Deal negotiated for you
- The 13-day, 12-night tour with accommodation in the hotels as mentioned or similar
- Breakfasts
- 1 night aboard a ferry (without meals) for the journey from Busan to Fukuoka
- Economy class tickets for the international flight from Seoul to Tokyo
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Round-trip transfers from airport to hotel in Korea and Japan
- Train tickets for transfers between each stage of the tour
Your stay starts here
Touring Japan and Korea 3*
Set off on a unique adventure combining tradition and modernity as you explore two fascinating countries: South Korea and Japan. From the futuristic energy of Seoul and Tokyo to the peaceful atmosphere of Kyoto's temples and Miyajima's sanctuaries, this itinerary takes you to the heart of rich and contrasting cultures. Discover Busan's lively beaches, Gyeongju's ancient treasures and the 'museum city', and Hiroshima, a universal symbol of peace and resilience. From colourful markets and trendy neighbourhoods to traditional villages and iconic landscapes such as Mount Fuji, each stop will be an unforgettable experience. To complete this exceptional journey, you can enjoy a refined kaiseki dinner and relax in the hot springs at a traditional Japanese ryokan.
This private tour is available for 12 nights.
Your day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Seoul
Day 2: Explore Seoul
Day 3: Explore Seoul
Day 4: Seoul - Busan
Day 5: Discover Busan
Day 6: Head to Japan
Day 7: Fukuoka - Hiroshima
Day 8: Hiroshima - Kyoto
Day 9: Explore Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto - Tokyo
Day 11: Explore Tokyo
Day 12: Explore Tokyo
Day 13: Departure from Tokyo
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Seoul
Arrival in Seoul and transfer to the hotel.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Seoul.
Day 2 | Explore Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel.
We suggest starting with the traditional district of Bukchon Hanok Village, then moving on to Gyeongbokgung Palace, before enjoying the hustle and bustle of the modern district of Gangnam.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight at a hotel in Seoul.
Day 3 | Explore Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel.
We suggest that you explore the young and creative atmosphere of Hongdae, then head off to Insadong to explore its artisanal alleyways and finally enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Itaewon.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at a hotel in Seoul.
Day 4 | Seoul - Busan
Breakfast at the hotel.
Train transfer to Busan.
Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Busan.
Day 5 | Explore Busan
Breakfast at the hotel.
We suggest you stroll along Busan's beaches, visit the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, explore the colourful alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village, or sample the local specialities at the Jagalchi market.
Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.
Overnight at a hotel in Busan.
Day 6 | Heading to Japan
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure before boarding the Camellia ferry to Japan at the end of the day.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in a cabin on board the ferry.
Day 7 | Fukuoka - Hiroshima
Breakfast not included.
Arrival in Hakata and transfer by train to Hiroshima.
We suggest you visit the Genbaku Dome and the Peace Museum, sample some okonomiyaki or set off for the island of Miyajima to see its famous floating torii.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at the hotel in Hiroshima.
Day 8 | Hiroshima - Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Kyoto.
We suggest visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine with its thousands of red torii, followed by the Kinkaku-ji golden temple.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.
Day 9 | Visit to Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
We suggest you stroll through the historic district of Gion, watch traditional dances, walk through the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and finish with a gourmet discovery of the Nishiki market.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.
Day 10 | Kyoto - Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Tokyo.
We suggest you first immerse yourself in the Asakusa district and the Senso-ji temple, then sample Japanese street food in its lively alleyways.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 11 | Explore Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
We suggest you visit Shibuya and Harajuku with the famous Takeshita Street, then discover the Imperial Palace and enjoy a nature break in Ueno Park.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 12 | Explore Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
We suggest you visit the Imperial Palace, immerse yourself in the geeky world of Akihabara and enjoy the chic Ginza district.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 13 | Return from Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Tokyo airport for your return flight.
