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Highlights of Korea and Japan

Fully Escorted

Local Cuisine

Guaranteed Departure

11-14 Nights

From US$4198.00

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Tour Highlights

• Enjoy a beginner expedition to two countries and visit their must-see sites.
• Perfect for travelers who would like to see the main features of South Korea and Japan.
• Stay one night at Japanese-style accommodation and unwind in the hot spring they offer.
• See the award-winning “Nanta Cookin’ Show” at a theater in Central Seoul.
• Experience kimchi making, a kimono fashion show, and a sushi making class.
• Select itineraries include opportunities to visit during the cherry blossom season or visit Hiroshima.
• Experience a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko).
• Visit the DMZ, a buffer zone between North and South Korea.

Korea (Andong - Gyeongju - Seoul ) Japan (Nara - Kyoto - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Tokyo)

11-14 Nights | From US$4198.00

Departure Months:

Journey to both south korea and japan in one tour package for the perfect introduction to two incredible asian countries..

For those who love to explore and learn about differnt cultures, consider visiting these two major countries in Asia - Japan and South Korea! While the two countries share many similarities, they also have their own unique cultures. All Japan Tours has designed a special itinerary for guests, showcasing unique locales, “must see” tourist attractions, colorful cultural traditions, and delectable dining. Travel in comfort by private coach bus while your English-speaking guides show you t... View More

For those who love to explore and learn about differnt cultures, consider visiting these two major countries in Asia - Japan and South Korea! While the two countries share many similarities, they also have their own unique cultures. All Japan Tours has designed a special itinerary for guests, showcasing unique locales, “must see” tourist attractions, colorful cultural traditions, and delectable dining. Travel in comfort by private coach bus while your English-speaking guides show you the Highlights of South Korea and Japan. Begin your tour in the beautiful country of South Korea, staying in Seoul for your first night. You will then make your way to Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a river flowing along its borders. Travel to Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls” for the amount of tombs, pagodas, rock carvings, Buddhist statuary, and palace ruins that can be found in the area. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit Gyeongju National Museum and also Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. Make your way back to Seoul, where you will stay for two nights, exploring the enormous city. Visit the chief temple of Korean Buddhism and visit Insa-dong Antique Street, where you can purchase handmade crafts. Before leaving South Korea to continue your Asia expedition, visit the DMZ, which serves as a buffer zone for North and South Korea. Once you have flown from Seoul to Osaka, you will start your tour of Japan by traveling to Nara, where you can see the giant statue of Buddha at Todaiji Temple, or make new friends with the hundreds of wild deer. In the ancient city of Kyoto, you will experience the best gardens, temples, and shrines. Enrich your cultural side by partaking in a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko). Travel towards Mt. Fuji, visiting Hikone, where the beautiful Hikone Castle is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, and stopping at Hakone to take in the amazing views of Mt. Fuji. Stay overnight at a Japanese-style hotel, where you can relax in the hotel's hot spring bath. Once you have reached the bustling city of Tokyo, enjoy a bird's eye view of the city from Tokyo Tower, learn to make your own sushi, and during spring, visit Ueno Park, where you can see over a thousand cherry trees. With exclusive access to gardens, temples, shrines, castles, museums and specialty shops, you will have a one of a kind experience and a chance to see why these countries are popular tourist destinations. Selected tours also include a visit to Hiroshima, where you will learn about the tragic history and bright future of the city. With tours based on seasonal attractions, and must see sites in every tour, you will truly enjoy your time in these two wonderful countries. We plan our tours based on seasonal attractions, with must see sites in every tour. Below are our Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour itineraries with seasonal changes:

7 trips through Japan

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Autumn

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4298.00

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour.

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Spring

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Summer

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

Highlights of Korea and Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hikone / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4498.00

Explore Korea & Japan during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season.

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Spring with Expo 2025 Osaka

13 days 12 nights | from us $4598.00.

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour, plus Expo 2025 Osaka!

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Summer with Expo 2025 Osaka

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour, plus Expo 2025 Osaka.

Highlights of Japan and Korea with Hiroshima: Cherry Blossom Tour

Japan (Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Hikone / Koka / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Obokekyo Gorge / Takamatsu / Kobe), Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul)

15 Days 14 Nights | from US $5698.00

Explore Japan & Korea during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season.

Why Travel on Our Group Tours

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Best Itinerary

Planned by experts, based on seasonal favorites and must-see sites.

Budget-friendly

Choose your style and split cost with other passengers

Hand-picked Accommodations

Chosen by our experienced staff

Fully Guided

Guide is available to you 24/7 and sleeps in the same hotel

Unique experiences

Learn to create your own Sushi, meet a geisha or maiko, and more

Meet locals and visit rural areas of Japan you might miss on other tours

Travel Styles

Deluxe-Plus

Spring Tours (Mar - May)

Summer Tours (Jun - Aug)

Autumn Tours (Sep - Nov)

Winter Tours (Dec - Feb)

Cherry Blossom Tours

Autumn Leaves Tours

Festival Tours

Special Interest Tours

Best Japan Tours

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Garden Tours

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Starting City

Sapporo to Sapporo

Sapporo to Kushiro

Sapporo to Tokyo

Sapporo to Osaka

Sapporo to Fukuoka

Sapporo to Okinawa

Kushiro to Kushiro

Kushiro to Memanbetsu

Tokyo to Sapporo

Tokyo to Tokyo

Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo to Hiroshima

Tokyo to Fukuoka

Tokyo to Okinawa

Tokyo to Seoul

Tokyo to Kushiro

Kyoto to Tokyo

Kyoto to Kyoto

Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka to Sapporo

Osaka to Tokyo

Osaka to Osaka

Osaka to Kotohira Onsen

Osaka to Fukuoka

Osaka to Okinawa

Fukuoka to Sapporo

Fukuoka to Tokyo

Fukuoka to Osaka

Fukuoka to Fukuoka

Fukuoka to Okinawa

Seoul to Tokyo

Taipei to Tokyo

Beijing to Tokyo

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Hokkaido Tours

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Kanto Tours

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Shikoku Tours

Chugoku Tours

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Must-See Cities

Kiso Valley

Sado Island

Akan National Park

Shirakawago

Kinosaki Onsen

Seasonal Attractions

Sanja Festival

Cherry Blossom Viewing at Yoshinoyama

Sendai Aoba Festival

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

Cherry Blossoms in Tohoku

Cherry Blossom Festival at Matsumae Park

Cherry Blossom Festival at Ueno Park

Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park

Cherry Blossoms & Azaleas at Mifuneyama Rakuen

Shibazakura Festivals

Shibazakura Festivals of Hokkaido

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Great Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Miyako Odori

Tenjin Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Aomori Nebuta Festival

Akita Kanto Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Gion Summer Festival

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Tanabata Fireworks

Karatsu Kunchi Festival

Jidai Festival

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

Lake Kawaguchi Momiji-Kairo

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Obara Shikizakura Festival

Japan Winter Festivals

Sapporo Snow Festival

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Seikan Undersea Tunnel

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion)

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Miho Museum

Koka Ninja Mansion

Ise Grand Shrine

Mikimoto Pearl Island

Himeji Castle

Izumo Grand Shrine

Naoshima Island

Gunkanjima Island

Mt Takasaki Monkey Park

Matsumoto Castle

Tokyo Tower

Kiyomizu Temple

Gion Geisha District

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

Takayama Festivals

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko Interaction

Sushi-Making Experience

Tokyo SkyTree

Ghibli Museum

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Kenrokuen Garden

Hikone Castle

Zen Meditation (Zazen)

Calligraphy Lesson (Shodo)

Ikebana Lesson (Flower Arrangement)

Kimono Experience

Taiko Lesson

Dotonbori Street Food Tour

Nakasendo Hike

Snow Monkeys

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kurashiki Canal Area

Miyajima Island

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Takachiho Gorge

Oirase Stream

Tottori Sand Dunes

Wisteria Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens

What our customers say

  4.9 stars based on 513 REVIEWS

We gained great appreciation for the culture and history of Japan through the sites we visited. The transportation was comfortable and convenient, and our guide, Trend, was outstanding, knowledgeable and entertaining. The accommodations were terrific, and it was so convenient to have two meals included each day. We enjoyed every aspect of the tour and we'd highly recommend it to others!

This tour was amazing with everything so well organized. The transportation was comfortable, accommodation was great (pretty much got 4-star hotels) and all the important touristy places were covered. It'd be hard for anyone to do the same itinerary on their own for sure. My fav. aspect of the tour is that it was not rushed and had ample time at each of the spots making it more enjoyable. Most importantly, our guide TREND was brilliant. She did an excellent job in taking care of the group, keeping it entertaining and educative. She always ensured we were all comfortable everywhere and especially in the restaurants where the menu was hard to understand given I had dietary restrictions leaving few choices. I'd recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for the highlights of Japan.

We had a wonderful tour.

Trend was an exceptional tour host! She was attentive to every traveler and gave us such helpful information, both historical and cultural.

Our tour with AJT was just perfect! My husband and I traveled with our two young adult children. We had an absolutely wonderful guide for our entire tour. There were other families on the tour that made for interesting conversation all week. The tour hit all of the sites my family wanted to see and I just can not say enough nice things about our guide. She was very knowledgeable and handled all hurtles of traveling with 24 people with grace and a smile.

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South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo

5 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Two sought-after countries. Twice the cultural cachet.

On the global pop culture scene, South Korea’s star has steadily risen in recent years. That’s thanks in part to sensationally popular Korean TV shows and films, foods, beauty trends, and pop bands that have taken the world by storm—and piqued travelers’ curiosity about the country in the process. Korea’s easterly neighbor, Japan, offers up rich history, cultural immersion, and impeccable hospitality that’s always in high demand. Spend two weeks getting to know these neighboring Asian nations, from their neon-lit cities to their rural villages to their serene, natural landscapes. If you want to venture a little farther off the beaten path, extend your tour and explore Hokkaido, Japan’s mountainous, northernmost island.

Your tour package includes

• 13 nights in handpicked hotels
• 13 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine

Included highlights

• Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
• Visiting with Buddhist monks at Bulguksa Temple
• UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan
• Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan
• Kushida-jinja Shrine in Fukuoka

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Seoul today.

Welcome to South Korea! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

Meet up with your local guide and get to know South Korea’s capital city, Seoul. Situated in the northwestern reaches of South Korea, the thriving metropolis is home to modern skyscrapers, ornate Buddhist temples, grand palaces, and nearly 10 million residents. It’s also the perfect place to experience many of the fun and dynamic Korean cultural trends—from K-pop music to novelty foods—that have flourished around the world throughout the last decade.

• Step inside the 14th-century, 7,700-room Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built by King Taejo and is widely considered the most beautiful of Seoul’s five grand palaces.
• Watch the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a reenactment of the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty; the ceremony features colorful reproduction costumes, as well as instruments and weapons, based on historical records.
• Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about traditional ways of life, which are rapidly disappearing as a result of modernization and urbanization.
• Enter bustling Gwangjang Market, the city’s oldest traditional market, where you’ll find everything from street food to silks to hanbok—traditional Korean clothing whose origins date back more than 2,000 years.
• Enjoy a tasting of the market’s not-to-be-missed street food, followed by free time to shop and explore on your own.
• Get to know your fellow travelers over an included welcome lunch, served with beer or wine.

