Japan & South Korea in 17 Days
Wonders of Nippon & Seoul
James
Travel crafter
The perfect trip for those who want to explore Japan's major cities and the South Korean capital of Seoul independently but with all basic services and some tours included.
- Free Cancellation
- Flexible Booking
- COVID-19 Protection included
- Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected
Itinerary
Uncover the architecture, ancient customs and gastronomic excellence of Japan. Get to know the neighborhoods of Asakusa, Shibuya and Shinjuku in Tokyo and indulge in the delicious flavors of Japanese cuisine. Fall in love with the traditions of Kyoto, get lost in modern Osaka and discover the dynamic metropolis of Seoul and its fusion of modernity and tradition in South Korea.
17 days trip including flights*
15 days and 14 nights in destination
1
LON - TYO
2
LON - TYO
Tokyo
3
Tokyo
4
Tokyo
5
Tokyo
6
Kyoto
7
Kyoto
8
Kyoto
9
Osaka
10
Osaka
11
Osaka
12
KIX-ICN
Seoul
13
Seoul
14
Seoul
15
Seoul
16
SEL - LON
17
SEL - LON
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey across Japan and South Korea, exploring the natural wonders and vibrant cities of these incredible destinations! Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight* to Tokyo.
* 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.
Arrive in Tokyo and self-transfer to the hotel. Tokyo is a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. 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 for bargain prices! Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Today, take a half-day city tour of Tokyo including the most important sights in the city. Begin at the famous 'Love' statue in Shinjuku and drive past Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. See the National Diet Building and the Imperial Palace 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. End the tour at Tokyo Station. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Spend the day exploring Tokyo's fascinating cityscape at your leisure. Why not stroll through the leafy Korakuen Garden or soak up the atmosphere of non-stop Harajuku? We recommend an optional excursion to Mount Fuji, an unmissable icon of Japan!* Overnight stay in Tokyo.
* Optional Mount Fuji Excursion: Come face-to-face with legendary Mount Fuji. Head up to the 5th Station, stopping at the market and viewing area of Michi no Eki Subashiri. At this height, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After lunch at Mount Fuji View Restaurant, visit Ashi Crater Lake and admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji whilst sailing on the lake. Afterwards, head to Hakone to enjoy the views from the Ropeway and be amazed by the volcanic Owaku-Dani Valley. Return to Tokyo with the option of ending the excursion at Odawara station.
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.
Enjoy a day exploring Tokyo at your leisure, getting to know the shopping districts, discovering new parts of the city or simply soaking up the culture and sampling Japanese cuisine. If you fancy a little more sightseeing, we recommend an exciting full-day Excursion to Nikko.* Overnight stay in Tokyo.
* Optional Full-Day Excursion to Nikko: Discover the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Nikko, including the UNESCO protected Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Learn about the rich history of this charming city and enjoy an included traditional Japanese lunch. Bus transfers to and from Nikko are included.
Today, travel by bus to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. Once settled at your hotel, we recommend visiting Mount Hiei and its main temple in the Buddhist school of Tendaishū or exploring Pontocho, an emblematic neighbourhood known for its traditional architecture and geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Set off this morning on an exciting half-day Kyoto tour to discover the historical district of Sagano. Ride the Sagano Romantic Train (trolley train), take a relaxing stroll through the enchanting Sagano bamboo grove and pay a visit to Arashiyama's Tenryuji Temple, admiring its beautiful statues and pagodas. The remainder of the day is free to explore the delights of Kyoto at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Spend today at your leisure, getting to know Kyoto at your own pace. Perhaps explore the iconic Bamboo Forest, the perfect backdrop for budding photographers, or walk through the tranquil Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to the peaceful sanctuary of Nara.* Overnight stay in Kyoto.
* Optional Nara Excursion: Head to Nara on the Kintetsu Express Train, 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.
Today, catch a local train and travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, head to the hotel and get settled before spending the rest of the day exploring this exciting city at your leisure. We recommend visiting the bustling Kuromon Market to get a sense of Osaka's bustling foodie scene or heading to the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory, for unforgettable panoramic views of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Osaka. Make use of your included Osaka Metro + City Bus card to explore the city at your own pace, and enjoy your admission ticket to the Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory. Soak up spectacular views from the highest building in Japan where you can take in the dramatic scenery of Osaka by day or night. Don't forget to use your included ticket to Osaka Castle, where you have the chance to learn about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. This castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Spend the day at your leisure. exploring the cultural delights of Osaka. Explore the modern skyline, discover the city's museums or dine on hearty street food. In fact, Osaka is known as the 'Nations Kitchen' and boasts some of the best food in Japan! The district of Dotonbori is the go-to place to experience street food culture in the city! Overnight stay in Osaka
It's time to continue your adventure as you self-transfer to the airport for a flight to Seoul.* Touch down in Seoul, South Korea's capital and a metropolis of futuristic skyscrapers, pop culture, Buddhist temples and non-stop action. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps take some time to relax after your journey, head out into the city to treat yourself on the busy shopping boulevards or soak up some local culture at one of the city's historic monuments. Either way, Seoul's vibrant atmosphere is simply unforgettable! Overnight stay in Seoul.
* 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.
Start the day waking for the first time in the South Korean capital, feel free to spend the day at your leisure, sightseeing at your own pace. Some of the most important sights to visit in Seoul include the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, 600-year-old Bukchon Hanok Village and the lively shopping street of Myeong-dong. A city of contrasts, in Seoul the ultra-modern rubs shoulder with the ancient to create an urban environment like no other! We recommend an optional excursion to Nami Island & Petit France to visit two of Seoul's most popular attractions.* Overnight stay in Seoul.
