12-Day Korea & Japan Cultural Journey From Seoul to Kyoto: Jeonju, Busan, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka | Breakfasts and Admission Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 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.

   

   Myeong-dong

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Ambassador Hongdae (Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea), Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam (253, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea), Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam (431 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06195, South Korea)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Seoul - DMZ - Seoul

   Total distance covered: 150 km
   Important Note: Please remember to bring your passport; it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may be closed without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative tour will be provided.
   08:30 am – Seoul. Departure.
   09:30 am – Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo)
   Arrival at this symbolic space created to bring together peace, ecology, history, and culture, while promoting the values of Korean unification and collective memory. Observatory visit: From this viewpoint, it is possible to see North Korean territory at a very short distance across the river. This is a truly unique experience.
   11:30 am – Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo). Departure.
   12:30 pm – Local restaurant. Arrival. Lunch included.
   01:30 pm – Local restaurant. Departure.
   02:00 pm – Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Arrival at the border area that divides South Korea and North Korea. We will visit the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will visit the Freedom Bridge, a former railway bridge over the Imjin River that, after the war, was used to return prisoners of war to South Korea. Today, it stands as a historic symbol of hope. This site allows us to understand Korean history from a human perspective: family separation, war, the hope for reunification, and the contrast between natural beauty and historical wounds.
   04:00 pm – Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Departure.
   04:45 pm – Seoul. Arrival.
   05:30 pm – Seoul City Hall area. With our guide, we will visit the City Hall building, known for its wave-like (tsunami-shaped) design. Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, where we can appreciate the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Korea. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the country's largest commercial and entertainment area; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul's modern subway system (ticket included).
   09:30 pm – Hotel. Arrival and overnight stay.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Mercure Ambassador Hongdae (Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea), Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam (253, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea), Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam (431 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06195, South Korea)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Seoul

   08:30 am – Today we include an extensive sightseeing tour of approximately five hours in Seoul. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a palace complex set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses.
   We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.
   01:00 pm – Lunch included at a local restaurant.
   12:00 pm – We continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of the city, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we stop at LOTTE WORLD TOWER, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.
   04:30 pm – Return to the hotel and free time.
   Important note regarding Bukchon Hanok Village: Due to regulations established to protect the residential environment, our vehicle may only park in designated areas, and we will complete an approximate 900-meter walk to reach this historic neighborhood. For operational reasons, this visit may be replaced by Namsangol Hanok Village, also featuring traditional Korean architecture, ensuring the cultural content of the itinerary is maintained.

   

   Bukchon Hanok Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure Ambassador Hongdae (Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea), Hilton Garden Inn Seoul Gangnam (253, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea), Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam (431 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06195, South Korea)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

   Total distance covered: 227 km
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive cultivated areas.
   08:30 AM – Hotel. Departure from the hotel.
   09:00 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included). Arrival at this impressive palace with over 600 years of history, where we will attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, if it is taking place.
   10:30 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace. Departure from Seoul heading south toward South Korea.
   11:30 AM – Suwon. Arrival in the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. We will visit the walls and their fortifications, as well as the Hwaseong Haenggung Summer Palace (entrance included), notable for its traditional architecture. Lunch included at a local restaurant.
   01:40 PM – Suwon. Departure.
   04:00 PM – Jeonju. Arrival. With our guide, we will explore its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its traditional houses, local shops, and art galleries. After the walk, free time.

   

   Gyeongbokgung Palace

   

   Hwaseong Fortress

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Best Western Plus Jeonju (41, Hyeonmu 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-Si, South Korea), Jeonju Signature (838 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea), Ibis Styles Ambassador Jeonju City Center (74-50 Jeonjugaeksa 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, South Korea)
5. 5

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

   Total distance covered: 415 km
   Scenery: We travel through high mountains, enjoying especially beautiful landscapes in the Haeinsa area within the National Park.
   Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haeinsa Temple.
   08:00 AM – Jeonju. Departure.
   08:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Arrival. This traditional village is located at the foot of Amisan Mountain. With its hanok houses and courtyards filled with large earthenware jars known as hang-a-ri, it is home to expert gochujang (Korean chili paste) artisans who use traditional methods. We will enjoy a hands-on experience learning how this traditional sauce is prepared.
   09:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Departure.
   10:00 AM – Damyang. Arrival. Visit to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), whose paths are considered among the most beautiful in the country—ideal for peaceful walks and enjoying the cool breeze. We will find all kinds of bamboo-crafted products, and visit places such as the Bamboo Museum (entrance included), where this plant is studied and revered.
   Lunch included, featuring the local specialty of rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.
   12:30 PM – Damyang. Departure.
   02:35 PM – Haeinsa Temple (entrance included). Amid impressive forest-covered mountain landscapes, we arrive at Haeinsa, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, carved onto 80,000 wooden printing blocks.
   04:20 PM – Haeinsa. Departure.
   07:00 PM – Busan. Arrival in Korea's second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay.

