Scenic South Korea and Japan

Today is dedicated to the relationship between North and South Korea. You'll visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to gain an understanding of the bordering countries. See Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom and the Third Infiltration Tunnel, where it's believed that some 30,000 soldiers could pass through within an hour. You'll also spend time at the DMZ Theatre and Exhibition Hall, and the station, along with Dora Observatory, which offers binocular views into North Korea. 

Return to Seoul for an afternoon visit to Insadong, a cultural hub in the heart of Seoul. This neighbourhood is steeped in tradition and boasts a plethora of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and traditional teahouses.   Final stop of the day is Hanyangdoseong. Also known as Seoul City Wall, the historic fortification surrounding the city offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Seoul's rich history and architectural legacy.  Take a walk along the wall soaking in the surrounding views and incredible history. (B/L)

Fill up at breakfast this morning – you're in for a full day of sightseeing. After your Insider Experiences, continue with a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History for insights into how Korea propelled itself from being an agricultural society to the modern economic powerhouse that it is today.

Last stop of your journey is Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses, showcasing Korea's architectural heritage. Visitors can explore the narrow alleyways, experience the peaceful atmosphere, and admire the beautifully preserved structures. (B/L)

Insider Experience: Embark on a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace in South Korea. Built in 1392 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the main royal palace for five centuries. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony, a tradition that has been performed for centuries in Korea and is a symbol of the nation's rich culture and history.  Visit Jogyesa Temple for the chance to share tea with a monk and experience the unique culture of Korean Buddhism. Explore the fascinating temple compound and marvel at ancient well-preserved Buddhist treasures.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on your Insider Experience. Upon arrival in South Korea's second-largest city, you'll be taken on a city sightseeing tour of some of Busan's most well-known sites. Begin at Busan Tower, which offers a great vantage point to the city's bustling port.

Visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. Here, locals select seafood that is straight from the ocean and take their purchase to the market's chefs to be prepared just how they like it, for a fresher-than-fresh seafood lunch. Explore the quirky Gamcheon Village, a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, street art and art galleries.

Your final stop of the day is the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, a significant and poignant site commemorating the Korean War. Transfer to the hotel to check in then this evening, head out to the neighbourhood market for a fresh seafood dinner, the speciality of Busan. Stay: Shilla Stay Haeundae (B/D)

Insider Experience: Board one of South Korea's famous KTX Express Trains to Busan, a vibrant coastal city in South Korea offering beautiful beaches, lively markets and fresh seafood. Watch the beautiful countryside whip past your window, and jet right past busy cities as your train reaches speeds of over 300 kilometres per hour.

Today, visit Dongbaekseom Island (island of Camellias) located at the right end of famous Haeundae Beach. Enjoy views of the beautiful coastline on a scenic coastal trail around the island's nature forest. Head to Mipo station (Blue Line Park) near Haeundae beach to board the Busan Sky Capsule, a unique observation deck offering panoramic views.

Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experience. Continue to Haedong Yonggungsa Seaside Temple, located on the seaside and offers a stunning view of the ocean, then journey to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, visit Daereungwon tomb complex (Tumuli Park). You'll have a chance to see Cheomseongdae observatory and Family Choi's House, the oldest house in the area built in the 1600s. Stay Two Nights: Lahan Select Gyeongju (B)

Insider Experience: Learn how to make Korea's favourite dish, bibimbap. Enjoy a hands-on experience in making this traditional Korean dish and learn about the history, ingredients and preparation techniques making it a fun and educational experience for foodies.

This morning, after breakfast, your exploration of Gyeongju continues with a visit to the religious architectural complex of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. The site highlights the mastery of the architects and artists of the Silla Kingdom era.  Marvel at the vast collections of artifacts at the Gyeongju National Museum including relics and royal treasures and enjoy a comprehensive insight into the art, culture, and history of the Silla dynasty.

Travel to Yangdong Folk Village, a traditional yangban (Korean Aristocracy) village from the Joseon dynasty. Explore the charming neighbourhood consisting of traditional hanok houses against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery. Head back to Gyeongju and embark on the leisurely evening walk to the Woljeong Bridge, and the historical “gateway” connecting the royal palaces of Silla to the south, on the Namcheon stream. End the walk at the Wolji pond, an artificial pond located in Gyeongju National Park. (B/L)

Today, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival you will be met and accompanied t your hotel.

