19-Day Classical Korea and Japan Tour from Seoul: Haedong Yonggung, Ferry Busan, Iwakuni, Matsuyama, Kobe and Mount Koya | Airport pick-up

What you'll experience

Highlights

19 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Seoul

   Welcome to Korea! You'll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you'll receive information about the start of your tour.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: HOTEL COURTYARD TIMES SQUARE, STANDFORD MYEONGDONG, BEST WESTERN PREMIER KUKDO, MERCURE AMBASSADOR HONGDAE
2. 2

   Day 2 — Seoul - DMZ Cheorwon - Seoul

   Total distance covered: 250 km.
   
   Important note: Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required. The DMZ is a military zone and could be closed unexpectedly without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative route will be provided.
   
   07:30 a.m. – Early departure to the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone marking the separation between the two Koreas.
   09:30 a.m. – Arrival in Cheorwon. We'll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. Next, we'll head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, there is a small museum detailing the Korean War. Our route will continue with a visit to the disused Woljeong-ri train station. We'll also visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, commemorating the intervention of a French UN battalion during the fighting. Lastly, we'll visit a local distillery that produces Korea's traditional rice liquor, Makgeolli.
   
   02:00 p.m. – Departure from Cheorwon. Return to Seoul.
   04:00 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel in Seoul and free time.
   
   06:00 p.m. – With our guide, we'll take the modern and efficient metro (which you'll be taught how to use) to City Hall, to see this impressive tsunami-looking building. Across from City Hall, we'll see Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we'll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea's largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means "bright town." Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. Overnight accommodation.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: HOTEL COURTYARD TIMES SQUARE, STANDFORD MYEONGDONG, BEST WESTERN PREMIER KUKDO, MERCURE AMBASSADOR HONGDAE
3. 3

   Day 3 — Seoul

   08:30 a.m. – Today, we'll include a comprehensive five-hour tour of Seoul. We'll explore Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of palaces set within a large park. Afterward, we'll stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood with traditional small homes. Next, we'll visit the War Memorial, an impressive museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced in Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from numerous countries participated with the United Nations.
   
   01:00 p.m. – Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
   
   02:00 p.m. – We'll continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest areas in the city, home to numerous shopping and entertainment centers. Finally, we'll stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you'll have free time to either go up the tower (ticket not included) or stroll through its park or luxury shopping malls.
   
   04:30 p.m. – Return to the hotel and free time.

   

   Lotte World

   

   Changdeokgung Palace

   

   Bukchon Hanok Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: HOTEL COURTYARD TIMES SQUARE, STANDFORD MYEONGDONG, BEST WESTERN PREMIER KUKDO, MERCURE AMBASSADOR HONGDAE
4. 4

   Day 4 — Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

   Total distance covered: 227 km.
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, rolling hills, and vast cultivated areas.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Today, we'll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, an impressive palace with 600 years of history, where we'll witness the changing of the guard ceremony, if it takes place.
   10:00 a.m. – We'll depart from Seoul and head south through Korea.
   
   11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Suwon, the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls.
   12:15 p.m. – Before leaving the city, we'll take a scenic drive along the city walls and their fortifications, and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace.
   
   01:30 p.m. – Lunch will be included.
   
   02:30 p.m. – Departure for Jeonju.
   04:30 p.m. – Arrival in Jeonju. With our guide, we'll explore the fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), filled with little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries. After the tour, you'll have free time.

   

   Gyeongbokgung Palace

   

   Hwaseong Fortress

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: BEST WESTERN PLUS JEONJU, RAMADA BY WYNDHAM JEONJU
5. 5

   Day 5 — Jeonju - Sunchang Gochujang Village - Damyang County - Haeinsa - Busan

   Total distance covered: 415 km.
   Scenery: We'll travel through high mountains, with beautiful landscapes around Haeinsa in the National Park.
   Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walk to Haeinsa Temple.
   
   08:30 a.m. - Departure from Seoul.
   09:40 a.m. - Sunchang Gochujang Village. Nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan, where you'll find traditional hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay jars called hang-a-ri, this town is home to master artisans who make gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We'll get a chance to see how this iconic sauce is made.
   
   10:20 a.m. - Departure from Sunchang Gochujang Village.
   10:40 a.m. - Damyang. We'll explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, with scenic trails that are perfect for peaceful walks and meditation. You'll also find various products made from bamboo, which are honored and studied in centers such as the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, featuring a local dish of rice steamed inside a bamboo stalk.
   
   01:50 p.m. - Departure from Damyang.
   04:00 p.m. - Arrival at Haeinsa. Surrounded by breathtaking forested mountains, we'll visit one of the country's most important Buddhist temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden blocks.
   