Enjoy a free evening in Seoul or add an excursion.

Kimchi-Making Class & Dinner

From $155 per person

Enjoy a free day in Seoul or add an excursion.

History of the Korean War: DMZ Visit

From $119 per person

Board a high-speed bullet train bound for the city of Gyeongju. Often referred to as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is home to several impressive archaeological sites and three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Climb aboard your coach for a short transfer to Bulguksa Temple; the treasured head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism was established on the slopes of Mount Toham in the eighth century.
• Explore the temple with a monk as your guide, then choose to make prayer beads or a lotus flower lantern.

Sit down with your group this evening for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Spend the morning exploring the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, the final resting place of nobility of the Silla Kingdom, or Golden Kingdom, which ruled from 57 B.C.–935 A.D. You’ll have a chance to enter one of its burial mounds and view some of the 11,000 artifacts and royal crowns that showcase the lavish lifestyles of Korean royalty.

Later, travel to the mountainous, seaside city of Busan, where you’ll visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. Learn about the history and impact of the Korean War, and pay your respects to those buried in the cemetery.

Enjoy an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

Meet up with a local guide to explore Busan, a dynamic port city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Home to roughly 3.5 million people, Busan is the country’s second-largest city. Here, visitors will find a little bit of everything, from bustling city streets to scenic beaches to excellent restaurants.

• Pass through the heart of the city to popular Yongdusan Park and make a photo stop at its nearly 400-foot-tall Busan Tower, which features an observation deck and cafe.
• Travel to colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and learn how it evolved from a downtrodden destination for Korean War refugees to a must-see destination known for its colorful dwellings and labyrinthine alleyways.
• Head back to the city and visit the vast Jagalchi Fish Market, whose vendors sell just about every kind of fish and seafood imaginable.
• Enjoy free time for shopping and lunch along Gwangbok-dong Cultural & Fashion Street, whose shops sell everything from bargain finds to luxury goods.

Busan Harbor Cruise & Korean Barbecue Dinner

Today, fly to Fukuoka, the largest city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. With your Tour Director leading the way, head for a tour of the city, which was formed in 1889 when the castle town of Fukuoka and the port city of Hakata merged.

• Visit the eighth-century Kushida-jinja Shrine, whose highlights include a fountain where people pray for eternal youth.
• Learn about the shrine’s famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, which takes place every July and culminates with residents of seven Hakata neighborhoods racing beautifully decorated floats along a three-mile course through the city.
• Wander along the Naka River to Nakasu, a small island packed with stalls selling street foods such as Hakata ramen and yakitori.

Head to a local restaurant this evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Travel to Nagasaki this morning and meet up with your local guide. Set out to explore the area, which was Japan’s early gateway to trade with the West, as well as the target of an atomic bombing by the United States in 1945. Today, the area’s unspoiled beaches and islands attract swimmers, divers, and sea kayakers.

• Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, which serves as both a symbol of hope and a reminder of the horrors of war.
• Explore the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum’s exhibits, which shed light on the city’s devastating history and post-war life.
• Sit down for an included lunch this afternoon at a local restaurant.
• Set off on a walking tour through the city, including its cosmopolitan center, as well as historic neighborhoods, like Dejima, which was constructed in the 17th century as a man-made island to segregate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population.

Board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto this morning. Then, get to know the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years and is still considered its spiritual capital.

• Start in western Kyoto’s historic Arashiyama district, which is known for its temples, shrines, and stunning natural beauty.
• Step inside the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji temple, which was originally constructed in the 12th century and is considered one of Kyoto’s most important sites.
• Wander through the famous and photogenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, whose towering, 160-foot-tall bamboo stalks flank a singular pathway.
• Take in views of the rolling, tree-covered hills that surround the Hozu River.
• Cross the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge, which was originally built more than 1,200 years ago and stretches nearly 170 feet across a river that’s known as the Hozu to the west and the Katsura to the east.
• See the famous, 14th-century Kinkaku-ji temple, widely known as the Golden Pavilion, which sits at the edge of a tranquil reflecting pond and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy a free day in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Fushimi Inari Walking Tour & Tea Ceremony

From $95 per person

Board a high-speed bullet train to Tokyo, then spend the afternoon exploring Japan’s bustling capital with your Tour Director leading the way. Ancient shrines and temples, peaceful parks, and modern skyscrapers make up the tapestry of the city, which is home to nearly 14 million people.

• Snap photos of the Imperial Palace, which occupies the site of the original Edo Castle and is home to Japan’s emperor; its impressive grounds feature moats and massive, stone walls.
• Pass through the Shinjuku District, a major hub for shopping and nightlife with neon signs as far as the eye can see.
• Ride an elevator to the top of the Metropolitan Building—a soaring structure with twin towers and observation decks—to enjoy bird’s-eye views of the city.

Join a local guide and get to know more of Tokyo, from its historic past to its vibrant present.

• Drive through central Tokyo to iconic Shibuya crossing and snap photos of the world’s busiest crosswalk—some 3,000 people cross from all directions simultaneously during rush hour—from an elevated viewing point.
• Stop inside Shibuya Station to view “The Myth of Tomorrow,” Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto’s famous 1960s mural that depicts the explosion of an atomic bomb.
• Drive to Yoyogi Park—one of the city’s biggest public parks—and take a short walk to Meiji Imperial Shrine, the final resting place of Emperor Meiji.
• Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine.
• Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, the city’s oldest and most sacred temple.
• Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Tokyo or add an excursion.

Japanese Cooking Class & Dinner

From $125 per person

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo or add an excursion.

Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.

Aokigahara Forest & Mount Fuji

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, or choose to continue your adventure with a visit to Hokkaido.

Today, fly to Sapporo—the capital of Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island and one of the country’s youngest major cities (in 1857, its population clocked in at a mere seven people). The city also played host to the Olympics in 1972. Spend the afternoon exploring the city alongside your Tour Director.

• Enjoy a comforting bowl of Sapporo’s famous ramen—the iconic Japanese noodle soup originated here—during an included lunch.
• Walk through Odori Park—the sprawling green space separates the city into north and south—and enter the iconic Sapporo TV tower, which dates back to the 1950s, and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
• Pass Sapporo’s clock tower, the city’s oldest building, as you make your way to Niko Market.

Travel to the charming harbor city of Otaru. Here, you’ll take a short walking tour alongside your Tour Director, cruise along the city’s canals, and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Later, visit the local brewery and enjoy a guided tour through the brewery where you’ll learn how the best ingredients are chosen, view the fermentation process, and see how the beers are manufactured and packaged. End the tour with a tasting of fresh off-the-line beer before enjoying free time for the rest of the day.

Enjoy a free day in Sapporo or add an excursion.

Volcanic Hokkaido

From $99 per person

Board a flight back to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day or add an excursion.

Tokyo Dinner & Karaoke

From $105 per person

Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo. Then, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 5 out of 5

Enjoyed this trip. Loved learning about South Korean culture and history. Our guides for both Korea and Japan were wonderful.

South Korea and Japan are beautiful countries and I really enjoyed my visit. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience different cultures.

We had a great time on this trip, the itineraries and tour directors were amazing, very fun and with lots of insight. Even if you do all the excursions you still get time to explore on your own and the director + any other trainees you may pickup along the way, are there to help; even if it’s just t...

Alexis, thank you for your shining review. We are ...

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This downtown hotel is located in Seoul’s vibrant Myeongdong district. Guests enjoy the fitness center, city views, and on-site cafe. Nearby you’ll fi...

This grand hotel is located in historic city of Gyeongju. Guests enjoy the beautifully manicured gardens, outdoor pools, and on-site coffee house. Nea...

This contemporary hotel is located a few minutes walk from Busan’s beautiful Haeundae Beach. Guests enjoy the fitness center, spacious rooms, and on-s...

This boutique hotel is located the vibrant Sanjo district of Kyoto. Guests enjoy the thoughtfully designed décor, on-site restaurant, and the 1867 bar...

This comfortable hotel is located on Odaiba Island, Tokyo. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you’ll find Pallete To...

This modern hotel is located in Fukuoka’s Nakasu neighborhood. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant and tea lounge, as well as Tempur-pedic pillows. Ne...

This centrally located hotel is in the heart of Sapporo. Guests enjoy the two different restaurants featuring Western and Japanese cuisine, bike renta...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter South Korea and Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• Beginning January 1, 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the South Korean government’s Electronic Travel Authority website www.k-eta.go.kr prior to departure.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact South Korea’s and Japan’s consulates for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SKJ.
• You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. You may need to climb stairs when visiting temples.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Directors who accompany your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Directors is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and they cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• You will have two separate Tour Directors on this tour: one in South Korea and another in Japan.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Seoul and depart from Tokyo. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• High-speed train transfers from Seoul to Gyeongju, Fukuoka to Kyoto, and Kyoto to Tokyo, as well as a flight from Busan to Fukuoka, are included in the price of your tour. The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight between Tokyo and Sapporo.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers may only bring personal items or carry-on sized luggage on the train transfers. Any large-checked luggage will be transferred for you from Fukuoka to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Tokyo directly.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• In South Korea, typical foods include rice, noodles, kimchi (a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage, radish, or cucumber and seasoned with ingredients like fish sauce and chili flakes), and bulgogi—a popular Korean barbecue dish.
• Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
• Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
• South Korea operates on 220 volts and uses Type C and F plugs.
• The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• All destinations visited are 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1am on the following day on tour.
• You will use the the Korean won in South Korea and the Japanese yen in Japan.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

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For various reasons, Japan and South Korea are on almost everyone’s bucket list. These two countries are right next to each other and 20 days is a bit too much time to spend in just one country – so, why not visit both?

Aside from the beautiful scenery and a variety of healthy foods, people are also fascinated with Japan and South Korea’s culture, anime, manga, K-dramas, K-pop, and of course, their history.

These days, some people would even travel all the way to South Korea to visit some skincare clinics – that’s one of the things South Korea is known for .

South Korea also has the fastest internet speed in the world. They have over 200 kimchi varieties, and their capital, Seoul, is where The Simpsons and South Park were processed. If it’s your first time in South Korea, these apps for Korea will help you get around and plan your upcoming trip.

Japan, on the other hand , is famous for its Kobe beef, polite people, and reliable public transportation. You can also see the world’s shortest escalator here, only five steps, and the tallest mountain. 

I compiled the most famous places to visit and things to do during your 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan and how to spend 10 days in each country in one trip .

RECOMMENDED TRIPS: 3 weeks in the Philippines or 3 weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam

TIPS BEFORE GOING TO SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

First, there are some essential things that you need to know and be prepared first before you book anything. These tips will help you plan your itinerary , know when to go, how to get around, and how to be respectful of the locals and their culture.

When is the best time to go to South Korea and Japan

If you are fond of skiing and seeing the snow, the perfect time to go to these countries is during their winter season, which is from December to February in Japan and late December to mid-March in South Korea .

