Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea

Embark on a comprehensive 26-day discovery of Japan and South Korea. Delve into the diverse culture of the region, from the buzzing capital cities of Tokyo and Seoul to quaint rural villages and spiritual temples. Visit Naoshima Island, make bibimbap in Jeonju, and visit Korea’s DMZ.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Seoul

Welcome to South Korea. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel in Seoul. Following a welcome briefing, head out on a Signature Experience. Later, take a relaxing stroll along the Cheonggyecheon stream, a beautiful, redeveloped urban park and canal which flows through the heart of Seoul and is bursting with life throughout the year. Tonight, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for another Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - Museum Kimchikan
Discover all things kimchi at the Museum Kimchikan and learn how to make the popular fermented dish with a hands-on class.

Signature Experience - Welcome Dinner
Savour a special welcome dinner where you’ll experience Korean royal cuisine and try local drinks including soju and rice wine.

Day 2: Seoul

Enjoy a full day to explore South Korea’s vibrant capital today. Following breakfast, head to Gyeongbok Palace, the country’s largest palace and a former royal palace for five centuries. Witness the lively changing of the guard ceremony before taking a tour of the beautiful palace. Following a Korean BBQ chicken lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the lively Insadong Antique Street filled with galleries, teahouses and local restaurants, then tour Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential neighbourhood with restored traditional Korean houses. Later, head to Jijidaeak for a Signature Experience, then choose where to dine this evening.

Signature Experience - Korean Culture
Delve into Korean culture as you delight in a private performance of traditional music and try your hand at playing the unique instruments under the guidance of the expert musicians.

Freedom of Choice - Korean Cuisine
Pick your dining experience tonight. You might like to indulge in Korean BBQ at Samwon Garden, dine on traditional Korean temple food at Balwoo Gongyang or delight in a delectable meal of new American cuisine at Michael’s by Haevichi.

Day 3: Seoul, Demilitarised Zone

Embark on a morning tour of the fascinating Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) on the border with North Korea. Following a drive to Paju, see Imjingak Park, then visit the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall and walk along the Third Infiltration Tunnel. Transfer to a local restaurant for a hot pot lunch before returning to Seoul to visit the War Memorial of Korea and its extensive museum. Enjoy the late afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Seoul, Yongin, Jeonju

Following a breakfast at your hotel, be driven to the city of Yongin for a Signature Experience. Continue to Jeonju, a city famous for its food scene, where you’ll take part in a delicious Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - Korean Folk Village
Spend time at Yongin’s Korean Folk Village, the largest of its kind in Korea, and take part in a hands-on workshop. Perhaps you’ll learn about traditional dyeing and dye your own handkerchief, or learn how to create traditional straw shoes.

Signature Experience - Learn how to make Bibimbap
Learn how to make bibimbap, South Korea’s most popular dish, and enjoy your creation for dinner.

Day 5: Jeonju, Gayasan National Park, Gyeongju

In Jeonju this morning you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience before visiting Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeongdong Cathedral. Journey to Gayasan National Park to visit Haeinsa Temple, which is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, a remarkable collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks. Next you’ll move on to the historic city of Gyeongju. Check in to your new accommodation with views of the lake and indulge in dinner featuring a selection of Western and Korean dishes at the hotel.

Signature Experience - Hanji Culture and Industry Center
Enjoy a visit to the Hanji Culture and Industry Center, dedicated to the hanji paper which has been produced in Jeonju for more than 1000 years. Delight in a crafting class, learning how to create the traditional, multi-purpose paper including imprinting patterns and the drying process.

Day 6: Gyeongju

Discover two of South Korea’s most valued World Heritage sites this morning. Start with a visit to Seokguram Grotto, a government-classified National Treasure of South Korea which overlooks the East Sea and contains some of the most important Buddhist sculptures in the world. Next you’ll explore Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple completed in AD774 by the Silla royal court. Following the morning’s sightseeing, sit down for a Korean bulgogi lunch at a local restaurant. Later, traverse more of Gyeongju’s highlights including visits to the Gyeongju National Museum, the Cheomseongdae Observatory and Tumuli Park, a fascinating area featuring a variety of burial mounds containing tombs of kings and officials of the Silla dynasty. You’ll also enjoy a moonlight walking tour of Donggung Palace – once a secondary palace of the crown prince of the Silla kingdom – and the beautiful Wolji Pond, which was built in AD674.

