14-Day Traditional Korea and Japan Tour from Seoul: 14-Day Traditional Korea and Japan Tour from Seoul: Suwon, Jeonju, Busan, Damyang County, Haeinsa, Busan, Osaka & Kyoto

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 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: Mercure ambassador hongdae(Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, Corea del Sur)
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.

   

   DMZ

   

   Deoksugung Palace

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Mercure ambassador hongdae(Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, Corea del Sur)
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.

   

   Changdeokgung Palace

   

   Bukchon Hanok Village

   

   War Memorial of Korea

   

   Namsangol Hanok Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure ambassador hongdae(Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, Corea del Sur)
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

   

   Jeonju Hanok Village

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Best western plus jeonju(41, Hyeonmu 1-gil, Wansan-gu Jeonju-Si,)
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, Corea del Sur)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Busan - Haedong Yonggung – Busan - Osaka

   Total distance covered: 85 km.
   Note: We recommend comfortable footwear for the walk to Haedong Yonggung.
   
   08:30 am – Departure from Busan.
   09:15 am – Haedong Yonggung. We'll visit this 14th-century Buddhist temple, located on the cliffs along Busan's coastline. Along the temple's main access path, you'll see a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, believed in Eastern philosophy to be guardian deities.
   10:15 am – Departure from Haedong Yonggung.
   11:15 am – Arrival in Busan, South Korea's second-largest city. We'll visit the United Nations Memorial, and its cemetery (entrance included), where people from various countries are laid to rest. Next, we'll explore the country's largest fish market, located near the Nampo Port. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. After the tour, we'll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Osaka.
   08:00 pm – Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel.
   
   Note: Arrival time is approximate and subject to flight schedules.

   

   Haedong Yonggung

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Candeo osaka namba(2-2-5, Higashishinsaibashi, Chiuo-ku, Osaka), Holiday inn express osaka city centre - midosuji(4-1-12 Kitakyuhojimachi, Osaka, 541-0057 Japan)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Osaka - Mount Koya

   Total distance covered: 106 km.
   
   11:30 am - We'll depart from the city and head toward the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical mountain, a revered pilgrimage site, is home to 120 temples and monasteries. Here, we'll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual site and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with over 200,000 tombs. Our visit will also include the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.
   Tonight, we'll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). A vegetarian dinner will be included. If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.
   
   Notes:
   -During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won't be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.
   -Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
   -We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods.
   -Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels instead (half board provided).

   

   Mount Koya

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Monasterio hojoin(156 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho,Wakayama Prefecture), Monasterio fukuchi in(657 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho, Wakayama Prefecture)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Mount Koya - Kyoto

   Total distance covered: 130 km.
   We'll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.
   
   07:15 am - Departure for Kyoto.
   10:30 am - 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.
   
    

   

   Fushimi Inari Shrine

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Miyako kioto hachijyo(MINAMI WARD, NISHIKUHO INMACHI, 1), New miyako hotel(17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan)
9. 9

   Day 9 — Kyoto - Eihei -ji – Katsuyama - Kanazawa

   Total distance covered: 302 km.
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, starting with a large lake and ending at a sanctuary nestled in a cedar forest.
   Notes: We'll visit an active Zen Buddhist monastery, so we recommend wearing modest clothing. Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes are also suggested for the visit to the monastery.
   
   07:30 am – Departure from Kyoto. Following one of Japan's largest lakes, we'll make a brief stop at a small lakeside shrine called Shirahige Ginra.
   11:00 am – Arrival at Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet.
   12:30 pm – Departure from Eihei-ji.
   01:15 pm – Katsuyama. We'll visit three main attractions: the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan's largest dinosaur fossil site, where you'll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits, featuring over 40 skeletons of various dinosaurs. Afterwards, we'll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy the view.
   05:30 pm – Departure from Katsuyama.
   07:00 pm – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mystays premier kanazawa (2 Chome-13-5 Hirooka, Ishikawa )
10. 10

    Day 10 — Kanazawa

    Total distance covered: 10 km.
    
    08:30 am – Full day in Kanazawa. In the morning, we'll include a city tour. Throughout history, Kanazawa rivaled both Kyoto and Tokyo, and during World War II, it was spared from destruction during the air raids. We'll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and stroll through the historic Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families once resided. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We'll include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We'll finish the tour in Omicho, a traditional market brimming with life and many places to have lunch. Free afternoon.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mystays premier kanazawa (2 Chome-13-5 Hirooka, Ishikawa )
11. 11

    Day 11 — Kanazawa – Ainokura – Shirakawa -go – Takayama

    Total distance covered: 138 km.
    Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, vast forests, and picturesque villages along the route.
    
    08:00 am – Departure from Kanazawa. We'll journey through stunning mountain scenery, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses with steeply sloped roofs are known as "praying hands" for their resemblance to monks' hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls.
    09:15 am – Arrival in Ainokura, a charming small village.
    10:30 am – Departure from Ainokura.
    11:00 am – Arrival in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, the largest village in the area, showcasing rural Japan with houses that are masterpieces of carpentry. Yo'’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
    01:30 pm – Departure from Shirakawa-go.
    02:15 pm – Arrival in Hida Folk Village Museum, a peaceful open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). These buildings were relocated from their original sites to create this museum in 1971, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past through the tools and utensils exhibited. We’ll then have time to explore the old town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.
    03:30 pm – Departure from Hida Folk Village.
    03:45 pm – Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure hida takayama(4 Chome-311-1 Hanasatomachi, Gifu)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Takayama - Hida Furukawa – Matsumoto – Tokyo

    Total distance covered: 334 km.
    Scenery: We'll cross the Japanese Alps, with stunning snowy mountain landscapes for much of the year.
    
    10:00 am – Departure from Takayama.
    10:30 am – Hida Furukawa. We'll stroll through the charming old town. This city's festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We'll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival's floats, costumes, and drums.
    12:00 pm – Departure from Hida Furukawa.We'll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. Stop for lunch en route (lunch not included).
    03:30 pm – Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we'll visit the city's impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.
    05:00 pm – Departure from Matsumoto.
    08:30/ 09:00 pm – Tokyo.

    

    Matsumoto Castle

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Tokyo

    In the morning, we'll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.
    
    We'll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You'll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.
    
    Next, we'll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we'll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
    
    We'll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge.
    
    We'll drive through Akihabara, the "Electric City," known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we'll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan's tallest structure, where we'll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.
    
    We'll end our visit in Asakusa, where we'll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we'll return to the hotel.
    
    6:30 pm – We'll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we'll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We'll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

    

    Tokyo Tower

    

    Meiji Jingu Shrine

    

    Nijubashi Bridge

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
14. 14

    Day 14 — Tokyo

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

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

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

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