For those who want to witness the famous cherry blossoms personally, go during the spring season , which is from March to May, in both countries. Japan’s summer season is from June to mid-September and July to August in South Korea. 

If you don’t want to go during the peak seasons, the best time to visit South Korea is from April to May and September to October because those are the months when the tourist numbers are low.

While in Japan’s off-peak season would be from late autumn through March . For those who are planning to avoid typhoon season, try not to book a flight to Japan from July to October and mid-June through September in South Korea.

Are 3 weeks enough for South Korea and Japan

If it’s your first time visiting these great countries, planning to spend 10 days on each will give you plenty of time to see all the top sites. Since both countries are small with reliable public transportation and short flights between them, you can really make the most of your time.

Remember to book your flight arriving in the first country you wish to visit first, then the flight home from the other country. This way, you don’t need to waste time flying back to the previous country.

Average cost of 20 days in South Korea and Japan

The great thing about visiting these two countries is that it balances everything when it comes to cost . Japan is more expensive than South Korea, so if you feel like the 10 days in Japan is costing too much, you know that you will save a bit more once you’re in South Korea.

On average, $1,800, you can explore Japan and South Korea in 20 days. With this budget, you can stay in a mid-range hotel, eat out at decent restaurants, and book group tours.

If you want to save a bit more, you can stay in a dorm room instead of a private one. On that low budget, you can expect to spend around $1,200 , especially if you also eat street food rather than dining at restaurants.

Both South Korea and Japan have amazing convenience stores where you can get quick bites at such affordable prices.

If you want to splurge, $3,000 will allow you to stay in luxury hotels, try fancier restaurants and enjoy premium tours.

These costs are per person if you’re travelling with another person, you can bring the accommodation cost down if you don’t mind sharing a room.

You must also remember that the check-in time in Japan and South Korea can be so inconvenient. It’s normal to find hotels where checking into your room doesn’t start until late in the afternoon, and even in the evening.

Getting around

There are tons of ways to get around South Korea. There are trains, buses, cabs, cars, subways, and aeroplanes . If you’re planning to ride the bus, the most convenient way to do so is to buy a T-money transit card beforehand to avoid any hassle.

If the place you’re planning to visit is really far from where you currently are, then the fastest option would be to ride a plane, but it would be more expensive compared to the other modes of transportation.

Railways are the most common means to get around in Japan . They have two train types: the bullet train and the night train. Aside from that, they have taxis, buses, ferries, and offer car and bicycle rentals.

You can rent a car, but it’s not really worth the time since most road signs are in the local language. Plus, the train system in both countries are very reliable anyway.

South Korea and Japan have quite different visa policies.

For Japan : Travellers with passports from North America (including Mexico), Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Suriname, French Guinea, most of Europe, some of Southeast Asia, most of Oceania, and its neighbour South Korea, can enjoy visa-free travel to Japan for 15-180 days depending on the passport you have.

For people who wish to visit South Korea , passport holders of most of America (excluding Bolivia and Cuba), almost all of Europe, some of Central Asia, some of North and South Africa, some of Southeast Asia and East Asia, and most of Oceania can enter the country as a tourist and stay for 30-180 days.

Still, you must get the K-ETA which is only about $9.

Basic travel tips

Here is a list of sites and travel services I use when travelling anywhere in the world. Many of these sites offer flexible cancellations and various choices depending on your budget and travel style. If planning to visit during peak season, make sure to book at least 6 months in advance, especially for accommodations.

HOW TO TRAVEL BETWEEN JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA

The most common and fastest way from Japan to South Korea (and vice versa) is to take a non-stop 2.5-hour flight . If you take on a connection, the travel time extends up to 6 hours.

There used to be a ferry service between these countries which was relatively uncommon. The travel time takes about 21 hours, and the ports are between Busan, South Korea to Hakata/Fukuoka, Japan.

You can choose from two companies: Kampu Ferries and Camellia Line Ferries. However, in 2019, Kampu Ferries limited their services to Japanese nationals. You can read more information here .

Package Tours

If you prefer to sit back and relax, you can book a package tour where the tour operator will arrange everything for you, including transportation, hotels, food, tours, porters, and guides.

Right now, I haven’t found a package tour that will cover both. But, you can book two separate package tours and achieve pretty much the same – except you have to book the flight between Japan and South Korea.

MUST-SEE PLACES IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN (pinned map)

Click the icon on the top-right to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Due to the size of both countries and the distance from each other, you can easily cover Japan and South Korea in one go . You can spend about 10 days in each place or move things around if you want to spend more or less time in the other.

Although this doesn’t mean you can’t pay for the entire 3 weeks in a single country, you can very well, which will let you see many more places and travel more slowly.

Day-to-day overview:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Seoul, South Korea – get transferred from the airport or take the train/bus, get a local sim card if needed and train/bus passes
• Day 2 to 4 : Go sightseeing around Seoul and the surrounding areas
• Day 4: Get to Busan from Seoul by car or train or bus
• Day 4 to 6 : Explore Busan
• Day 7 : Travel from Busan to Jeju Island by plane
• Day 7 to 9 : Explore Jeju Island with East bus tour
• Day 10 : Fly to Tokyo from Jeju Island, get pocket wifi for Japan or local sim card with unlimited data , book an airport transfer to your hotel
• Day 10 to 14 : Go sightseeing around Tokyo , nearby areas such as Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka
• Day 15 : Get to Hokkaido by plane or train
• Day 15 to 17 : Discover Hokkaido
• Day 18 : Travel to Hiroshima from Hokkaido
• Day 18 to 20 : Discover Hiroshima
• Day 21 : Get to Tokyo to catch your flight home

10 days in South Korea

Various K-pop acts are now well-known worldwide, starting when Psy’s song Gangnam Style propelled to stardom. Very recently, the movie Parasite gained numerous prestigious awards, and the web series, most recently, Squid Games, paved the way for gaining worldwide recognition.

Not only that, even some of their variety shows, including Running Man , have been famous outside of South Korea for years. Their entertainment industry drew people to be interested in their culture as well. So much so that more people started learning Hangul.

South Korea was only established in 1948 , meaning it’s such a young country. It’s amazing how much culture and ancient architecture South Korea managed to maintain despite going to war over 50 years ago.

For those who love history, South Korea is such as gateway in East Asia featuring the culture, heritage, and history.

Of course, their tourism industry skyrocketed along with these positive changes. That’s why we created a South Korea itinerary for 10 days where you’ll get to stay in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.

Seoul for 5 days

Your trip starts in Seoul, South Korea. You should be able to find flights directly landing here from Europe, North America, Asia, and even some parts from Latin America.

Eight mountains and the Han River border Seoul, so it’s perfect for those who are fond of hiking, going for a stroll, or picnicking by the river. There are also lots of day trips you can do from Seoul if you prefer to keep it as a base than moving all the time.

From Seoul, you can get anywhere in South Korea by land or by air. Here are some other places to visit and things to do in South Korea’s capital:

• Namsan Tower
• Seoul city tour
• Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village
• Lotte World Tower – get your e-ticket to avoid any hassle
• Nanta – enjoy a day trip to Nanta or Korean Folk Village
• Demilitarized Zone – you can book a half or full-day trip
• Seoul Museum of Art
• Join a cooking class and market tour
• Attend Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – join a cherry blossom tour
• Experience South Korean nightlife – book a pub crawl
• Experience Ultra Korea, a huge music festival that happens during the summer
• Ghost stories walking tour

Accommodations in Seoul:

• Affordable: 24 Guesthouse or Good Stay
• Mid-range: Standford Hotel or Hotel Skypark
• Luxury: Lotte Hotel or Four Seasons

Busan for 3 days

One of the reasons why Busan is well-known is because they have the largest traditional market and seafood market in South Korea.

There is also a great variety of street foods which are perfect for foodies, their speciality being eomuk or fish cakes or tasty Korean instant noodles , which are available in grocery stores and even food stalls. With that being said, here are the places to visit/ things to do in Busan:

The easiest way to reach Busan from Seoul is by KTX high-speed train , which takes under three hours. You can also take the slow train, which is more affordable than the KTX. It would take you anywhere between 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours, depending on the train type that you will ride.

Taking a bus would take you four hours to reach your destination. You can also ride the plane, which is the fastest and most expensive option.

• Attend the Lantern Festival, which they celebrate during the spring season (May)
• Book a full-day city tour
• Haeundae beach
• Gwangbokdong food street or join a traditional food cooking class
• Samjin Eomuk main storer and museum
• Enjoy an afternoon cruise
• Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park
• Day trip to Oedo Island or Tongyeong
• Visit the cool Jusangjeollidae

Accommodations in Busan :

• Affordable: No.25 Hotel or Seri Inn Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Residence Mumum Hotel or Toyoko Inn
• Luxury: The Westin Josun or Arban Hotel

If this list is not enough for you or you don’t find suitable accommodation, check this detailed article about where to stay in Busan .

Jeju for 2 days

There are six ways to reach Jeju from Busan , one of which is by ferry. The travel time would last for 11 hours. You can also ride the train or bus and then ride a plane for about a little over 3 hours. Car rentals are also an option, then riding the ferry, which would take more than 6 hours.

The most recommended option would be to take the subway and ride the plane afterwards, which would take around 2 hours and 40 minutes. This is going to be your last destination in South Korea , from here, you will fly to Japan.

Aside from otherworldly natural scenery, Jeju is also famous because of its unusual theme parks and commercial attractions. Here are some of the places to visit in Jeju :

• Osulloc Tea Museum
• Attend the Jeongwol Daeborum Fire Festival, which usually happens during the winter season (February or March)
• Mount Hallasan – go for a hike with local lunch
• Take a Submarine tour
• Manjangul Cave – you can book a transportation to and from
• Yeomiji Botanical Garden
• Book an organised full-day tour for Jeju Island
• Explore the famous Museum of Sex and Health

Accommodations in Jeju City :

• Affordable: You&I Guest House or Bricks Stay
• Mid-range: Ganderak Guesthouse or Ventimo Hotel & Residences
• Luxury: LOTTE Hotel or Grand Hyatt Hotel

10 days in Japan

Aside from anime and mangas, Japan is well-known for the plethora of snacks and beverages that can be found in its convenience stores and vending machines. They have a wide variety of fresh foods and snacks that you seriously won’t run out of options.

Japan also have a vast expanse of beautiful natural scenery , as well as places and trinkets with a kawaii aesthetic. Japan has such visual diversity that you’ll indeed find your trip to this country unforgettable.

But most importantly, tourists love Japanese cultural etiquette. Remember though, tattoos are kind of frowned upon in Japan . It’s better to cover them up while you’re there to show respect to the locals.

Japan is also home to historical sites; new and modern. Mount Fuji is easily one of the most iconic spots in the country and definitely worth a visit.

The places are clean, the trains are always punctual , and most people are courteous and polite. If you are a history buff, there’s also something waiting for you. Hopefully, we’ve piqued your interest in having a vacation in this country and for that, here’s the Japan itinerary for 10 days.