   05:00 p.m. - Departure from Haeinsa.
   07:45 p.m. - Busan. We'll arrive in Korea's second-largest city, famous for its lively atmosphere. Overnight stay.

   

   Haeinsa Temple

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: CROWN HARBOR, IBIS AMBASSADOR HAEUNDAE, RAMADA ENCORE BY WYNDHAM HAEUNDAE, SOLARIA NISHITETSU BUSAN
6. 6

   Day 6 — Busan - Haedong Yonggung - Busan - Ferry Busan - Shimonoseki

   Note: The journey from Busan to Shimonoseki is planned as an overnight ferry crossing, but due to high demand and limited cabin availability, the trip may be as follows:
   
   1. High-speed ferry from Busan to Fukuoka (approximately three hours).
   2. Flight from Busan to Fukuoka (approximately one hour).
   
   08:30 a.m. - We'll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple by the sea. After returning to Busan, we'll include a city tour, starting with the United Nations Memorial, home to a cemetery where people from numerous countries are buried. Next, we'll explore the Jagalchi Fish Market, the country's largest fish market, located near Nampo Port. Lunch will be included. After, we'll take a walk to Yongdusan Park, home to a towering 120-meter pagoda.
   
   04:00/04:30 p.m. - Transfer to the port for check-in procedures (check-in deadline is 05:30 p.m.). Be sure to have your passport handy and remove all luggage from the bus. The ferry is scheduled to depart at 09:00 p.m. We'll spend the night aboard the ferry, crossing the Sea of Japan. Accommodation will be in double cabins with private bathrooms. Some cabins may be in the traditional Japanese tatami style, offering a chance to experience local culture.
   
   IMPORTANT NOTE: If one of the alternative routes is taken (high-speed ferry crossing or flight from Busan to Fukuoka), the visit to Haedong Yonggung Temple will take place the previous afternoon (Thursday).
   
   For this day, the itinerary will be as follows:
   
   08:30 a.m. - We'll include a city tour, starting with the United Nations Memorial, where people from numerous countries are buried. Afterward, we'll visit the Jagalchi Fish Market, the country's largest fish market located near Nampo Port, and take a stroll to Yongdusan Park to see its towering 120-meter pagoda. Lunch will be included.
   
   02:00 p.m. - Departure for the port to board the JR Beetle Ferry to Japan or transfer to the airport for a flight from Busan to Fukuoka.
   
   06:30/07:00 p.m. - Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, we'll provide a transfer to the hotel. Enjoy some free time in Fukuoka, the largest city on Kyushu Island.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Ferry Busan Shimonoseki
7. 7

   Day 7 — Ferry Busan - Shimonoseki - Shimonoseki - Iwakuni - Itsukushima - Hiroshima

   07:45 a.m. – Arrival at Shimonoseki Port for the border crossing (breakfast not included). Welcome to Japan!
   11:30 a.m. – Iwakuni. We'll visit the beautiful and historic Kintai-Kyo Bridge.
   
   12:15 p.m. – We'll take a ferry to Miyajima, the island known as the place "where gods and humans coexist." It is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. There will be time to explore the temple, stroll through the charming town center, and enjoy lunch.
   
   04:00 p.m. – Departure from Miyajima. We'll embark and continue our route.
   04:45 p.m. – Hiroshima - the city sadly known for the atomic bombing of 1945, which completely devastated the area. We'll walk through the Peace Memorial, see the atomic bomb dome, and visit the impressive Peace Museum.
   Dinner will be included.
   
   Note: If the number of travelers is nine or fewer, the journey from Shimonoseki (or Fukuoka) to Hiroshima may be taken by high-speed train. In this case, the stop in Iwakuni will be skipped (you’ll be informed on your travel voucher), and the visit will start in Hiroshima before heading to Miyajima.

   

   miyajima island

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: CANDEO HATCHOBORI
8. 8

   Day 8 — Hiroshima - Matsuyama

   Distance travelled: Journey by boat. Crossing of about 50 km.
   Scenery: Interesting scenery on board, passing close to many different islands.
   Note: We recommend staying on deck to enjoy the crossing, but bring warm clothing.
   
   Today we will take a boat to the island of Shikoku. The crossing is extremely pleasant and takes two and a half hours, and discover that Japan is formed by many small islands. If there are no changes in the ferry times, it will leave at 09.20hrs (we leave the hotel at 08.00 hrs).
   
   12.00hrs. – MATSUYAMA. Arrival. We will take the cable car and ascend to its impressive castle. Then we will visit ISHITE JI, a beautiful Buddhist temple and place of pilgrimage. Lunch included.
   
   In the late afternoon we will visit DOGO ONSEN (admission included), a traditional Japanese bath built in the 19th century.
   
