20 Day Highlights of Japan, South Korea & Taiwan - 2026

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow. Arrival & Check-in information The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, both airports have reliable public transport services into central Tokyo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Tokyo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area. Special information There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow. 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.

Enjoy breakfast this morning before meeting your group and Tour Leader at 8:30 a.m. in the hotel lobby, where you'll be introduced to your fellow travelers and receive a tour briefing. Afterward, begin your day with a visit to Gotemba Peace Park, located on the mountainside of the Hakone caldera's outer rim. From here, take in panoramic views of the city below and the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. Next, stop for lunch at Oshino Hakkai, a charming village in the Fuji Five Lakes region known for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Admire the traditional thatched-roof farmhouses set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji. Following a full day exploring the Mount Fuji area, continue on to Hamamatsu, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Gotemba Peace Park Mt Fuji viewing (weather permitting) Oshino Hakkai Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours

After breakfast, we head to Nagoya, famous for the historic 17th-century Nagoya Castle. The castle is the most iconic landmark in Nagoya and is an impressive sight. We then continue to our hotel in Osaka, where we will give you time to check in and freshen up before your trip leader takes you on an evening exploring Dotonbori area, or alternatively, choose to participate in one of our two optional tours that we offer this evening. Dotonbori is one of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars 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. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Osaka. Inspiring Highlights Nagoya Castle Dotonburi Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours You'll travel to Dotonbori this evening by public transport, with assistance from your Trip Leader The Osaka Street Food Tour and Sushi Making Experience are scheduled to run simultaneously, so you'll need to choose one of the two activities.

After breakfast, we'll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning, starting withthe soaring stalks of bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It's green, peaceful and the seemingly endless boughs make for a serene experience, even with the tourist crowds. Take in the sound of rustling bamboo as you stroll these paths – if there's a bit of wind, the groves will gently sway back and forth which only adds to the magic. We'll continue on to some of Kyoto's most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. Afterwards, with Kyoto's famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.' Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you're feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. We head back to Osaka for another evening at leisure. You will have the option to be dropped at the Dotonbori area, or go with the group back to your hotel. Inspiring Highlights Fushimi Inari Shrine Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast this morning, we'll depart Osaka and make our way to Shizuoka. Along the journey, we'll stop in Nara, renowned for its historic temples and friendly, free-roaming deer. Here, we'll visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), one of Japan's most celebrated landmarks, home to an enormous bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu) housed within a vast wooden hall. Next, we'll continue to the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, where you can explore a traditional ninja trick house, browse fascinating exhibits, and enjoy a live ninja show. Afterward, we'll travel onward to Shizuoka, where you'll have the evening free to relax and explore at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Todaiji Temple Ninja Museum of Igaryu Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

After breakfast, we return to Tokyo to begin exploring this vibrant city. Amid Tokyo's fast-paced energy, a visit to the quaint Asakusa neighborhood offers a refreshing glimpse of its historic side. This area is home to the ancient Sensō-ji Temple, dating back to the seventh century. As Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, it draws large crowds, so be prepared! Its striking entrance, Kaminarimon—also known as the “Thunder Gate”—is famous for its impressive red lantern. We'll stroll along Nakamise Street, the bustling path linking the gate to the temple's main hall. Lined with food stalls and shops offering traditional crafts, it's the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and pick up authentic souvenirs. Later, we'll head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the city in the late afternoon. Finally, we'll check in to our hotel and have the evening free at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Asakusa Neighbourhood Sensō-ji Temple Nakamise Street Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Today, you will make your own way to Tokyo Airport in time for your flight from Tokyo to Seoul. Upon arriving into Seoul's Incheon International Airport, you will be transferred (included) to your accommodation in the nation's capital. This evening you will have a briefing regarding your itinerary throughout South Korea. Special Information Departure airport transfers in Tokyo 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. Arrival transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast, we make our way to Jeonju. En route, we visit the UNESCO listed Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs. Dating back to 500AD, the tomb complex was only re-discovered in 1927 and gives an insight into the Ungjin Period. We then visit the impressive Gongsanseong Fortress before continuing to Buyeo, an ancient capital of the Baekje Dynasty. We continue to Jeonju where we spend the night. Inspiring Highlights Tomb of King Muryeong Gongsanseong Fortress Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast at our hotel, we continue our journey to Gwangju, the leading city of Honam, the region and birthplace of a modern democratic movement in Korea. Here we visit May 18th National Cemetery dedicated to those who participated in the Gwangju Uprising in 1980. Our journey continues to Suncheon where we will visit Suncheon Bay Garden. Afterwards, we travel to Yeosu, where we tour the modern port city before checking into our hotel. Inspiring Highlights May 18th National Cemetery Suncheon Bay Garden Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours NOTE: Suncheon Bay Garden will be closed on the last Monday of every month staring from April and will be replaced to Suncheon Nakaneupseong Folk Village.