Tokyo for 5 days

Tokyo is a bustling yet organised city. Public transport is often on time, so you don’t have to worry about being late. You can get around the city pretty easily or get a hop on-hop off bus ticket or a Tokyo metro pass .

To get from Jeju, South Korea to Tokyo, Japan, you can book a flight . There are two airports in Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), and almost all flights have a connection, but flying into Narita is more affordable (I think because it’s farther from Tokyo downtown).

There are also a lot of day trips from Tokyo such as the stunning Hitachi Seaside Park (Flower Fields), Nikko National Park, and of course, Mount Fuji. From Tokyo, you can get anywhere in Japan by train, metro, and even bus.

There are many things to do and places to see in Tokyo, but some are only seasonal. Let’s first talk about places you can visit and things you can do in Tokyo all year round:

• Tokyo Skytree observation deck – get your ticket
• Visit Kawaguchi Lake with a Mount Fuji view – book a tour with lunch
• Digital Arts Museum – great for all ages, but for people with autism (especially with light sensitivity, this might be overwhelming) – buy your entrance ticket in advance
• Imperial Palace – join a walking tour with a local guide
• Visit Tsukiji Market (fish market) and learn how to roll a sushi – book a tour
• Enjoy a traditional Yakatube dinner on a cruise
• Learn about rame through this ramen tasting tour
• Join a half-day cycling and cruise tour

Accommodations in Tokyo :

• Affordable: Hotel Owl or bnb Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel GrandBach or Shiomi Prince Hotel
• Luxury: The Capitol Hotel or The Gate Hotel

Here are some of the places you could visit during the winter :

• Skating rink at Toshimaen amusement park
• Tokyo German Village

Some of the things you could do during summer :

• Attend a fireworks summer event
• Try out kakigori , one of their summer foods

Things to do or places to visit in spring :

• Attend a Japanese Spring Festival
• Try out sakura-flavoured foods and delicacies
• Walk in parks to see cherry blossoms up close

Kyoto or Osaka for 3 days

You can choose between these two as your main place to stay, but they are right next to each other. This means that you can explore both cities easily in under 3 days.

Osaka is where the stunning and historical Osaka Castle (from 1597), Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Shitenno-ji. For modern attractions, this is where you will find Universal Studios, Umeda Sky Building, and the high street of Dotonbori.

While in Kyoto , it features Kiyomizu-dera, Nijō Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and Bishamondō Temple – a very beautiful place during fall foliage.

The distance between Osaka and Kyoto is just an hour (60 km), and there are lots of day trips that you can book.

To get to Osaka from Tokyo , the train takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. From Tokyo to Kyoto , it’s 3 hours.

Attractions in Osaka:

• Explore Osaka via a walking tour or an ebike tour or a night tour or a private tour
• Osaka Castle
• Sumiyoshi Taisha
• Shitenno-ji
• Universal Studios – get your entry ticket (1 or 2 days)
• Umeda Sky Building
• Kuromon Market
• Go Kart – unique Go Kart with costumes on
• Abeno Harukas
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Explore Osaka’s cuisine through a food tour or a cooking class or this food tour

Attractions in Kyoto :

• Discover Kyoto through a 1-day bus tour or a private tour or an ebike tour or this tour that highlights the top Kyoto attractions or a UNESCO Sites bus tour
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Nijō Castle
• Sign up for a Samurai Experience – read this reviews
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Bishamondō Temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Join a cuisine tour via a ramen cooking class or night food tour or a brunch food tour at Nishiki Market or a Kyoto Tea Ceremony
• Arashiyama Monkey Park
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• There’s a day tour from Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima if you want to save time

Hiroshima for 2 days

Hiroshima is known to be the first city hit with an atomic bomb, but that’s not what the city is only known for. Hiroshima is famous among museum lovers because of the abundance of museums there. They also have tons of parks, historical wonders, and festivities all year round.

To reach Hiroshima from Hokkaido , the fastest and most recommended mode of transportation would be to ride a bus, then a plane, which would last for four hours.

Some other options include taking a train, driving a car, taking a car ferry, or taking the bus. The travel times for these could last between 13 hours to 32 hours. 

Here are some of the things to do and places to visit in Hiroshima once you’ve reached your destination:

• The Island Shrine of Itsukushima
• Hiroshima Castle – explore Hiroshima on a bicycle
• Shukkei-en Garden
• Have fun shooting arrows traditionally
• Hiroshima Museum of Art
• Learn about Japanese culture – book this cultural tour in a Kimono
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Explore the city through this cycling tour
• Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome
• Explore Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day – book a guided tour

Accommodations in Hiroshima :

• Affordable: Capsule Hotel Cube or Santiago Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel or Candeo Hotels
• Luxury: Hilton Hotel or Sheraton Grand Hotel

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Combining all the days spent in these places, you’ll get to stay for 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan. With that being said, here are some other additional know-how during your travels: 

When in Seoul, you could get an integrated palace ticket which will grant you entry to all five palaces and costs way less than buying separate tickets for each. You could also look on different sites for discount passes, and if you’re planning on doing physical activities, you might want to consider getting travel insurance.

You can also study some of the most common phrases used in your destination countries, purchase a travel dictionary, or download an app to make conversations more seamless.

That’s about it, we hope that you’ll have a great time visiting these countries that have so much to offer and that you found this itinerary of 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan helpful in creating your own itinerary .

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Trip to Japan and South Korea: 3 weeks memorable itinerary

• by two by the world
• February 16, 2024 May 10, 2024

A trip to Japan and South Korea is something that has long filled the dreams of travelers eager to explore rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique cuisine. After our second trip to Japan in April 2023, we decided to extend our adventure to South Korea. We opted for an independent approach, booking everything on our own and building a personalized itinerary based on our interests. You can find more information on how to plan a trip to Japan here . In this post, we share our 3-week journey to Japan and South Korea , filled with memorable moments, surprising discoveries, and unforgettable experiences that shaped our view of these two fascinating countries.

Itinerary of our trip to Japan and South Korea

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Week 1: Tokyo and Hakone

Tokyo (4 nights): No trip to Japan is complete without visiting Tokyo. We immersed ourselves in the bustle of Tokyo, exploring everything from the iconic Shibuya crossing, and the Tsukiji Market to the spectacular district of Asakusa. We indulged in the wonders of Japanese cuisine and marvelled at the vibrant neighbourhoods that define the city’s dynamic landscape. Tokyo is a city that never seems to end for those who visit. We’ve been to Tokyo 3 times already, and there’s always something more to see or do.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku (nightlife), Shibuya (youth culture), Ginza (luxury shopping), Asakusa (historic sites), Ueno (budget-friendly), Ikebukuro (shopping), Roppongi (nightlife), Harajuku (fashion).

Hakone (1 night): A train journey took us to Odawara where we activated the Hakone FreePass and caught another train to Hakone. In Hakone, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, visit an old teahouse, and take a walk along one of Japan’s oldest and best-known paths. The Hakone FreePass gives you access not only to the train but also to the bus within Hakone, cable cars, and a boat cruise on the lake.

Where to stay in Hakone

Hakone-Yumoto (hot springs), Gora (onsen resorts, Hakone Open-Air Museum), Lake Ashi (scenic views, boat cruises), Hakone Shrine (cultural heritage, picturesque setting), Owakudani (volcanic valley, black eggs), Hakone-machi (traditional townscape, historic sites), Mishima Skywalk area (panoramic views, suspension bridge), Sengokuhara (nature walks, art museums).

Week 2: Kyoto, Nara, and Fukuoka

Kyoto (4 nights): We fell in love with Kyoto’s historic temples and the charming Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, creating magical memories in the heart of Japan. A day trip to Nara where we had the opportunity to mingle with and feed the deer added a special touch to our trip.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Gion (traditional geisha district, historic streets), Arashiyama (bamboo forest, scenic river, temples), Higashiyama (historic district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets), Fushimi Inari (Fushimi Inari Shrine, thousands of torii gates), Nishiki Market (traditional food market), Kyoto Station (modern transportation hub, Kyoto Tower), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle (historic castle, beautiful gardens).

Fukuoka (2 nights): The high-speed train took us to Fukuoka, a city that combines tradition and modernity. We explored street food markets and relaxed in the serene Ohori Park.

Where to stay in Fukuoka

Hakata (historic district, food stalls, Kushida Shrine), Tenjin (shopping district, nightlife, entertainment), Canal City Hakata (shopping mall, dining, entertainment complex), Ohori Park (scenic park, Japanese garden, boating), Nakasu (nightlife, yatai stalls, riverside dining), Fukuoka Tower (observation deck, city views), Fukuoka Castle Ruins (historic site, park), Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (historic shrine, plum garden).

Week 3: Busan, Jeonju, and Seoul

Ferry to Busan (4 nights): We boarded a scenic ferry that took us to Busan’s vibrant markets, serene beaches, and rich Korean cultural tapestry, highlighting the interculturality of our trip. It was the first place where we tried Korean barbecue in a very typical setting and we fell in love.

Where to stay in Busan

Haeundae (beach, nightlife, cafes), Gwangalli Beach (scenic beach, cafes, bridge views), Seomyeon (shopping district, nightlife, entertainment), Gamcheon Culture Village (colourful houses, art galleries, cultural village), Jagalchi Market (largest fish market in Korea, seafood stalls), Busan Tower (observation deck, city views, light shows), Beomeosa Temple (Buddhist temple, mountain hiking), Taejongdae Park (coastal park, cliffs, lighthouse).

Jeonju (2 nights): Known for its Hanok Village and delicious bibimbap, Jeonju charmed us with its history and gastronomy.

Where to stay in Jeonju

Hanok Village (traditional Korean houses, cultural heritage, craft shops), Jeonju Nambu Market (traditional market, street food, local produce), Gyeonggijeon Shrine (historic site, Confucian shrine), Omokdae and Imokdae (scenic overlooks, historic sites), Jeonju Hanji Museum (papermaking museum, cultural exhibits), Pungnammun Gate (historic gate, city landmark), Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian educational institution, cultural site), Jaman Mural Village (art village, murals, photo spots).

Seoul (4 nights): In Seoul, we explored ancient palaces, and dynamic neighbourhoods like Insadong, and indulged in vibrant street food.

Where to stay in Seoul

Myeong-dong (shopping district, street food, nightlife), Hongdae (youth culture, indie music scene, street art), Gangnam (upscale shopping, entertainment, nightlife), Insadong (traditional culture, tea houses, art galleries), Itaewon (international district, diverse cuisine, nightlife), Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional Korean houses, cultural heritage), Dongdaemun (shopping district, markets, late-night shopping), Namsan (N Seoul Tower, panoramic views, hiking trails).

Additional tips for a trip to Japan and South Korea

• JR Rail Pass : We used the JR Rail Pass to travel between cities in Japan, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective experience. Pass prices have recently changed, so before you decide to buy a pass, check if the planned trips are worth it.
• Hakone Pass : The Hakone FreePass was essential for exploring the region, offering access to exclusive attractions and stunning views.
• Activities : Both Japan and South Korea receive many travellers, so some attractions access tickets may sold out, make sure to book in advance online for Japan and South Korea .
• Ferry to South Korea : We recommend the ferry from Fukuoka to Busan for a scenic and unique experience. We used the Queen Beetle .
• Travel Insurance : When travelling independently to a remote destination, we always recommend travel insurance. Check out more details and information on travel insurance here .
• Train Travel : High-speed trains are efficient and fast, allowing you to explore multiple cities in a short amount of time.
• Food Safety : Try all the street food; it’s hygienic and safe, and offers unique experiences.

