South Korea & Japan

13 days

Seoul, Busan, Kyoto, Tokyo

Experience a unique balance of ancient history and futuristic innovation in South Korea and Japan. From the buzzing streets of Seoul and Tokyo to the tranquility of Busan and Kyoto, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these two dynamic countries and their distinct cultures. Visit iconic sites like the N-Seoul Tower and Meiji Shinto Shrine, and immerse yourself in local life through hands-on activities and independent exploration.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the South Korea & Japan tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to South Korea

Day 2: Seoul

Meet your Field Director at the airport

Day 3: Seoul

Take a tour of Seoul

With your Field Director, you will:

See the Blue House —the residence and office of the President of South Korea
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you’ll witness a guard-changing ceremony
Visit the National Folk Museum

Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village

Take a walking tour of the Ikseon-dong neighborhood with your Field Director

View Seoul from the top of N Seoul Tower

Enjoy Korean BBQ in Seoul

Day 4: Seoul

🔹 Independent exploration: Spend a full day exploring Seoul on your own

Add this in-depth excursion:

Kimchi museum & kimchi making class

Visit the Kimchi museum and learn about the history, culture, and health benefits of Korea’s most iconic dish before participating in a hands-on kimchi-making class, where you'll learn traditional preparation techniques from expert instructors.

Day 5: Seoul • Busan

Travel by bullet train to Busan

Take an in-depth tour of Busan

With your Field Director you will see:

BIFF Square
Busan Tower
Jagalchi Fish Market

Visit Gamcheon Culture Village

Spend time exploring the white sands of Haeundae Beach on your own

Visit Dongbaekseom Island and see the Nurimaru APEC house

Day 6: Busan

Visit Haedong Yoggungsa Temple

Visit the UN Memorial Cemetery and Peace Memorial Museum

Visit Taejongdae Park

Enjoy a cable car ride over Songdo Beach

Day 7: Busan • Seoul

Travel by bullet train to Seoul

Visit the Odusan Unification Observatory and learn about the division of North and South Korea

Take a walking tour of Yeoeuido Han River with your Field Director

Day 8: Seoul • Osaka • Kyoto

Fly to Osaka and then travel to Kyoto

Take a guided tour of Kyoto with an expert local guide and learn about the history and culture of the city

Visit Nijo Castle, a structure built almost entirely out of Japanese cypress

Visit the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple

Take a tour of Arashiyama with your Field Director

Enjoy dinner in Kyoto

Day 9: Kyoto

Guided visit of Nara

See the Todaji Temple

Visit the Kasuga Shrine

Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 10: Kyoto • Tokyo

Travel by bullet train to Tokyo

Take a guided tour of Tokyo

With your expert local guide you will see:

Harajuku shopping district, the trendy district popular among younger locals
Shibuya district, home to the famed Shibuya crosswalk that has upwards of 3,000 people crossing at a time
Shinjuku district, a large entertainment and business area

Visit the Meiji Shrine and its elaborate wooded Inner Garden

🔹 Independent exploration: Spend time exploring the Harajuku district on your own

Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple

Day 11: Tokyo

Enjoy a photo stop of Mount Fuji (views of Mount Fuji are completely weather dependent)

Visit Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, and the reconstructed village of Iyashi no Sato Nenba

Visit the Fugaku Fuketsu wind cave and Narusawa Hyoketsu ice cave

Day 12: Tokyo

🔹 Independent exploration: Spend a full day exploring Tokyo on your own

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