ll stop at an impressive bridge that spans the sea. Here, we’ll explore its remarkable construction and walk along its glass floor to observe the powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Our scenic route will then take us across stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. Finally, we’ll arrive in Kobe for accommodation.

Day 10 | Mount Koya


In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction.
We’ll then continue to Osaka, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.
We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.

Day 11 | Kyoto

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.
Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens.
You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere.

Day 12 | Tokyo

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to take the bullet train to Tokyo. We’ll arrive in Tokyo after covering nearly 500 km in just over two hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

Day 13 | Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.
We’ll begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.
Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.
As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.
We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.
Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.
At 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Day 14 | Sendai

We’ll depart for Nikko, arriving at this fantastic city at 10:30 a.m. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for the "Crying Dragon" room. Our tour will continue to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive and serene location. Next, we’ll enjoy a stroll near the river at Kannanga Fuchi, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the path. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city center. Later, we’ll head to Sendai, a vibrant and modern city with over one million residents. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore its bustling center and enjoy dinner in this lively urban hub.

Day 15 | Morioka


We’ll depart for the marvelous city of Matsushima, located on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares fascinating insights about the city. Then, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise and enjoy some lunch on board. After, our tour will cintinue to Hiraizumi, where we’ll visit its historic temples, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved into the rock in 801. We’ll then explore the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji and enjoy a peaceful moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where passengers can participate in a Zen ceremony (admission included). conclude the day in Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.

Day 16 | Hakodate

We’ll travel through a region of stunning landscapes to Hirosaki, where we’ll visit its iconic castle, set within a beautiful park that bursts into color each spring with more than 2,500 cherry trees in bloom. We’ll then continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Here, we’ll visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan’s vibrant festival traditions, reminiscent of carnival celebrations, featuring beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll board a ferry to cross to the island of Hokkaido, enjoying a scenic journey of just over three and a half hours. Upon arrival in Hakodate, we’ll explore its charming historic district, where we can admire the city’s cultural influences, including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.

Day 17 | Sapporo

In the morning, we’ll visit the lively and bustling fish market, a fascinating glimpse into local culture. We’ll also go up Goryokaku Tower, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and appreciate the star-shaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the castle area before we continue to Onuma. In this magnificent natural setting, dotted with countless small islands, you’ll have free time to take a boat ride or stroll along scenic walking trails. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll journey along the coastline to Noboribetsu, an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. We’ll walk among the steam vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), admire the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma, and follow the trail along the hot spring river to a scenic spot where you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath. Later, we’ll continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at this beautiful northern capital of Japan.

Day 18 | Sapporo

We’ll go on a city tour with stops at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, the beautiful park-lined avenue dominated by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We’ll also visit the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we’ll take part in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express gratitude for our journey. On the outskirts of Sapporo, we’ll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking example of avant-garde architecture inaugurated in 2015. This lavender-covered hilltop is home to a massive Buddha statue, and within the complex, we’ll also see replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island. Our journey continues to Otaru, a charming town reminiscent of Europe, with lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

Day 19 | Sapporo

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Inclusions : 

  • Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
  • Includes arrival transfer
  • City tour in: Busan, Kyoto, Sapporo, Seoul, Tokyo
  • Excursion: Otaru and Hill of Buddha, DMZ Cheorwon
  • Boat: Cruise in Matshushima
  • Evening transfer: Traditional quarter of Gion, Myeongdong district , Shinjuku
  • Experiences: Learning how to make this famous sauce in the Sunchang Gochujang Village
  • Ticket admission: Nebuta Museum in Aomori, Haedong Yonggung Temple, UN Memorial Cemetery , Juknokwon Bamboo Forest and Bamboo Museum , Haeinsa Buddhist Temple , Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate , Chusonji, Zen practice in Montsuiji, Takkoku no Iwaya Temple , Castle , Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima , Itsukushima Temple , Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni , Hanok Village , Shrine of Fushimi Inari, Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji Temple , Earthquake Memorial Museum , Shinto shrine , Traditional tea in Matshushima , Dogo Onsen, Ishiteji Temple , Okuno Mausoleum,Kongobuji Temple and Ajikan or Zazen meditation in Mount Koya , Naruto Brigde , Tshogu Temple in Nikko, Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum , Hill of Buddha, Sanctuary of Hokkaido Jingu and Kito prayer session , DMZ Cheorwon (Second Tunnel, Cheorwon Peace Observatory, local distillery of Koreas traditional rice liquor), Metro Seoul , Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, War Memorial of Korea , Gyeongbokgung Palace , Fortifications of Suwon, Summer palace of Hwaseong Haenggung , Ritsurin Garden , Metro , Zojoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Sensoji Temple
  • Ferry: Aomori  Hakodate (Hokkaido Island), Busan Shimonoseki (night ferry) , Hiroshima- Miyajima , Hiroshima- Matsuyama
  • Funicular: Matsuyama castle
  • High speed train: Kyoto-Tokyo
  • 12 Lunch included in: Aomori, Busan, Damyang, Matsushima, Matsuyama, Onuma, Sapporo, Seoul, Seoul, Suwon, Takamatsu, Tokyo
  • 4 dinner included in: Hiroshima, Mount Koya, Seoul, Tokyo

 

Exclusions :

  • Airfare and Insurance
  • Optional sightseeing & meals
  • Meals other than those specified in the itinerary.
  • Porterages, Tips, Laundry, telephone, optional excursions, and other items of a personal nature.
  • Early check-in and Late check-out
  • Cost of foreign exchange for personal use.
  • Any items or services not specified in the itinerary ‘HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES’ head
  • Visa

About Explore Tour

Experience the essence of South Korea and Japan on a journey through iconic cities, historic sites, and breathtaking scenery. Discover Seoul’s palaces, the DMZ, and traditional villages, then explore Japan’s Hiroshima, Kyoto, Tokyo, and the scenic regions of Shikoku and Hokkaido. Enjoy cultural experiences like Zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and local cuisine. Travel by ferry and bullet train for a seamless adventure through East Asia’s rich heritage and vibrant modern life