20 Day Magnificent Japan & South Korea

Welcome to Seoul, the magnificent capital of South Korea. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to relax after your flight.

PLEASE NOTE - Some flights may depart the night before, arriving in the morning on Day 1. You will be able to leave your luggage at the hotel until checkin, allowing you to start exploring this amazing city straight away.

Today we will set out on a city sightseeing tour with our guide. Seoul is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. We will begin at the N Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower, built in 1969. It is located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul and operates as a communication and observation tower. At 236 metres, it marks the second highest point in Seoul. Next we will be visiting Namsangol Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village set in the foothills of Namsan Mountain that features Korean houses and pavilions, as well as a beautiful small pond. Walking through this quaint village is like walking back through time. From here our guide will take us to Gyeongbokgung Palace where we will witness the Changing Guard Ceremony. Built in 1395, this was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Next we will be visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, a picture-perfect historic village dating back almost 600 years. Following this we will take a stroll down Insadong Antique Street, a street that has been selling furniture since the '60's when U.S. soldiers sold their pieces before returning home. Our city tour will come to an end at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5000 shops.

Today we depart Seoul and head to the city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the 1,000-year-long Silla dynasty, and known for its extensive historical remains. Upon arrival we will tour Yangdong Folk Village with our guide. This is Korea’s largest traditional village, showcasing the intriguing culture of the Joseon Dynasty and the beautiful natural surroundings. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following this we will head to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly even the world. Cheomseongdae means ‘star-gazing tower’ in Korean. From here our guide will take us to the Daereungwon Royal Tomb. Excavated in 1973, this ancient burial tomb of an unknown king contained 11,000+ artifacts. Our final stop today is Anapji Pond, a stunning artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park. It was constructed in 674 CE as part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.

We depart Gyeongju this morning after breakfast and begin our drive towards Busan. En route, we will be making a stop at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Together, Bulguksa Temple, built in 774, and the Seokguram Grotto form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance. Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto is an artificial grotto constructed of granite that comprises an antechamber, a corridor and a main rotunda. It also contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking out towards the sea. After our tour here, we will continue on to Busan, a large port city known for its gorgeous beaches, sloping mountains and ancient temples. Upon arrival we will head to Ibagu-gil, or Story Road. Located near Busan Station, Ibagu-gil street was formed at the top of a hill after people started building houses back in the poor period. The night scene is especially beautiful here, as the lights from every house twinkle and gleam as the surrounding area gets darker.

After breakfast this morning we will be visiting the iconic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of the city. This temple complex was built in 1376 and is one of the few in Korea to be set on the seaside, offering stunning vistas over the ocean. Following a tour here we will head to the colourful and interesting Gamcheon Culture Village. This village is built right into the mountainside and is known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and brightly painted houses. After a lovely stroll through this picturesque historical area, we will continue on to Gukje and Jagalchi Market, world famous for fresh fish and seafood to take away or eat at the informal stalls. Upon completion of our tour, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Today we depart Busan and head back to the capital, Seoul. Here you will have a free day to spend exploring the city at your leisure, visiting any sights that you may have previously missed. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations.

Today, fly from Seoul to Osaka, to begin your Japanese adventure. Upon arrival the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Prepare for a full day of touring today. You'll meet with your English-speaking guide in the morning before heading out to explore the city. We'll begin at the stunning Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.

After exploring the castle and its extensive grounds, we'll move on to something much more modern – the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory, which provides an unparalleled view over Osaka. The viewing platform is suspended between two 40-storey towers, 173m above the city's streets.

Next we'll enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area, one of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations running parallel to the Dōtonbori canal, and a place that's packed with shops, bars, street food and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.

We'll finish our tour at one of Osaka’s most famous districts – the nostalgic Shinsekai, which translates to 'New World'. The district was created in the early 1900s and modelled on the cities of Paris and New York. After our guided tour we'll return to the hotel where you can spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Today is a free day to explore the wonders of Osaka. Osaka is known for its modern architecture, lively nightlife and hearty street food and has no end of extraordinary sights and activities. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations.

To enhance your journey, we're offering 2 free Inspiring Sights experiences throughout the duration of your tour, from a total of 5 options.

This morning we say farewell to Osaka as we continue on our journey towards the City of Ten Thousand Shrines, Kyoto. Considered by many to be the Jewel in the country's crown, and one of the only cities in the country to escape destruction during the war, many of this former imperial capital's relics have remained intact.

Upon arrival we'll begin a guided tour of the city at the breathtaking Nijō Castle. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era; as such the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

From here we'll travel to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.

Next we will explore the Ryōan-ji, the site of Japan's most famous rock garden finishing our tour at Arashiyama. Here we will see the famous bamboo forest, a nationally designated historic site and a place of serene beauty. Following this, the rest of the afternoon will be yours to spend at leisure.

To enhance your journey, we're offering 2 free Inspiring Sights experiences throughout the duration of your tour, from a total of 5 options.

Today we begin at the magical Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (shrine gates), which straddle a network of trails behind its main temples, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is incredibly photogenic. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233m and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.

Next we'll set out with our guide towards Nara, a city with significant temples and artwork dating to the eighth century, when it was Japan’s capital. Here we'll wander through Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely. According to the Shinto religion these animals are messengers of the gods.

Later we'll visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. This impressive building houses a 15m-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.

