Essential Japan & South Korea

Welcome to Tokyo! Arrive into either Narita or Haneda International Airport in Tokyo and independently travel by public transport into the city centre where you will be met by your tour leader and the rest of the group at the Imano Tokyo Hostel.

Then we head out to visit the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market. We'll be there over lunchtime so be sure to try some delicious fresh sashimi before we make our way to the city's oldest Buddhist temple in the Asakusa District. At Senso-ji we'll witness worshippers make offerings to Kannon, the goddess of compassion and meander through the contemplative garden. Then we soak up the incredible views from the top of the Metropolitan Government Building before taking part in some optional activities. You can either experience one of Japan’s national obsessions (baseball, at a local batting cage) or kick back and relax with a drink – or bathe with the locals at a nearby bathhouse.

Please note: This tour begins at 10am on day 1 so we recommend arriving in Tokyo the night before your trip starts. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

This morning we enjoy a lesson in the art of sushi making from a local chef, before tasting the fruits of our labour.

This afternoon is spent wandering through Akihabara, Japan’s “electric town” and the hub for anime and manga. Take some time to geek out and visit some of the many electric shops on offer, from the branches on the main roads to the independent traders’ shops down the side streets, selling all sorts of electrical or manga goods. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or enjoy a rip-roaring optional activity - Kartoon Karting. In the evening we head to Golden Gai where we enjoy a walking tour of the street, before diving into a local bar and sampling the Japanese nightlife.

This morning finds us wandering through the gardens of the Imperial Palace, once the largest fortress in the world. Built on the ruins of the original Edo Castle site which was destroyed over the years by war, all that remains of the ancient architecture are the original moats, watch towers and entrance gates. Witness the incredible Nijubashi Bridge – two bridges that form the entrance to the Palace’s grounds.

Once we’ve finished exploring, we’ll head off to the Sumo District. Spend some time exploring the area, which is filled with stadiums, stables, and all things sumo. There's also an optional activity to meet ex-sumo wrestlers for a traditional sumo lunch of tonkatsu and chanko-nabe.

We start our day at the Meiji Shrine, an iconic location in Tokyo dedicated to the beloved Emperor Meiji – who was famed for thrusting Japan into the industrial age. It’s also importantly dedicated to his wife, the Empress Shoken. After this, we head to Harajuku – Tokyo’s number one fashion district, where you will encounter punks, goths, technicolour hair – anything goes! We spend some time exploring the bustling streets before heading to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing – Shibuya! It’s one of the most famous sights in the entire city, with millions of people crossing here every day. Spend your last afternoon in Tokyo at leisure. Relax or explore more of the city. You might want to head to Odaiba and visit Joypolis, the vast indoor amusement park, or spend some time on the waterfront.

Tokyo – Kamakura. This morning we take the train to Kamakura, a coastal city that was Japan's medieval capital. This afternoon we visit some of the city's many ancient shrines, and we hike to Kotoku-in Temple, home to a 45ft tall solid bronze buddha. The statues dates back to the 1200s and survived a colossal 1498 tsunami that washed away the building it was housed in - it has stood in the open air ever since! Fro there we hike to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine before the evening is free for you to relax with a beer and watch the sunset in one of the many beach bars.

Kamakura – Hakone. Today we travel to Hakone by train and bus. On arrival we enjoy a hike along the Old Tokaido before continuing to stunning Lake Ashi where we’ll have lunch and then board a pirate ship! From the deck of this triple-decker man-of-war you’ll cross the lake’s clear-blue waters and enjoy the spectacular views. We then take the Hakone Ropeway, an epic cable car journey to Oowakudani, a volcanic valley awash with active sulphur vents and hot springs. On a clear day you can gaze at Mount Fuji in all its glory and sample black eggs, a local delicacy coloured by the sulphuric water they’re boiled in.

We have a wonderful afternoon and evening ahead of us, starting with a visit a traditional Japanese outdoor bath – an onsen – where you can spend time soaking in the waters which are meant to have healing properties. This evening, change into your yukuta after a long bathing session, ready to learn about the art of Japanese rice wine, with a sake tasting session.

Hakone – Kyoto. This morning, it’s time to depart Hakone for the nation’s former capital city, Kyoto. However, you’ve got time to spend a couple of hours exploring the area before we head to the train station. Then we leave the mountains behind and travel by bullet train to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. We drop our luggage at the hostel and head to Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous Buddhist temples.

Later, there is free time in the Gion area of the city, known for its famous Geishas. Then you can spend the evening exploring Kyoto city centre, or return to the hostel for an evening at leisure.