   

   Haeinsa Temple

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Ramada Encore Busan Station (10 Jungang-daero 196beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea), Asti Busan Station (7-8 Jungang-daero 214beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea), Haeundae Youngmu Parade (25 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 298beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Busan - Haedong Yonggung - Busan - Fukuoka

   Total distance covered: 85 km
   Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
   09:15 a.m. – Arrival at Haedong Yonggungsa. Visit to this 14th-century Buddhist temple located on the coastal cliffs of Busan. Along the main access path to the temple, there is a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, which, according to Eastern philosophy, are considered guardian deities.
   10:15 a.m. – Departure from Haedong Yonggungsa.
   11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, and city tour. We will visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are buried. We will then head to the country's largest fish market, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included at a local restaurant.
   Afterwards, transfer to the airport to board the flight (included) from Busan to Fukuoka.
   08:00 p.m. – Welcome to Japan! Arrival, transfer to the hotel, and overnight stay.
   Notes: Arrival time is approximate and subject to the flight schedule. Checked baggage allowance is limited to one piece up to 20 kg (Air Busan and Tway airlines), even if your ticket specifies 15 kg. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hilton Seahawk (2 Chome-2-3 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka 810-8650, Japan)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Fukuoka - Iwakuni - Itsukushima - Hiroshima

   Total distance covered: 290 km
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Fukuoka.
   11:30 a.m. – Arrival in Iwakuni, a small city where we'll see its beautiful and historic Kintai-kyo Bridge.
   12:15 p.m. – We'll continue our journey to Miyajima, taking a ferry to the island known as "where men and gods coexist." There, we'll visit the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and built partially over the water. You'll have time to visit the shrine, stroll through the charming town center, and enjoy lunch.
   4:00 p.m. – Departure from Miyajima.
   4:45 p.m. – Arrival in Hiroshima, a city sadly known for the atomic bombing it suffered in 1945, which completely destroyed it. We'll take a walk through the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the impressive Peace Memorial Museum. Dinner included.

   

   Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (Naka-Ku Naka-Machi 7-20, Hiroshima 730-0037, Japan), Hilton Hiroshima (11-12 Fujimicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0043, Japan)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Hiroshima - Matsuyama

   Total distance covered: This stage will be completed by ferry, covering approximately 50 km.
   Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.
   Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.
   Today, we'll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).
   12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We'll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we'll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.
   Later in the afternoon, we'll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.
   Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan's Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.

   

   Dogo Onsen

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Candeo Hotel Matsuyama (2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004, Japan), Daiwa Roynet Matsuyama (2-6-5 Ichiban-cho, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime 790-0001, Japan), ANA Crowne Plaza Matsuyama (3-2-1 Ichiban-Cho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8520, Japan)
9. 9

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

   Total distance covered: 345 km
   Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.
   Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
   07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
   10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. We'll visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a pilgrimage site located on Mount Zozu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. For those who prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers a lively tourist area and a small sake museum (Japan's traditional distilled beverage).
   12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
   01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We'll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
   03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
   04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We'll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we'll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.
   05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
   07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you'll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.

   

   Kotohira-gu

   

   Naruto Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel (650-0042 Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Japan), Candeo Kobe Torroad (3-8-8 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japan)
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.
    11:30 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 also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.
    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 (156 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho, Wakayama Prefecture 648-0211, Japan), Monasterio Fukuchi In (657 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho, Wakayama Prefecture 648-0211, Japan)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Mount Koya - Kyoto

    Total distance covered: 130 km.
    We'll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.
    07:15 a.m. - Departure for Kyoto.
    10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We'll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.
    Our tour will cover some of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto's historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
    Note: If you have already visited Kyoto as part of your circuit, our guide will offer personalized advice and information for exploring other parts of the city on your own.

    

    Gion

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Miyako Kioto Hachijyo (Minami Ward, Nishikuho Inmachi 1, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan), New Miyako Hotel (17 Nishikujo-Inmachi, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Kyoto

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

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

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