* Optional Nami Island & Petite France Excursion: Explore outside the capital today as you head to the pick-up point and depart to Petite France, a French-inspired theme park situated in Gapyeong County. This charming, yet quirky attraction, is bursting with photo opportunities as you explore the surprisingly convincing French-style village and its many attractions. Next, continue to world-famous Nami Island, a half-moon river island in Chucheon famed for its beautiful trees and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy strolling among the natural landscapes and, depending on the time of year, admire the beautiful spring or fall foliage! Return to Seoul and end the tour at Myeongdong Station.
Another day at your leisure to explore the sights and sounds of sensational Seoul. If you haven't already, be sure to sample the street food on offer at Gwangjang Market, one of the largest and oldest street food markets in the city. For fantastic views of the city, we recommend paying a visit to Namsan Seoul Tower, especially at sunset! Alternatively, why not take an optional excursion to the historic DMZ for an insight into Korean history and the impact of past events on modern South Korea.* Overnight stay in Seoul.
* Optional DMZ Excursion: Head to the pick-up point to depart on an exciting trip to the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop of the day is Imjingak Pavillion home to many monuments and memorials to do with the Korean War. After a film presentation, continue to the Dora Observatory, which grants views across the DMZ and even into North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars!). See Dorasan Station, which once served both North and South Korea and pass by Imjingak Park before spending some time at Paju Shopping Outlet. Return to Seoul, with the tour ending at Myeongdong Station. Please note: you must take your passport with you on this excursion.
Spend your final full day in Seoul on a fascinating city tour to uncover the most important historical and cultural sights in the capital. After pick-up at the hotel lobby, the first stop of the day is the historic, and simply beautiful, Gyeonbok Palace to see the impressive changing of the guard ceremony. Next, delve deeper into Korean history at Bukchon Hanok Village, a relic of yesteryear, complete with traditional buildings and charms! Enjoy some free time to shop for eternally popular Korean beauty and health products before continuing to Namasangol Hanok Village, nestled in the picturesque Namsan Valley. Here, you can learn all about Joseon-era history and the everyday lives of the people that lived during this time. On the way back to the city, enjoy a photo stop at Namsan Tower before being dropped off at Myeongdong Station to spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Seoul.
At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland.
Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.
Included activities
Included activity for day 3
Half-Day Tokyo Morning Tour
Visit 'Love' statue in Shinjuku and drive past Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. See the National Diet Building and the Imperial Palace and the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa. Includes English guide.
Included activity for day 7
Kyoto Arashiyama Morning Tour with Sagano Romantic Train Ride
Discover the beautiful and historical district of Sagano, ride the Sagano Romantic Trolley Train, take a walk through the enchanting Sagano bamboo grove and visit Arashiyama's Tenryuji Temple.
Included activity for day 10
Osaka One Day Pass
Enjoy a self-tour of the city with admission to Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory and Osaka Castle. Includes Osaka Metro + City Bus Card.
Included activity for day 13
Seoul City Tour
Visit Gyeonbok Palace to see the changing of the guard ceremony. Next, explore Bukchon Hanok Village, complete with traditional buildings! Explore Namasangol Hanok Village to learn all about Joseon-era history and enjoy a photo stop at Namsan Tower.
Available Activities
If you have reduced mobility you can request assistance for these activities by speaking to one of our experts
Suggested activity for day 4
Mt.Fuji Excursion & Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour
Full-day tour to Mount Fuji and the surrounding sights by bus. Lunch included.
Suggested activity for day 5
Full-Day Excursion to Nikko
Discover the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Nikko, including the UNESCO protected Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Bus transfers and traditional Japanese lunch included.
Suggested activity for day 8
Afternoon Nara Excursion
Head to Nara on the Kintetsu Express Train, for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park and discover Todai-Ji Temple. Return train travel included.
Suggested activity for day 13
Nami Island & Petite France Excursion
Depart to Petite France, a theme park situated in Gapyeong County. Explore the surprisingly convincing French-style village and its many attractions. Continue to Nami Island, a half-moon river island famed for its beautiful trees and tranquil atmosphere.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Tokyo, Osaka - Seoul, Seoul - UK/Ireland.
- 72hr Tokyo Subway Pass, 48hr Kyoto Bus/Subway Pass and local train from Kyoto to Osaka.
- 14 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels. *more informationSee hotels included
- Japan: Bus from Tokyo to Kyoto. South Korea: All transfers included by mini-van. **more information
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Seoul City Tour
- ATOL protection.
- English-speaking guide for part of the trip
Not included
Drinks, tips* and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
A number of Japanese cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel.
* In South Korea, a mandatory tip of $5USD per person, per day for the guide and driver must be paid directly at the destination.
* Accommodation in Japan: Unfortunately, hotels in Japan have a reduced number of non-smoking rooms and we can not guarantee you will be allocated one advance. Double beds in Japanese hotels are not always the standard European size and can sometimes be less wide.
** Transfers in Japan: You can upgrade your trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by booking the amazing Nozomi bullet train in the next step of the booking process.
South Korea: In the event that only 2 or 3 people are booked on this tour, public transport may be used where applicable.
It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
You will have the option to purchase a Japanese SIM card for your trip in the next step of the booking process.
- Entry requirementsValid passport with at least six months validity.
- VisaNo visa is required.
- CurrencyJapanese Yen.
- LanguageJapanese.
- Electricity110 V. Adapter required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.
- Time zoneUTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.
- Other useful informationYou are not expected to leave a tip.
- Tourist Office websitehttps://us.jnto.go.jp/
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 private tour, during which the booked excursions/visits unless otherwise stated, are carried out with a local English-speaking guide. There is no 24-hour guide on site.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
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