This morning we visit the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine. Following the trails – lined with thousands of iconic red torii gates – leads us to a beautiful hike through the foothills and up Mount Inari. You can either choose to join us for a hike to the top, or stay a little closer to sea level and explore the local area’s street food offerings. You could also explore other attractions like the Manga Museum or the Shimogamo Shrine.

Mid afternoon we reconvene for an amazing immersive experience - a traditional calligraphy class in the city. Spend some time with your group learning the art of Japanese calligraphy, and its rich history. This evening head out into the local area to find yourself some truly delicious food – and perhaps spend an evening taking part in another of Japan’s important cultural pastimes… karaoke!

Today offers free time to relax or independently explore. We recommend visiting the temples of the Philosopher’s path, or check out the famous Manga Museum or perhaps Kiyomizudera Temple.

Kyoto – Hiroshima. Our final morning in Kyoto begins with a bicycle ride to a Zen temple where we enjoy a meditation session led by a Buddhist monk. Then we visit one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple, whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf. Take time to walk around the lake and marvel at the shimmering golden reflection of the pavilion in the waters and unwind in this calm atmosphere.

The afternoon finds us cycling through Kyoto’s Imperial Park in the heart of the city before reaching the iconic Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, before the capital and emperor were moved to Tokyo. Stroll through the grounds and admire the beautiful buildings. Later, we continue our journey west and catch the bullet train to Hiroshima. There is an optional group dinner tonight.

Journey time: Kyoto - Hiroshima (approx. 2.5 hours)

Hiroshima, the first place to be hit by one of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II. We begin our day with a stop at the Peace Memorial Museum where we uncover the devastation left behind by the world’s first atomic bomb. We’ll see the iconic A-Bomb Dome, one of the very few buildings left standing after the blast and the Children’s Peace Monument, a memorial of the children killed.

This afternoon, take a short ferry trip to Miyajima Island, famous for the giant torii gate which appears to float on water. When the tide is low the gate can be reached on foot. On arrival to the island we make our way to the centuries old Itsukushima Shrine, like the torii gate the main buildings are built over water and connected by pillars above the sea. After some free time to grab lunch, we take the Miyajima Ropeway for spectacular views of the island and back across the water. Returning to Hiroshima to spend the evening at leisure.

Hiroshima – Osaka. This morning we board the bullet train to our final destination, Osaka. On arrival we have some free time to explore the Namba or Shinsaibashi area to enjoy our fill of ramen, sushi, or yakitori. We then take a short train journey to Osaka Castle, whose original foundations were destroyed over centuries by war and natural disasters. We take some time to wander through the secondary citadels, gates, stone walls and moats before getting lost in the lush green Osaka Castle Park, which houses a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

This afternoon, after checking into our capsule hotel, we have some free time to walk around Shinsaibashi and the Dotonbori riverfront. Dive into the covered shopping arcade before walking through the neon-lit Dotonbori riverfront which offers amazing nightlife options.

Osaka - Seoul. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers as they head back to Tokyo. You’ll transfer from Osaka to Seoul, departing the hotel around noon and flying in the late afternoon to arrive in Seoul by evening. You'll navigate this leg unguided until you meet your Korea Adventure Leader the next day.

Welcome to Seoul! This morning, enjoy some free time before the welcome meeting in the afternoon. Consider exploring Namsangol Hanok Village, where you can wander through beautifully preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) and take a peaceful stroll through its charming gardens. Alternatively, you might visit the COEX Starfield Library, renowned for its vast book collection and striking architecture.

Be sure to return to the hostel by 14:00 for the welcome meeting. This session includes a briefing and an included Taekwondo class.

After the class, we head to Myeongdong by public transport for an optional group dinner. We then ride the cable car to the top of Namsan Mountain, where we can enjoy incredible views of Seoul illuminated at night. For an even better view, you may wish to head to the top of the N Seoul Tower, which is the second highest point in the city. We then return to our hostel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Today we enjoy a morning of exploring Seoul. We'll ride on the metro to the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was once the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty. Watch the Changing of the Guard here before we enter the palace grounds where you can rent traditional Korean clothes to wear.

The afternoon is free. Suggested activities are a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong Art Street or you could rent bicycles for a cycle along the Han River.

Today we enjoy an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone, which is a 2.5 mile wide buffer zone between the hostile states of North and South Korea. Our bus journey to the DMZ takes around three hours and we stop at Dorasan Station en route. The train station was built with the intention of connecting the two Koreas, in times when relations were better.

