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Treasures of South Korea & Japan

 
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
20272028
Duration
16 days
From per person
£6,299
Tour code
KAJ27
Mobility Rating 3
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Experience a seamless journey through two fascinating east Asian countries, viewing breathtaking palaces and historic locations, while savouring unique cultural moments and travelling on high-speed modern trains

Unveil culture and history on our only tour to South Korea, combining high-speed rail travel and hand-selected excursions in Korea and Japan.

Wander amid the timeless palaces of Korean dynasties in Seoul before a visit to the Demilitarised Zone. Journey by modern KTX train to Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, to explore Buddhist temples and royal estates dating back more than a thousand years.

Crossing to Japan, explore Fukuoka, discover famed fresh seafood before sailing to an oyster farm in Miyajima and spend two nights in Osaka. Visit the emotive Hiroshima Peace Memorial, take part in a tea ceremony in Kyoto and conclude this unforgettable journey with a trip on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train to dazzling Tokyo.

Unforgettable Experiences

Uncovering dynastic heritage at Seoul’s historic palaces
Uncovering dynastic heritage at Seoul’s historic palaces
Walk amongst timeless scenes in South Korea’s capital on an excursion to Gyeongbokgung, the 14th-century royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and one of the country’s most famous landmarks.
Visiting the Korean Demilitarised Zone
Visiting the Korean Demilitarised Zone
Uncover the complex history of the Korean Peninsula at the DMZ – a 2.5-mile-wide border which acts as a buffer between South Korea and its closed neighbour to the north.
Exploring the ancient capitals of Gyeongju and Kyoto
Exploring the ancient capitals of Gyeongju and Kyoto
Steeped in tradition, the capital of Korea’s Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju, brims with Buddhist temples from the 7th and 8th centuries, while Kyoto reflects ‘old Japan’ in its geisha district, where we enjoy a tea ceremony.
Observing poignant sites in Hiroshima
Observing poignant sites in Hiroshima
Once devastated by war, this city has become a symbol of peace in the 21st century. Explore the memorial park and museum which details the destruction wrought by the dropping of the atomic bomb.
Sailing to an oyster farm in Miyajima
Sailing to an oyster farm in Miyajima
Visit Miyajima and learn about the region’s fresh seafood during a boat trip to an offshore oyster farm with a tasting of savoury oyster porridge.
Travelling on high-speed KTX and Shinkansen trains
Travelling on high-speed KTX and Shinkansen trains
Experience top speeds of up to 190mph on a journey from Seoul to Gyeongju on South Korea’s KTX trains before riding Japan’s iconic bullet trains from Fukuoka to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Overnight flight to Seoul

Your exploration of two fascinating east Asian countries begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and travelling group before boarding your direct flight to Seoul.

South Korea's unique blend of modernity and tradition has powered its recent surge in popularity across the world. From the country's diverse cuisine to its fascinating heritage, influential pop culture and breathtaking mountainous landscapes, it's a destination unlike any other.

DAY2Arrival in Seoul

We touch down in the neon-lit metropolis of Seoul, South Korea's ultramodern capital city. Home to more than half of the country's population, Seoul is a blend of old and new. Ancient palaces and temples sit alongside towering skyscrapers, bustling markets and cutting-edge architecture.

Today's itinerary is a relaxed one, giving you time to adjust to your surroundings and settle in for your first night in Korea. After transferring to the four-star hotel in the heart of Seoul's business district and checking in for a two-night stay, meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY3Exploring Seoul and the Korean Demilitarised Zone

Heading out after breakfast, the first stop on today's tour of Seoul is the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, this traditional structure in the heart of the city is one Korea's most famous royal residences, and entering the grounds can feel like stepping back in time. Look out for visitors wearing Korea's traditional national dress, the colourful, flowing 'hanbok'. If you wear one to the site, you get in for free.

