Shining Korea and Essential Japan

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

Visit to the Aegibong Observatory in GIMPO, very close to the border with NORTH KOREA, from where it is possible to clearly see North Korean territory. Transfer to the Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang), where lunch is included. We will see the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion Temple, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will stop at the Freedom Bridge, a symbol of hope and reunion. Important Note: Please remember to bring your passport; it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may be closed without prior notice. If this occurs, an alternative tour will be provided. Later, with our guide, we will go to the square where City Hall is located to see this building from the outside, notable for its wavelike (tsunamishaped) design. Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, which, when illuminated at night, allows us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the largest commercial and entertainment area in Korea; its name means “bright tunnel. ”Dinner is included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway system (ticket included). Overnight stay.

Today we include an extensive visit of approximately five hours in SEOUL. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of palaces set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, wellpreserved houses. We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive war museum that explains the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We then continue to the Gangnam District, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we will stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550metertall building, where you will have free time to go up to the observation deck (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers. Return to the hotel and free time.

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included), a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be SUWON, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace (entrance included). Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to JEONJU, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

We’ll depart toward the SUNCHANG GOCHUJANG VILLAGE, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hangari. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a handson experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to DAMYANG to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum (entrance included). Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at HAEINSA, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples (entrance included) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to BUSAN, Korea’s secondlargest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

In the morning, we will depart from BUSAN to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14thcentury Buddhist temple located by the sea. We return to Busan and visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are laid to rest. We will then head to the country’s largest fish market, located next to the port of Nampo. Lunch is included. We walk toward Yongdusan park, home to its impressive 120meter pagoda. Afterwards, we depart for Songdo Beach, which features the country’s first maritime cable car (entrance included, subject to weather conditions), offering stunning views of the bay. We continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, the Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinthlike alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés. Return to Busan. Overnight stay.

We’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Tokyo. Welcome to Japan! After completing border procedures, an assistant (usually Spanishspeaking, though sometimes Englishspeaking) will be waiting for you. After, you’ll take a shared shuttle bus to the hotel. Free time.

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cuttingedge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility. We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stonecarved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels. Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. We’ll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We’ll drive through AKIHABARA, the “Electric City,” known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city. We’ll end our visit in ASAKUSA, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel. 6:30 p. m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide. Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

We travel toward the beautiful Mount Fuji area, enjoying the scenic landscapes along our route. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its beautiful pagodas and for offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. We then continue to KAWAGUCHIKO, an idyllic town of charming houses, flowers, and mountains beside a stunning lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a magical place surrounded by tall trees — traditionally the starting point of the pilgrimage up Mount Fuji. We’ll take a moment to give thanks at the shrine for the opportunity to visit such a spiritually rich and enchanting site. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a pleasant boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, then begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji via the road that leads to the “Fifth Station. ” Driving through spectacular forests and landscapes, we’ll reach an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet). Note: In winter, the route to the Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we’ll go as far as we’re permitted. We’ll return to Kawaguchiko and stay overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where you can relax and enjoy the Onsen (public hot spring bath). Dinner included. Note: In the planned Ryokan, some rooms are Japanesestyle with tatami mats, while others are Westernstyle. Occasionally, accommodation may be provided in a Westernstyle hotel instead.

In the morning, we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an openair museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past. Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters. From there, we’ll continue to Nagoya, where we’ll visit the Toyota Museum (admission included), a mustsee destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation. Finally, we’ll proceed to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997. We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon. ” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. We’ll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest. Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary. )After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.

We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyuji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship. Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s secondlargest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.

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