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)

• Hotel Description

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.

• 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.

Continue your cultural immersion with an introductory origami course led by a local artist. Learn the art of paper folding and create intricate decorations under expert guidance. Conclude the trip with newfound insights into Japanese culture. 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 greeted by your guide.

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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This morning, walk to Mipo Station (Blue Line Park) near Haeundae Beach to board a Busan Sky Capsule, an aerial rail that runs along the coast for over 2 km. Arrive at Cheongsapo Station and explore nearby areas, including Daritdol Skywalk and lighthouses. Return to Mipo Station via the Beach Train.

Next, visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan to honour fallen Korean War soldiers and understand their history. Then, head to Jagalchi Fish Market, South Korea's largest seafood market, for a seafood lunch. Afterwards, visit the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square to see the handprints and signatures of film industry celebrities. Later, transfer to the Igidae Coastal Walk, a 4.7 km trail offering views of rocky cliffs, the sea, and the Busan skyline. (B,L)

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Spend the morning at leisure until check-out at 11am or why not consider joining a cooking class to learn how to make bibimbap. Contact one of our travel specialists to add this to your itinerary.

After checkout, drive from Busan to Gyeongju, the former capital of the 8th century Silla Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, visit Gyeongju National Museum to see its vast collections of Silla dynasty artefacts and treasures. If time and energy permit, take an evening walk to Woljeong Bridge and end at Wolji Pond in Gyeongju National Park, which was part of the ancient Silla palace complex. (B)

• Hotel Description

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, visit Mangwon Market and enjoy a street food lunch. Next, head to Yeouido Hangang Park, offering views, green spaces, and recreational facilities along the Han River. Relax before boarding a sunset cruise on the Han River to enjoy scenic views of Seoul's landmarks. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Meet your guide at the hotel and start the day at Gwanghwamun Plaza to see the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Then, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395 and expanded in 1867, it is the largest and most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings. Watch the ceremonial changing of the guard at 10am. 

Next, visit the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn about Korea's transformation from an agricultural society to a modern economic powerhouse. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 restored hanoks. Explore this historic district by pedicab then enjoy a traditional lunch of Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at a local restaurant, known for its medicinal benefits.

After lunch, visit the Hanyangdoseong Wall (Seoul City Wall) near Naksan Park at Dongdaemun, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built in the 14th century to protect the city. Take a leisurely walk or hike along the wall for panoramic views of Seoul. End the day at Namsan Tower in Namsan Park. Enjoy a cable car ride to the tower, which offers stunning views over 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)