15 Day Japan & South Korea
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, make your own way to your hotel. Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia's financial and cultural hubs filled with a mix of traditional and modern elements which attract visitors from all over the world.
It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, home to multitudes of street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, serene Buddhist temples and extraordinary modern architecture.
Special information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
This morning after breakfast we travel to Mount Seoraksan National Park. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found here, Mount Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea's most famous national parks. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of one of the park's inhabitants, including deer, otters, squirrels, and bears. First, we will visit Sinheungsa Temple and then take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress to see the castle ruins and the spectacular views of the National Park.
Enjoy a lunch of authentic South Korean dishes. We then continue on to Sokcho, a small fishing village known for its fresh seafood.
Tonight you will have a dinner of seasonal South Korean options like stir-fried meats or vegetables, pork BBQ, or hot pot.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today after breakfast, we head to the village of Andong, known for its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performances. We will then visit Hahoe Village, where we discover the 600-year-old home of the Ryu family, a beautifully preserved traditional village renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Encircled by the serene Nakdong River, this historic village offers a glimpse into Korea's past, including the famous Hahoe Mask Dance. Hahoe is also the birthplace of notable figures, such as Ryu Seongryong, Prime Minister during the Japanese Invasion.
Afterwards, relax with some retail therapy in Dongseongno Shopping District, one of the major fashion districts in Daegu city.
The evening will be free at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today, explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs, and monuments of Gyeongju. During the time when ancient Korea was divided into three separate kingdoms (Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo), Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory which was constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok in the 7th century and Gyeongju National Museum, home to many Silla Kingdom stone relics. Stop and admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The Bulguska Temple complex includes a number of national treasures, while the Seokuram Grotto is home to a masterful sculpture of Buddha looking out to sea.
Finally, we will visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. After the Silla Kingdom fell, the site was abandoned and forgotten for many centuries. Excavation and reconstruction began in the 1970s and the site was once more restored to its former glory. Lastly, we visit Gyeongju National Park, which features a palace complex of the ancient Silla kingdom and beautiful forests.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Today after breakfast we will visit North Korea's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.
Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War. View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today after breakfast you will explore the Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of South Korea, set against the backdrop of Bugaksan Mountain. Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.
We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village before jumping back to the present day to walk along the elevated sky garden of Seoullo 7017.
Inspiring Highlights
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
You will have the night in Tokyo to explore on your own, before meeting your tour guide tomorrow morning.
Special Information
Your travel time today, including travel to and from the airport and international flight, will be approximately 6 hours.
Today you will say goodbye to your tour leader in Korea, as you will have a new leader in Japan. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble-free.
Today after breakfast we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch.
Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street.
The evening will be free at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning after breakfast we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. En route, we stop for a tour at a beer factory, before a visit to the Gotemba Peace Park, known for its majestic views of Mt Fuji. Time permitting, we will head for another famous vantage point of Mt Fuji at Miho no Matsubara.
We then continue to Hamamatsu where we spend the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Today, after breakfast, we depart to visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. This fascinating complex is home to a ninja residence complete with revolving walls, trap doors, and exhibition halls. Afterward, we continue to one of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.
Built in 1583 as a center of a new, unified Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture. We then continue to our centrally located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. You may wish to head out to experience the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dotonbori district.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning after breakfast, we board the technological marvel, the Shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the Shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside.
Our first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with it's thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We spend time here strolling through the gates and visiting the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in gold leaf.
Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka for an evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. Your dedicated tour leader can give you some tips on how to make the most of your day.
After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistic design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan.
Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima for an evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast, we visit the Peace Park Memorial and the Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the atrocities of the atomic bomb disaster in Hiroshima. We will then travel to the mystical Miyajima. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island is probably one of the most well-known icons of Japan, and is officially classed as one of Japan's "3 best views".
After exploring the island, we head back to Osaka for your final evening at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Visiting Hiroshima can be emotionally challenging as you confront the profound impact of the atomic bombing, but it offers an essential opportunity to reflect on this pivotal moment in history and its lasting lessons.
At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your homeward flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan and South Korea!
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Room size
Japan is a densely populated country and space is at a premium. On average, Japan's room sizes are the smallest you will encounter. At times, single beds are separated by a 30 cm to 40 cm gap.
Storage room is also limited - for your own comfort, ensure to pack as lightly as you can.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,945.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Maximum of 45 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
Cherry Blossoms
Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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