Shining Korea and Contrasts of Japan
European Tour Package
2242
reviews
15 Days Tour Plan
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 14
- Day 15
Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.
Visit to the Aegibong Observatory in GIMPO, very close to the border with NORTH KOREA, from where it is possible to clearly see North Korean territory. Transfer to the Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang), where lunch is included. We will see the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion Temple, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will stop at the Freedom Bridge, a symbol of hope and reunion.Important Note: Please remember to bring your passport; it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may be closed without prior notice. If this occurs, an alternative tour will be provided.Later, with our guide, we will go to the square where City Hall is located to see this building from the outside, notable for its wave-like (tsunami-shaped) design. Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, which, when illuminated at night, allows us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the largest commercial and entertainment area in Korea; its name means “bright tunnel.”Dinner is included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway system (ticket included). Overnight stay.
Today we include an extensive visit of approximately five hours in SEOUL. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of palaces set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses.We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive war museum that explains the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We then continue to the Gangnam District, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues.To conclude the day, we will stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the observation deck (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.Return to the hotel and free time.
Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included), a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be SUWON, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace (entrance included). Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to JEONJU, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.
We’ll depart toward the SUNCHANG GOCHUJANG VILLAGE, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to DAMYANG to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum (entrance included). Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at HAEINSA, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples (entrance included) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to BUSAN, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.
In the morning, we will depart from BUSAN to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. We return to Busan and visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are laid to rest. We will then head to the country’s largest fish market, located next to the port of Nampo. Lunch is included.We walk toward Yongdusan park, home to its impressive 120-meter pagoda. Afterwards, we depart for Songdo Beach, which features the country’s first maritime cable car (entrance included, subject to weather conditions), offering stunning views of the bay. We continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, the Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinth-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés. Return to Busan. Overnight stay.
We’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Tokyo.Welcome to Japan! After completing border procedures, an assistant (usually Spanish-speaking, though sometimes English-speaking) will be waiting for you. After, you’ll take a shared shuttle bus to the hotel.Free time.
In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about seven hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.
We travel toward the beautiful Mount Fuji area, enjoying the scenic landscapes along our route. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its beautiful pagodas and for offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.We then continue to KAWAGUCHIKO, an idyllic town of charming houses, flowers, and mountains beside a stunning lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a magical place surrounded by tall trees — traditionally the starting point of the pilgrimage up Mount Fuji. We’ll take a moment to give thanks at the shrine for the opportunity to visit such a spiritually rich and enchanting site.Afterward, we’ll enjoy a pleasant boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, then begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji via the road that leads to the “Fifth Station.” Driving through spectacular forests and landscapes, we’ll reach an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet).Note: In winter, the route to the Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we’ll go as far as we’re permitted.We’ll return to Kawaguchiko and stay overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where you can relax and enjoy the Onsen (public hot spring bath). Dinner included.Note: In the planned Ryokan, some rooms are Japanese-style with tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be provided in a Western-style hotel instead.
In the morning, we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past.Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters.From there, we’ll continue to Nagoya, where we’ll visit the Toyota Museum (admission included), a must-see destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation.Finally, we’ll proceed to Kyoto for our overnight stay.
We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.We’ll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest.Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary.)After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.
We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included.Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship.Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.
We’ll depart for Himeji, where admission to its immense complex, showcasing the architecture of Japanese castles, will be included. After lunch at a local restaurant (included), we’ll continue to Okayama, where we’ll visit Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants.Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.
