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    Self-guided Japan & Seoul city break

    Japan, South Korea in 16 Days, 13 Nights in Destination

    Hannah, Travel Expert

    Hannah
    Travel crafter

    Visit two East Asian powerhouses in one trip, combining an independent trip through three of Japan's major cities with a stay in vibrant Seoul, South Korea.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Seoul
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Kyoto
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Mount Fuji
    4. map-pin-check-icon
      Osaka
    5. map-pin-check-icon
      Tokyo

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. Some transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Some meals

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2025

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $1,080

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. superior from + $750

    3. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    $10,019

    $6,499

    /person

    -35%

    Book with an expert:

    1 778 807 9750

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    Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    Enter into busy Tokyo, Japan to begin your journey. Get to know the city with an included bus tour, then make an excursion to view Mount Fuji. Next, fall in love with the traditions and temples of Kyoto before getting lost in modern Osaka, indulging in Japanese cuisine at every turn. Before heading home, stop in Seoul, South Korea to get a tour of the city's landmarks.

    1st Day: Canada - Night on board

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    Prepare for an unforgettable journey across Japan, exploring its natural wonders and ancient traditions! Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight* to Tokyo. Night on board.

    * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

    2nd Day: Tokyo

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    Arrive in Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. You will be met at the airport by our representative who will talk you through your itinerary, deliver your travel documents, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time and assist you with your self-transfer to the hotel. Once settled at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine. We recommend heading to one of the many food markets where you can sample lots of different dishes at bargain prices! Overnight stay in Tokyo.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    253 Reviews

    See our full selection

    3rd Day: Tokyo

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    Today, take a full-day tour of the city of Tokyo by bus including the most important sights in the city. Self-transfer to the famous 'Love' statue in Shinjuku from where the tour will depart at 7.50AM*. Drive past Harajuku shopping district and stop to visit the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. See the Imperial Palace area among other highlights before stopping in the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple Kaminari-mon Gate and the Nakamise shopping avenue. Enjoy a Matcha tasting experience and a Japanese lunch at a local Izakaya restaurant and climb the Tokyo Skytree tower, from which you will admire the infinite Tokyo skyline. In the afternoon, board a river cruise that will take you through the Tokyo Bay to the Odaiba island and end the tour back at Shinjuku. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

    Warning: Please leave your hotel with time and plan your self-transfer ahead. The bus will leave at 8AM with no exceptions. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    253 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Full day Tokyo city tour

    Light

    See more

    4th Day: Tokyo

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    On this day, come face-to-face with legendary Mount Fuji. Depart by bus at 7.45AM from the same meeting point in Shinjuku than the day before and head up to the Fuji's 5th Station. At this height, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After strolling around this area from which mountaineers start their journey to the summit, you will stop for a lunch at the Oshino Shinobu ninja-themed village. 

    After lunch break, the bus will take you to Owakudani valley, also known as "Hell Valley". Here you can see hot springs and volcanic activity and even try the famous "black eggs", boiled in the sulfur pits. From there, you will ride the Hakone ropeway down to Lake Ashi, where you will be able to get a stunning view of Fuji's silhouette whilst sailing on this pristine lake. Finally, return by bus to Shinjuku Station and overnight stay in Tokyo.

    Warning: Please leave your hotel with time and plan your self-transfer ahead. The bus will leave according to schedule with no exceptions. 

    Please note: If road conditions or unforeseen circumstances restrict the ascent to the 5th station, you will instead travel the highest elevation possible considering the circumstances. The same also applies for the cruise on Ashi Crater Lake; if conditions or circumstances prevent sailing on the lake, alternative visits and experiences will be taken to replace the activity.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    253 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour

    Moderate

    See more

    5th Day: Tokyo

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    Enjoy a day exploring Tokyo at your leisure, getting to know the shopping districts of Akihabara, known for its anime culture and camera bargains, or Shibuya, where you can see its iconic crosswalk and eclectic restaurants. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    The B Akasaka Mitsuke or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    253 Reviews

    See our full selection

    6th Day: Tokyo - Kyoto

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    Today, board a bullet train to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h! Once settled in Kyoto, we recommend exploring the emblematic neighborhood of Gion, known for its traditional architecture and admired geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    23 Reviews

