Days/Nights
15D - 14N
Reveiews
Activity level
High
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Your trip in a nutshell
Itinerary
Day - 1
Tokyo Arrival: Narita Touchdown
We land at Narita International Airport and meet our representative for a professional transfer to the hotel. After checking in, you can settle in and rest, preparing for the dynamic journey across Japan and Korea starting tomorrow.
Day - 2
Tokyo Highlights: Digital Art and Ancient Gates
We dive into the city's contrasts. We start by immersing ourselves in the sensory digital art of TeamLab Planets, wading through water and light. Next, we ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views from the 350-meter deck. Shifting to tradition, we visit the ancient Asakusa Temple and walk the bustling Nakamise shopping street. The day concludes in Ginza, the premier district for upscale dining and shopping, before we return to the hotel.
Day - 3
Hakone to Matsumoto: Ropeways and Lakes
We leave the capital for the natural wonders of Hakone. We board the Hakone Ropeway to soar over the active sulfur vents of Owakudani Valley, getting a bird's-eye view of the volcanic landscape. We then descend to cruise the calm waters of Lake Ashi, formed in an ancient caldera. After soaking in the scenery, we travel by road to the historic castle city of Matsumoto for our overnight stay.
Day - 4
The Alpine Route: Snow Walls and Dams
We embark on the spectacular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, crossing the "Roof of Japan." This journey uses various transport modes, including cable cars and trolley buses. Highlights include walking atop the massive Kurobe Dam and passing through the towering Snow Walls (seasonal snow corridors) near Tateyama Station. After crossing the mountain range, we descend to Toyama for dinner and our overnight stay.
Day - 5
Heritage Villages and Floral Lights
We visit the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses designed to withstand heavy snow. We explore this preserved village to see rural Japanese life. Later, we travel to Nagoya to visit Nabana no Sato. This botanical garden transforms into one of Japan’s most impressive illumination displays, offering a dazzling floral and light experience before we check into our hotel.
Day - 6
Nagoya to Osaka: Maglev Speed and Neon Streets
We start at the SC Maglev and Railway Park in Nagoya. Here, we examine 39 full-scale railway vehicles and simulators showcasing the evolution of Japanese rail. After lunch, we travel to Osaka. We dive into the energy of Dotonbori, walking along the canal beneath giant neon signboards and sampling the vibrant street food culture before checking into the hotel.
Day - 7
Hiroshima & Miyajima: Floating Gates and Peace
We take the Bullet Train to Hiroshima. We start by taking a ferry to Miyajima Island to admire the Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its "floating" vermilion torii gate. Returning to the city, we pay our respects at the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, standing at the hypocenter of history. We then return to the Kansai region for the night.
Day - 8
Kyoto Classics: Gold, Bamboo, and Gates
We explore the cultural heart of Kyoto, starting with Kinkakuji, the Zen temple famous for its top two floors covered in gold leaf. We then find serenity walking through the soaring green stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The day concludes at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Here, we hike through the iconic tunnel made of thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred mountain. We enjoy a local dinner before returning to the hotel.
Day - 9
Nara Culture: Kimonos and Great Buddha
We travel to Nara for a day of culture. To fully immerse ourselves, we participate in a Kimono Wearing experience, dressing in authentic Japanese attire. Dressed in tradition, we visit Todaiji Temple, a massive wooden structure housing the world's largest bronze Daibutsu (Buddha). We then transfer to the airport hotel area to prepare for our flight to Korea.
Day - 10
Busan Arrival: Media Art and Colorful Alleys
We check out and fly to Busan, South Korea. Our exploration begins at the Arte Museum, an immersive media art exhibition hall that blends light and sound. We then visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside maze of brightly painted houses and artistic alleys known as the "Santorini of the East." We check into our Busan hotel for the evening.
Day - 11
Busan Coast: Skywalks and Seaside Temples
We start at the Oryukdo Skywalk, a glass horseshoe bridge extending over the cliff for thrilling ocean views. Next, we head to Haeundae Beach to ride the scenic Sky Capsule along the coast. We conclude at Haedong Yonggungsa, a rare Buddhist temple set dramatically on the rocky coastline, before returning to the city for dinner.
Day - 12
Seoul Heritage: Hanok Villages and Royal Guards
We fly to Seoul and dive into history. We walk through the traditional alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Next, we visit Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the Changing of the Royal Guard and explore the grounds wearing traditional Hanbok attire. The evening features the energetic Nanta Show in Myeongdong, a non-verbal comedy performance set in a kitchen.
Day - 13
DMZ Border and Seoul Views
We travel to the DMZ to witness the border dividing the peninsula. We visit Imjingak Park, walk into the Third Infiltration Tunnel, and look across to North Korea from the Dora Observatory. Returning to the city, we take the Namsan Cable Car to the top of the mountain for breathtaking aerial views of the sprawling capital city before dinner.
Day - 14
Seoul Surrounds: Nature Walks and Mega Libraries
We take an excursion to Nami Island, a crescent-shaped isle famous for its picturesque tree-lined avenues and riverside walks. Returning to Seoul, we visit the COEX Mall to see the Starfield Library. This architectural marvel features towering 13-meter bookshelves and a unique open reading space, providing a striking modern contrast to our morning in nature.
Day - 15
Seoul Departure: Journey Home
We enjoy a final breakfast and check out of the hotel. A professional transfer takes you to the airport for your return flight, bringing your dual-nation journey through Japan and South Korea to a close.
Sightseeing's