Next, we visit Insadong Antique Street, the cultural heart of the city. Home to more than 70 shops, it sells antique furniture, traditional artwork and handcrafted pieces. For a bite to eat, look out for street vendors selling traditional snacks like 'hotteok', a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar syrup.

After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, we head to the infamous Korean Demilitarised Zone. Created in 1953 after the Korean War, this unique fortified border is a remarkable 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. Inside, the land has remained untouched for decades, creating a haven for wildlife. From the South Korean side, you can see North Korea's Peace Village, or Kijong-Dong, a collection of empty houses built to showcase the country's prosperity and success. After glimpsing this mysterious country, we head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Exploring Gyeongju, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla

Leaving our hotel in Seoul after an early breakfast, we transfer to the station to catch one of Korea's KTX bullet trains to Gyeongju. Founded nearly 2,000 years ago, this city was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla. Today, it's home to many famous archaeological sites and cultural artefacts from the period.

Our first stop on arrival is Bulguska Temple, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby is Seokguram Grotto, an 8th-century temple housing exquisite statues of the Buddha. Next, we visit Donggung Palace and Wolji, a Silla-era palace and serene pond constructed in 674. After the fall of the Silla Kingdom, the site fell into disrepair for centuries before being carefully restored.

Our day ends with a visit to the remarkable Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, before we check in to our four-star hotel and enjoy dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5To the coastal city of Busan

In the morning, we transfer by coach to Busan, a large port city known for its sandy beaches, striking mountain landscapes and historic temple. We first visit Gamcheon Culture Village, a fascinating and colourful settlement with winding lanes and a maze-like atmosphere. We begin our tour at the museum, hearing the story of the village before taking a tour of the narrow streets.

Later, we enjoy lunch at Jagalchi Market, the largest fish market in South Korea. This impressive market is known for its female vendors, who carry on the tradition started by the women who fled the Korean war and became fishmongers in Busan. You have free time here to wander the stalls, absorbing the atmosphere of this historic market.

Finally, we visit Haedong Yonggung Temple, a beautiful site known for its picturesque seaside location, tucked under the trees on a mountainside. Our day ends with a stroll along Haeundae Beach, Busan's famous beach with a backdrop of the cityscape.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Across the Korea Strait to Fukuoka

Today marks the beginning of the section of your tour that takes place in Japan. Transferring to Gimhae International Airport, we catch our brief flight to Fukuoka.

Famed for its rich history, coastal scenery and food scene, Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island. In 1889, this fortress city absorbed the neighbouring merchant town of Hakata to create Fukuoka City. Today, it's Japan's sixth-largest city and renowned as the country's 'Gateway to Asia'.

Arriving in Fukuoka, we transfer to our four-star hotel and check in before enjoying a welcome dinner, our first meal in Japan.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY7Discovering Fukuoka’s history and culture

Heading out by coach after breakfast on our first full day in Japan, we visit the Dazaifu Tenmagu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician associated with a Shinto deity of education. It's especially popular among students praying for luck during exam season, and you might spot some colourful 'ema' (wooden plaque) charms hanging around the grounds.

Our next stop is the Kyushu National Museum, a large, stadium-like building with a focus on Japanese history. Housing an impressive collection of artefacts, the museum offers an immersive overview of Japanese history from the Prehistoric Era to the Edo Period. You're free to explore at leisure, wandering through the themed rooms.

In the afternoon, we visit Kawabata Shopping Arcade, a lively road filled with clothing shops, restaurants and speciality stores selling everything from traditional clay Hakata dolls to local ramen. With a variety of options to choose from, you might like to find lunch here independently. Finally, we head to Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan. We ride in elevators to the top, where you can step onto the observation deck for incredible views of the city skyline, the ocean and the nearby mountains.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8Discovering Hiroshima’s poignant sites

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to the station to board a bullet train north to the historic city of Hiroshima. Arriving around midday, we have time to find lunch before we embark on a tour of Hiroshima's most moving locations with our English-speaking guide.