Accommodation
During your tour, you will be accommodated for 12 nights in the following 3-star hotels (local standards) or similar:
Seoul: 3 nights at the 3-star Toyoko Inn Yeongdeunpo
Busan: 2 nights at the 3-star Brown Dot Hotel Nampo Chungmu
Korea - Japan Ferry: 1 night on board the Camelia Ferry
Hiroshima: 1 night at the 3-star Comfort Hiroshima Otemachi Hotel
Kyoto: 2 nights at the 3-star Comfort Kyoto Horikawa Gojo
Tokyo: 3 nights at the 3-star Comfort Tokyo Kanda
PLEASE NOTE: The hotels listed above are subject to availability. Changes may be made, but we will always try to accommodate you in hotels of a similar category.
Your board
During your tour, you will be accommodated on a breakfast-only arrangement.
Breakfast
Includes an assortment of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury dishes.
Formalities
SOUTH KOREA
A valid passport is required to enter Korea. The 6-month validity period after leaving the country is not required.
Before travelling to Korea, you should ensure that your passport is not torn, damaged or otherwise defective, to avoid being refused entry by the immigration authorities.
UK nationals do not need a visa for short stays of less than 90 days. They will also benefit from a temporary exemption from the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) from 1 April 2023 to 31 December 2024, as part of a plan to support the revival of tourism and the celebration of the ‘Visit Korea Year’ (2023-2024). For more information: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do
JAPAN
On arrival, travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of their return. A visa is only required for stays of more than 3 months.
Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan will be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographic portrait).
Non-UK nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country.
Under-age children must have an individual passport.
Useful information
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation selected for this tour is in the 'comfort' category, which is equivalent to a 3-star rating.
For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced with accommodation of an equivalent standard.
The order of the itinerary and programme may be modified according to destination constraints.
Any specific request regarding the type of bedding (double bed, twin beds) is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.
Note: In Japan and Seoul, hotel rooms are often quite narrow, and the beds are small.
Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3-4 p.m.). Check-out is usually in the morning (10 a.m.).
The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies aged 0–1.99 years.
TRANSPORTATION
RAIL TRANSPORT: In Japan, the train is the most convenient means of transportation for travel. Both major cities and small villages are well-served, with a diverse and highly functional Japanese railway network. It offers the opportunity to travel on the famous Shinkansen, the Japanese TGV, reaching speeds of 320 km/h! In South Korea, the railway network is well developed. As South Korea is a small country, the train is one of the most practical and comfortable ways to travel.
CAMELLIA FERRY:
Embark on a sea adventure aboard the Camellia Ferry! Departing from Busan in Korea, the ferry provides a direct connection to Fukuoka in Japan. For the overnight journey, you can enjoy a private cabin with beds. On board, you will find a restaurant, karaoke facilities and an onsen (additional charges apply). In the early morning, Japan welcomes you to explore the Land of the Rising Sun! Please note that upon departure and arrival, you will be asked to present your passports for customs formalities. The ferry company requires the passport numbers of all passengers for booking purposes. Please provide a copy of your passport to our reservation service as soon as possible.
HAKONE FREE-PASS (14-night package only): It connects Tokyo from Shinjuku station to Hakone via the Odakyu line in 2 hours. As well as the train journey, the pass provides free access to Hakone Tozan buses and numerous tourist attractions in the city. For instance, you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi and admire the volcanic Owakudani area from above on the Hakone Ropeway cable car. You will also benefit from discounts at partner stores. The pass is valid for two days after activation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER BY LIMOUSINE BUS: The limousine bus connects the airport to the nearest bus stop to your hotel and vice versa. The vehicle makes several stops along the way.
MEALS
During your tour, you will be provided with breakfast.
PLEASE NOTE:
Meals at the Ryokan are served very early (from 5 p.m.).
If, due to schedules imposed by airlines, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no meal refunds will be given.
Depending on the time constraints of excursions or transport to the destination (train, bus, transfer, ferry, etc.), meals that cannot be taken at the hotel are at the customer's expense.