Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea

breakfast and lunch

We'll transfer to Yongin and visit the Yongin Folk Village on the outskirts of Seoul. Here, you will experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty as we wander through the village of over 260 different types of historical houses and buildings where the customs and lifestyles of historical Korea are brought vividly to life.

Then drive to Suwon, explore the imposing Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, an icon of 18th-century military architecture and the Joseon dynasty's brilliant artistry.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

breakfast and lunch

In the morning, take the KTX bullet train across the country to Gyeongju on the east coast. Spend the afternoon exploring the sites of the city.

Unravel Korea's royal history and city's regal past at Daereungwon Tombs. Then, ascend to the celestial heights of Cheomseungdae Observatory, constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok (632–647) and one of the landmarks of Gyeongju.

Bathe in the tranquil beauty of Wolji Pond (it was referred to as Anapji during the Goryeo and Joseon period), a large walled pond with enchanting pavilions and an interesting history.

Daereungwon Tombs

Wolji Pond

breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, visit the world-renowned Bulguksa Temple complex, one of the most famous and important Buddhist temples in Korea, renowned for its magnificent architecture and spiritual serenity.

Close by is the Seokguram Grotto, built in the same period as Bulguksa, which contains a monumental statue of the Buddha surrounded by realistic depictions of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.

Driver to Busan by private car and visit the exquisite Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a unique seaside temple offering an extraordinary blend of spiritual sanctity and natural beauty.

End your day soaking up the vitality of Haeundae Beach, a premier hotspot for sunbathing, water sports, or simple relaxation.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

breakfast and lunch

Start today with the colorful Gamcheon Cultural Village, known as Korea's Santorini, built in a tightly-knit fashion on the hillside, giving it a unique appearance.

Next, head to the Jagalchi Fish Market, located by the sea across from Yeongdo-gu Island, and it's Korea's largest seafood market. Then, the bustling Gukje Market to discover Busan's pulsating heart of local life.

Then, it's time to sit back and relax on Songdo Cable Car, ride for a 1.62km journey (15-20 mins) across the ocean at a height of 86m. Soaring on high to capture a panoramic view of Busan's mesmerizing skyline.

Gamcheon Culture Village

breakfast

Enjoy time at leisure until you'll be transferred to airport for your flight to Osaka. At Osaka's Kansai International Airport, you will be met and assisted to hotel for check-in.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Osaka, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and historical landmarks.

breakfast and lunch

Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.

Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.

Then, absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum. Embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you would learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, create your own ukiyo-e masterpiece, taking with you a tangible piece of Japanese artistic tradition.

Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the Umeda Sky Building.

Osaka Castle

breakfast and lunch

Depart for Nara in the morning, less than one hour from Osaka. Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture and a former capital of Japan (710 – 794). Eight temples, shrines and ruins together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest collectively form “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Todaiji temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.

Take a wander through Nara Park, called Deer Park by locals, due to the 1,200-plus tame deer living there. Here, get ready to encounter wild deer, considered the messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roaming freely under the cherry trees inside the Nara Park.

Afterwards we continue on to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries.

Nara Park

breakfast and lunch

Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji Temple, which is covered in shimmering gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens and ponds. It's now one of Kyoto's most famous temples.

Nijo Castle is an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603-C1868) as his Kyoto residence. It is surrounded by stunning gardens and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and 'chirping' nightingale floors.

Take a walk down Nishiki Market for some free time. It is a traditional food market known by locals as “Kyoto's Pantry” which is a great place for seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties.

Embark on a leisurely walk uphill to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views of Kyoto city from the 13-meter-high veranda of the Main Hall.

Kinkakuji Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

breakfast and lunch

In the morning, you will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. This shrine is home to over 10,000 red torii gates that form a beautiful path up the mountain behind the temple.

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

Travel with your guide from Kyoto bullet train station to Odawara, which is the closest Shinkansen station to Hakone. From Odawara, we will transfer to take a bus to reach Hakone. From here, you will have many opportunities to view Mt. Fuji, if the weather is in your favor.

Upon arrival, you will arrive at your Japanese-style hotel, known as a Ryokan. Here, you can experience a traditional Kaiseki dinner and enjoy the onsen (hot spring) bath.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Bamboo groves in Arashiyama

breakfast

A day at leisure for further explore Hakone by using your pass. The Hakone Free Pass allows you to get on and off freely within a specified area, as well as providing discount admission to various attractions in the area. It covers eight forms of transport including trains, buses, cable cars, cableway and boat.

Recommended Activities:

Board the world's second longest cable car above the wooded slopes, sulfurous fumes and hot springs for inspiring views of Mount Fuji.

A visiting for cruise on Lake Ashinoko, admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship. And The Gora Park, a western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It is a relaxing place for unwinding and enjoying the scenery and views of Hakone.

Cruise on Lake Ashinoko

Hakone cable car

breakfast and lunch

Today, you may board a bullet train to Tokyo. Our tour guide and driver will transfer you to hotel.

Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a beautiful forest and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then take a walk along Omotesando Street, a broad tree-lined avenue.

Continue to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji, which is Tokyo's oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that for centuries has been providing temple visitors with many traditional local snacks and souvenirs.

Meiji Shrine

Asakusa

breakfast and lunch

Kick off the day with a walk around the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Your guide leads you through the sprawling, 80-year-old market to visit fishmongers and food vendors. Sample a range of sushi, Japanese-style omelets, fried fish cakes, sake, and Japanese tea on this in-depth experience of the legendary market.

After, learn the art of sushi making firsthand – it's the quintessential Edo-era specialty and possibly Japan's most famous culinary gift to the world. Hear about the history of sushi, how to choose the best fish, learn proper slicing and rice-making techniques and sample some seriously fresh sushi.

Soar to the summit of the world's tallest structure, Tokyo Skytree, and witness the city's breathtaking panorama unfold beneath you. Marvel at the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape, from the Imperial Palace to the Tokyo Tower, and capture unforgettable memories from this unparalleled vantage point. On a clear day, you should be able to see the peak of Mount Fuji, which is located about 84 km to the west.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Sushi-making class

breakfast

You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.