- 4.9/5 370 Latest reviews
- Destination: South Korea
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Embark on an unforgettable South Korea Japan Tour spanning 12 days of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in Seoul, where ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung and traditional Bukchon Hanok Village meet vibrant markets and modern urban life. Explore the historical treasures of Gyeongju, from UNESCO World Heritage sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto to serene Royal Tombs, offering a glimpse into Korea’s rich past.
Next, cross into Japan and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Kyoto, with its cobblestone streets, majestic temples, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Visit Nara to meet freely roaming deer and discover ancient temples. Conclude your adventure in Tokyo, a city where history and futurism coexist, with optional excursions to Mount Fuji for unparalleled natural scenery. This South Korea to Japan Tour perfectly blends cultural heritage, modern attractions, and unforgettable experiences, making it ideal for travelers seeking a complete East Asian adventure.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 5
South Korea
Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Tower, Gwangjang Market
Gyeongju: Royal Tumuli Park, Cheonmachong Tomb, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto
6 - 12
Japan
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Todaiji, Nara
Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Sensoji Temple, Mount Fuji Views
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea! Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Take your first stroll through the dynamic city streets or relax at a traditional tea house. For a gentle introduction, walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a scenic urban oasis, or explore the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a masterpiece of modern architecture. Enjoy dinner at a local Korean restaurant to savor the flavors of your first night in Seoul.
Highlight: Arrival & first immersion into Korea’s rich culture and modern charm.
- Seoul
- Day 2: Seoul – Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village & Gwangjang Market
Begin your South Korea Japan Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace, a majestic royal residence showcasing traditional Korean architecture. Visit the National Folk Museum inside the palace for an interactive journey into Korea’s history. Wander the narrow lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, where centuries-old hanoks (traditional houses) offer a glimpse into the lives of Seoul’s ancestors.
In the afternoon, take the Namsan Cable Car to Seoul Tower for panoramic city views. End the day exploring Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest markets, famous for its street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
Highlight: Historic palaces, traditional architecture, and authentic Korean culinary experiences.
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- Seoul
- Day 3: Seoul to Gyeongju – KTX Train & Ancient Heritage
Board the KTX (Korean Train Express) for a scenic 4-hour journey to Gyeongju, the Silla Kingdom’s ancient capital. Explore Royal Tumuli Park, where ancient burial mounds tell tales of Korea’s royal past. Visit Cheonmachong Tomb, a perfectly preserved royal tomb filled with artifacts. Marvel at Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest standing astronomical observatory in East Asia.
Evening stroll along Wolji Pond, lit beautifully at night, provides a magical glimpse into Gyeongju’s serene atmosphere. For culture enthusiasts, try a traditional tea tasting or visit a local artisan’s studio to learn Silla-era crafts.
Highlight: Immerse in Korea’s UNESCO heritage and ancient royal culture.
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- Gyeongju
- Day 4: Gyeongju – Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto, Return to Seoul
Today’s highlight is Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its serene architecture and artistic stone pagodas. Continue to Seokguram Grotto, an 8th-century Buddhist cave temple with a mesmerizing stone Buddha overlooking the East Sea.
Before returning to Seoul, visit Gyeongju Folk Craft Village to try your hand at traditional crafts like pottery or hanji (Korean paper) making. Experience authentic local life and learn ancient techniques still practiced today.
Highlight: Spiritual heritage and hands-on cultural experiences in Gyeongju.
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- Seoul
- Day 5: Leisure Day in Seoul or Optional DMZ Tour
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Seoul. Shop at the bustling Myeongdong streets for fashion, beauty products, and souvenirs, or explore Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets for a more traditional shopping experience.
Optional: Take a DMZ tour to visit the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Imjingak Park, offering a rare glimpse into the history and tensions between North and South Korea.
Highlight: Flexible day for shopping, history, and immersive cultural experiences.
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- Seoul
- Day 6: Fly from Seoul to Osaka, Transfer to Kyoto
Depart Seoul for Osaka, Japan. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and transfer to Kyoto, Japan’s historic and spiritual heart. Take an evening walk along the Kamogawa River, enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine, or attend a cultural performance such as a tea ceremony.
Highlight: Begin the Japan portion of your South Korea Japan Tour with Kyoto’s serene charm.
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- Kyoto
- Day 7: Kyoto – Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market & Gion District
Begin at Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Explore the intricate interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. Next, stroll through Nishiki Market, known as the “Kitchen of Kyoto,” sampling local delicacies like matcha sweets, fresh sushi, and pickled vegetables.
Continue to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets, lined with historic wooden machiya houses, leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its iconic veranda overlooking Kyoto. End the day in Gion, spotting Geisha and enjoying a traditional tea ceremony.
Highlight: Blend of historical architecture, culinary delights, and traditional Japanese culture.
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- Kyoto
- Day 8: Nara – Todaiji Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine
Visit Nara, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha at Todaiji Temple. Feed the friendly deer at Nara Park and admire the lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Return to Kyoto to experience Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. Sunset provides the perfect opportunity for photography and peaceful reflection.
Highlight: Ancient temples, interactive wildlife, and iconic Japanese shrines.
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- Kyoto
- Day 9: Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Shinkansen to Tokyo
Morning in Arashiyama, wandering the towering bamboo groves, visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, or taking a scenic riverboat ride. Optional: explore the Monkey Park Iwatayama for panoramic views and playful macaques.
Afternoon: Board the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo, experiencing Japan’s world-renowned high-speed rail. Evening free to explore Shinjuku or Shibuya Crossing, a mesmerizing urban spectacle.
Highlight: Kyoto’s natural and cultural beauty meets Tokyo’s fast-paced urban energy.
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- Tokyo
- Day 10: Tokyo – Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace & Sensoji Temple
Discover Tokyo’s historic sites, starting with Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto sanctuary. Walk the seasonal gardens of the Imperial Palace East Gardens. In Asakusa, explore Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and stroll Nakamise Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Optional: Visit teamLab Borderless Museum for a futuristic digital art experience, merging tradition and innovation.
Highlight: Tokyo’s perfect combination of history, modernity, and culture.
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- Tokyo
- Day 11: Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi Excursion
Drive to Oshino Hakkai, a tranquil village at Mount Fuji’s base. Continue to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda, perfect for photography with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Visit Lake Kawaguchi, famous for crystal-clear waters reflecting Japan’s iconic peak. Return to Tokyo for a farewell dinner of regional specialties.
Highlight: Majestic Mount Fuji scenery, traditional villages, and cultural immersion.
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- Tokyo
- Day 12: Departure from Tokyo
Today marks the end of your South Korea Japan Tour. Transfer to the airport with memories of vibrant cities, serene temples, natural wonders, and cultural experiences spanning two incredible countries.
Highlight: Farewell with unforgettable East Asian memories.
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