Sakura Dreams with South Korea
European Tour Package
2242
reviews
20 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
- Day 16
- Day 17
- Day 18
- Day 19
- Day 20
Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.
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.
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of approximately four hours covering 800 kilometers.Upon arrival, we’ll explore this city, forever marked by the atomic bomb of 1945, which tragically destroyed the city. Our visit will include a stroll through the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the powerful Peace Memorial Museum, a solemn tribute to the resilience and hope that emerged after devastation.We’ll later board a ferry to “the island where gods and men live together.” Here, we’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the sea and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the island’s charming center, and have some lunch. We’ll return to Hiroshima for the evening, where dinner will be included.Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, but you’ll experience everything as planned.
Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour journey that will help us understand Japan, a country made up of numerous islands. In Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle. After that, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a popular pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.
We’ll head to Kotohira, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site built on Mount Zosu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.Afterward, in Naruto, we’ll stop at an impressive bridge that spans the sea. Here, we’ll explore its remarkable construction and walk along its glass floor to observe the powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Our scenic route will then take us across stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. Finally, we’ll arrive in Kobe for accommodation.
In KOBE, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction.We’ll then continue to OSAKA, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in JAPAN. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.Notes: -On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.-Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.-We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).
We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens.You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere.Note: If you’ve already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.
We’ll start our day with breakfast before departing along one of the largest lakes in Japan. Our first stop will be at Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine located by the lake. We’ll then head to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet. Next, in Katsuyama, we’ll visit three key sites. First, the Dinosaur Museum, located at the largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Then, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy panoramic views. We’ll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.
We’ll spend a full day in Kanazawa, beginning with a guided city tour in the morning. This city, which once rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo, was spared from destruction during World War II air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and take a stroll through the historic Nagamachi neighborhood, where samurai and their families once lived. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll also include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour will end at Omicho, a lively traditional market with many options for lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to explore.
Today, we’ll journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses, with steeply sloped roofs, are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. We’ll stop in Ainokura, a charming small village, and in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger, more popular village. There will be time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue to Takayama, where we’ll visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in a peaceful setting. This open-air museum features over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), relocated from their original sites to form this museum in 1971. The buildings showcase tools and utensils used in everyday life in the past. We’ll then have free time to explore the old town, with its wooden houses and traditional shops.
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Hida Furukawa, where we’ll stroll through its charming old town. The city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums. We’ll then continue our journey across the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Tokyo, arriving by the end of the day.
We’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Busan.Welcome to Korea! After completing border procedures, you’ll meet our assistant. We’ll provide a transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy at your leisure in one of the most vibrant cities in the country and the second-largest city in South Korea.Later in the day, the group we’ll be joining will arrive, and we’ll meet our guide for the remainder of this trip.
We’ll depart for the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto (entrance included), an 8th-century site nestled on the slopes of Tohamsan. Afterward, we’ll visit the Bulguksa Temple (entrance included), considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Next, we’ll arrive in GYEONGJU, the Korean capital that endured the longest in the nation’s history, with a reign of 992 years under 56 kings. You’ll have the chance to photograph the stunning wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the banks of the Namcheon River. Lunch will be included. We’ll then head to Tumuli Park, home to the burial mounds of kings from the ancient Silla Kingdom, which are over 1,500 years old. We’ll visit one of their tombs (entrance included) before walking to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue with our arrival in Daegu, the fourth most populous city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll see Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic area once home to Christian missionaries, and the commercial street of Dongseong-ro, the city’s liveliest street, with its trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants and the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine (entrance included), famous for its history of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine. Overnight stay in DAEGU.
Departure northward and arrival in Andong, where we will visit the traditional village of Hahoe Village (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the outskirts of the city. Free time to stroll through the streets of this rural village that seems frozen in time. We will also visit the outstanding World Mask Museum, which displays masks used for dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch included at a local restaurant.We then depart to visit Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy founded in the 16th century, set in an idyllic landscape beside a peaceful river. Arrival in Seoul in the mid-afternoon.
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.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Planned Hotels or similar
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
CANDEO HATCHOBORI
825111300
hiroshima@candeo-hotels.com
14-1 hatchobori, naka-ku, hiroshima,730-0013
Hiroshima,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
CANDEO HOTEL MATSUYAMA
899138866
matsuyama@candeo-hotels.com;wanaga-s@candeo-hotels.com
2 chome-5-12 okaido, matsuyama, ehime 790-0004, japón,790-0004
Matsuyama,Japan
DAIWA ROYNET MATSUYAMA
899131355
matsuyama@daiwaroyal.jp
2-6-5 ichiban-cho, matsuyama-shi, cp ehime 790-0001 matsuyama,790-0001
Matsuyama,Japan
ANA CROWNE PLAZA MATSUYAMA
899335511
Noritomo.Okumura1@ihg.com;kenji-fukumoto@anacpmatsuyama.com
3-2-1 ichiban-cho matsuyama ehime, japón,790-8520
Matsuyama,Japan
KOBE MERIKEN PARK ORIENTAL HOTEL
783258111
650-0042 hy333;go prefecture, kobe,650-0042
Kobe,Japan
CANDEO KOBE TORROAD
789586755
kobetorroad@candeo-hotels.com;ayukawa-y@candeo-hotels.com
3-8-8 sannomiyacho, chuo ward, kobe, hyogo 650-0021, japón,650-0021
Kobe,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
MONASTERIO HOJOIN
736562431
156 koyasan, ito-gun, koya-cho,wakayama prefecture,648-0211
Mount Koya,Japan
MONASTERIO FUKUCHI IN
736562021
657 koyasan, ito-gun, koya-cho, wakayama prefecture,648-0211
Mount Koya,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
MYSTAYS PREMIER KANAZAWA
762905255
fang.fang@mystays.com
2 chome-13-5 hirooka, ishikawa ,920-0031
Kanazawa,Japan
MERCURE HIDA TAKAYAMA
577352702
HB9G5-RE@accor.com
4 chome-311-1 hanasatomachi, gifu,506-0026
Takayama,Japan
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
SUSUNG DAEGU
18991001
106-7 yonghak-ro, suseong district,0
Daegu,South korea
DAEGU GRAND
537420001
305 dongdaegu-ro, suseong district, daegu, corea del sur,0
Daegu,South korea
DAEGU PRINCE HOTEL
536281001
Daemyeong 2-dong, daegu, ,0
Daegu,South korea
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
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included in the price