   Note: we highly recommend you to live the Onsen experience in Japan. There are rules that will be explained to you; The baths are separated by sex and a thorough cleaning must be carried out before entering the hot water naked. In Japanese Onsen they can prohibit the entry of people with tattoos.

   

   Dogo Onsen

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: ANA HOTEL MATSUYAMA
9. 9

   Day 9 — Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe

   Distance travelled: 345 km
   Scenery: Pleasant mountain scenery in some places. We walk along huge suspension bridges over the sea. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the journey.
   
   7.30 hrs- Matsuyama.- Departure-.
   10.00 hrs.- KOTOHIRA, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of fishermen and a place of pilgrimage built on Mount Zozu. To access it, it is necessary to climb 785 steps. Those who do not want to climb the mountain can enjoy sightseeing and visit the small Sake Museum (the traditional Japanese liqueur).
   
   12.00hrs.- Kotohira –Departure-.
   13.00 hrs.- TAKAMATSU. Visit to RITSURIN, one of the prettiest gardens in Japan. Lunch included in a local restaurant.
   
   15.00 hrs.- Takamatsu –Departure-.
   16.15 hrs.- NARUTO, an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. We will stop to learn how it was built and walk along its glass floor with the impressive waves below us (depending on the times and tides) at a height of 45 metres.
   
   17.15hrs.- Naruto –Departure-. Pretty scenery as we cross huge suspension bridges.
   19.00hrs.- KOBE.- Arrival. Modern city by the sea, you can walk through its active center.

   

   Kotohira-gu

   

   Naruto Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: KOBE MERIKEN PARK ORIENTAL HOTEL
10. 10

    Day 10 — Kobe - Osaka - Mount Koya

    Total distance covered: 140 km.
    
    After breakfast, we'll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to remembering the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its remarkable reconstruction.
    
    10:30 a.m. - Departure from Kobe and continuation toward Osaka.
    11:15 a.m. – Osaka, Japan's second-largest city. We'll make a brief technical stop in Osaka only if required for the start or end of a tour for any passenger.
    
    12:00 p.m. - Departure from the city toward the sacred mountain of Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. We'll stop for lunch along the way. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We'll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature, with over 200,000 graves. We'll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593.
    
    We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. The monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.
    
    Notes:
    -On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
    -Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
    -We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

    

    Mount Koya

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: MONASTERIO HOJOIN
11. 11

    Day 11 — Mount Koya - Kyoto

    Total distance: 130km.
    
    Japanese breakfast at the temple.
    07.30hrs- We leave early for Kyoto.
    
    10.00hrs- KYOTO, we spend the whole day in the city, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II the city was the only major Japanese to escape the bombardments, and so it still preserves its wealth of artistic heritage; the famous protocol restricting greenhouse gas emissions was signed in Kyoto in 1997.
    
    The visit includes a trip to one of the most important parts of the city. We will see the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, "the golden pavilion" and its wonderful gardens.
    
    19.00hrs- At night, a transfer to GION will be included, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time. The return to the hotel will be free, we suggest you take a taxi. The guide will explain how.
    
    Note: If you already visited Kyoto on your circuit, our guide will offer you information and advice on visiting the other parts of the city unaccompanied.

    

    Gion

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: MIYAKO KIOTO HACHIJYO
12. 12

    Day 12 — Kyoto - Tokyo

    After breakfast transfer to the station to take the BULLET TRAIN to Tokyo. Arrival to Tokyo after almost 500 km in just over two hours.
    
    Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating city by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel.

    

    Shinjuku

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL
13. 13

    Day 13 — Tokyo

    08.00 hrs- In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We will also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Then we will have some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Return to hotel.Free time in the afternoon.
    
    18H30.-Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating country by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel by metro with our guide.
    
    NOTE: With 5 passengers or less than 5 passengers, the city tour will be done by a tourist bus "Hop On-Hop Off" bus that passes through the most interesting parts of Tokyo, in which passengers can hop off, visit the site of their choice and then hop on the next bus

    

    Tokyo Tower

    

    Nijubashi Bridge

    

    Akihabara

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL
14. 14

    Day 14 — Tokyo - Nikko - Sendai

    Total distance: 425km.
    Note: We recommend to bring comfortable shoes since in Nikko we will have to walk.
    
    08.00hrs- We leave Tokyo for Nikko.
    10.30hrs- NIKKO. Arrival to this fantastic where we will visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine with the room of the crying dragon. We will also visit the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive, peaceful site, followed by a walk near the river, in Kannanga Fuchi, under the watchful eye of hundreds of Jizo statues!
    Free time in the city centre for lunch and a stroll.
    
