Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 49 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Starts
Seoul, South Korea
Ends
Osaka, Japan
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Epic South Korea & Japan - 26 days
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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato
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Highlights
Wander Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanok Village for a taste of Korea’s royal and architectural heritage
Dive into Gwangjang Market, featured in Netflix’s Street Food Asia.
Ride the Haeundae Sky Capsule for sweeping ocean panoramas
Kick it Taekwondo-style with a hands-on martial arts class—yes, you’ll break boards
Sleep in traditional temple lodgings, join monks for prayer, and enjoy peaceful vegan meals
Explore Gyeongju’s UNESCO sites and dress in Hanbok for a night in a traditional house
Learn choreography from a pro and star in your own K-Pop dance video before a farewell dinner
Visit Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the electric buzz of Harajuku & Shibuya Crossing
Zoom to Nagano for origami, soba noodle making, and snow monkey spotting
Stay overnight in a 1000-year-old temple in Koyasan and meditate with monks.
Discover Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest, Golden Pavilion, and Geisha district in Gion
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and meet Nara’s bowing deer
Visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and ferry to Miyajima Island’s floating Torii Gate
Shop, sing karaoke, and toast to your unforgettable journey in Shinsekai’s retro streets
Explore Gyeongju’s UNESCO sites and dress in Hanbok for a night in a traditional house
Learn choreography from a pro and star in your own K-Pop dance video before a farewell dinner
Visit Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the electric buzz of Harajuku & Shibuya Crossing
Zoom to Nagano for origami, soba noodle making, and snow monkey spotting
Stay overnight in a 1000-year-old temple in Koyasan and meditate with monks.
Discover Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest, Golden Pavilion, and Geisha district in Gion
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and meet Nara’s bowing deer
Visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and ferry to Miyajima Island’s floating Torii Gate
Shop, sing karaoke, and toast to your unforgettable journey in Shinsekai’s retro streets
What's Included
Accommodation
22 nights accomodation in -2-4 star hotels and hostels, 2 nights temple stays and 1 night in hanok house.
Meals
24 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 Dinners
Others
Seoul & Tokyo City TourGyeongju Bicycle Tour & historical sitesK-Pop Dance Class & K-BBQOrigami Experience & Roll Your Own Soba NoodlesJigokudani Snow MonkeysShiga Kogen National Park (Summer)Lake Ashi Pirate Ship CruiseMount Fuji Cable Car ViewsOsaka Castle VisitExplore Dotonbori & ShinsekaiMeditation & Night Cemetery WalkMorning Prayer & Fire CeremonyNight Tour Of Kyoto’s Geisha DistrictArashiyama Bamboo ForestKinkakuji Golden Pavillion TempleFushimi-Inari ShrineSamurai ExperienceNara Deer Park & TemplesTea CeremonyHiroshima Peace Museum & Atomic DomeMiyajima IslandFlight from South Korea to JapanGyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok VillageDMZ TourGwangjang MarketsCooking Classes, Rice-wine & Soju TastingBusan Scenic Coastal MonorailTaekwondo ClassBuddhist Temple Experiences
What's Excluded
Good to Know
Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
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8 days
Itinerary
Discover the best of South Korea and Japan on this 26-day journey from Seoul to Osaka. Explore grand palaces, bustling markets and the DMZ before heading south for coastal Busan, a temple stay and historic Gyeongju. Then it’s off to Japan, where Tokyo’s neon streets, sushi classes and arcades await. Ride bullet trains to Nagano’s hot springs and snow monkeys, Hakone’s views of Mount Fuji, and Kyoto’s bamboo groves, temples and geisha district. Along the way you’ll try taekwondo, master origami, meditate with monks and even train with a samurai. The trip ends in lively Osaka.
day 1 - Welcome to South Korea
Annyeonghaseyo! You’ve landed in Seoul, South Korea’s buzzing capital where ancient palaces meet futuristic skylines. After checking into your accommodation, it’s time to meet your fellow travellers and look ahead to the adventure to come.
