Essential Japan and South Korea
Essential Japan and South Korea
Perfect for first time visitor to Japan and Korea!
Enjoy spending time in the vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo. Take a journey to the 5th station on Mt. Fuji, and marvel at Japan’s highest mountain with its single, volcanic snowy peak. The cultural city of Kyoto is where you will discover beautiful gardens, ancient temples and traditional townhouses. Learn about Hiroshima, its past and present, and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, said to be one of the three most beautiful sights in Japan. Explore delicious Japanese cuisine in Osaka, before flying to Seoul, the fascinating capital of South Korea, an intriguing combination of ancient and modern.
Locations you will be visiting
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Tokyo
Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern
2 Days
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Hakone & Mt. Fuji
Explore one of the most iconic sights of Japan
1 Day
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Kyoto
Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto
2 Days
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Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima, rebuilt after World War II, and stunning Miyajima island, are among the most visited spot...
1 Day
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Osaka
An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer
1 Day
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Seoul
Discover the sights and traditions for Seoul with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Essential Japan and South Korea
12 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Tokyo
Take your scheduled flight from the regional UK airport to Tokyo.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival at the airport in Tokyo, you will be met by a representative. You will be transferred to your hotel in Tokyo city centre. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
DAY 3 Tokyo Full Day Tour
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Meet with our guide in the reception area. Enjoy the Tokyo Full Day tour. This tour will take you to some must-see spots in Tokyo by public transportation. Visit Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, and more.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Hakone Full Day Tour
Meet with our guide and enjoy the Hakone tour by train and local transportation using the Hakone Free Pass. Take the limited express train to Hakone Area. Enjoy a short cruise on Lake Ashi and continue to the Owakudani Ropeway and Hakone Ropeway. We go back to Tokyo in the evening.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 5 Bullet Train to Hiroshima
After breakfast at the hotel, meet our representative in the reception area. We will take the bullet train to Hiroshima, which is 4 hours journey time. We arrive in Hiroshima in the afternoon. Enjoy sightseeing in Hiroshima city. Visit Genbaku – Museum The Atomic Bomb Dome designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and Peace Memorial Park.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 6 Miyajima and Bullet Train to Kyoto
After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our representative in the reception area. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima shrine and Big Torii Gate. Try some street food in Miyajima, for example oyster croquette etc. Back to Hiroshima and we take the bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, check in the hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transportation: Ferry
DAY 7 Kyoto Full Day Tour
Meet the representative at the hotel’s reception and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. Take the local train to Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of torii gates and the Buddhist Sanjusangendo Temple, filled with 1001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of mercy. Enjoy the tea ceremony at Kyoto.
You will visit Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple. The tour ends at Gion area, should you prefer to continue your sightseeing by yourself.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Train
DAY 8 Nara and Osaka Full Day Tour
This morning starts with a walking tour of Nara. We take the train to Nara, the imperial capital of Japan in the 8th century, and visit the Todaiji Temple where an enormous bronze Buddha image is exhibited in the Daibutsuden Hall. We then continue to Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild shika deer roam freely. Visitors can feed with Shika-senbei, a special snack for the deer sold in the park grounds. Travel to Osaka visit Osaka Castle and Back to the hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Fly to Seoul
You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport for your flight to Seoul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 10 Seoul City Tour
Join the city tour of this bustling city. Pass by the Blue House, explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and see the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. Visit the National Folk Museum and the Insadong shopping district. After lunch, visit the traditional Korean village and N Seoul Tower.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 DMZ Tour
You will start the day with a fascinating morning tour to the DMZ, one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the
world. This visit is a real eye-opening experience and will leave you with a dramatic sense of the tremendous tragedy of separated families, the division of the peninsula and the hopes for reunification. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12 Fly to UK
Take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
Please Note: The tours in Seoul are based on seat in coach tours, joining with travellers from other companies.
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Traditional Crafts
Join a workshop to make different Japanese traditional crafts, e.g. Ikebana flower arranging, Origami, Calligraphy, Japanese sweet making and Japanese pottery.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Dinner with Maiko, Kyoto
Enjoy a traditional dinner with a Maiko, or apprentice Geisha and enjoy two traditional dance performances. Opportunity to ask questions and take photos with Maiko.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Samurai Experience, Osaka
Be a Samurai for a day! Learn about the Samurai (old Japanese soldier) in Kimono or Ninja costume!
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Calligraphy and Meditation
Relax your mind and soul at a Buddhist temple overnight. Try ancient writing technique of Calligraphy join the monks for meditation in the morning.
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2025, 2026 and 2027
Single supplement from £695
Land only from £3,595
(without international flights)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Japan: Essential Japan and South Korea
from£4,704
What's included:
- International flights
- Accommodation
- English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Bullet train
- Baggage transfers for one piece
- Meals as specified
- Local tips
- Personal spending
- Travel insurance
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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