Deal negotiated for you
- 15-day & 14-night private tour in the accommodation mentioned (or similar)
- including one night with half board (excluding drinks) in a Ryokan (traditional accommodation) - Breakfast and half-board during your stay in a Ryokan
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Osaka - Busan flight
- Transfer from Tokyo Airport to hotel by shared shuttle bus included
- The transfer by limousine bus or train Kyoto / Kansai Airport
- The train ticket from Busan to Singyeongju
- The train ticket Singyeongju - Seoul
- The Tokyo-Hakone train tickets (with the Hakone Free Pass) and Hakone-Kyoto
- Private transfer from Busan Airport to Busan hotel
Your stay starts here
Must-see Japan and South Korea
Set off on an immersive 15-day adventure through the fascinating culture of Japan and South Korea. Starting with dazzling Tokyo, our private tour takes you through such wonders as a stay in a traditional ryokan in Hakone (half-board) and the exploration of splendid Kyoto. Then fly to vibrant Busan in South Korea, discover the rich history of Gyeongju, and finish in style in Seoul. An unforgettable journey awaits you, combining ancient traditions, breathtaking scenery and dynamic cities.
Your itinerary, day by day:
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone
Day 5: Hakone - Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Head to South Korea - arrival in Busan
Day 9: Busan
Day 10: Busan - Gyeongju
Day 11: Gyeongju
Day 12: Gyeongju - Seoul
Day 13: Seoul
Day 14: Seoul
Day 15: Departure from Seoul
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Tokyo
Upon arrival at Tokyo airport, transfer to the hotel by shared shuttle.
Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Tokyo.
Suggested sightseeing: A stroll through the Asakusa district takes you to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Here you can discover Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. Go from stall to stall in the temple's main alley to sample a variety of Japanese street food specialities.
Day 2 | Exploring Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Suggested sightseeing: Discover the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Pose in front of the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most famous dog, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese fashion. Be surprised by the eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street. Enjoy the greenery of Ueno Park.
Day 3 | Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Suggested sightseeing: Explore Tokyo's Imperial Palace to immerse yourself in Japanese history and stroll through its park in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the otaku culture of Akihabara, with its many high-tech shops, before strolling through the elegant Ginza district for a shopping spree.
Day 4 | Heading to Hakone
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass. Lunch at your leisure.
Overnight stay in a Japanese inn in Hakone with a traditional dinner at the Ryokan.
Enjoy your onsen experience in Hakone: Renowned for its traditional inns and thermal baths, Hakone is located around Lake Ashi and offers views of the famous Mount Fuji. Enjoy a typical Japanese experience with a night in a ryokan. After a delicious kaiseki dinner, take advantage of this mountain retreat to unwind in the indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsens.
Day 5 | Heading to Kyoto
Breakfast at the Ryokan.
Explore the city's main attractions with the Hakone Free Pass.
Transfer by train to the city of Kyoto. Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Visit suggestions: Discover the surrounding landscapes and enjoy varied experiences: sail on Lake Ashi to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, ascend with the Owakudani Valley cable cars to observe its volcanic sulphur fumes; stroll around the lake and visit the Hakone-jinja Shrine.
Day 6 | Discovering Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Kyoto.
Suggested visits: Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Gion, Kyoto's geisha quarter. Stroll along the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses and try to catch a glimpse of a graceful geisha. Don't miss a visit to the famous Kaburenjo theatre, where traditional dance and music performances have captivated audiences for centuries. Enter the majestic Kiyomizu-dera temple perched on a hill, offering panoramic views over the city. This sacred site will immerse you in the spirituality and timeless beauty of Kyoto.
Day 7 | Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Kyoto.
Suggested sightseeing: Set off for the Fushimi Inari sanctuary, famous for its thousands of red gates that stretch across the mountainside. The mystical atmosphere and natural beauty of this place make it an unforgettable experience.
Then head to the iconic golden temple, Kinkaku-ji, to discover one of the city's most emblematic landmarks. You can also visit its silver double, Ginkaku-ji.
For those with a sweet tooth, try a delicious red bean paste tayaki and discover a host of culinary specialities at the century-old Nishiki market!
Day 8 | Heading to Busan
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Osaka Airport for your flight to South Korea. Upon arrival in Busan, transfer to the hotel.
Lunch and dinner are at your leisure. Overnight stay in Busan.
Suggested visits: Start your day by strolling along the white sandy beaches such as Haeundae or Gwangalli to enjoy the beauty of the sea.
Then head to Dongbaekseom Island, ideal for a peaceful walk and panoramic views. Visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple perched on the cliffs, offering a spectacular setting by the ocean.
To end the day, explore the lively Seomyeon district known for its vibrant nightlife.
Day 9 | Busan
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight stay in Busan.
Suggested Visits: Head to the Gamcheon Culture Village and explore its stunning, colourful artistic district! Get lost in its narrow alleys and admire the mural artworks.
After immersing yourself in local art, make your way to the Beomeosa Temple located in the mountains for a spiritual pause and breathtaking views of Busan. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before heading back to the city for some relaxation or shopping.
Day 10 | Heading to Gyeongju
Breakfast at the hotel. Train from Busan to Gyeongju. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight stay in Gyeongju.