How much does a trip to Japan and South Korea cost?

A 3-week adventure trip to Japan and South Korea can cost from €3,500 per person in a group of 2, depending on choices of flights , accommodation , meals, and activities . We recommend early bookings, especially during peak seasons.

Best times to visit

The best times to visit are in the spring (April and May) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and the landscapes stunning. Summer (June to August) offers vibrant festivals, while winter (November to March) brings a unique atmosphere with holidays and special activities.

Entry requirements for Japan and South Korea

Entry rules in all countries depend on the traveller’s country of origin and passport nationality. We always advise checking information with consulate authorities or embassies.

Many countries, including Portugal, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, grant visa exemptions for stays of up to 90 days for your trip to Japan.

For South Korea, visa requirements also vary depending on the country of origin, and a K-ETA may be required.

Our trip to Japan and South Korea was an enriching and unforgettable experience. We discovered the true essence of these countries, immersing ourselves in local culture, exploring stunning landscapes, and savouring unique cuisine. We hope our itinerary inspires your adventure and that you make the most of every moment, just as we did.

Planning your trip to Japan?

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If you are planning a trip, check our resources page .

Activities at Japan

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Japan vs South Korea: which impressive East Asian destination should you visit?

Apr 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Take the plunge at a Japanese onsen, or join the hallyu (“Korean Wave”)? © Stocksy; Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

At the easterly side of East Asia, Japan and South Korea are perennial favorites of savvy travelers – and for good reason.

But if you had to choose just one (we’re sorry), which one would get the nod? Below, two of our regular writers on the region make the case for their favorite.

It’s just Japan

Regular Japan visitor and rail expert John Walton expounds on the many ways – both fast and slow – to explore his favorite country to visit. His top Japanese journeys include following rural rail lines up to relaxing hot spring towns and exploring local foodways.

I’ve traveled in both Japan and South Korea, and both are wonderful. Yet the former is the country I return to again and again.

Japanese trains are irresistible

The incredible railway network that blankets all of Japan is one of the country’s top draws – and wins out over South Korea’s trains, which I’ve also taken. Even with its recent price hikes , the Japan Rail Pass offers a fabulous value for shuttling between cities at up to 200mph (320km/h), relaxing on a comfortable Limited Express, exploring tiny local branch lines or enjoying cultural experience on the special Joyful Train excursion services.

If I had to pick a few favorite train trips, I’d go with the Tohoku Shinkansen’s top-speed section north of Omiya, the single-car branch line between Abashiri and Kushiro in Hokkaido, the Limited Express Yakumo from Okayama to Matsue and the SL Ginga steam trains from Takasaki.

A country for all seasons

Japan is several times the size of South Korea, and crosses a lot more climatic zones – from tropical Okinawa to the northern island of Hokkaido , snowy in winter but delightfully cool in summer. 

This means there’s not only simply more to do, but that there’s more variety, as well as a wider range of seasons of pleasant weather.

Since I’m no great fan of the rain and humidity of the tsuyu early-summer season, I’ll head north to Hokkaido then, where the temperatures are balmy but not muggy, to enjoy the freshest of fish in historical Hakodate. Come autumn, I love to head southwest to Kyūshū to extend short-sleeve weather: Kumamoto and Kagoshima are delightfully sunny and warm even into late November.

Relaxing ryokan and onsen culture

Formal appearances can be deceiving: Japanese people love to relax, and they’re great at it. They’re also excited to share their traditions with visitors. Traditional ryokan hotels, especially those with attached onsen hot-spring baths , provide the perfect way to build intensive relaxation time into your trip.

From the moment I arrive at a ryokan , my worries melt away and all I have to think about is what book I want to read sitting by the scenic window in my room. In a picturesque onsen town I fancy going for a little wander in a yukata robe as I ponder which of the often multiple onsen baths I want to slip into to soak away my cares (and relieve my sore traveler muscles). Gunma ’s Kusatsu-Onsen is famous for a reason, yet tiny Bessho Onsen near Ueda in Nagano  – up the side of a mountain reached by a tiny private railway – is my favorite hidden gem.

Thousands of onsen can be found around Japan, from the famously beautiful one in Matsuyama that inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away to the one inside the railway station at Echigo-Yuzawa. I love dipping my tired toes into one of the stone public foot baths that you’ll find in many tourist areas.

Hiking, skiing and nature

An antidote to a very urbanized society, Japan’s outdoor activities are many and widespread. Once you get out of Japan’s cities, the natural beauty is a stunning surprise – accessible by both Shinkansen and local trains. Hiking is incredibly popular, while so many people love skiing that there is a special seasonal spur of a Shinkansen bullet train line that goes directly to the Gala Yuzawa ski resort .

Don’t miss the gorgeous Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region, with its rugged yet human-scaled peninsulas and promontories. Rugby-loving Kamaishi or sleepy Miyako, with its stunning Jōdogahama Beach , are great starting points for exploring this region. 

If you’re interested in it, Japan has it.

South Korea takes the crown

Tom O’Malley has ventured both north and south of Korea’s DMZ, and worked on the current editions of the Korea and Seoul Lonely Planet guidebooks. His favorite Korean dish is sundubu-jjigae (spicy tofu, pork and kimchi stew).

For this throw down of east versus slightly more east, I’m fighting in the K-corner – though in full disclosure I really love Japan, too. Still, in the spirit of partisanship, here’s my take on why South Korea deserves to be your next adventure destination. 

The “It” culture

First, a question: how far would you have gotten in Squid Game ? I reckon I’d have made it past the terrifying giant doll and then died trying to nibble the dalgona (sugar candy biscuit) without it breaking. The fact that you almost certainly know what I’m on about illustrates something: Korean culture is crushing it right now. From Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite winning Best Picture at the Oscars to girl group Blackpink blowing up Coachella, the world can’t get enough of South Korea. It’s a phenomenon dubbed hallyu (the “Korean Wave”), and it’s been building for years. 

If you had the chance to time travel back to Belle Époque Paris, say, or London in the swinging ’60s, you’d go, right? Japan peaked in the 1980s before the bubble burst, yet South Korea’s golden age is happening right now. Why not go and be a part of it?

I appreciate that’s all a bit abstract, so let’s go head-to-head, starting with size. Japan is almost four times bigger than South Korea. And while there’s arguably more to see in Japan overall, that’s part of the problem. Itinerary planning is a headache, and getting around is expensive.

No such worries apply in South Korea, however. You can travel the length of the country – from the electric capital Seoul to the bustling southern port city of Busan – in just a couple of hours by high-speed train, with side forays to any number of incredible places, like the ancient tombs and temples of Gyeongju , or the dreamy peaks and waterfalls of Seograksan National Park . Or why not venture right to the edge of North Korea with a trip to the DMZ ? 

Fiery flavors

And then there’s the food, to my mind always one of travel’s chief pleasures. Japanese cuisine is elegant, subtle and often…well, raw. Are those really the best food adjectives? Personally, I want my meals to slap me around the face with flavor, heat and spice – and that’s exactly what you get from Korean cuisine.

Whether you’re cooking up galbi (beef short ribs) on a tabletop grill, going hard on chimaek (fried chicken and beer) or slurping down a fiery kimchi-and-pork stew, eating is a hearty, visceral pleasure in Korea. And a word about banchan , those little side dishes of delicious treats you get with most meals: they’re both free and refillable. What’s not to love?

Delightful people

A final word has to go to the true highlight of any trip to South Korea: the Korean people themselves. It’s as if hospitality, helpfulness and respect are hard-wired into their DNA. You can guarantee that as you travel through the country, you’ll have encounters with locals that will leave you feeling that little bit more positive about this planet we all share.

Sure, it could happen in Japan as well, but they’re probably too busy reading manga.

South Korea for the win.

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• Things to Do

East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan

East Asia Essentials: Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia’s most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more! This itinerary will take you on a journey through three diverse and fascinating countries: South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

Get ready to fire up your wanderlust, eat amazing food, and make unforgettable memories on this trip of a lifetime!

Days 1-2: Seoul , South Korea

After your visit to the palace, head to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village , a charming traditional Korean neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). You can wander the streets and admire the architecture, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, for a fun photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, head to Namsan Tower , a landmark tower atop Namsan Mountain reachable by cable car that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and also several attractions and restaurants to explore.

More things to do in Seoul: Best Things to Do in Seoul & Cool Spots to Visit in Seoul

After shopping, visit the nearby Gwangjang Market , one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Be sure to try some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes). 

In the evening, dive into one of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife, such as Hongdae or Gangnam . Hongdae is known for its indie music scene, street performances, and clubs, while Gangnam is known for its upscale bars and clubs.

Days 3-5: Busan, South Korea

In the afternoon, head to Busan Tower , a landmark tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the view, and there is also a museum and observation deck to explore.

After visiting Gamcheon, go to Beomeosa Temple , a historic Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain , which can be accessed by cable car. The temple was first built in the 7th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. You can explore the different halls and buildings, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the temple.

In the afternoon, you can go to one of Busan’s other attractions, such as Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market , to experience the local culture and cuisine. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and you can try fresh seafood at one of the on-site restaurants. Gukje Market is a traditional market with a variety of goods, from clothing to food to electronics. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).

Days 6-8: Taipei , Taiwan

After your visit to Taipei 101, head to the nearby Xiangshan, or Elephant Mountain, for a hike and even better views of the city. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market , one of Taipei’s most famous and lively night markets. You can find a variety of food, from stinky tofu to fried chicken cutlets, as well as games and souvenirs.

After your visit to the memorial hall, head to Longshan Temple , one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples. The temple was first built in the 18th century and features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. You can explore the different halls and courtyards, and even make a wish at the wishing pond.

In the afternoon, visit the trendy Ximending neighborhood for shopping and entertainment. You can find a variety of shops, from local boutiques to international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also check out the street performers and live music.

Start your day by visiting the National Palace Museum , one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and jade.

In the afternoon, visit Beitou Hot Springs , a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot springs are located in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests. You can soak in the natural hot springs or visit one of the public or private hot spring spas in the area.

In the evening, visit the Raohe Night Market , another popular and bustling night market in Taipei. You can find a variety of food, from oyster omelets to pork buns, as well as games and souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as black pepper buns and Taiwanese-style fried chicken.

More info: Best Things to Do in Taipei

Days 9-11: Osaka-Kyoto, Japan

Afterward make your way to Dotonbori , a famous shopping and entertainment district in Osaka. This area is known for its bright neon lights, large billboards, and a wide variety of street food vendors where you can eat to your heart’s content the local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit Umeda Sky Building before sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and see the sunset from the observatory deck. You can finish the day at the nearby Hankyu Umeda Station, with an enormous underground shopping center with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. 

