25 Day Unforgettable Japan & South Korea Small Group Tour

Welcome to Japan! On arrival, please make your own way from the airport to your hotel. Your journey through this magical land of contrasts begins in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. As Japan's capital, Tokyo offers an endless array of culinary delights. Indulge in its renowned street food such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables), or Tokyo-style ramen (rich and flavorful noodle soup). Explore the vibrant neighborhoods and savor the diverse food culture that makes Tokyo a paradise for food enthusiasts. With friendly locals, it's the perfect welcome to this lovely country. 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.

This morning, you will begin your full-day coach tour of Japan's ultramodern capital - Tokyo! Ensure you allow enough time to enjoy your breakfast and to meet your Tour Leader in the lobby at 8:15am. Our tour will begin with a visit to 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. 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. Our entry ticket includes access to Floor350, giving us a birdseye view over the sprawling city. Next we visit Asakusa district, and the Sensō-ji Temple. This is Tokyo's oldest temple, and it's dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. On the approach to Sensō-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. We also spend some time exploring the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Here, we view the two bridges that form one of the entrances to the inner palace grounds. The current Imperial Palace is home to Japan's Imperial Family and is located in the former site of Edo Castle, surrounded by an imposing stone wall and moat system. Inspiring Highlights Meiji Shrine Tokyo Skytree Sensō-ji Temple Imperial Palace

Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.

After breakfast we will leave Tokyo and head to the national park region of Hakone. There will be time in Hakone-machi for lunch. On arrival, we'll take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. The lake sits within the caldera of Mount Hakone, and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the scenic lake, and the picturesque, forested region has been popular with hikers and sightseers for centuries. We then transfer to Lake Kawaguchiko, an absolutely stunning area that's home to the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and promises more fabulous views of Mount Fuji. Later we'll arrive at the hotel and prepare for a lovely dinner with our fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Lake Ashi Lake Kawaguchiko Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast we will depart Kawaguchiko, and travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting), which is halfway up the active volcano. 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. Today's lunch will be at a highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food. Next, we'll continue on to our final destination today, the city of Takayama. Inspiring Highlights Mount Fuji's 5th Station Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. We are due to arrive into Takayama at 3pm.

Today is a full free day in Takayama. Be sure to ask your guide for their recommendations on must-see spots around the city.

Before leaving Takayama this morning we'll tour Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama'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. We'll then travel to 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. Enjoy exploring this unique village with its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery, and make time for lunch here. Following this we will transfer to Kanazawa. On arrival we will take a brief tour around Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved and picturesque historical area of Kanazawa. Inspiring Highlights Takayama's Old Town Shirakawa-gō Village Higashi Chaya District Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. You are due to arrive into Kanazawa around 5pm.

This morning, after breakfast, we'll visit the stunning 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. We also 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. After a break for lunch, we'll transfer by coach from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Kenrokuen Garden Nomura Samurai House Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Beautiful Geisha are often found in the Gion district.

This morning, after breakfast, we'll drive-by Heian-jingū (Heian Shinto Shrine) on our way to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, otherwise known as 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. The site is set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture of Kinkaku-ji incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. We then travel the short distance to Nara for lunch at leisure. Following this we'll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely. We then 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. This evening will be at your leisure back in Kyoto. Inspiring Highlights Tōdai-ji Kinkaku-ji Temple Heian Shinto Shrine Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast we begin a full-day coach tour of Kyoto. Our first stop will be Arashiyama, a stunning area known for its thick bamboo forest, which is also designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty. There will be time for lunch in the Arashiyama area. Next we'll visit magnificent 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. Following our tour we'll depart Kyoto and head to Osaka, where we'll check into our hotel and spend the evening relaxing. Inspiring Highlights Arashiyama Fushimi Inari Shrine. Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast we'll depart Osaka to visit the so-called 'White Heron Castle', Himeji – it's the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle). This is the most visited castle in Japan and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city. We will have time for lunch around here around the castle. After our visit here we'll transfer to our hotel in Hiroshima. Inspiring Highlights Himeji Castle Special information Today your main luggage will remain at the hotel in Osaka to meet you upon your return in two days time. Please ensure you have an overnight bag packed for your two evenings in Hiroshima. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast this morning our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby. Together we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here. Later, we'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which contains many poignant, yet important, exhibits. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed. After lunch, we'll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there's a 'floating' torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant's home. We'll take a walk along Omotesando Shopping Street where you can grab some lunch before returning to Hiroshima by ferry. This evening is yours at leisure Inspiring Highlights Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima Museum of History and Folklore Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

This morning, after breakfast, we'll depart Hiroshima via the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival in Osaka we'll begin a full-day coach tour with our guide, passing Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century. After arriving at the Dōtonbori area, we will have a walk through one of Japan's typical downtowns. 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. Inspiring Highlights Osaka Castle Dōtonbori area Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

Today is a full free day in Osaka to spend at your leisure. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on great places to see and eat.This evening we'll enjoy dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Welcome to South Korea! Upon arrival in the vibrant capital city of Seoul, you will be transferred to your hotel. This bustling metropolis perfectly blends high-tech skyscrapers and pop culture with ancient temples and traditional markets. Take the rest of your first day to settle in and begin exploring the local neighborhood at your own pace. Special Information There is no airport transfer included in Osaka. Please speak with your tour leader or hotel concierge for details on how to travel to the airport.