Suggested sightseeing: Enjoy the vibrant bustle of Busan and head to Jagalchi Market, a must-see place to discover the local culinary scene. Sample fresh seafood and explore the bustling stalls. Stroll around the harbour and savour the unique atmosphere of the city and catch the last rays of sunshine of the day.
Day 11 | Gyeongju
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Gyeongju.
Suggested visits: Explore Daerungwon Park, an iconic city landmark where you can admire tumuli — gigantic burial mounds. These royal tombs house the graves of great Silla dynasty kings and queens, offering a fascinating insight into ancient Korean culture and funerary rituals. Continue your exploration of the Silla dynasty at the Cheomseongdae Observatory, an important historical site and the oldest observatory in East Asia.
Day 12 | Heading to Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel. Train from Gyeongju to Seoul.
Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight stay in Seoul.
Suggested visits: Step back in time in the historic district of Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional buildings stand alongside modern life. Then wander around Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is a testament to the past grandeur of the Joseon dynasty. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gangnam district. Made famous by the song 'Gangnam Style', this business district is home to luxury boutiques galore.
Day 13 | Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Seoul.
Suggested Visits: Start your day by exploring Hongdae and its vibrant art scene. This district offers a youthful and trendy atmosphere with its lively cafes, bars, and clubs. Wander through its alleyways adorned with murals and enjoy the buzz of street performances.
Extend your walk to Insadong. This charming area captivates with its cobbled streets lined with artisan shops and traditional art galleries, offering a glimpse into Korean culture and craftsmanship. Finally, don't miss Itaewon, renowned for its cultural diversity. Itaewon boasts a plethora of international restaurants, trendy bars, and stylish shops, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd eager for new experiences.
Day 14 | Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included. Overnight in Seoul.
Suggested visits: For a peaceful retreat away from the urban hustle, take a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon River and admire the futuristic architecture of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Savour local delicacies at the Gwangjang Market and finish with a panoramic view from the N Seoul Tower, capturing the magic of Seoul.
Day 15 | Departure from Seoul
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private transfer to Seoul airport for the return flight.
Accommodation
On this tour, you will stay for 14 nights in the accommodation listed below (or similar):
- Tokyo: 3 nights at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda
- Hakone: 1 night at the Ichinoyu Honkan ryokan
- Kyoto: 3 nights at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Kyoto Horikawagojo
- Busan: 2 nights at the 3-star Busan Maron Hotel Nampo
- Gyeongju: 2 nights at the 3-star Gyeongju GG Tourist Hotel
- Seoul: 3 nights at the 3-star Hotel Venue G Myeong-Dong
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 enjoy breakfasts from day 2 to day 15, as well as half-board during your night in a Ryokan (excluding drinks).
Breakfast
Includes an assortment of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury dishes.
Useful information
ACCOMMODATION
Check-in: Typically takes place in the mid-afternoon (3-4 p.m.).
Check-out: Generally occurs in the morning (10 a.m.).
Please note that the order of activities and the itinerary may be subject to change based on constraints at the destination. Additionally, for technical reasons, hotels may be replaced with similar accommodation.
Note: In Japan and Seoul, hotel rooms are often quite narrow and bed sizes are relatively small.
Any specific requests regarding bedding type (double bed, twin beds) are subject to availability and may incur a supplement.
The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0 to 1.99 years).
TRANSPORTATION
TOKYO AIRPORT - HOTEL SHARED SHUTTLE TRANSFER: The shared shuttle takes you directly from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. The shuttle can make several stops along the way.
RAIL TRANSPORT: In Japan, trains are the most convenient mode of transportation for travelling. Both major cities and villages are well-connected, with Japan's railway network being diverse and highly functional. It offers the opportunity to travel on the famous Shinkansen, the Japanese TGV, reaching speeds of up to 320km/h! In South Korea, the railway network is well-developed. Given South Korea's small size, trains are one of the most practical and comfortable ways to travel.
HAKONE FREE PASS: It connects Tokyo from Shinjuku station to Hakone via the Odakyu Line in 2 hours. In addition to the train ride, this pass allows free access to Hakone Tozan buses as well as numerous tourist attractions in the city. For instance, you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi and take in panoramic views of the volcanic zone at Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway (cable car). You will also receive discounts at partner establishments. The pass is valid for 2 days from activation.
SEOUL AIRPORT TRANSFER VIA LIMOUSINE BUS: The limousine bus links the airport to the nearest bus stop to your hotel and vice versa. The vehicle makes several stops along the way.
Please note: Additional fees will apply for transfers to Itami (ITM) or Kobe (UKB) airports.
PRIVATE TRANSFER: With a private transfer, your driver picks you up at the arrivals hall of the airport and drops you directly at your hotel (and vice versa). Your driver will be waiting with a sign bearing your name.
DINING
As part of this package, you will enjoy breakfast during the tour and half-board (excluding beverages) during your night at the Ryokan in Hakone. Other meals will be at your own expense.
Please note: Meals at Ryokan are served quite early (starting from 5 p.m.).
If, due to airline schedules, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or an early departure, there will be no refund of meals.
Depending on the time constraints of the 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.