Day 7: Gyeongju, Ulsan, Busan

Head to Ulsan after breakfast and discover Daewangam Park and Ulsandaegyo Bridge Observatory, the latter of which offers panoramic views of the Hyundai Shipyard. Following lunch at a local restaurant, be transferred to your stylish hotel in Busan then visit Haedong Yonggung Temple, an impressive Buddhist temple built in 1376. Later, set off on a Signature Experience before sitting down to dinner.

Signature Experience - Scenic Cruise
Embark on a private, scenic cruise from Haeundae Beach, soaking in the sights at sunset including the Nurimaru APEC House, Busan Cinema Center, Marine City and Gwangan Bridge.

Day 8: Busan

Embark on an in-depth discovery of Busan today. Head downtown for a walking tour of Gamcheon Culture Village. Marvel at the village’s street art and pastel-coloured houses before taking a cable car to Songdo Island. Visit BIFF Square, a bustling movie district, and Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest of its kind in South Korea. Enjoy panoramic views from Busan Tower before stopping at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, which is the only one of its kind and features 22 unique burial sites designated to each nationality of the buried service members.

Day 9: Busan, Seoul

Transfer to the station this morning and take a KTX express train back to Seoul in the luxury of a deluxe seat. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in before setting off on the activity of your choice. Tonight, toast your trip with an unforgettable Signature Experience.

Freedom of Choice - Seoul Activities
Today you can enjoy a stroll along the Seoul Fortress Wall before visiting the Dongdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Alternatively, take a mouth-watering street food tour through Gwangjang Market, tasting local dishes, before marvelling at the NANTA show, Korea’s longest-running theatre show.

Signature Experience - Walking on the Cloud
Savour delectable European fine dining with a magnificent farewell dinner at Walking on the Cloud, which boasts sensational views of the city from its vantage point atop a skyscraper.

Day 10: Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan)

Fly to Tokyo today. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Japan Tour Director for a welcome dinner at your hotel, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair.

Day 11: Tokyo

Following breakfast, meet your guide and head to Roppongi, where you’ll soak in the scenery at the Tokyo City View observation deck at Mori Tower, which on a clear day provides outstanding panoramic views of the vast capital city. Next up is Tokyo’s old town of Asakusa, which is home to the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji. Visit the iconic Buddhist temple and stroll through the Namikase shopping street indulging in snacks and souvenirs. Following lunch, embark on your exciting Freedom of Choice activity. 

Freedom of Choice – Shibuya and Harajuku Exploration
You can experience the incredible energy and efficiency of Tokyo’s vast underground metro as you delve into the buzzing districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. 

Freedom of Choice – Japanese Gardens Discovery
Explore quaint parts of Tokyo as you discover the beauty of the Japanese gardens at Hamarikyu and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. 

Freedom of Choice – Tokyo National Museum Visit
Learn more about the history of Japan at the Tokyo National Museum, which is home to a collection of approximately 110,000 objects. 

Freedom of Choice – Scenic Tokyo Tour
Explore the picturesque Hamarikyu Garden before admiring the panoramic views of the Japanese capital from the main deck of Tokyo Tower. 

Freedom of Choice – Museum and Yanaka Exploration
Delve into the history of Japan at the vast Tokyo National Museum before setting off on a walk through the historic old town Yanaka district.

Day 12: Tokyo

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji. Following your delectable Signature Experience, be guided to Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district. Marvel at the presentation and diversity of the food at a local department store before experiencing the fascinating Kabukiza Gallery, dedicated to the traditional performance art of Kabuki. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

Signature Experience – Sushi-Making Class
Take part in a sushi-making class and learn to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch. 

Day 13: Tokyo, Hakone

Depart for Hakone following breakfast and catch glimpses of iconic Mount Fuji if it’s a clear day. Your first stop is at Hakone Shrine, a beautiful, historic Shinto shrine nestled in the forest by the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy a cruise on the picturesque lake and arrive at Togendai before taking in the scenery on the way to the volcanic valley of Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway. Follow the walking trails around the bubbling pools and steam vents and perhaps try one of the famous black eggs boiled in the area’s natural hot springs. Head to your luxury hotel, which boasts access to a naturally heated onsen, and delight in a kaiseki-style dinner, a traditional multi-course meal, this evening.