OverNight:Seoul
day 2 - Palaces & Hanok Villages
Today we dive into the traditional heart of Seoul. We’ll begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace – one of Korea’s grandest and most iconic landmarks – before strolling through a Hanok village to admire the beauty of classic Korean homes. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Insadong Street, where local crafts, tea houses and street food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Seoul
day 3 - The DMZ & Gwangjang Market
This morning we journey north to the DMZ, the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea. Here you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the peninsula’s divided history and even catch a rare glimpse across into the North. Back in Seoul, we’ll head to Gwangjang Market, made famous by Netflix’s Street Food Asia, where you can meet legendary vendors and taste their signature dishes.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Seoul
day 4 - Travel to Jeonju, Cooking Class & Rice Wine
Seoul - Jeonju. After breakfast we board the KTX high-speed train to Jeonju, renowned for its beautifully preserved Hanok village. You’ll have time to wander its traditional streets, sample local delicacies such as makgeolli rice wine and soju, and soak up the old-world charm. In the evening, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a cooking class, preparing classic dishes such as bibimbap – and enjoying the results together.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Jeonju
day 5 - Coastal Views & Korean BBQ
Jeonju - Busan. This morning we make our way to Busan, a lively coastal city with plenty of character. The afternoon is yours to explore its cafés or seaside promenades at leisure. Later, we’ll ride the Haeundae Sky Capsule for sweeping views of the shoreline before gathering for a traditional Korean BBQ dinner. Afterward, you might like to sample Busan’s vibrant nightlife – karaoke optional but encouraged!
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Busan
day 6 - Taekwondo Experience
Today we step into the world of Taekwondo, Korea’s national martial art. Whether you’re a beginner or already familiar, you’ll learn the basics of kicks, blocks and discipline. By the end of the class, you’ll even have the chance to break a wooden board – a true test of focus and technique.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Busan
day 7 - Buddhist Temple Stay
Busan - Gyeongju. We leave the city behind and immerse ourselves in Buddhist tradition. At the temple we’ll join a guided tour, take part in the monks’ prayer services and enjoy the same vegan meals they eat for dinner and breakfast. Tonight we’ll sleep in simple temple accommodation – a serene break from the fast pace of city life.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Gyeongju
day 8 - Museum without Walls
Today we travel to Gyeongju, the former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom and home to countless UNESCO World Heritage sites. Exploring by bike, we’ll visit tombs, pagodas, bridges and palace ruins that bring over a thousand years of history to life. Tonight we’ll stay in a traditional Hanok house, sleeping on floor bedding warmed by ondol underfloor heating. To complete the experience, we’ll dress in Hanbok attire and step back in time.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Gyeongju
day 9 - Return to Seoul, K-Pop Experience
Gyeongju - Seoul. Back in Seoul, we’ll finish our South Korea journey with a celebration of K-Pop – the cultural phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. A professional instructor will teach us some moves, before we record our own dance video at HiKR Ground. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a final dinner together in South Korea.
