JAPAN TOUR

16 Days South Korea & Japan In-depth Discovery Tour with Stunning Experiences

Discover the Land of the Rising Sun

Duration

16 Days

Price From

$1430

Tour Type

Private Tour

Destination

Japan

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Japan on this carefully crafted journey. From ancient temples and traditional gardens to modern cities and natural wonders, discover why Japan captivates travelers from around the world.

Tour Highlights

Join a Geisha Experience.It offers a chance to see a performance by a geisha, experience the tea ceremony, and learn all about its artful rituals.
Kyoto traditional kimono experience.Wear a traditional kimono and stroll through scenic districts like Gion or around Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Enjoy photo opportunities and the feel of traditional Japan.
Wear modest clothing: Respect the sacred nature of the shrine by dressing appropriately.
Be mindful of noise levels: Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
Inner Garden (Optional; self-pay; once Imperial Property), and Meiji Jingu Museum (Optional; self-pay; items used by the imperial couple).
United Kingdom (+44)
United Arab Emirates (+971)
The Netherlands (+31)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

안녕하세요! Welcome to Seoul , the capital of South Korea! Upon your arrival at Seoul Incheon International Airport, your driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to the hotel. Enjoy a restful night at your hotel and prepare to explore Seoul the following day. Your adventure begins in Seoul, a sprawling metropolis located in the Han River basin. It’s a city of contrasts, where ancient palaces, towering skyscrapers, and bustling markets coexist harmoniously. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity in one of Asia’s great cities. During your experience in Seoul, you will have the opportunity to capture its essence: (1) Discover centuries-old palaces like Gyeongbokgung and C

Day 2

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today is a highlight of your Seoul trip, featuring amazing attractions and experiences. You’ll explore the grand palace, the traditional Hanok Village, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local life and culture. Plus, you’ll have the chance to try typical Korean snacks. Your first stop is the Presidential Blue House (Cheongwadae), a symbol of South Korea’s political power. Take in the distinctive blue roof and modern architecture from the outside . Your journey continues at Gyeongbokgung Palace , the majestic heart of the Joseon Dynasty. You will pass through the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate to explore the grand throne hall and the Queen’s private quarters. Don’t miss the lakeside Hyangwonjeong Pavilion for stun

Day 3

On this day, you will travel from Seoul to Gyeongju by KTX . The train journey takes about 2-2.5 hours. It is a comfortable and efficient way to travel between these two cities. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful Korean countryside as the train passes through various landscapes, including mountains, fields, and villages. Upon arriving in Gyeongju, your local guide will meet you at Gyeongju Station and accompany you on a tour of the city. Gyeongju , situated in southeastern South Korea, served as the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . As a cultural hub, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of ancient palaces, temples, and tombs, immersing yourself in the fascinating history of this onc

Day 4

Your morning begins at Bulguksa Temple , a UNESCO-listed masterpiece nestled on Mount Toham. As you explore this serene complex, you’ll encounter the exquisite architecture and stone carvings that define the Silla Dynasty’s Buddhist heritage. Highlights include the symbolic Seokga Pagoda and the majestic Daeungjeon Hall, each offering a profoundly peaceful glimpse into South Korea’s spiritual past. Next, visit Seokguram Grotto , a UNESCO treasure perched on Mount Toham. Inside this granite sanctuary, you can marvel at the colossal Buddha statue gazing toward the East Sea. After admiring the intricate stone deities, step outside to enjoy panoramic mountain views. Later, drive to Gyeongju Folk Craft Village , an open-air museum showcasing traditional Korean crafts and li

Day 5

Your day begins at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple , a rare 14th-century coastal sanctuary perched on a rugged seaside cliff. You can climb the stone steps lined with zodiac carvings to explore the main hall and the Dragon King Hall. After admiring the oceanfront architecture, walk across the scenic sky bridge for sweeping views of the crashing waves below. Walk directly over crashing transparent waves from 20 meters above the sea. The Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk makes this possible with its stunning 72-meter crescent-shaped glass bridge. Experience unrivaled coastal vistas and the cool sea air through open windows. This popular Sky Capsule ride is the highlight of Busan Blueline Park, connecting Mipo and Cheongsapo in style. Next, visit Gamcheon Culture Village ,

Day 6

On this day, you have the freedom to explore this enchanting city at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a leisurely city walk, or take an optional half-day cooking class to uncover the secrets of Korean cuisine. For a culinary adventure, seek out a renowned restaurant offering exquisite fine dining experiences. Or, indulge in a shopping spree, searching for unique and exotic souvenirs to commemorate your journey. Note: If you have any specific preferences for today’s tour, please feel free to let us know. We can customize the itinerary based on your interests. Dining: Breakfast Accommodation: Busan Gwangan Bridge, Busan Enjoy Seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market

Day 7

On this day, you will be transferred to the airport in Busan for a flight to Osaka (about 1.5 hours). Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport , our representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name right at the arrivals gate. Then he will transfer you to your carefully selected hotel in Osaka. Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and refresh. The rest of today is free for you to explore the local surroundings at your own pace. Osaka, as Japan’s third-largest city and a major economic hub, is renowned for its rich history, diverse cuisine, unique culture, and strong economic power. The city exudes a distinct sense of humor and an open, warm personality, making it exceptionally vibrant and colorful