Arriving at the DMZ, we visit the Dora Observatory where you can peek into reclusive North Korea and perhaps catch a glimpse of some North Korean villagers in the streets. We then descend into the Third Tunnel of Aggression, which was built by the North as a means of infiltrating South Korea.

After our visit to the DMZ, we board the bus to return to Seoul. We'll be joined onboard by a North Korean defector. You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to speak with someone who has experienced life in the closed off country of North Korea. Arriving back in Seoul, the rest of the day is at leisure and there is an included K-pop dance class for those who wish to join.

Seoul - Sokcho. This morning we head out of Seoul to Sokcho, in the north east of the country. Arriving in Seoraksan National Park, there are several options for exploring. You can visit Sinheungsa Temple or hike up to Ulsanbawi Rock for incredible views over the national park. You can also pay to ride the Seoraksan Cable Car or explore some of the local cave networks - the choice is yours!

After exploring the national park, we take the bus to Sokcho town and cross the river by cable-pulley boat to Abai, a small village of North Korean refugees. Explore the historic village and climb to the Lighthouse Observatory for amazing views of the surrounding area. There's an optional dinner at the Manseok fish market and some traditional liquor tasting (the drinking age in Korea is 19).

Sokcho - Gyeongju. Say goodbye to Sokcho as we travel to the city of Gyeongju, stopping en route at the popular BTS Bus Stop on the beach. This bus stop was on the album cover for "You Never Walk Alone", an album by the band. BTS are South Korea's most famous boyband, their music now popular around the world. Upon arrival in Gyeongju, transfer to Golgulsa Temple, where you’ll experience an overnight temple stay.

Upon arrival, start the afternoon’s activities with a meditation class. Afterwards, try out the traditional arts Sunmudo and take part in the evening chanting service before sitting down to enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice, and fruit with the other temple visitors.

Join the morning chanting service and meditation, then enjoy a traditional breakfast. Afterward, meet a Buddhist monk for a relaxed tea chat and practice your Sunmudo skills before heading back to Gyeongju.

In the morning, explore on your own—consider visiting Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Site, trying out a local tea house, checking out Gyeongju Museum, or wandering through the Old Town.

This afternoon, embark on a bicycle tour of Gyeongju. Ride to highlights like the Cheonmachong Silla tomb in Tumuli Park and Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia.

In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a traditional set meal in a hanok at your own expense or capture the stunning night views at Anapji Pond.

Gyeongju - Busan. This morning, board the bus to Gyeongju station and make our way by high-speed train to Busan.

On arrival, check-in to our accommodation and enjoy an included visit to Gamcheon Village, known for its colourful houses and murals. We also ride the Songdo Marine Cable Car over the city, and visit BIFF Square - South Korea's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame! Spend your first night in bustling Busan at leisure - perhaps head to the Haeundae beachfront to make the most of the city's thriving nightlife.

This morning we visit the Buddhist Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which is nestled amongst the cliffs on the coast and dates back to the year 1376.

There is time in the afternoon to further explore at leisure. You could visit Spa Land in Centum City, one of Busan's largest shopping complexes. Here you can enjoy a bathe in a jjimjiibang bathhouse and relax in a steamy sauna. In the evening, take the metro to Gwangan Beach for dinner, and enjoy the optional Gwangan Bridge light show after dark.

Busan - Jeju. Today is free to relax or further explore Busan as you please. Optional activities available include a Korean cooking class, a visit to the observatory of the second-tallest building in Korea or a hike along the scenic Igidae Coastal Walk.

This afternoon we transfer to the airport and fly to Jeju, the small volcanic island dominated by the towering volcano of Hallasan. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

This morning, we depart for a day trip to Jeongbang Waterfall, which flows directly into the ocean. From this incredible natural wonder, we enjoy a trek along the Jeju Olle Trail, which winds through incredible scenery of volcanic cliffs and bright yellow fields of canola. See the towering column of Oedolgae Rock, which emerges dramatically from the waves.

Afterwards, head to Seongsan Ilchulbong, better known as Sunrise Peak. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cylindrical hill was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions and is Jeju's most famous landmark. After lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the area at leisure. Consider visiting Olle Maeil Market, walking around Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge and perhaps enjoy sunset drinks at The Cliff.

We spend our final full day in South Korea exploring Jeju further with a yacht sailing tour. The rest of the day is free - perhaps visit Jungmun Beach or Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

To celebrate our final evening, there's an included BBQ party on the beach tonight. Relax and enjoy delicious food as we watch the sun go down.

Today our South Korean adventure comes to an end. We can book an optional flight back to Seoul for you, in which case there is an included group transfer to the airport. If you make your own arrangements, then the transfer is not included.