This tour starts in South Korea’s capital Seoul where we will have 3 days to explore this vibrant city’s highlights. By day you can visit the city’s 5 Palaces and witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, wander the alleys of the 600 year old Bukchon Hanok Village and explore the trails of Bukhansan National Park. By night you can feast on a traditional Korean BBQ, indulge in a few cocktails unique to Korea and then head to the bright lights of Gangnam where you will find the country’s best nightclubs!

From Seoul we will also take a half day trip to the DMZ where you can enjoy a view over North Korea from the viewing platform in South Korea.

A few hours away on the east coast we reach the waterfront city of Sokcho which is well-known for its fresh seafood restaurants. From here you also have a full day to explore the iconic Seoraksan National Park, probably the most beautiful park on the Korean peninsula, not only famous for its awesome peaks but also for its 2 stately Buddhist temples.

Travelling south we reach the historic town of Gyeongju known locally as ‘the museum without walls’. Here we have 2 full days to explore a Korean gem packed with traditional architecture, tombs, temples, rock carvings and crumbling palaces.

Our final destination is Busan, a bustling port city home to the country’s largest seafood market, scenic coastal walkways, magnificent inner-city temples and the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village.

From Busan we now take a ferry to Japan.

We arrive in Japan by ferry from South Korea and our first couple of nights are spent in Fukuoka, a welcoming city boasting the 234m tall Fukuoka Tower, Buddhist temples, castle ruins and art galleries, but the absolute must-do here is to enjoy a meal at one of the city’s ramen (noodle) restaurants for a taste sensation like no other!

We continue to Hiroshima, the target of the world’s first atomic bomb. Far from being a depressing place, present-day Hiroshima is a vibrant city and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum will definitely move you with its powerful message of peace.

Osaka is a modern city of dazzling neon billboards, craft beer pubs, sushi restaurants and izakayas (informal pub eateries) but for a step back in time we also visit the nearby ancient town of Nara, Japan’s first capital crammed full of Buddhist temples, shrines and museums with the highlight being the awe-inspiring Daibutsu, an 8th century statue of the Great Buddha made from 437 tonnes of bronze and 130 kg of gold!

Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan, home to great masterpieces of religious architecture where robed monks still wander through Zen gardens and prayer chants float through air heavy with incense. Take the time to visit a traditional teahouse, wander the historic streets filled with artisans stores and be sure to try the delicate tempura as this is a town of culture and cuisine.

Takayama is a delightful 17th century town perched high in the Japanese Alps best explored on foot to appreciate the fine wooden architecture and friendly feel of the centre. The nearby Hida Folk Village is worth a few hours to see what rural Japanese life was like centuries ago and a drink at the atmospheric Desolation Row rock bar is a good way to end the day.

Matsumoto is a cosmopolitan town with great views of the Alps and pretty streets filled with cafes and galleries but the highlight here is Matsumoto-jo, Japan’s oldest wooden castle dating back to 1595. The castle is a designated National Treasure so be sure to visit and climb the steep stairs all the way up to the top floor for great views of the surrounding area.

Yudanaka Onsen is a hot spring resort which we visit not only to soak ourselves in these natural pools but also to visit the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park where you have the chance to see the wild Japanese Snow Monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

Our final destination on this tour is Tokyo where we base ourselves in the dazzling Shinjuku district, the nightlife hub of the city famous for bizarre robot restaurants, giant Godzilla statues, fantastic cosplay parks and all-night karaoke parlours. This is also a good place to take an optional day trip to Mt Fuji. 

The Golden Gai labyrinth of rickety wooden bars is a perfect place for us to have our farewell night and say goodbye to our fellow adventurers who have travelled with us through South Korea and Japan!

This tour ends in Tokyo after breakfast on the final morning of the trip so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

Before this tour starts we visit North Korea so if you would like to extend your tour to include North Korea please feel free to contact us as we are happy to create a bespoke itinerary and price for you

If you can’t do the whole tour it may be possible to book a shorter section of your choice. Please get in touch and if this option is available we will be happy to work out a bespoke itinerary and reduced price for you.