Now a welcoming city, Hiroshima became a byword for the horrors of war after an atomic bomb was dropped by the US Air Force on 6 August 1945. The Peace Memorial Park commemorates the victims, while the Atomic Bomb Dome emotively showcases the scorched shell of a building destroyed on that fateful day. In the Peace Memorial Museum, we view items salvaged from the rubble.

After our time spent in the park, we stop at Hiroshima Castle. Originally built in the 1590s, the castle was also destroyed by the bomb in 1945. Just 13 years later, the castle's main keep was rebuilt, and today, it's an excellent place for a photo opportunity. With a free evening to find dinner independently, you might like to try a popular dish called 'okonomiyaki', a savoury pancake with cabbage and pork.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY9Visiting Miyajima and tasting fresh seafood

Because of its location on the calm Seto Inland Sea, Hiroshima is famous for its oysters. Today, we set out to experience this local staple, boarding a coach to take us to an oyster farm on the shores of Hiroshima Bay. Here, we join an oyster farmer for a special experience, witnessing fishermen harvesting oysters on a boat trip. Our visit ends with a tasting of savoury oyster porridge, a delicious local dish.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we travel via ferry to Miyajima, leaving modern life behind to soak up the tranquillity of this secluded destination. Here, we enjoy a walking tour which includes a visit to Itsukushima Shrine and the iconic O-Torii Gate that guards its entrance. Partially submerged at high tide, this stunning red structure was built in the 12th century and is an enduring image of traditional Japan.

Later, we return to the hotel, where you have a free evening to find dinner independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY10Kurashiki’s charming canals en route to Osaka

Today's journey takes us from Hiroshima to Osaka, travelling by train. We stop in Kurashiki, a charming city with a picturesque canal area dating back to the Edo Period (1603 - 1867), when the city was a rice distribution center. Today, the city's former storehouses have been made into museums, boutiques and cafés. We wander around the Bikan Historical Quarter, soaking up views of the trees arching over the tranquil canals.

Next, we stop by Korakuen Garden, a Japanese landscape garden ranked as one of the country's three best landscaped gardens. From the garden, you can see Okayama Castle, a reconstruction of the original, nicknamed 'crow castle' because of its black exterior. In the past, the garden was private, only accessible by the local feudal lord, but today, everyone can walk through the gardens, enjoying the groves of plum, cherry and maple trees.

Leaving in the afternoon, we continue by rail to Osaka, where we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11Nara Park, Dotonbori and Osaka Castle

Before Kyoto adopted the mantle in 784AD, Nara was Japan's capital. It's a beautiful and compact city that oozes history and grace, backdropped by wooded hills.

Today's journey takes us to Nara Park, where tame deer wander the landscaped grounds. Once revered as messengers of the gods, these beautiful animals now roam freely, so comfortable with human visitors that they often bow in greeting. During our tour of the park, we visit Todaji Temple to view one of the world's largest bronze statues, the Great Buddha, or 'Daibutsu'.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we wander through the streets of Dotonbori, Osaka's colourful entertainment district. Today's final excursion takes us to Osaka Castle, an iconic landmark originally built in 1583. After discovering the castle's history in the modern museum, you have a free evening to explore Osaka independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY12Exploring Kyoto’s famous temples and a zen tea ceremony

Leaving early in the morning, we take a coach to Kyoto, a historic city overflowing with the authentic beauty of old Japan.

Our guide helps us uncover its history and traditions, first by visiting Kinkaku-ji temple. The 'Golden Pavilion' temple dates from 1397 and shimmers in brilliant gold leaf on the edge of a reflecting pond, surrounded by lush forest. Our tour concludes amongst the beautiful backstreets of the Gion neighbourhood. Lined by traditional dark-wood homes, this district was historically home to kimono-wearing geishas.

Afterwards, we partake in a zen tea ceremony. Learning how to brew, serve and sip this celebrated drink also gives us a glimpse into the spirituality and culture of Japan.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY13Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari Taisha

Our second day in Kyoto begins with an experience of one of the city's natural wonders. We visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest. Stepping onto the winding path, we're surrounded by emerald green bamboo shoots soaring into the air.

