The Best of Japan & South Korea

Day 1  Kyoto, Japan          
Welcome to Japan! Fly to Osaka to start your holiday in Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital.    

Days 2-3  Kyoto  
Over two days get to know this fantastic city. With a full day private tour discover highlights such as the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple and Gion, the historic geisha district and enjoy a shared traditional Japanese tea ceremony.    

Day 4  Kyoto to Fuji Hakone NP      
Journey by train to Hakone and enjoy mesmerising mountain scenery. Ride the cable car up Mount Owakudani or take a boat trip across Lake Ashinoko; on a clear day you may be able to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Stay overnight in a ryokan and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.    

Day 5  Fuji Hakone NP to Tokyo        
Continue by train to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital where fast-paced city life lies within reach of historic temples and fascinating museums.

Days 6-7  Tokyo  
See Tokyo’s sights with a full day private tour utilising the city’s super-efficient metro system. Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the vibrant, creative districts of Omotesando and Harajuku and the more traditional Yanaka and Asakusa neighbourhoods.  The following day is at leisure.    

Day 8  Tokyo to Busan, South Korea
Fly to Busan in South Korea.    

Day 9  Busan          
A private guide will help you to get under the skin of Korea’s energetic port city.  Visit the poignant United Nations Memorial Cemetery, pop in to the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, stroll through the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village and take a scenic cable car ride over the ocean.    

Days 10-11  Busan to Gyeongju          
Drive north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju, known as the ‘museum without walls’. Explore the temples, palaces and tombs of this historical treasure and experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks with a unique temple visit including a Sunmudo meditation demonstration.    

Day 12  Gyeongju to Seoul      
Take a high speed train to Seoul. Get your first taste of South Korea’s vibrant capital with a delicious street food lunch at a traditional market before embarking on a sunset cruise for beautiful city views.  

Days 13-14  Seoul          
See the city’s highlights on a full day private tour including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and the Seoul City Wall. The following day join a shared tour to the DMZ, the notorious border between North and South Korea.    

Day 15  Seoul          
Transfer to the airport.