Classic Japan and Korea

Upon arrival at Tokyo’s airport, our representative will assist you in arranging transportation into the city, whether it's boarding the right train or selecting the correct shuttle bus. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Tokyo at your leisure.

• Hotel Description

Meet the guide at the hotel for a visit to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s historic Shinto shrine. Pass through the torii gates into the forested shrine grounds. Witness a Shinto wedding or enjoy the lush scenery. Next, explore Harajuku and Omotesando. Harajuku is known for quirky street fashion and eclectic shops, while Omotesando features upscale, sophisticated boutiques.

After lunch, take public transport to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden. End the day in Asakusa, home to Senso-ji, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple. Explore Nakamise Street's market with traditional snacks and souvenirs. Return to the hotel with the guide or continue exploring independently. (B,L)

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Today is a self-guided day.

From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Kanazawa, a town known for both classical and contemporary arts, including Kaga-Yuzen silk dyeing and gold-leaf production. For lunch, visit Omicho Market, famous for its fresh seafood and sushi.

Then start your exploration with Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, featuring the oldest water fountain in Japan, wooden teahouses, and a historic villa. Next, visit Kanazawa Castle, accessible through the Ishikawa-mon Gate, with a reconstructed central fortification showcasing castle architecture and samurai warfare. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today is a self-guided day.

In the morning, take the bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer," reflecting the steep thatched roofs of the farmhouses. These roofs, built without nails, are designed to withstand heavy snowfall. While most of these houses are private residences, some, like Wada House, once belonging to the affluent Wada Family, are open to the public in Ogimachi village.

Return to Kanazawa in the afternoon for leisure time. Consider joining the Flavours of Kanazawa Food Tour in the evening to sample fresh local seafood paired with premium sake guided by a local expert. Contact our travel specialists to arrange this experience. (B)

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Today's destination is Kyoto, renowned as Japan's cultural capital, boasting 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the afternoon, delve into Japanese culture with a half-day trip in Kyoto. Begin by visiting a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse typical of Kyoto. Explore the meticulously restored house, discovering its architectural features and historical significance. Next, don a kimono, the iconic Japanese garment, before meeting a local tea master for a traditional tea ceremony. Observe as the master prepares and serves tea with precise movements infused with spiritual and ritualistic significance. Savour a cup of bitter tea accompanied by traditional sweets.

Return to the hotel or explore Kyoto's charming streets further. (B)

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Today's tour begins at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, known for its lavish decoration and thousands of orange torii gates. Next, take a train to Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple housing 1001 golden Buddhist statues in the world’s longest wooden building. Then, visit Nishiki Market, also called “Kyoto’s kitchen,” featuring a variety of traditional foods and crafts. After snacking, have lunch at a nearby restaurant, with suggestions based on dietary preferences.

The tour continues at Nijo Castle, an ornate palace with unique “chirping nightingale” floors. Finally, visit Nanzenji Zen Temple to see its famous Zen rock garden. The tour ends with the option to explore Kyoto independently. (B,L)

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The rest of the day is free until the transfer to Kansai International Airport for a flight to Busan. Upon arrival at Busan International Airport, you will be met by your guide to start a tour of Busan.

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is known for its beaches, mountains, temples, and seafood. Start with a visit to the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, famous for its tightly-packed hillside houses originally settled by Korean War refugees. Then, transfer to the hotel for check-in and have the rest of the day free. (B)

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Begin the day at Cheongsapo Daritdol Skywalk, a glass-floored platform extending over the sea, offering wide views along Busan’s rugged coastline and its small fishing harbour. Nearby, the red and white lighthouses mark the entrance to the port, a reminder of the area’s long maritime tradition. Continue to Cheongsapo Station to board the Busan Sky Capsule, a small aerial carriage that glides slowly above the shoreline. The route follows the coast, revealing sweeping sea views and the dramatic outline of Busan’s beaches.

Later, visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, the world's only UN cemetery. It honours the soldiers from sixteen countries who lost their lives during the Korean War and offers a quiet space for reflection. Continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Korea, where stalls overflow with fresh catch from the surrounding seas. After lunch here, stroll through BIFF Square before heading to Gwangalli Beach for views of the striking Gwangan Bridge. End the day with a coastal walk on Dongbaekseom Island, where forest paths open to views of cliffs, ocean and the Haeundae skyline. (B,L)

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Leave Busan this morning and travel to a local cooking studio for a hands-on introduction to one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. Bibimbap may look simple, but it reflects the core principles of Korean cuisine: balance, colour and nutrition. Under the guidance of a chef, learn how each ingredient is prepared, seasoned and arranged to create both harmony of flavour and visual appeal. Assemble your own bowl, layering vegetables, rice and sauces before enjoying the dish you have prepared. Each guest receives a recipe card so the experience can be recreated at home.

In the afternoon, travel inland to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years and often called “the museum without walls.” Begin at the Gyeongju National Museum, where royal crowns, ceramics and ancient relics bring the story of this powerful dynasty to life. Continue to Wolji Pond, once part of a royal palace complex, before crossing the elegant Woljeong Bridge. As evening falls, settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed night in this historic city. (B,L)

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Today, explore the Daereungwon tomb complex, known as Tumuli Park, to pay respects to the Silla rulers. Visit the Cheonmachong Tomb, which houses a wooden coffin in an underground chamber, and see the Cheomseongdae observatory and Family Choi’s House, dating back to the 1600s.

In the afternoon, head to Golgulsa Temple for a unique temple experience. Participate in temple activities such as archery and meditation, and learn about Sunmudo, a traditional Korean form of moving meditation. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner before returning to your hotel. (Note: Sunmudo demonstrations not available on Mondays and Tuesdays). (B,D)

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After checkout, transfer to Gyeongju station and board a high-speed train to Seoul. Upon arrival in Seoul, meet your guide and head to Sungnyemun Gate, a historic city gate that has welcomed travellers for centuries. From here, explore Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul’s oldest markets, where bustling stalls showcase fresh produce, street food, and traditional crafts. Enjoy a casual street food lunch and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, wander through Myeongdong, a vibrant district full of trendy shops, cosmetics stores, and local cafés. Later, visit Yeouido Hangang Park, a green space along the Han River, perfect for a relaxed stroll or to enjoy the river views. End the day with a join-in sunset cruise along the Han River, gliding past Seoul’s illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks before returning to the hotel for a night at leisure. (B,L)

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Start the day with a visit to Namsan Mountain, ascending by cable car to Namsan Tower. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over Seoul’s cityscape, blending modern skyscrapers with historic districts. At the summit, take in panoramic vistas stretching across the Han River and surrounding mountains, offering a unique perspective on Korea’s capital.

Then have lunch at a local restaurant with Samgyetang, a traditional ginseng chicken soup renowned for its restorative qualities. In the afternoon, explore Gwanghwamun Plaza, home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, before passing through Gwanghwamun Gate to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. With 330 buildings and centuries of royal history, the palace is a striking example of Joseon Dynasty architecture. Witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, then continue to Bukchon Hanok Village to stroll among over 900 restored traditional houses. End the day with a walk along the Seoul City Wall near Naksan Park, enjoying sunset views across the city. (B,L)

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Early this morning, join a shared transfer to meet your guide for a tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Explore the DMZ, a historic and intriguing border barrier between South and North Korea. Visit sites like Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and the Dora Observatory.

Return to Seoul and be dropped off at City Hall. Your guide can provide instructions for returning to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

• Hotel Description

After check out, you’ll be transferred to Incheon Airport for your onward flight. (B)