Later meet your Japan Tour Director for a briefing followed by a Welcome Dinner at a local izakaya style restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Tokyo, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (B/D)

This morning, drive around the expansive outer grounds of the Imperial Palace (where Japan's imperial family reside). Pass other key institutions such as Tokyo Station on the way to Sensoji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple in Asakusa with a vibrant market street leading to its entrance.  Later, visit Skytree and enjoy stunning views of the city.

This afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish, you may like to join a Taiko drum experience, or take part in a calligraphy workshop (both additional expense). (B)

Start your day with a visit to Tsukiji Market, a lively marketplace known for its fresh seafood, sushi restaurants and local food vendors. Explore the bustling stalls selling a variety of Japanese product and ingredients and discover why it is a popular destination for food lovers and tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience. After the market enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Later, head to Hakone, a place of staggering beauty. At your hotel, you can opt to partake in a traditional onsen experience, a restorative communal bath, or enjoy the privacy of your ensuite bathroom in your hotel room. Enjoy a banquet dinner at your hotel tonight. Stay Two Nights: Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien or similar (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Learn how to make your own authentic sushi.

This morning, start with a walk on part of the Old Tokaido road. Then, embark on a boat ride on Lake Ashi (also known as Ashinoko) a natural caldera formed after a major volcanic explosion some 3000 years ago. Then transfer to a ropeway and cable car up to the top of Owakudani Geothermal Valley where you may catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji. After some time spent at Owakudani, head to the hotel to relax. If you like, you can take the opportunity to visit some of the museums and galleries dotted around Hakone on your own. (B)

Today, depart early to Hamamatsu. First, visit the Hamamatsu Flower Park, a picturesque botanical garden showcasing a colourful display of flowers and seasonal blooms. Then, have a quick lunch and continue to the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, lots of musical instruments from around the world are displayed. Then, head to the hotel to check in and relax in the evening. Stay: Hamamatsu, Okura ACT City Hotel or similar (B/L)

Today, head to Nara, which briefly reigned as capital of Japan. On the way, visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to see developments in textiles and automobile technologies. Continue to Nara and visit Yakushiji Temple, with 1,300-year history the East Pagoda is the only wooden structure to have survived fires and other disasters at the temple since it was first built until today. Head to the hotel to check in and relax. Stay: Nara, Daiwa Roynet Hotel (B)

Visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most famous temples housing the huge, seated bronze Buddha. Stroll through Nara Park, with its friendly wild deer that roam throughout the park and the city.

Then, move on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital for over 1,000 years. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.' Walk along the impressive path framed by Torii gates which winds up through dense woods behind the main shrine complex. Later, enjoy your Insider Experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Kyoto, Noku Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

Today, explore UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavillion, a stunning Zen temple with a golden exterior, serene gardens and historical significance. Travel on to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed sites in the city. Explore Tenryuji temple with its beautiful garden and stunning backdrop. (B)

Make the coach journey this morning to Kanazawa, a historic city in Japan, famous for its Edo- period districts, traditional tea houses, samurai residences and Kenrokuen Garden. 

Once in Kanazawa, visit the district called Higashi Chaya, a place for geiko (the local name for geisha) to entertain wealthy merchants with music, dance, and games. The district's traditional wooden buildings and lattice-work windows retain the atmosphere of their 200-year history. Today, many of these buildings function as cafes, restaurants, sweet shops, and craft shops, but some are still geiko teahouses nowadays. Then head to the hotel to check in. Stay: Kanazawa, Amanek Hotel (B)

Enjoy a free morning with the option of Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden tour or a Gold Leaf Craft Experience (additional expense for the tour and craft experience).  Then journey to the alpine village of Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go offers a glimpse into rural Japan's history and culture. The village is particularly beautiful in winter when covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland.

Later, move on to Takayama and explore the old town area and try local sake. In the evening, you try Hida Beef at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Tokyu Stay Hida -Takayama (B/D)

Insider Experience: Indulge in an authentic sake tasting.

Depart early for Matsumoto. Famous for buckwheat soba noodles and Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle', a historic Japanese Castle built in the 16th century. One of Japan's oldest and most well-preserved castles, it's black exterior and unique architecture make it a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Matsumoto. Explore inside the castle and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains from the top of its turret.

Embark on your first Insider Experience before the journey back to Tokyo. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner celebrating your last night in Japan. Stay: Shibuya, Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Gather for a Japanese Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers. Reflect on your amazing journey with new friends and plan your next adventure! A drink of your choice is included. Explore a miso factory, a traditional Japanese culinary staple. Gain an insight into the authentic production of 3-year fermented miso in wooden barrels and delight your tastebuds with dishes featuring the traditional soybean paste.

After breakfast transfer to Haneda Airport for your onward journey. (B)