Day 14: Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama

Set out this morning for a Signature Experience Following your lunch, continue to Matsumoto and embark on your chosen activity before being transferred to your new hotel in Takayama, where you’ll indulge in dinner tonight. 

Signature Experience – Soba Noodle Cooking Lesson 
Try your hand at creating some traditional cuisine today with a soba buckwheat noodle cooking lesson and savour your creations for lunch. 

Freedom of Choice – Matsumoto Castle
Visit the spectacular Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most complete original castles with a structure dating back to the 16th century. You’ll have the chance to tour the castle and its pristine grounds. 

Freedom of Choice – Matsumoto City Museum of Art
Visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art to admire fantastic works from artists born in the city or inspired by its surroundings, including iconic contemporary pieces by artist Yayoi Kusama. 

Day 15: Takayama

Start off the day with a morning visit to the Miyagawa morning market, one of the largest in Japan. All of the market’s traders are independent farmers and craftspeople from the region, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try some of the area’s best produce. You’ll also take a stroll through Takayama Jinya, a beautifully preserved 17th-century building built for a noble family and the Tokugawa shonugate. Following your Signature Experience, wander along the stunning streets of the city’s old town on the way to the Festival Floats Museum, where you’ll admire the ornamental floats of the Takayama Festival. For dinner, you’ll have the chance to try the region’s famous Hida beef at a local restaurant. 
 
Signature Experience – Sarubobo-Making Experience 
Enjoy a Sarubobo-making experience. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls yourself.

Day 16: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Today you’ll visit the World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go en route to Kanazawa. Some of the village’s famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses date back more than 250 years, and you’ll stop at Kanda House to gain a deeper insight into the traditional homes before strolling around the peaceful village. Continue to Kanazawa and the marvellous Kenroku-en garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai district and the traditional Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy your choice of restaurant for dinner. 

Freedom of Choice Dining – Benkay
Enjoy Kanazawa’s best seasonal produce in a relaxing setting at Japanese restaurant Benkay. This traditional sushi, grill and tempura counter presents an incredible range of dishes that offer a true taste of Japan. 

Freedom of Choice Dining – La PLAGE
Indulge in an elegant European dinner at La PLAGE, nestled on the top floor of your luxury hotel in Kanazawa. 

Day 17: Kanazawa, Tsuruga, Kyoto

Start your day in the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s largest geisha district. Enjoy a special Signature Experience before visiting the traditional Shima teahouse. Following lunch, be transferred to the train station to board a bullet train to Tsuruga, then change to a limited express train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, walk to your nearby accommodation and settle in before savouring a delicious dinner at the restaurant of your choice. 

Signature Experience – Gold Leaf-Making Experience
Relish a gold leaf-making experience, decorating a small lacquer plate with this fragile and precious product. The production of gold leaf in Kanazawa began 400 years ago, and since then, the artform has played a role in restoring national and cultural treasures.  

Freedom of Choice Dining – Le Un 
Be treated to a dinner of delicious French cuisine at Le Un, located in the heart of Gion. Sit down for an elegant meal made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, while you overlook fantastic views of the surrounding neighbourhood from the restaurant’s top-floor terrace. 

Freedom of Choice Dining – Chiriri 
Savour exceptional local produce at Japanese restaurant Chiriri, which specialises in shabu-shabu, a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and fresh vegetables served with dipping sauces, that melts in your mouth. 

Day 18: Kyoto

An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past the Nonomiya Shrine and the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following your rickshaw experience, stop off at the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji Temple, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, which was founded in 1339. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. You’ll then visit historic Nijo Castle before returning to your hotel and spending the evening at your leisure.

Day 19: Kyoto

Begin your day with a special Signature Experience. In the afternoon, head out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity before returning to your hotel.  

Signature Experience – Japanese Tea Ceremony 
Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan. Enhance your experience by taking part in the ceremony wearing a festive kimono and gain a better understanding of the variety of kimonos used across different occasions. 