    See our full selection

    7th Day: Kyoto

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    Set off this morning on a Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Bus Tour to discover the beautiful and historical ‘cultural capital’ of Japan. On this exciting excursion you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari, the most important of the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of good harvest and success, known for its emblematic red ‘gates’. Next visit the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay a visit to the Kinkakuji Temple next, known as the temple of the Golden Pavilion as the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Finally, experience the immense natural beauty of the Arashiyama bamboo forestLunch included. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    23 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Kyoto Highlights full-day bus tour

    Moderate

    See more

    8th Day: Kyoto

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    Spend today at your leisure, exploring the delights of Kyoto at your own pace. Why not discover the historic Nijo Castle or the Philosopher's Walk, a beautiful footpath along a cherry-tree-lined canal? We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to the peaceful sanctuary of Nara.* Overnight stay in Kyoto.

    * Optional Nara Excursion: Head to Nara for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide and discover Todai-Ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest wooden structures.

    Please note: The Nara tour does not operate on a daily basis and has different departure dates for each month. It could be the case that the tour operational days do not match the dates of your itinerary. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    REF Kyoto Hachijoguchi by... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    23 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Afternoon Nara Excursion

    Moderate

    See more

    9th Day: Kyoto - Osaka

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    Today, take a local train* to travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to discover this charming city. We recommend visiting the Kuromon local market and its Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.

    *The local train transfer Kyoto - Osaka does not have a fixed schedule. Passengers can exchange their ticket at any time during the transfer day and choose the departure time that best suits their plans. The local train departs from Kyoto station.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    258 Reviews

    See our full selection

    10th Day: Osaka

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    Spend the day at your own pace for a self-guided visit of Osaka. You will have at your disposal an Osaka Metro + City Bus card to discover the city's main areas. You will also have an admission ticket for the Osaka Castle, where you have the chance to learn about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight stay in Osaka.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    258 Reviews

    See our full selection

    11th Day: Osaka

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    Spend the day at your leisure exploring the cultural delights of Osaka. Get to know the local area and sample the iconic local cuisine. In fact, the street food markets of Osaka are said to be the best in the country! Overnight stay in Osaka.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Agora Place Osaka Namba or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    258 Reviews

    See our full selection

    12th Day: Osaka - Seoul

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    Today, leave behind the Land of the Rising Sun, and head to the airport ready for your flight to Seoul. Arrive at Incheon airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check in.

    Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring vibrant street markets, indulging in authentic Korean cuisine, or taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Han River. Overnight stay in Seoul.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Kukdo or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    941 Reviews

    See our full selection

    13th Day: Seoul

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your first full day out in Seoul with a guided tour of the city. Begin with a photo-stop at the Blue House, formerly home to the Presidents of South Korea and today a beautiful public park.

    Next, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty, known as the largest of the “Five Grand Palaces”. Tour through the 40-hectare grounds before continuing on to Jogyesa, a famous and historic temple located nearby.

    Stop by a Ginseng Centre to learn more about the herb, which is native to Korea and widely used to improve memory and cognition. End your tour with a drop-off at City Hall. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you please! You could try some Korean barbecue or have a drink of soju in a local restaurant. Overnight in Seoul.

    Important note: If your tour falls on a Tuesday, your stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace will be replaced by Deoksu Palace.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Kukdo or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    941 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Half-day city tour of Seoul

    Moderate

    See more

    14th Day: Seoul

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today the day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Why not explore the sights and sounds of sensational Seoul, or, to get the most out of this city, enjoy our optional excursion to the historic Demilitarized Zone*. Overnight stay in Seoul.

    *Optional DMZ excursion: discover the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop is Imjingak Park, home to memorials of the Korean War. Continue to Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMZ Theatre. Climb the Dora Observatory, which grants views across the DMZ and even into North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars!). See Dorasan Station, before returning to Seoul, with the tour ending at the city hall.

    Important note: during peak visit days, the excursion will begin at 6-7AM to avoid queues (you’ll be informed at destination). Please note that breakfast at the hotel won’t be available due to the early start. Also, it’s mandatory to take your passport with you on this excursion.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Hotel Kukdo or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    941 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    DMZ visit

    Moderate

    See more

    15th Day: Seoul - Night on board

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    Breakfast*. Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the trendy Korea. On this day, transfer to Incheon airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board. 

    *Depending on your flight departure time, you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast. 