More info about what to do in Osaka: 30 Best Things to Do in Osaka

Then, head to Arashiyama , a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. You can walk through the picturesque bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji temple, and take a boat ride down the Hozu River. The district also has a popular shopping street with local souvenirs and snacks.

In the evening, visit the Gion district to experience Kyoto’s traditional geisha culture. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to a performance.

For more information about what to do around Gion: 1 Day Itinerary in Higashiyama and Gion

After your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, head to Nishiki Market , a long and narrow covered market in central Kyoto. You can find a variety of local foods and goods, including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Kyoto-style sushi and matcha-flavored snacks.

In the afternoon, visit the Higashiyama district to see more of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and culture. You can walk through the historic streets, visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple, and enjoy the view from the temple’s wooden balcony.

More information about what to do in Kyoto: 30 Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Days 12-14: Tokyo, Japan

After your visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, go to Ginza , Tokyo’s famous shopping mecca. It’s a chic and upscale district famous for its high-end boutiques, restaurants and department stores. There are also historic landmarks such as the Kabuki-za theater and the Imperial Palace is within walking distance. 

In the evening, visit the Roppongi district, a popular nightlife spot with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can also visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills or the Tokyo Tower for a panoramic view of the city at night.

After your visit to Senso-ji, go to Akihabara , also known as Electric Town, famous for its many electronics shops and anime/manga merchandise stores. You can visit one of the many themed pop-up cafes and explore the different shops for quirky and fun items.

In the evening, visit the Odaiba district, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with a variety of shopping malls, amusement parks, and museums. You can also enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from the waterfront.

If the energy allows it, try to go as early as possible, after daybreak, to Meiji Shrine , a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. The peaceful surroundings with the sound of the morning prayers will be worth it. The shrine is located in a large forested park, and you can walk through the woods and see the traditional architecture of the shrine buildings.

After your visit to the Meiji Shrine, head to Shibuya , a bustling commercial and entertainment district famous for its Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. You can also visit the Hachiko statue, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku , another popular entertainment district with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has observation decks with panoramic views of the city.

More information about what to do in Tokto: 30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Day 15: Depart from Tokyo, Japan

If you have some time in the morning, you could visit the Tokyo National Museum , which houses a large collection of Japanese art and artifacts or just take a relaxing stroll around Ueno Park . 

After your final activities in Tokyo, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may need to leave for the airport quite early, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Overall, this 15-day itinerary should give you a great overview of some of the best sights and experiences that South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan have to offer. Of course, there are many other great destinations to explore in each country, so if you have more time, be sure to check out some additional places as well!

For more information about traveling around Japan, check out the following articles!

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▼Editor’s Picks▼

Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.

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South Korean, Chinese and Japanese Leaders Discuss Thorny Topics and Ways to Boost Cooperation

The Japanese and South Korean leaders have raised sensitive topics like Taiwan, North Korea and the South China Sea as well as ways to boost cooperation, when they individually met China’s premier

Lee Jin-man

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, left, waves to media members before getting into a car as Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice minister, follows behind at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Japanese and South Korean leaders raised sensitive topics like Taiwan, North Korea and the South China Sea as well as ways to boost cooperation when they individually met China's premier Sunday on the eve of a fuller trilateral meeting.

It was unclear how serious discussions the three leaders had on those thorny issues, which are not among the official agenda items for Monday's three-way gathering in Seoul, the first of its kind in more than four years.

No major announcement is expected from the meeting, but observers say that just resuming the highest-level talks among the three Northeast Asian neighbors is a good sign and suggests they are intent on improving relations. Their trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually but it had stalled since the last one in December 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex ties among the three countries.

After meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and China's northwestern Xinjiang region. He said Japan is closely monitoring developments on self-governed Taiwan.

He referred to China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea, clampdowns of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang. Last week, China also launched a large military exercise around Taiwan to show its anger over the inauguration of the island's new president who refuses to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

During a separate meeting with Li, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on his part, asked China, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Korea’s nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia, according to Yoon's office.

Yoon’s office said Yoon and Kishida in their separate meeting expressed worries about North Korea’s nuclear program and agreed to strengthen their cooperation with the United States.

South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have long urged China — North Korea’s major ally and economic pipeline — to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is suspected of avoiding fully enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to help its impoverished neighbor stay afloat.

The three leaders also discussed how to bolster economic and other cooperation.

Yoon and Li agreed to launch a new South Korean-Chinese dialogue channel involving senior diplomats and defense officials in mid-June. They also agreed to restart negotiations to expand the free trade agreement and reactivate dormant bodies on personnel exchanges, investments and other issues, according to Yoon’s office.

Chinese state media reported Li told Yoon that the two countries should safeguard the stability of their deeply intertwined industrial and supply chains and resist turning economic and trade issues into political and security-related issues.

Kishida said he and Li reaffirmed Japan and China will seek progress on various areas to promote mutually beneficial relations. Kishida and Yoon also said they agreed to further strengthen ties, which have warmed significantly since last year following an earlier setback over issues related to Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean officials said that a joint statement after Monday’s trilateral meeting will cover the leaders’ discussion on cooperation in areas like people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health issues, technology and disaster responses.

The three Asian nations are important trading partners and their cooperation is key to promoting regional peace and prosperity. They together make up about 25% of global gross domestic product. But the three countries have been repeatedly embroiled in bitter disputes over a range of historical and diplomatic issues originating from Japan’s wartime atrocities. China’s rise and a U.S. push reinforce its Asian alliances have also significantly impacted their three-way ties in recent years.

Experts say South Korea, China and Japan now share a need to improve ties. South Korea and Japan want better ties with China because it is their biggest trading partner. China, for its part, likely believes a further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation would hurt its national interests.

China, meanwhile, has always sent its premier, the country’s No. 2 official, to the trilateral leaders’ meeting since its first session in 2008. Observers say China earlier argued that under then-collective leadership, its premier was chiefly in charge of economic affairs and best suited to attend the meeting, which largely focuses on economic issues.

But they say China may face more demands for President Xi Jinping to attend because he has concentrated power in his hands and defied the norms of collective leadership.

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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China premier agrees on cooperation with Seoul, Tokyo but issues veiled rebuke against their US ties

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on Tuesday morning for a trilateral meeting. This was the first trilateral talks between the three Asian powers in more than four years.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, third left, holds a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, third right, in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang before their meeting in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, second from right, speaks to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, second from left, during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, third from left, speaks to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, second from right, during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, greets Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — China’s premier agreed Monday to revive three-way cooperation with South Korea and Japan in the face of shared challenges, but issued a veiled rebuke against the two countries’ expanding security cooperation with the United States.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul in what was their countries’ first such trilateral meeting in more than four years.

Many experts say just restarting the countries’ highest-level annual meeting and agreeing on the need to improve ties is a positive sign for cooperation among the three Northeast Asian neighbors, as they all face economic uncertainties caused by wars and instability around the world. But how drastically their cooperation will be promoted is unknown as the three countries have a range of long-running complex issues.

In a joint news conference after the meeting, Li said China wants to cooperate with South Korea and Japan on economic issues, especially on supply chains and the restart of talks on a three-way free trade deal.

Yoon said the three leaders agreed to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, establish safe supply chain networks and work together to tackle shared environmental, health and other issues. Kishida said the three countries share a big responsibility for regional peace and that Japan will chair the next round of the trilateral leaders’ meeting.

Despite the seemingly amicable mood of the meeting, however, Li at one point expressed Chinese uneasiness about Japan and South Korea’s moves to beef up their security partnership with the U.S., which Beijing views as an attempt to form a bloc to contain China.

“We need to have honest dialogues to better enhance trust and resolve doubts. We must uphold the spirit of strategic autonomy and maintain our bilateral relations,” Li said in comments at the start of the meeting with Yoon and Kishida. “We need to promote multipolarity in the world and oppose the formation of blocs or camps.”

China is wary of Japan’s plan to deploy 400 U.S. Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and allow repair and maintenance of U.S. warships in Japan to support their operations in the western Pacific. The expansion of military drills among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have also drawn protests from China.

The trilateral meeting was also briefly overshadowed by North Korea’s abrupt notification to Japan of its plan to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent bid to place its second spy satellite into orbit.

The U.N. bans any satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as disguised tests of the country’s long-range missile technology. North Korea has said it needs spy satellites to better monitor South Korea and the U.S. and enhance the precision-attack capabilities of its missiles.

Yoon called for stern international action if North Korea goes ahead with the launch. Kishida urged North Korea to withdraw its satellite launch plan. But Li didn’t mention the launch plan as he offered general comments about promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through a political resolution.

South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have long urged China — North Korea’s major ally and economic pipeline — to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is suspected of avoiding fully implementing U.N. sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to its impoverished, sociality neighbor to stay afloat and continue to serve as a bulwark against U.S. influence on the Korean Peninsula.

In a bilateral meeting with Li on Sunday, Yoon asked China to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Korea’s nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia.

After meeting with Li on Sunday, Kishida also told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and China’s northwestern Xinjiang region. He said Japan was closely monitoring developments on self-governed Taiwan as well.

Kishida referred to China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea, clampdowns on pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang. Last week, China also launched a large military exercise around Taiwan to show its anger over the inauguration of the island’s new president who refuses to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

On Monday, Li still didn’t respond directly to the outside accusations against the Chinese actions in the South China Sea or surrounding Taiwan.

“China, Japan and South Korea should appropriately handle sensitive issues and points of difference, and take care of each other’s core interests and major concerns,” Li said. “And truly construct a real multilateralism.”

The three Asian nations together represent about 25% of global gross domestic product, and they are closely linked to one another economically and culturally. But their relations have suffered on-again, off-again setbacks owing to issues stemming from Japan’s wartime aggression. China’s ambitions of greater global influence and a U.S. push to bolster its Asian alliances have also threatened to hurt ties among the three Asian countries.

The China-South Korea-Japan trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually following their first meeting in 2008. But the sessions stalled since the last one in December 2019 in Chengdu, China because of the COVID-19 pandemic and often-complicated ties among the three countries.

Experts say the three countries all want better relations. China is the biggest trading partner for both South Korea and Japan. Analysts say China likely thinks any further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. security ties would not serve its national interests.

“Washington can trust its allies in their diplomatic efforts with Beijing,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. “The China-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit is more about reducing frictions than reshaping geopolitics.”

Wu reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

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• How to Plan a 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea

With anime and K-pop becoming more and more popular, visiting Japan and South Korea has become a dream trip for many children. If you're considering a trip to celebrate your child's birthday or graduation, Japan and South Korea would definitely exceed your family's expectations.

These two destinations also attract many insightful travelers to gain insights into East Asia's history as well as indulge in culinary delights.

To enjoy the main highlights, 12 days is ideal, with 7–8 days in Japan and 4–5 days in South Korea.

• 1. Which Country to Visit First
• 2. A 12-Day South Korea and Japan Itinerary
• 3. Best Times to Visit Japan and South Korea
• 4. How Much Does a 12-Day Trip Cost
• 5. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan and South Korea

Which Country to Visit First, Japan or South Korea?