Today is a day of leisure, which is the perfect chance to take it easy, and explore the city at your own pace. Stroll through bustling markets like Namdaemun or Gwangjang, sip coffee in trendy cafés in Hongdae, or wander ancient palaces and serene temples. You could shop for K-beauty, enjoy street food, or simply soak in the vibrant city atmosphere. Special Information: This day is unguided. You will meet your local trip leader tomorrow.

After breakfast, we begin our South Korea adventure with a guided city tour of Seoul. Our day starts with a walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a beautifully restored urban waterway in the heart of the city, before continuing to the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic of Seoul's royal palaces. We then visit Bukchon Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional Korean houses offer a glimpse into the city's past, followed by time to explore Insadong Street, known for its galleries, antiques and local crafts. The day concludes with sweeping panoramic views over Seoul from N Seoul Tower. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Cheonggyecheon Stream Gyeongbokgung Palace Bukchon Hanok Village Insadong Street N Seoul Tower

After breakfast, we depart Seoul and journey south to the lively coastal city of Busan. On arrival, we experience the city's vibrant atmosphere with a visit to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest seafood market, where the day's catch is traded straight from the harbour. We then explore the nearby Gukje Market, one of Korea's largest traditional markets, known for its local street food, textiles and souvenirs. We also visit the UN Memorial Cemetery, the only United Nations cemetery in the world, offering a peaceful and poignant reflection on Korea's modern history. The evening is at leisure, with time to relax or discover Busan's dining and waterfront precincts at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Jagalchi Market Gukje Market UN Memorial Cemetery Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours

Today is dedicated to discovering the unique character of Busan. After breakfast, we visit the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village, famous for its maze-like streets, hillside setting and vividly painted houses, often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” In the afternoon, we travel to Haeundae Beach, Busan's most famous stretch of coastline, followed by a leisurely walk around Dongbaek Island, where scenic paths offer beautiful coastal views and city skylines. This evening is free to enjoy Busan at your leisure — whether exploring the city's lively nightlife or sampling fresh local seafood. Inspiring Highlights Gamcheon Cultural Village Haeundae Beach Dongbaek Island

After breakfast, we begin the day at the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a rare seaside temple perched dramatically on the cliffs above the ocean. From here, we journey inland to Gyeongju, often called “the museum without walls” for its wealth of historic treasures. In the afternoon, we explore the city's rich heritage with visits to the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, the ancient Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the Royal Tombs, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Korea's past. We then conclude our sightseeing at the elegant Donggung Palace and the serene Wolji Pond, a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere of this historic city. The evening is free to relax and enjoy Gyeongju at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Bulguksa Temple Cheomseongdae Royal Tombs Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we journey to Andong, a city celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage. We begin at the serene Byeongsan Seowon, a historic Confucian academy set amidst peaceful landscapes, before exploring the world-renowned Hahoe Folk Village, where time-honored customs and beautifully preserved hanok houses offer a fascinating glimpse into Korea's past. From Buyongdae Cliff, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the village and surrounding countryside, a truly memorable vantage point. We then savor a special farm-to-table meal, crafted from the region's freshest ingredients, offering a taste of Andong's authentic culinary traditions. Inspiring Highlights Byeongsan Seowon Hahoe Folk Village Buyongdae Cliff Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we make our way back to the capital. Upon arriving in Seoul, we explore the stylish Gangnam district, strolling along the famous Gangnam Street and visiting the impressive Coex Mall. This is the perfect opportunity to shop, soak up the modern city vibes, or simply enjoy the energy of one of Seoul's most dynamic neighborhoods. Your final evening in Seoul is free to spend as you wish, whether indulging in local cuisine, revisiting a favourite spot, or simply relaxing. Inspiring Highlights Gangnam Street Coex Mall Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Today provides a deeply moving glimpse into Korea's modern history with a visit to the iconic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). We will have the rare and unforgettable opportunity to meet a North Korean defector and hear their personal story, offering a powerful and human perspective on the country's past and present. This evening, we gather one last time for a farewell dinner to celebrate the memories made throughout our journey. Inspiring Highlights DMZ Visit Meeting with North Korean Survivor Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

Your South Korean adventure comes to an end today. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. We hope you take home many wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. 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. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.