    16th Day: Canada

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    Arrive in Canada and end your trip.

    Categories

    charm

    From $6,499

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
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    superior

    From $7,249

    • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.

    Pick a date and start customising your trip

    Learn more

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    Included activities

    Included

    Japan Welcome pack

    Included activity for day -1

    Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, individual SIM Card/s to stay connected at all times and Tokyo Subway Pass.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Included

    Japan Welcome pack

    Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, individual SIM Card/s to stay connected at all times and Tokyo Subway Pass.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Included

    Japan Welcome pack

    Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, individual SIM Card/s to stay connected at all times and Tokyo Subway Pass.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Included

    Japan Welcome pack

    Welcome pack including Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival, individual SIM Card/s to stay connected at all times and Tokyo Subway Pass.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Show more

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Afternoon Nara Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 8 in Nara

    Head to Nara and visit two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stroll through the enchanting beauty of Nara Park and discover Todai-Ji Temple.

    Duration 05:30h Approx. Pick up time: 13:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    This tour doesn't operate on a daily basis and it has different departure days every month.

    more information
    Optional

    DMZ visit

    Suggested activity for day 14 in Seoul

    Experience the oddly-named DMZ, one of the most militarised borders in the world. See Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and the DMZ Theatre.

    Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    To avoid queues on peak visit days, this tour can be moved to a very early morning departure. You will be notified in advance . Additionally, you must carry your passport with you during the whole tour.

    more information

    The price includes

    • Departures from main Canadian airports.
    • International flights: Canada - Tokyo, Seoul - Canada.
    • Internal flight: Tokyo - Seoul.
    • Tokyo Subway Pass 72h, Kyoto Bus/Subway Pass 24h, local train from Kyoto to Osaka, bus transfer Osaka - Osaka airport.
    • 13 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels*.
      more information
      See hotels included
    • 3 breakfasts.
    • Bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto**.
      more information
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Japanese SIM Card (only internet - up to 3GB)
    • Airport Meet & Greet upon arrival ***.
      more information

    Not included

    Meals, arrival airport transfer and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

    This tour doesn’t include a guide on a daily basis. It is the responsibility of each passenger to self-transfer between hotels and meeting points for activities/excursions and to / from departure points of included transfers.

    A number of Japanese cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel.

    Activities/excursions in Tokyo and Kyoto include a guide while in Osaka they are completely independent.

    * Non-smoking rooms: unfortunately, hotels in Japan have a reduced number of non-smoking rooms and we can not guarantee you will be allocated one advance. Please note: double beds in Japanese hotels are not always the standard Western size and can sometimes be less wide.

    ** You will receive the exact Tokyo - Kyoto bullet train transfer details upon your arrival to Tokyo.

    The usual departure time is between 9 and 10 AM leaving from Tokyo Station and reaching Kyoto Station around 12PM. Please arrive to Tokyo Station with enough time before departure to locate the exact platform and train you will be using. We can't guarantee specific seat requests (aisle / window, etc). 

    The local train transfer Kyoto - Osaka does not have a fixed schedule. Passengers can exchange their ticket at any time during the transfer day and choose the departure time that best suits their plans.

    *** Airport Meet & Greet: An agent will be waiting for you at the Arrivals hall of the airport, where they will deliver all necessary documents for this trip (transportation tickets, Sim card, activities information and meeting points, etc). They will talk you through your itinerary, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time and assist you with your self-transfer to the hotel.

    Whenever the Meet & Greet service can't be arranged or you can't find them at the arrival hall (due to flight delay, arrival terminal sudden change, etc), the travel documents will be sent to your hotel. The delivery can take between 1 to 2 days.

    For those passengers who book a trip without international flights through Exoticca, you will need to share your flight details with us with at least 30 days before arrival to Japan if you want to enjoy the M&G service.

  • Japan
  • South Korea
    • Entry requirements

      Valid passport with at least six months validity.

    • Visa

      No visa is required.

    • Currency

      Japanese Yen.

    • Language

      Japanese.

    • Electricity

      110 V. Adapter required.

    • Health

      There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the US and Canada.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.

    • Other useful information

      You are not expected to leave a tip.

    • Tourist Office website

      https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/en/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

    This is a semi-escorted tour, during which only some of the booked activities are carried out with a local English-speaking guide. There is no 24-hour guide on site.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 778 807 9750 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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