Although both Japan and South Korea are conveniently connected by flights from the US or European countries, to get more of a wow factor throughout the trip, you're highly recommended to start your journey in South Korea and then travel to Japan . Japan provides more hidden gems for you to unveil.

When choosing your international flights, if you're in the US, it usually costs less for a round trip from the west of the US, such as Los Angeles to Tokyo. From Tokyo to Seoul, it takes about 2½ hours and usually costs about 200 USD per ticket.

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A 12-Day Classic South Korea and Japan Itinerary: Explore the Highlights of Both Countries

This itinerary covers the major highlights of South Korea and Japan, creating a fulfilling experience full of lifetime memories.

In South Korea, you would have the chance to explore the renowned DMZ tunnels, immerse yourself in the vibrant K-pop culture, and savor delicious Korean cuisine. In Japan, you could experience kid-favored animation elements, have fun at Super Nintendo World, unwind in onsens (hot-spring baths), admire the iconic Mount Fuji, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Seoul in South Korea
• Day 4: Gyeongju
• Days 5–7: Fly to Osaka in Japan and then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto
• Days 8–9: Hakone
• Days 10–12: Tokyo

Start your wonderful trip in the energetic capital city of Seoul, South Korea. Stroll around the history-filled Gyeongbokgung Palace while wearing a hanbok to take memorable photos, explore the DMZ and its tunnels to learn about wartime stories and cherish the hard-won peace, attend an exclusive K-pop dancing class with a professional choreographer to groove with your teenage kids, and sample delicious Korean food, such as bibimbap and Korean fried chicken.

Head to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of South Korea. You could visit Bulguksa Temple, which has thousands of years of history, and stay for a night in a Hanok hotel to experience authentic Korean accommodation.

Continue your trip in the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto in Japan.

• For families with teenagers, you could dress up like a ninja to learn about the techniques and weapons from a ninja master. Many fathers and sons among our family clients have enjoyed this activity. Feeding the friendly deer in Nara could also be a great family moment.
• For couples, you could stroll through Fushimi Inari Shrine while wearing a kimono to admire the orange-red torii and gain an understanding of the history of the Japanese shrine. Have afternoon tea with a geisha and get an insight into the geisha culture with a story-telling explanation from an expert.

Take the Shinkansen to Hakone, which is home to onsens. Stay at a ryokan with an onsen to experience traditional Japanese accommodation. We would help you to select handpicked family-friendly or couple-friendly ryokans out of thousands. Generally, a traditional ryokan has 5–10 rooms, so it could easily be booked up. We suggest that you make a reservation at least 3 months in advance.

Complete your trip in Tokyo, the top city of Japan, which perfectly blends history and modernity. Wander through the Asakusa district to experience the Edo vibe and make sushi with the help of an experienced chef. For anime lovers, you could buy your favorite anime products in Akihabara and have a happy family time at Pokémon Center, the Ghibli Museum, or J-World Tokyo.

Taking a day trip to view the iconic Mount Fuji from Tokyo is another highlight.

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

Best Times to Visit Japan and South Korea

Japan and South Korea enjoy similar weather in their four distinct seasons because of their close proximity.

The best times to visit South Korea and Japan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) due to the pleasant weather and more clear days. These periods offer the most captivating views in both countries, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall. May has fewer crowds and decreased travel costs because the cherry blossom season will have ended in all but northernmost Japan.

Summer (June to August) is hot in both countries, with the average daily high reaching 34°C (93°F). It's the rainy season as well but it doesn't rain every day and you could still enjoy your planned trip.

Winter (December to February) is cold and dry in South Korea and Japan, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F), making it a good time to enjoy onsens and see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. Christmas and New Year are extremely busy in both countries and hotels are easily booked up. Therefore, we suggest that you plan ahead at least 3–6 months in advance for a festive-season stay.

Insider tips: For family groups who usually travel in the summer or winter vacation, June and January are recommended. June is cooler and less crowded than July and August (the local summer vacation months). January has a similar climate and sightseeing experience to December but you can usually get a better deal for international flights.

To make the best of travel opportunities at any time of the year, let us know your interests and requirements , and we'll take care of everything.

How Much Does a 12-Day Trip to Japan and South Korea Cost?

A 12-day trip to Japan and South Korea costs about US$7,000–8,000 per person based on a group of 3–5 people.

• Private touring in Japan costs about US$350–500 per day per person, and the cost in South Korea is about US$400–500 per day per person, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.
• Direct flights from Seoul to Osaka are about US$100–150.

Our travel expert will customize your trip based on your requirements, and make the most of your money.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan and South Korea?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan and South Korea, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers could stay in Japan without a visa for 90 days.

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TNO intensifies cooperation with South Korea and Japan: Smart Cities, Smart & Sustainable Mobility and Semiconductors

TNO's recent trip to South Korea and Japan highlights the mutual societal challenges and technological opportunities for the Netherlands and both allies in areas such as Smart Cities, Smart & Sustainable Mobility, and chip technology. We reflect with TNO's CEO Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, who also sees a clear assignment for the new cabinet.

‘At TNO, too, we will increasingly think in terms of the entire innovation chain, up to and including successful implementation and making impact in society.’

Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi

For a week, a TNO delegation travelled through South Korea and Japan to showcase R&D knowledge, strengthen ties with (potential) partners, and sign MoUs for new partnerships.

The reason for the trip was the three-day Korea Land & Transport Technology Fair in Seoul, where Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi delivered the keynote. Tjin-A-Tsoi: ‘This shows that the Netherlands, and TNO in particular, are held in high regard in this region. They see us as excellent partners because of our knowledge and infrastructure, but also due to our long-standing relationship.'

'For the Netherlands, that's an asset that we really need to exploit. Moreover, the increasing geopolitical tensions in the world make it obvious that we should further strengthen ties with our allies. The Netherlands has therefore identified South Korea and Japan as priority countries for cooperation.’

South Korea dares to choose

In recent years, TNO has expanded its activities in the Asia-Pacific region,  partly due to the high investments there in technological developments.

‘Japan and South Korea are innovation powerhouses, investing about 4.5% of their GDP in R&D annually. To stay connected to major tech developments, the Netherlands must be active in this region. TNO has had successful collaborations in Japan for a long time, but there are also great opportunities in South Korea. It's impressive to see a country making clear technology choices and fully committing to them.’

The Korean government and industry are jointly investing $450 billion in semiconductor technology over the next 20 years. The automotive industry is focusing on electrification, autonomous driving, and hydrogen, with Hyundai alone investing $1 billion in self-driving vehicles. ‘These are all areas where TNO can add significant value. For example, with StreetWise, we have a unique methodology to validate the safety of autonomous vehicles.’

Focusing on sustainable wellbeing

During the tour, there was again a lot of interest in both countries in Urban Strategy, TNO’s predictive twin technology for urban planning. TNO, together with the director of the Smart City Institute Japan, Professor Takehiko Nagumo, signed an MoU for cooperation in ‘Sustainable Wellbeing’. The institute developed indicators, including social cohesion, to make sustainable and broad wellbeing measurable.

Tjin-A-Tsoi: ‘For TNO, it is very interesting to link this set of indicators to our Urban Strategy models. This allows us to make predictions about the impact of measures in urban areas on broad wellbeing, such as planning a new residential area, a shopping center, or green spaces.’ The Smart City Institute aims to leverage Urban Strategy for managing the complexities inherent in urban planning. Several Japanese cities have expressed interest in working with these predictive digital twins.

The threat of an ageing population

A major challenge in this region is the increasing aging population. ‘The reproductive rate in Japan is about 0.9 and in South Korea it is 0.8, where it should be at least 2.1,’ Tjin-A-Tsoi clarifies. ‘Again, this is a shared concern. Due to migration, the problem is less noticeable in the Netherlands, but it is still an issue, and the population is ageing here as well. In Japan, the population shrinkage is already approaching a million residents a year. Despite the enormous economic impact it will have, this theme is less often openly discussed, even within Europe.’

Increasing urbanisation contributes to this low reproduction number and ageing population. ‘The increasing price pressure in cities makes it more difficult for large families to live there. In addition, there is a need for childcare in neighbourhoods and for safety. These types of variables influence family planning. Part of the solution is making cities more family-friendly. Predictive twins can also be used to achieve this.’

Unfriendly business climate in the Netherlands

For Tjin-A-Tsoi, the trip also highlights the differences with the Netherlands in terms of innovation policy. 'In countries such as South Korea and Japan, the government has an industrial policy that makes it very interesting for industry to invest in innovation. In the Netherlands, we now have a situation where industrial parties are considering leaving the country or have already left.'

'This is due to many factors, such as energy prices, wage costs, available personnel and regulatory pressure. But it is also due to an unfriendly, sometimes even toxic, business climate. In the long run, this will ensure that companies and even Dutch pension funds will no longer invest in the Netherlands. We do not yet know exactly how the new government will view this. The new cabinet has promised to pay a lot of attention to the business climate. It remains to be seen what exactly this will mean in practice.'

‘Do we want to participate fully in the development of semiconductors, quantum, integrated photonics, AI and biotechnology? Do we? Then let us invest in a very focused and substantial way.’

Boom & bust scenario

At the same time, the new government is likely to stop the Growth Funds. Tjin-A-Tsoi calls this a moment of reflection. 'Not everything can come from the government. Even with the Growth Funds, we were still only at 2.3% of GDP, and we needed €6.7 billion of private investment per year to reach 3%. Meanwhile, we are seeing a process of de-industrialisation in Europe: in the first quarter of this year, CBS recorded a 5.5% drop in industrial turnover in the Netherlands. While industry invests the most in R&D.'

To reverse this trend, Tjin-A-Tsoi believes that Dutch innovation policy needs to be overhauled. 'In Japan and South Korea, industry drives innovation, with the government facilitating targeted collaboration with industry to create the right infrastructure and conditions. This is something the Netherlands can learn from. We should not equate innovation policy with subsidies. The problem with subsidies is that you can become addicted to them. If you see them as a form of permanent funding, you make yourself dependent.'

'You are creating a potential boom and bust scenario, where you boom when the government is funding abundantly, and risk losing everything when they quit due to policy changes. Instead, we should use subsidies for their intended purpose: to stimulate market developments that wouldn't otherwise happen, and to develop infrastructure and ecosystems that can then succeed in the marketplace on their own.'

Innovating with a long-term vision

In addition to cooperation between government and industry, we in the Netherlands, including TNO, need to work with a long-term vision. Less scattershot approaches and more focused investments in areas where we are demonstrably strong compared to others.

Tjin-A-Tsoi: 'This means making sharp choices and convincing commitments. Do we want to participate fully in the development of semiconductors, quantum, integrated photonics, AI and biotechnology? Do we? Then let us invest in a very focused and substantial way. Not one year, not two years, but ten, twenty years. In infrastructure, in training people, in projects, in financing start-ups and scale-ups. We can do much more in the Netherlands to make the innovation chain really successful.'