Day 8

Osaka , Japan’s third-largest city and a major economic hub, is renowned for its rich history, diverse cuisine, distinctive culture, and robust economic strength. The city’s unique sense of humor and open personality make it an exceptionally interesting place, more colorful than most cities. Acres of concrete are covered with dazzling neon lights and brightly colored storefronts. Osaka is a city that loves to eat, known as the "nation’s kitchen." It boasts a wide variety of culinary delights. Start your day at Osaka Castle Park , one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Osaka’s historical grandeur. Originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful daimyo who aimed to unify Japan, it was the largest castle of its time. After multiple renovations and reco

Day 9

Today, you will head to Hiroshima, a modern city featuring broad, tree-lined boulevards, meandering rivers, and a bustling city center. While Hiroshima is perhaps best known for being the target of an atomic bomb attack near the end of World War II, the city is not defined by this tragic history. Instead, it has continually advocated for peace and understanding. Note: The distance from Osaka to Hiroshima is about 300 kilometers. Traveling by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Driving takes longer, about 4 to 5 hours. To save time and money, we will only arrange a guide to accompany you as you travel back and forth between Osaka and Hiroshima by Shinkansen, with sightseeing in the city areas using public transportation. Start your day early as your guide pick

Day 10

Today, you will depart from Osaka to Kyoto . Along the way, you will visit Nara and Uji to make the most of your day. Driving to Nara takes about 45 minutes. Nara holds a special place in Japanese history as the country’s first permanent capital, predating Kyoto. Nara boasts eight World Cultural Heritage sites, making it Japan’s second most culturally rich city after Kyoto. Visit Todaiji Temple , one of Japan’s most historically significant temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, which stands just over 16m high and consists of 437 tonnes of bronze and 130kg of gold. It represents Vairocana Buddha and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Todaiji’s main hall, Daibutsu-den (Big

Day 11

Kyoto , once the capital of Japan, epitomizes ancient Japan. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is among the world’s most culturally rich cities. Known for traditional arts like tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, and ikebana (flower arranging), Kyoto is also one of the best places to observe geishas. Start morning in Kyoto bright and early at one of its most iconic sites – the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to beat the crowds. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Layers upon layers of vermilion torii gates line the lush, wooded hillside, forming a seemingly endless corridor. The vibrant orange and black gates contrast be

Day 12

Today, you’ll be visiting some of Kyoto’s most iconic spots, then head to the Arashiyama and Sagano areas located in the northwest of Kyoto. This itinerary will not only allow you to deeply experience Kyoto’s culture and history but also bring you closer to nature, letting you feel the changes of the seasons. Start your day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning golden exterior. The temple’s stunning visual appeal comes from its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden structure shimmering in the pond in front of it, makes it perfect for photos and quiet reflection. It was originally built in 1397

Day 13

Today, you will take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo . A driver will wait for you at the hotel entrance at the scheduled time and transport you to Tokyo Station . Shinkansen Ride : At Shin-Osaka Station, board the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Kyoto Station (about 2.5 hours). This fast and comfortable journey offers a chance to enjoy the changing landscapes of urban and rural Japan. Upon arrival in Tokyo , a driver holding a sign will wait in the designated area to greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and rest. Tokyo , the capital of Japan, is one of Japan and Asia’s largest economic centers. Tokyo is a hub for Japanese culture and art, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters,

Day 14

Full-day explores Tokyo. You will visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (a Shinto Shrine; meet Japanese wedding procession), Shibuya Crossing (Hachiko the Loyal Dog Statue), Senso-ji Temple (a Buddhism Temple; view Tokyo Skytree from a distance, Tsukiji Outer Market (Tsukiji Fish Market). First to visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (Meiji Shrine), a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken (1849-1914), who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan while excelled in writing Waka (traditional Japanese poems of 31 syllables in the pattern 5-7-5-7-7). Meiji Shrine is also a popular venue for traditional weddings, where you will have the opportunity to witness a Japanese wedding procession and experience the charm of Japanese traditional culture. The Meiji Shrine is nestled

Day 15

Today, it will be a full-day round trip (300 km) to admire the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from the Mount Fuji 5th Station , Lake Kawaguchi . Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. It’s a famous volcano with a perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Visiting Mount Fuji is essential for any traveler in Japan. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Mount Fuji (3,776 m) stands as an iconic symbol of Japan, a cultural and spiritual landmark (recognized as a holy mountain in Shintoism), and a natural marvel. When picturing Mount Fuji, its distinctive perfect cone shape and snow-capped peak likely come to mind. Among the most renowned depictions is Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘ Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji ‘. Hokusai, one of the "Three Greats of Ukiyo-e," is best

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

On this day, it is time to end your unforgettable 16 Days South Korea Japan Tour. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) for your departure flight. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home! Dining: Breakfast Accommodation: / Bird's Eye View of Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower at sunset Make an Enquiry for Free Download PDF Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded Price: request What's Included: Guide Service : English-speaking tour guide. Attraction Tickets : All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary. Transportation:

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