Freedom of Choice – E-Bike Cycling Tour
Ride an E-bike through the Miyagawacho and Gion geisha districts, stop off at the Imperial Palace Park and cycle along the Shirakawa Canal and Kamogawa River. 

Freedom of Choice – Market and Sake Tour
Embark on a tour of Nishiki Market, often referred to as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, before delighting in a sake-tasting tour. 

Freedom of Choice – Japanese Sweets Workshop 
Take part in a sweets workshop learning how to make wagashi sweets before visiting the Kyoto Confectionary Museum. 

Day 20: Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto

After breakfast, board a private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the Japanese capital for 74 years in the eighth century. Visit the incredible Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home to the country’s largest statue of Buddha. Stroll through the fascinating temple before exploring the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat. Next, see Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in AD768. Return to the hotel with free time this afternoon before savouring a special Signature Experience for dinner. 

Signature Experience – Dinner with a Maiko or Geisha
A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about geisha and their daily life, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument. 

Day 21: Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama

Head to Kyoto Station by foot and take a first-class bullet train to Himeji, where you’ll visit one of Japan’s most iconic and spectacular castles, World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle. Having avoided damage from war and natural disasters, the beautifully preserved castle is a fascinating historic site to explore. Journey on to a sake brewery for a Signature Experience. Following lunch at a local restaurant, return to the train station for another first-class bullet train journey to Okayama. Discover the city at leisure in the afternoon and evening after checking into your hotel.

Signature Experience – Sake Tasting
Delight in a tour and delicious tasting at a traditional sake brewery in Himeji.

Day 22: Okayama, Naoshima Island, Okayama

Treat yourself to a full day on the remarkable Naoshima Island today, first taking a private coach to Uno Port for your ferry to the island. Following your day-long Signature Experience, be transferred back to your accommodation and enjoy an evening at your leisure. 

Signature Experience – Full-Day Naoshima Island Tour
Commonly known as Art Island, Naoshima Island is peppered with elegant galleries and outdoor art pieces. Visit Chichu Art Museum, a unique museum built into the hillside overlooking the coastline. Designed by Ando Tadao, the building lies mostly underground and relies only on natural light to illuminate each work. The museum’s permanent collection of Monet’s famous Water Lilies comes to life in the adjacent Chichu Garden, where 200 kinds of flowers faithfully recreate the physical experience captured in Monet’s works. Step inside the Benesse House Museum, which was also designed by Tadao. Later, enjoy the Art House Project, which features an abandoned temple and shrine, along with a collection of abandoned houses and workshops converted into art installations and galleries by artists and architects from across the world. 

Day 23: Okayama, Hiroshima

This morning, explore the beautiful and spacious Korakuen Garden, a member of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Afterwards, board a bullet train for a first-class journey to Hiroshima. After lunch, be taken to the Peace Memorial Park, which lies at ground zero of the devastating atomic bomb dropped on the city on August 6, 1945. Stroll through the park and discover its memorials and monuments before a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Later, head to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower for expansive views of the surrounds. Tonight you’ll indulge in a yakiniku dinner, where delicious meats and sides are flame grilled over wood charcoal. 

Day 24: Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

After breakfast, set off on your chosen activity before boarding a ferry to Miyajima Island. A sacred island and holy place of Shintoism, Miyajima is home to the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, which is famous for its partially submerged “floating” torii gate. After strolling around the island, be transferred back to your hotel and enjoy Hiroshima’s charm at your leisure. 

Freedom of Choice – Mazda Factory Museum 
Head to the expansive Mazda Factory Museum in Hiroshima to learn all about one of the world’s leading car manufacturers. 

Freedom of Choice – Okonomiyaki Cooking Class
Take part in an okonomiyaki cooking experience, where you’ll create your own savoury pancakes in the traditional Hiroshima style. 

Day 25: Hiroshima, Fukuoka

After breakfast, set off by foot to Hiroshima Station. Board a first-class bullet train to Fukuoka, where you’ll have free time for lunch before taking a private coach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Explore the shrine before reboarding your coach and driving to your accommodation. Tonight, soak in the atmosphere at a local izakaya, where you’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner to toast your incredible Japanese journey.  

Day 26: Depart Fukuoka

Your journey finishes today after breakfast, with a transfer to Fukuoka Airport for your onward flight.