We'll finish our tour today at the Grand Shrine of Kasuga. This eighth-century Shinto shrine is renowned for its many lanterns: the pathway to the shrines are lined with 2000-plus stone lanterns, or ishidoro, while the shrines and gates themselves are adorned with more than a thousand lanters made from bronze.

Upon completion of our guided tour of Nara, we will return to our hotel in Kyoto.

Prepare an overnight bag this morning, as your larger luggage will be transported ahead of you, to arrive in Takayama in two days' time.

We'll meet our guide after check-out, who will walk with us to the Kyoto station. Here we'll board the Thunderbird train to Kanazawa station. Upon arrival this afternoon we'll enjoy a guided tour of Kanazawa, one of the few cities in Japan to escape destruction by air raids. As such, parts of the old castle town – including the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts – have survived.

Next we'll visit Nomura Samurai House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The intriguing house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the samurai, or military nobility, during the 16-19th centuries. The residence features beautiful architecture, gardens and décor, such as intricately painted screen doors.

Later we'll tour Kanazawa Castle Park, an absolutely stunning open space in the middle of the city and a favourite stop for many, the sprawling leafy grounds backed by a partially restored white and black castle.

We'll end our guided tour at the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden – one of the most beautiful in Japan. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.

Today is yours to explore Kanazawa on your own. Perhaps pick up some regional handicrafts at one of the city's shops, roam the streets of Kanazawa's well-preserved Edo-era districts, visit its many art galleries and museums, or simply relax. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations.

This morning we leave Kanazawa and travel towards our next destination, Takayama. Along the way we'll stop in Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 'Gassho-style' houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. From the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of this unique village, its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery. Following this we will transfer to Kanazawa to rest for the evening.

After our visit here we'll continue on to the Edo-period city of Takayama. Upon arrival we'll visit the Takayama Jinya, the former government house of Takayama. Once upon a time there were more than 60 similar buildings around Japan, but this is the only one left standing today.

Next we'll visit Kamisannomachi Street in the city's Old Town; a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are several quaint cafés and a number of old saké breweries to explore.

Today we begin our journey towards Hakone, making stops at some of Japan’s most iconic destinations along the way. Before you depart the hotel, be sure to pack an overnight bag again, as your larger luggage will be sent ahead of you and be waiting upon arrival at your hotel in Tokyo. As the bullet train cannot accommodatae larger luggage, this is the most convenient option for the group.

First we arrive in Matsumoto, where we will enjoy a guided tour of this mountain city, which includes a visit to Matsumoto Castle. Also known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its dramatic black exterior, this building, completed in the 1500s, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

After enjoying a break for lunch, we continue on to the Mount Fuji 5th station, which is halfway up the active volcano. At 3,776m high Mount Fuji is the country’s tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan’s three holy mountains. Here, above the clouds, we'll view the mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits.

Later this afternoon we'll arrive in Hakone and enjoy a kaiseki dinner at the hotel – this is a traditional, multi-course meal that is meticulously prepared and typically demonstrates numerous cooking techniques. You can also enjoy a private onsen (hot spring) experience on your balcony as part of your Inspiring Stay.

Today begins with a comprehensive guided tour of Hakone – a mountainous town that lies within Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is known for its hot springs and mesmerising views of Mount Fuji. Our tour will begin at Hakone Shrine, famous for its torii that sits in the waters of Lake Ashi and frames gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.

Next we'll visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which is home to more than a thousand sculptures and works of art from both Japanese and international artists such as Picasso and Henry Moore.

After our tour of the Hakone Open-Air Museum, we'll take some time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Odawara station, from where we'll transfer to Tokyo, experiencing the mind-blowing speed of the bullet train, which travels at up to 320 km/h. The shinkansen, as they are known locally, are famous for their punctuality, comfort and safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, we'll enjoy an afternoon with our guide exploring some of the sights of the city. Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the world’s most populated megalopolis – the Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over three prefectures and has a whopping 38 million habitants.

We'll begin our tour in the Ginza district, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. From here we'll head to the Shibuya Crossing, rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world. Following this you're free to spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

A full day tour of this magnificent city awaits. Our first stop will be the Meiji Shrine, located within a 170-acre forest in the centre of the city. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution and emergence onto the world stage.

Next we'll visit the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is surrounded by large park areas, moats and massive stone walls, and come cherry blossom season it is blanketed in a sea of pink blooms.

A tour of Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to Tsukiji, the world’s biggest wholesale fish market and the largest wholesale food market in the world. Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights. Take some time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we begin our Sumida River Cruise, which offers a striking new perspective of the city.

Following our cruise we'll head to the Asakusa district where we'll visit the beautiful Sensō-ji Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple is Tokyo's oldest, and one of its most significant, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

We will then visit the Tokyo Skytree. Open since May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site, and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634m, it's among the tallest structures in the world.

To enhance your journey, we're offering 2 free Inspiring Sights experiences throughout the duration of your tour, from a total of 5 options.

Today is a free day to explore Tokyo on your own. Japan’s busy capital expertly mixes the ultramodern with the traditional and has plenty to offer everyone. Feel free to ask your guide for personalised suggestions.

Unfortunately today marks the end of your fantastic tour through some of the best Japan has to offer. We hope you have had an incredible experience and wish you a safe journey home. After checking out of your hotel, enjoy some free time until your transfer to Narita International Airport.

Arrive home today.