After breakfast, our first stop is the Jinjuseong Fortress, historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592. We then continue to Busan and visit the Jagalchi-Fishery Market, Busan's largest seafood market, before seeing Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park. Our tour continues to the historic coastal city of Gyeongju where we check in to our hotel before an evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jinjuseong Fortress Jagalchi-Fishery Market Haeundae Beach Dongbaek Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, our first destination is the Unesco World Heritage-listed Seokguram Grotto. The religious site was constructed between 742 and 765 AD and still serves as a significant site for Korean and international Buddhists for its ceremonial and artistic value. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple before continuing to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, the Village was naturally formed with people who actually live there. It has become world-famous for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. From here, we continue to Pyeongchang - home of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Inspiring Highlights Seokguram Grotto Bulguksa Temple Andong Hahoe Folk Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we visit the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. Continue onto Seoraksan National Park - the peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains break through the clouds while jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating breathtaking views and making this Korea's most famous national park. Due to the many rare species found here, UNESCO designated this national park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982. You have the opportunity to take a cable car to the summit (additional expense) before we transfer back to Seoul for our final evening in South Korea. Inspiring Highlights 2018 Winter Olympic Games venues Seoraksan National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours Please note: due to unforeseen circumstances dictated by the local government, the National Park may not be visitable. Alternative touring may be arranged by our local representatives.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Taipei. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Arrival transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel.

At your leisure, use your 1 Day Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus ticket to explore Taipei! The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, etc. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum, etc. There is onboard English audio-guide information. Inspiring Highlights Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

After breakfast, drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan , the highest spot (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to have a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a Holy Monk Shrine, see the Tse En Pagoda and experience the Ita Thao Village. Inspiring Highlights Sun Moon Lake Holy Monk Shrine Tse En Pagoda Ita Thao Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, before leaving Sun Moon Lake, we will visit the Wen Wu Temple to take in the beautiful views of the lake. We will then carry onto our destination for the night, Chiayi. Before we arrive we will stop at the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park, and you will have the opporunity to visit a Hinoki Village. Enjoy a leisurely night in Chiayi. Inspiring Highlights Wen Wu Temple Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park Hinoki Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, we will drive to Alishan National Scenic Area.Sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forest and sunset are the images of the five wonders that always come to mind when Alishan is mentioned. As soon as dawn arrives in the early morning, a glimpse of sunlight slowly makes its appearance above the mountain, and a new day begins. At dusk, the orange red sunset is another breathtaking scene. On the other hand, Alishan's sea of clouds, one of the top 8 scenes in Taiwan, are usually seen during sunrise and sunset on a sunny autumn day. Here, you will visit the YUYUPAS Cultural Park, the Brother Tree, Sister Pond and the Three Generation Tree. Next, take a ride on one of the three remaining mountain railways in the world. It was built to transport wood in the past, but nowadays it has transformed to a tourism train, and shuttles tourists throughout the forest. Visitors who don't want to take the train can take a walk on the trails and enjoy the nature and fresh air. You will discover the charming side of an alpine forest. For the afternoon, we will enjoy a trip from the beautiful Alishan to the ancient capital of Tainan. For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe, with some of the country's most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan. Inspiring Highlights Alishan Forest Park YUYUPAS Cultural Park Brother Tree Sister Pond Three Genereation Tree Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we head to Kaohsiung to visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals. We will then visit Anping Old Fort, formerly known as Fort Zeelandia. A historical site in Tainan, it was originally built by the Dutch East India Company over a ten-year period from 1624 to 1662. The fort served as the administrative center for the Dutch regime in Taiwan and was a hub for trade. This evening you are free to explore this cultural city. Afterwards, enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at the Fonguanshan Monastery with a tour through the main shrine and Buddhist museum as well as a tour through downtown Kaohsiung City. Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy! Inspiring Highlights Anping Old Fort Chihkan Tower Fonguanshan Monastery Liu He Night Market Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake. Afterwards, visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to capture the beautiful reflection of this unique building over the lake. Then, visit Lukang which is famous for the Longshan Temple and markets. Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods. After this, your tour guide will take you back to Taipei city where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Dragon and Tiger Pagoda Longshan Temple and markets Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. At the appropriate time, join your transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.