'Subsidies can play a role in this, especially to stimulate and accelerate, but we must not become fixated on them. At TNO, too, we will increasingly think in terms of the entire innovation chain, up to and including successful implementation and making impact in society. By focusing on the market, on our customers and on innovations that create both economic and societal value.'

Martijn Stamm

I am Martijn Stamm, the Director of Mobility at Mobility & Built Environment Unit. As Director of Mobility, my goal is to define and develop national and international projects, public-private partnerships with industrial and governmental partners, in support of the Unit's propositions in Safe & efficient mobility, Sustainable mobility, and Safe & sustainable maritime & offshore.

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15 Day Japan & South Korea

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Seoul

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia's financial and cultural hubs filled with a mix of traditional and modern elements which attract visitors from all over the world.

It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, home to multitudes of street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, serene Buddhist temples and extraodinary modern architecture.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. 

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. 

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Day 2 Seoul Mt Seoraksan Sokcho

This morning we travel to Mount Seoraksan National Park. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found here, Mount Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea's most famous national parks. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of one of the park's inhabitants, including deer, otters, squirrels and bears. First we will visit Sinheungsa Temple and then take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress to see the castle ruins and the spectacular views of the National Park. We then continue on to Sokcho, a small fishing village known for its fresh seafood.

Day 3 Sokcho Andong Daegu

Today, we head to the village of Andong, known for its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performances. Afterwards, relax with some retail therapy in Dongseongno Shopping District, one of the major fashion districts in Daegu city

Day 4 Daegu Gyeongju

Today, explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs and monuments of Gyeongju. During the time when ancient Korea was divided into three seperate kingdoms (Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo), Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.

Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory which was constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok in the 7th century and Gyeongju National Museum, home to many Silla Kingdom stone relics. Stop and admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The Bulguska Temple complex includes a number of national treasures, while the Seokuram Grotto is home to a masterful sculpture of Buddha looking out to sea.

Finally, we will visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. After the Silla Kingdom fell, the site was abandoned and forgotten for many centuries. Excavation and reconstruction began in the 1970s and the site was once more restored to its former glory. Lastly, we visit Gyeongju National Park, which features a palace complex of the ancient Silla kingdom and beautiful forests.

Day 5 Gyeongju Seoul

Today we will visit North Korea's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.

Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War. View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.

Day 6 Seoul

The Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of South Korea, set against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain. Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village before jumping back to the present day to walk along the elevated sky garden of Seoullo 7017.

Day 7 Seoul Tokyo

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel

Day 8 Tokyo

Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch. Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street.

Day 9 Tokyo Mt Fuji Hamamatsu

This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. En route, we stop for a tour at a beer factory, before a visit to the Gotemba Peace Park, known for it's majestic views of Mt Fuji. Time permitting, we will head for another famous vantage point of Mt Fuji at Miho no Matsubara.

We then continue to Hamamatsu where we spend the evening at leisure.

Day 10 Hamamatsu Osaka

Today, we visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. This fascinating complex is home to a ninja residence complete with revolving walls, trap doors, and exhibition halls. Afterwards, we continue to one of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.

Built in 1583 as a centre of a new, unufied Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture. We then continue to our centrally located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. You may wish to head out to experience the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dotonbori district.

Day 11 Osaka Kyoto Osaka

This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside. Out first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with it's thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We spend time here strolling through the gates and visiting the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in golf leaf. Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka.

Day 12 Osaka

Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. Your Tour Director can give you some tips on how to make the most of your day.

Day 13 Osaka Himeji Hiroshima

After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistc design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan. Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.

Day 14 Hiroshima Osaka

After breakfast, we visit the Peace Park Memorial and the Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the atrocities of the atom bomb disaster in Hiroshima. We will then travel to mystical Miyajima. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island is probably one of the most well-known icons of Japan, and is officially classed as one of Japan's "3 best views". After exploring the island, we head back to Osaka.

Day 15 Osaka

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan and South Korea!

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. 

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.

What's Included

• Incredible sightseeing including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Visit the DMZ on the border of North Korea
• Marvel at breathtaking Mount Fuji, and ride the shinkansen bullet train
• 14 nights centrally located 3 and 4 star accommodation
• Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
• Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner
• Flight from Seoul to Tokyo
• Ride the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto
• Professional tour guide throughout
• Dedicated coach transportation
• Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
• In-depth sightseeing as per the itinerary
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary

Sightseeing Highlights

• Explore the Seoraksan National Park in South Korea
• Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone on the border of South and North Korea
• Wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades, and explore the traditional Asakusa district
• Ride the bullet train (Shinkansen) between Osaka and Kyoto, which offers an exceptionally unique and efficient travel experience
• Enjoy a guided visit of Osaka castle which was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo
• Get a birds eye view of Tokyo from the 200m observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
• See the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Park Memorial in Hiroshima

Payment Terms

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options. Instalment Schedule:

• At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
• Pay a 1st installment of $731.00 per person within 28 days.
• Pay a 2nd installment of $1,462.00 per person within 90 days.
• You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Flight requests & booking information

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

Airport Transfers Information

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised. If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

Visa & Passport

It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here .

Important Information

Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Room size Japan is a densely populated country and space is at a premium. On average, Japan's room sizes are the smallest you will encounter. At times, single beds are separated by a 30 cm to 40 cm gap. 

Storage room is also limited - for your own comfort, ensure to pack as lightly as you can. 

Single travellers When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement

By paying an additional $2,499.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.

2- Shared Room with a known friend

If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Twin Share Bedding Configuration At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.

Triple Share Not available.

Travel Insurance Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.

Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Group Size Maximum of  45 people

Trip Style - Group Tour Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page. Children Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults. Cherry Blossoms Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.  

Health & Mobility Requirements

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation & Extra Services

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $375.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $375.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

• International Airfares
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

What Climate to Expect

Click HERE for more information on weather in Japan

Click HERE for more information on weather in South Korea

Departure Dates for 15 Day Japan & South Korea

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China attempts to counter Japan and South Korea’s closer ties with U.S.

Tokyo and Seoul are trying to strike a balance between securing their economic interests with their largest trading partner, and strengthening their security alliances with the United States.

Leaders from China, Japan and South Korea on Monday will hold their first trilateral meeting in more than four years, as Beijing seeks to counteract U.S. efforts to work closely with Tokyo and Seoul — two major American allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The meeting underscores the balancing act that Tokyo and Seoul are trying to strike as they try to navigate the economic and military competition between Washington and Beijing: Although Japan and South Korea are security allies of the United States and have stepped up joint military drills in the region, they also rely on China as their largest trading partner.

“The opportunity for engagement with Beijing, particularly on economic issues, is attractive to both — but won’t change the larger context of deep concern about China’s actions and intentions, and the shared interest in closer alignment with the United States and with each other,” said Chris Johnstone, former East Asia director at the National Security Council and Japan Chair at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

American analysts say there is no reason Washington should be concerned about the resumption of a routine meeting between the three Asian nations. But the summit also serves as a reminder that U.S. allies have their own interests to manage, they said.

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“I don’t think it is a cause for alarm for Washington but it should tell those who are pushing an anti-China axis that our allies have their own interests, and they are not always the same as ours,” said Daniel Sneider, an East Asia policy expert at Stanford University.

The three countries began meeting regularly in 2008 but have not done so since 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic and souring relations between Japan and South Korea. In March last year, Seoul took a major step to restore relations with Tokyo out of shared concerns over China and North Korea, paving the way for closer relations with Washington. These moves have motivated Beijing to try to pull them back, analysts say.

Chinese premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Seoul on Sunday for bilateral meetings. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol also hosted a banquet for the leaders. On Monday, they are scheduled to hold a trilateral summit and plan to issue a joint statement, the South Korean presidential office said.

Traditionally, the president of South Korea, prime minister of Japan and the premier of China, who leads the cabinet, have participated in the meetings, which were focused on economic issues rather than security matters. With Li’s power significantly diminished under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, some analysts say the symbolism of the trilateral gathering has become less important.

A lot has changed since their last meeting: Russia has invaded Ukraine, China has increased its military aggression toward Taiwan, and North Korea has advanced its nuclear weapons program, leading Japan and South Korea to work more closely with the United States and even set aside their historical animosity for now to cooperate with Washington.

At the same time, Tokyo and Seoul both share an interest in stabilizing ties with China, just as the United States has worked to do .

Japan’s national security strategy calls for a “constructive and stable” relationship with Beijing, especially on maintaining economic engagement. South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for a resumption of the trilateral meetings, and its president Yoon is dealing with sharp divisions among voters and the business community over his steps to draw closer to Washington.

Meanwhile, China wants to revive talks with the two Asian countries given the pressures it faces from Washington’s efforts to slow down China’s technological advance and to counter its military ambitions by forming a coalition of allies and nations throughout the Asia-Pacific region, analysts say.

“The Chinese feel encircled, pressured by the U.S. and its allies. So as for China, it has to push back,” said Yasuhiro Matsuda, international politics professor at the University of Tokyo.

After President Biden declared a “new era” of partnership with the leaders of Japan and South Korea at Camp David last summer, Chinese officials suggested restarting the trilateral meetings, according to South Korean officials.

“The summit will serve as a turning point for fully restoring and normalizing the trilateral cooperation system among South Korea, Japan and China,” South Korean Principal Deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo said during a media briefing last week.

Still, major differences between the three remain. Tensions have risen between China and South Korea under Yoon, who took office in 2022, and is more skeptical toward Beijing than his predecessor. The rapprochement between South Korea and Japan is being tested by a dispute involving two prominent tech companies from both countries. Japan and China are arguing over the release of treated radioactive water off the east coast of Japan.

Yet Chinese scholars say better coordination is important for regional stability, and the three must get along as “inseparable neighbors.”

“Now [we have] the Taiwan issue, the Korean Peninsula issue, the Ukrainian war issue, and the U.S. technology war against China, so we need to discuss them with these two important Asian neighbors,” said Zhu Feng, director of the Institute of International Studies at Nanjing University.

China will seek to gain support from Japan and South Korea as it faces U.S. efforts to raise tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles , Zhu said. “The U.S. has suppressed Chinese high-tech companies, including the recent tax increase on EVs, and U.S. policies have become increasingly protectionist.”

Japan is interested in keeping lines of communication open with China, especially given Tokyo’s concerns over potential Chinese military actions in the Taiwan Strait, Matsuda said.

“Japan’s diplomacy is to first establish deterrent frameworks against China, because China’s ambition to take over Taiwan is quite clear,” he said. “Deterrence should be supplemented by … communication.”

Tokyo and Seoul are likely to press Beijing to help rein in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and help curtail the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

But Li is unlikely to be receptive: Beijing has shown little interest in blocking North Korea’s military ambitions in recent years. China and Russia have consistently vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions to strengthen sanctions on North Korea for its repeated ballistic missile tests in violation of U.N. prohibitions.

Still, South Korea hopes China will play a greater role in decreasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, said Lim Jeonghee, senior research associate at the Center for Foreign Policy and National Security at Asan Institute in Seoul: “The fundamental thing for Korea will be dealing with North Korea’s cooperation with Russia. South Korea wants China to act more at the Security Council.”

Pei-Lin Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.