Meals:1 Dinner
OverNight:Seoul
day 10 - Fly to Tokyo – Welcome to Japan
Seoul - Tokyo. Today we take a short flight to Tokyo, one of the world’s most dynamic cities. After checking into our hostel, you’ll meet your new travel crew and prepare for the Japanese leg of the journey.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Tokyo
day 11 - Tokyo Highlights & Nightlife
Our Tokyo explorations begin with visits to Senso-ji Temple – the city’s oldest – and the Meiji Shrine. We’ll then wander colourful Harajuku and witness the organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. In the evening, we head to Shinjuku to discover quirky restaurants and tiny, atmospheric bars.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Tokyo
day 12 - Sushi Class & Akihabara
This morning we’ll learn the art of sushi-making under the guidance of a master chef. Afterwards you’ll have some free time to explore Tokyo before regrouping in Akihabara, the ‘Electric City’, famous for its arcades, maid cafés and gaming culture.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
OverNight:Tokyo
day 13 - Bullet Train to Nagano – Origami & Onsens
Tokyo - Nagano. We board the Shinkansen bullet train, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph, and arrive in Nagano. Here we’ll try the traditional art of origami before unwinding with a soak in a natural onsen hot spring. Tonight we stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, with tatami floors and futon bedding.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Nagano
day 14 - Soba Noodles, Snow Monkeys & Shiga Kogen
This morning we’ll learn how to make soba noodles from scratch. Afterwards, we head into the mountains to see the famous Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, which gather around hot springs in winter. We’ll also explore the lakes and forests of Shiga Kogen National Park, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
OverNight:Nagano
day 15 - Travel to Hakone – Mount Fuji Views
Nagano - Hakone. A bullet train takes us to Hakone, known for its hot springs and spectacular views of Mount Fuji. The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Hakone
day 16 - Scenic Cruise & Cable Car
Hakone - Osaka. We’ll explore Hakone by pirate ship and cable car, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Later we continue to Osaka, where we’ll gather for a BBQ dinner before an evening out – karaoke highly recommended!
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Osaka
day 17 - Osaka Castle & Dotonbori
The morning is free to shop or relax before we visit Osaka Castle, first built more than 400 years ago and a symbol of Japan’s feudal history. In the evening we’ll head to Dotonbori, the city’s vibrant canal district, famed for its neon lights and outstanding street food.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Osaka
day 18 - Temple Stay in Koyasan
Osaka - Koyasan. Today we travel into the mountains to Koyasan for an unforgettable overnight stay in a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple. Here we’ll learn meditation techniques from the monks, enjoy their traditional cuisine and take a night-time walk through Japan’s largest cemetery.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Koyasan
day 19 - Geisha District
Koyasan - Kyoto. We rise early to witness the monks’ morning prayer service and fire ceremony, followed by a traditional temple breakfast. Afterwards, we travel to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. This evening, we’ll take a walking tour of Gion, the historic Geisha district.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Kyoto
day 20 - Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion
This morning we’ll stroll through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, followed by a visit to the stunning Golden Pavilion. The evening is free for you to discover Kyoto at your own pace – perhaps sushi, a cosy bar or a lively arcade.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Kyoto
day 21 - Fushimi Inari & Samurai Experience
Today, the seemingly endless Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari await us! Explore the winding trails of this iconic Japanese shrine on the ancient mountain. In the afternoon, we'll learn the art of swordsmanship from a Samurai master who has dedicated their life to this craft. Experience the precision of traditional swords as you unleash your inner warrior.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Kyoto
day 22 - Tea Ceremony & Nara
Today begins with a stroll through Sannenzaka, one of Kyoto’s most charming districts, followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In the afternoon we take a local train to Nara to visit its grand temples, admire the towering Great Buddha and meet the city’s friendly, bowing deer. We return to Kyoto in the evening.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Kyoto
day 23 - Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Kyoto - Hiroshima. We travel south by bullet train to Hiroshima. Here we’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, along with the Atomic Bomb Dome – a powerful reminder of the events of 1945. It’s a moving experience that offers deep insight into modern Japanese history.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Hiroshima
day 24 - Miyajima Island
A short ferry takes us to Miyajima Island, home to the iconic floating Torii Gate. You’ll have time to explore its temples, walking trails and deer-dotted streets at your own pace. Back in Hiroshima, we’ll enjoy the city’s famous okonomiyaki pancakes and perhaps round off the night with a visit to a whisky bar.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Hiroshima
day 25 - Return to Osaka – Shinsekai
Hiroshima - Osaka. Today we return to Osaka for some final sightseeing and shopping. In the evening we’ll explore Shinsekai, a retro district packed with izakayas and casual eateries. It’s the perfect place to raise a glass and say kanpai to our unforgettable journey together.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Osaka
day 26 - Depart Osaka
Our 26-day adventure comes to an end. You may choose to head home, stay on in Osaka or continue your travels in Japan.