    15.30hrs- Nikko, departure.
    19.45hrs- SENDAI, arrival to this modern, bustling city with over 1 million inhabitants. Passengers can explore the city and have dinner in its busy, thriving centre.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: METROPOLITAN SENDAI EAST
15. 15

    Day 15 — Sendai - Matshushima - Hiraizumi - Morioka

    Total distance: 217km.
    Landscapes of forests and mountains, wonderful in the area of the thousand islands.
    
    08.00hrs-We depart for the marvellous city of Matsushima.
    08.30hrs-MATSHUSHIMA, a city on the "Thousand Islands" Bay in the Pacific Ocean and considered one of the most attractive cities in Japan. After arriving, we will visit a magnificent "tea house" overlooking the sea and enjoy a cup of traditional tea while our guide tells us about the city. Then we will go on a 50-minute cruise (included).
    
    11.00hrs- Departure. Lunch included.
    14.00hrs.- HIRAIZUMI to visit its temples and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved in the rock in 801, followed by a visit to the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji. We take time to relax in the gardens of Motsuji temple, where passengers can take part in a Zen ceremony (admission included).
    
    17.15hrs- We tren carry on to Morioka.
    18.45hrs- MORIOKA, the pleasant capital of Iwate province, where we settle in at our hotel and have some free time to explore.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: HOTEL METROPOLITAN MORIOKA NEW WING
16. 16

    Day 16 — Morioka - Hirosaki - Aomori - Hakodate

    Total distance: 197km.
    Note: We recommend you to wear warm clothing to enjoy the deck of the boat.
    
    07.30hrs- Departure. In a region of beautiful scenery we travel to Hirosaki.
    09.30hrs- HIROSAKI. Ancient capital cultural during the Edo period with its castle of the seventeenth century. We will visit its castle in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees blossom in the spring.
    
    10.30hrs- Departure.
    11.40hrs- AOMORI, the provincial capital, located on Mutsu Bay. Time for visit to Nebuta Museum where we will learn about the Japanese festival tradition, which reminds us of the Carnival, with its vivid, painted floats. Lunch included.
    
    Then we board the ferry to HOKKAIDO Island, the departure of the ferry is scheduled at 14.20hrs. The crossing takes just over three and a half hours.
    
    18.00hrs- HAKODATE –Arrival-. Time in the beautiful city pedestrian centre in which to admire the influence of other cultures in the city (Russian Orthodox and Christian churches).

    

    Hirosaki Park

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON HAKODATE
17. 17

    Day 17 — Hakodate - Onuma - Noboribetsu - Sapporo

    Total distance: 338km
    Landscapes: Beautiful landscapes. Impressive volcanic areas.
    Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking through the Hell's Valley.
    
    In the morning we visit the impressive and busy fish market. Then we climb the GORYOKAKU Tower with its impressive views, from where we can make out the star-shaped fortress of Hakodate. Then we will take a stroll through the castle area before continuing our journey.
    
    11.00hrs- Departure.
    11.45hrs- ONUMA. Free time in this wonderful tourist site, with its countless small islands in which to explore the islands, go on a boat trip and have lunch included.
    
    13.45hrs- Departure. Our journey takes us towards the ocean.
    16.15hrs- NOBORIBETSU, an impressive volcano site, where we can walk amidst geysers in Jigoku Dani (Hell's Valley), admire the hot spring lake of Oyunuma and follow the path next to the hot spring to the site of the footbath.-
    
    18.30hrs- Departure.
    20.15hrs- SAPPORO.- At the end of the day, we arrive at this beautiful city, the capital of North Japan.-

    

    Goryokaku Tower

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: SAPPORO PARK
18. 18

    Day 18 — Sapporo - Hill of Buddha - Otaru - Sapporo

    Total distance: 120 km.
    
    08.30hrs- City tour (included) stopping at the clock tower and Odori Koen avenue-park, dominated by the telecommunications tower. We will enjoy for an hour the beautiful Shinto shrine of Hokkaido Jingu. The visit includes a ceremonial Kito (prayer session) in which we give thanks for the journey.
    
    11.00hrs- We will leave Sapporo, we know the HILL OF BUDDHA, new center of avant-garde architecture opened in 2015, the hill covered with lavenders keeps the giant statue of Buddha, in the complex we will also see the replica of the statues Moai (Easter Island).
    
    12.15hrs- We continue to Otaru.
    13.00hrs- OTARU, arrival to this small city with a European air and streets filled with shops, an old canal and tiny museums. Lunch included.
    
    15.30hrs-Departure. We return to Sapporo at about 16.30hrs. Free time in the afternoon in Sapporo.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: SAPPORO PARK
19. 19

    Day 19 — Sapporo

    After breakfast, our services will come to an end, hoping to leave you with wonderful lasting memories.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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