South Korea & Japan Discovery - 14 Days


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Overview
Highlights
- Seoul - Explore the nations captivating capital; Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, Insadong Antique Alley, Cheonggycheon Stream and Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan
- The DMZ - Visit one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world, Imjingak Park built to honour the displaced from both the North and the South of Korea, Dora Observatory
- Andong - Discover UNESCO World Heritage listed Hahoe Folk Village and Andong Folk Museum
- Gyeongju - Uncover the former capital of the Silla Kingdom and historic heart of the nation; Gyeongju National Museum, Tumuli Park and the Sill royal tombs, Anapji Pond, the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory
- UNESCO Listed Seokguram Grotto - Marvel at one of Asia's finest Buddhist shrines and Bulguksa Temple
- Tokyo - Explore Sensoji Temple district and temple, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing
- Lake Kawaguchi in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park - Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and views of Mt Fuji
- Kyoto - See the UNESCO Listed Nijo Castle, Sanjusagen-do Temple with its 1000 life-like statues and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple)
- Kamakura - Visit Big Buddha Statue, Hokokuji Zen Temple and the Bamboo Forest with a delightful village atmosphere. Opt to take part in a traditional tea ceremony
- Stay in a ryokan - Sample Japanese hospitality, bathing in natural hot springs, wearing a Yukata (casual Kimono) and sleep on a futon
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 13 nights 3 - 4 star hotels (inclusive of 1 night in a traditional Japanese Inn)
- 9 breakfasts and 1 Japanese dinner at Lake Kawaguchi
- Escorted by a qualified English-speaking local tour guide (separate driver and tour guide for groups of 5 or more in South Korea)
- Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 7 in South Korea
- South Korea: All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Private excursion to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
- Touring of Seoul, Andong and Gyeongju in South Korea
- Japan: Airport arrival transfer to tour hotel (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport on day 7
- Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi and Kyoto in Japan
- Japan: All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card
- Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)
- Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 14 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit to the Fuji Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Festival with Mt Fuji as the backdrop
Itinerary

Sunday. Welcome to Seoul! Upon arrival you will be met at Incheon Airport and transferred to our hotel in the centre of Seoul. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. This bustling city boasts a rich history reflected ...
Today, we explore Seoul, the enchanting capital of South Korea. Our first destination is the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace, a historic gem that served as the primary royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty. Within the palace's picturesque grounds, we delve into K...
Seoul - DMZ - Seoul. This morning, we depart for an exhilarating excursion to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a historically significant area located just 45 kilometers north of Seoul. The DMZ, acting as a buffer zone and the border between North and South Korea,...
Seoul - Andong. This morning, we leave Seoul and head southward to Andong, a place steeped in the traditions of Korean Confucianism. In the afternoon, we explore the ancient UNESCO-listed Hahoe Village. Nestled among the serene landscapes, approximately 130 tradit...
Andong - Gyeongju. Continuing our journey southward, we arrive in the city of Gyeongju, often referred to as the 'museum without walls.' This enchanting city served as the capital of the Silla Kingdom from 57 BC to 935 AD, and it's a treasure trove of ancient Korean h...
Gyeongju - Seoul. This morning, our journey takes us to two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples. Our first stop is Seokguram Grotto, a masterpiece of Buddhist art and spirituality. Perched dramatically on the slopes of Toham Mountain, this grotto is consi...
Seoul - Tokyo. Saturday. An airport transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into y...
Today we explore the capital. Taking the subway to Asakusa we visit the lively Sensoji Temple District, which is home to Tokyo’s first temple and scores of interesting souvenir and craft stalls. In the afternoon we’ll head to Harajuku, which is a magnet for young and ...
Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. This morning we board a train for our day trip to Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital, which is just an hour from Tokyo. Kamakura is a popular seaside location with a quaint village life feel and some stunning Zen temples. Here we’ll visit...
Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.
Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway bus (with luggage forwarding) to Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt Fuji in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of a snow-capped Fuji most of the year. Upon ar...
Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. The area has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. We then travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital. As one of t...
This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) a st...
Saturday. On day 14 our tour comes to an end after hotel check out. Prefer to end your tour in Tokyo? On day 14 you can opt to travel by train from Kyoto to Tokyo, where you will spend the night. On day 15 (Sunday) catch the train to Tokyo Airport (breakfast excluded on day 15). For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our [[travel guide|126582]].
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics
What's excluded
- Airport departure transfer
- International flights and visa
- International flight between Seoul and Tokyo is not included and needs to be booked seperately by the traveller - refer to the Trip Notes on day 7 for details
- If you are opting to pay the single supplement, allowing you the privacy of your own room on this tour, a single room will be provided for all nights with the exception of day 5 (at Lake Kawaguchi), where single rooms are not available. For this night you will be matched up with a fellow tour member of the same gender
- Tipping - an entirely personal gesture. For your tour guide and driver, we suggest you allow USD8 - 10 per traveller per day.
- Entrance Fees: USD$50-70pp, paid locally in local currency
Accommodation
16 yrs with an accompanying adult
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