After exploring the forest, we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a world-renowned shrine dedicated to the Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and famed for its thousands of red torii gates. If you're feeling energised, you can follow the loop trail through the gates to reach the scenic viewpoint at the top of Mount Inari. Look out for statues of foxes, which are revered as Inari's divine messengers.

After visiting the iconic site, your evening is free.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY14Hakone and Mount Fuji

After an early breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to the station for the bullet train to Tokyo via Hakone. Arriving at Odawara Station, we head to the Hakone Shrine.

Standing on the shores of Lake Ashi, at the foot of Mount Hakone, this shrine offers a serene and spiritual experience. With a history dating back to 757 AD, it has welcomed many devotees throughout the centuries. You're welcome to explore the site independently, admiring the well-kept gardens and iconic red gates.

After our time at the shrine, we transfer to the Owakudani Valley, an area around a crater created during Mount Hakone's last eruption roughly 3,000 years ago. On a clear day, the valley has excellent views of Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous peak, in the distance. In the late afternoon, we board a coach for the trip to our four-star skyscraper hotel in Tokyo, where you have a free evening to enjoy the hotel's luxurious facilities and restaurants or venture into the city independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY15Exploring Tokyo with an expert guide

With our English-speaking guide, we embark on a coach tour of Tokyo after breakfast, witnessing the city's contrasts. After visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, an immense skyscraper with panoramic observation decks offering stunning views of the city, we head to the famous Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa. Dating from the 7th century, it was built to honour Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. With its sweeping, tiled roof, intricately carved wood and giant red lanterns, Senso-Ji is the epitome of Japanese Buddhist architecture.

We enjoy lunch in a local Japanese tempura restaurant before heading to Shunken Bonsai Museum, where we experience a demonstration with an expert who instructs us in the art of bonsai, including how to carve, grow and change the shape of these unique trees.

From the serenity of the bonsai museum, we embrace Tokyo's contrasts with a trip to the famed Shibuya crossing, where up to 3,000 people at a time inundate the crossing from all directions. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY16Homeward bound

From Korea's ancient Silla Kingdom-era palaces and colourful markets to Japan's crimson shrines and coastal cities, this immersive journey has brought us closer to the history, culture and landscapes of these two fascinating east Asian countries. Journeying by high-speed bullet train, we discovered Korea's fascinating history, visiting the fortified Demilitarized Zone, awe-inspiring Buddhist temples and elaborate royal estates. Flying to Japan, we explored Fukuoka's coastal sights, tasted traditional oyster porridge in Miyajima and visited the moving city of Hiroshima before spending two nights in Osaka. Our journey concluded with a special zen tea ceremony in Kyoto and a Bonsai demonstration in Tokyo.

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour of Korea and Japan concludes as we travel to the airport, ready for our flight back to London.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of just 22 travellers on average.

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Hotels

New Otani Hakata, Fukuoka
New Otani Hakata, Fukuoka
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Sheraton Grand, Hiroshima
Sheraton Grand, Hiroshima
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Rihga Royal Hotel, Kyoto
Rihga Royal Hotel, Kyoto
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Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir, Seou
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir, Seou
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Commodore Hotel, Gyeongju
Commodore Hotel, Gyeongju
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Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae
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Anchored by Righa Osaka Namba, Osaka
Anchored by Righa Osaka Namba, Osaka
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Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

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Bullet train
Bullet Trains

Shinkansen refers to the dedicated high-speed Japanese rail network that provides a link to most major cities on the islands of Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. The name 'Shinkansen' is also used to refer to the trains that run on the network - which are perhaps better known to westerners as 'Bullet Trains'. Renowned for their punctuality, comfort and safety, the trains are frequent and fast, regularly running at speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h). The trains offer comfortable reclining seats and there are usually refreshment trolleys selling snacks and beverages.

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