We’ll set out for Kurashiki, a city renowned for its beautifully preserved historic center. You’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming streets, where the atmosphere of the past is still alive.Our journey will then take us to Hiroshima, a city forever marked by the atomic bomb that devastated it in 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the moving Peace Memorial Museum, where the history and resilience of this city are powerfully remembered.Seeking serenity after these reflections, we’ll take a ferry to the island known as the place “where men and gods live together.” Here, we’ll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas, and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch.Afterward, we’ll return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner will be included.Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall tiinerary.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Planned Hotels or similar
MERCURE AMBASSADOR HONGDAE
237741101
mercure_rev@ambatel.com;mercure_rsvn@ambatel.com
Yanghwa-ro, 144 mapo-gu, seoul, corea del sur,144 Mapo-gu
Seoul,South korea
HILTON GARDEN INN SEUL GANGNAM
25808500
Bella.Choi@Hilton.com
253, gangnam-daero, seocho-gu,06735
Seoul,South korea
IBIS STYLES AMBASSADOR SEOUL GANGNAM
230118003
ibissm7@ambatel.com
431 samseong – ro, gangnam – gu, seoul, 06195, korea,06195
Seoul,South korea
BEST WESTERN PLUS JEONJU
632317777
41, hyeonmu 1-gil, wansan-gu jeonju-si,,00
Jeonju,South korea
JEONJU SIGNATURE
632468000
838 baekje-daero, deokjin-gu, jeonju-si, jeollabuk-do, corea del sur,838
Jeonju,South korea
IBIS STYLES AMBASSADOR JEONJU CITY CENTER
632495000
74-50 jeonjugaeksa 4-gil, wansan-gu, jeonju-si,000
Jeonju,South korea
RAMADA ENCORE BUSAN STATION
519220000
10 jungang-daero 196beon-gil, dong-gu, busan, corea del sur,0
Busan,South korea
ASTI BUSAN STATION
514098888
7-8 jungang-daero 214beon-gil, dong-gu, busan, corea del sur,214
Busan,South korea
HAEUNDAE YOUNGMU PARADE
517430003
25 haeundaehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, haeundae-gu, busan, corea del sur,0
Busan,South korea
SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL
334401111
10-30 takanawa 4-chome, minato-ku,108-8611
Tokyo,Japan
TOKYO DOME HOTEL
358052111
1 chome-3-61 koraku, bunky333;,112-0004
Tokyo,Japan
IBIS STYLES TOKYO GINZA EAST
335551230
HC185@accor.com;chisum.woo@accor.com
1-2-13, shintomi, chuo 104-0041 tokyo japan,104-0041
Tokyo,Japan
FUJI VIEW HOTEL KAWAGUCHIKO
555832211
Yamanashi prefecture, minamitsuru, katsuyama district,401-0310
Kawaguchiko,Japan
FUJI KAWAGUCHIKO RESORT
8002007970
4902-2 funatsu, fujikawaguchiko, minamitsuru district, yamanashi 401-0301, japón,401-0301
Kawaguchiko,Japan
KOFU KINENBI
55253811
3-2-30 yumura, kofu, yamanashi 400-0073, japón,400-0073
Kawaguchiko,Japan
MIYAKO KIOTO HACHIJYO
756617111
Minami ward, nishikuho inmachi, 1,6018412
Kyoto,Japan
NEW MIYAKO HOTEL
756617111
MG01@gmt.jtb.jp
17, nishikujo-inmachi minami-ku, kyoto 601-8412, japan,601-8412
Kyoto,Japan
CANDEO OSAKA NAMBA
0662122200
miyoshi-s@candeo-hotels.com;ohuchi-k@candeo-hotels.com
2-2-5, higashishinsaibashi, chiuo-ku, osaka,542-0083
Osaka,Japan
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS OSAKA CITY CENTRE - MIDOSUJI
649632422
Daesang.Park@ihg.com;Jerome.Palacoeur@ihg.com;Shinji.Maesaka@ihg.com;waikin.mok@ihg.com
4-1-12 kitakyuhojimachi, osaka, 541-0057 japan,541-0057
Osaka,Japan
MOXY OSAKA HONMACHI
662045200
yuichiro.Okahisa@moxyhotels.com;reservationmoxyosaka@moxyhotels.com
2 chome-2-9 kawaramachi, chuo ward, osaka, 541-0048, japón,5410048
Osaka,Japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA OKAYAMA
868981111
information@anacpokayama.com
15-1 ekimoto-machi, kita-ku, okayama-shi, 700-0024 okayama prefecture, okayama,700-0024
Okayama,Japan
GRAN VIA OKAYAMA
862347000
t-hashimoto@granvia-oka.co.jp;c-fujiwara@granvia-oka.co.jp
1-5 ekimoto-machi, kita-ku, okayama,700-8515
Okayama,Japan
DAIWA ROYNET OKAYAMA
868030055
okayamaekimae@daiwaroyal.jp
Kita-ku ekimae-machi 1-1-1, 700-0023 okayama,700-0023
Okayama,Japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA HIROSHIMA
82241111
MG01@gmt.jtb.jp;Futoshi.Kimura@ihg.com
Naka-ku naka-machi 7-20, hiroshima,730-0037
Hiroshima,Japan
HILTON HIROSHIMA
822432700
11-12 fujimicho, naka ward, hiroshima, 730-0043, japón,730-0043
Hiroshima,Japan
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included in the price
