15 Days | Japan & South Korea | 2025

Seoul Mt. Seoraksan

This morning we leave Seoul for the Seoraksan National Park. Enroute we visit Sokcho Fishing village. The village's residents consist mainly of refugees from Hamgyeong Province in North Korea who escaped south during the Korean War. The village is now famous for its seafood and cuisine.

After, we continue to the Mt Seorak region. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found in the national park, Mount Seoraksan National Park is Korea’s most famous national park. Tour Shinheungsa Temple and take the cable car to Gweongeumseong Fortress to experience the beautiful natural landscapes on offer.

Mt. Seorak Andong Daegu

Today, visit the traditional village of Andong, with its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performance. The UNESCO Village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and is well-known for its traditional houses.

Birthplace of renowned scholars of the Joseon Period such as Gyeomam Ryu Un-ryong and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the village became even more famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999. We then make our way into Daegu and visit the famous Dongseongno Shopping District.

Daegu Gyeongju 

After breakfast, we visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.

We then make our way to Gyeongju National Museum, home to numerous historical and cultural artefacts of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935).

Also, visit the Bulguksa Temple and the beautiful Seokguram Grotto – a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then continue on to the southeast city of Gyeongju which was the capital of the 1,000-year-long Silla dynasty and is known for its extensive historical remains. Here we will see the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

Gyeongju  Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)  Seoul

Today we will visit North Korea's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.

Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War.

View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.

If the tour is unable to visit the DMZ, you will visit Imjingak Resort instead.

The Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of South Korea, set against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain.

Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village before jumping back to the present day to walk along the elevated sky garden of Seoullo 7017.

Seoul Tokyo, Japan 

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch.

Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street. 

Tokyo Mt.Fuji Hamamatsu

This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area, visiting the Gotemba Peace Park, known for its majestic views of Mt Fuji. Time permitting, we will head for another famous vantage point of Mt Fuji at Miho no Matsubara. We then continue to Hamamatsu where we spend the evening at leisure.

Hamamatsu Osaka

Today, we visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. This fascinating complex is home to a ninja residence complete with revolving walls, trap doors, and exhibition halls. Afterward, we continue to one of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.

Built-in 1583 as a centre of a new, unified Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture. We then continue to our centrally located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. You may wish to experience the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dotonbori district.

Osaka Kyoto Osaka 

This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside.

The first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We strolled through the gates and visited the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in gold leaf. Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka.

Osaka

Free at leisure today, explore Osaka or surrounding places at your own pace.

Osaka Himeji Hiroshima

After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistc design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan.

Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Osaka

Today, we begin our day with a trip to Itsukushima Shrineo n Miyajima Island. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, appearing to float on the sea during high tide.

We then head back to Hiroshima city to visit the sprawling grounds of the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb used in World War II. Afterwards we make our way back to Osaka.

At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your homeward flight.

We sincerely hope that this journey has provided you with unforgettable memories. We wish you safe travels and hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon on another exciting adventure.