Essence of Japan with South Korea

Day 1 - UK - In flight

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Tokyo.

Day 2 - Tokyo

This Japan tour starts with a stay in the Tokyo Bay area in Odaiba, a scenic waterfront resort close to shopping, restaurants, and parks. On arrival, the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the fantastic views, or explore the area. Excellent transport links make it easy to reach the heart of Tokyo.

Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo (4-star)

Day 3 - Tokyo

With an expert guide, dive into the energy of this dazzling metropolis. Walk beneath towering skyscrapers and the world’s tallest self-supporting tower, the Tokyo Skytree, and uncover the city’s traditional side. Along the way, hear the stories behind iconic landmarks including the moated Imperial Palace, Tokyo’s oldest temple Sensō-ji, and the serene Meiji Shrine, set along a peaceful tree-lined avenue.

Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo (4-star)

Day 4 - Mount Fuji - Matsumoto

Rising dramatically to 3,776m, Mount Fuji dominates the landscape as Japan’s tallest peak. Clouds often drift around this active volcano, but there could be clear skies travelling from Tokyo to Matsumoto. On a fine day, you may spot Fuji’s snow-capped summit mirrored in the still waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

Iroha Grand Matsumoto (3-star)

Day 5 - Matsumoto - Takayama

Matsumoto Castle ranks among Japan’s most beautiful castles, a striking blend of timber and stone crowned by a distinctive moon-viewing turret. In spring, you can wander beneath blooming cherry blossoms in the surrounding gardens. After, stop at a traditional brewery to sample sake before continuing through dense pine forests and snow-dusted peaks of the Japanese Alps toward the historic hill town of Takayama. Here, visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses and local crafts.

Mercure Hida Takayama (4-star)

Day 6 - Takayama

With its Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines, and gentle riverside setting, Takayama captures traditional Japan at its most charming. On a guided walking tour, explore highlights including the open-air flower and fruit market and the historic government house.

Mercure Hida Takayama (4-star)

Day 7 - Kanazawa

Travel by coach to Kanazawa, stopping en route at the World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village. Kanazawa, a preserved former castle town, is famed for its samurai and geisha districts. The sightseeing includes Omicho Market and Higashi Chayagai, the historic teahouse quarter.

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel (4-star)

Day 8 - Kanazawa - Hiroshima

Overnight bags are packed while the main luggage transfers ahead to Kyoto. This morning, revisit Kanazawa to see the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden and the BukeYashiki (Samurai House). Created in the 1620s and opened to the public in 1874, Kenroku-en covers 11.4 hectares and embodies the ideals of a classic Japanese garden, with tranquil ponds, rolling hills, and seasonal blossoms. From the quiet streets of Kanazawa, switch gears and board the Shinkansen. Japan’s bullet train carries us swiftly and smoothly to Hiroshima.

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (4-star)

Day 9 - Hiroshima

Hiroshima is one of Japan’s greenest cities, renowned for its wide boulevards and riverside parks. Today, take a ferry to Miyajima Island to admire the ancient Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate, with time to stroll through the surrounding park. If you travel in autumn, the maples glow with vivid red and gold. Back in Hiroshima, walk through the Peace Memorial Park and spend time at the Atomic Bomb Museum for quiet reflection.

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (4-star)

Day 10 - Nara - Kyoto

Take the morning bullet train to Osaka, then continue by coach to Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. The vast 8th-century Todaiji Temple is remarkable, but the friendly deer roaming freely through Nara Park are just as memorable — you can even buy crackers to feed them. Arrive in Kyoto this afternoon. Rich in temples, gardens, and traditional crafts, it is one of the highlights of the journey. Spend time in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, to learn more about this fascinating cultural tradition.

Kyoto Hotel Okura (4-star)

Day 11 - Kyoto

This morning’s guided tour includes Ryoanji Temple, home to a celebrated Zen rock garden, and the glittering Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, whose upper floors are covered in gold leaf. Visit Nijo Castle, renowned for its “nightingale floors” that chirp softly underfoot as a historic security feature.

Kyoto Hotel Okura (4-star)

Day 12 - Kyoto - Mishima

Before departing Kyoto, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony – a fitting experience in the birthplace of this elegant ritual. Learn the subtle details of preparing and serving tea, from the handling of the bowl to the appreciation of its design. Later, take another bullet train Mishima.

Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel (3.5-star)

Day 13 - Hakone - Tokyo

Drive to Hakone and cruise across Lake Ashi, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Then ride the cable car up to Owakudani Valley, a steaming volcanic landscape within Mount Hakone’s crater. Later, return to Tokyo.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (4-star)

Day 14 - Tokyo - Busan

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Busan, Korea’s second city, ready to begin the next chapter of our adventure. This evening, experience Korean barbecue – a centuries-old dining tradition.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Station (3-star)

Day 15 - Busan

Today’s guided tour of Busan begins at the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a serene Buddhist site especially enchanting during cherry blossom season. Admire city views from Dongbaekseom Island, stroll along the white sands of Haeundae Beach, and glide above the ocean on the Busan Air Cruise cable car.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Station (3-star)

Day 16 - Gyeongju - Seoul

This morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Gyeongju Historic Area, home to some of Korea’s finest Buddhist art and architecture. Wander through the hushed halls of 1,500-year-old Bulguksa Temple, visit Asia’s oldest astronomical observatory, and discover the domed tombs of Daereungwon Tomb Complex. After lunch, board the KTX bullet train and speed north to the capital, Seoul.

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun (5-star)

Day 17 - Seoul

Seoul fuses cutting-edge innovation with centuries-old tradition. Sleek malls showcase the latest cosmetics and fashion, narrow alleyways hide teahouses and craft workshops, and bustling food markets tempt locals and visitors alike with mandu dumplings and steaming pancakes. On a guided city tour, witness the royal changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the National Folk Museum. Next, wander the preserved streets of Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of Seoul life hundreds of years ago. Finally, Insadong offers a cultural feast of traditional teahouses, antique stalls, and galleries showcasing local art.

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun (5-star)

Day 18 - DMZ

Spend the morning at the DMZ, the strip of land dividing the Korean Peninsula. Learn about the Korean War, hear the stories of affected families, explore one of the infiltration tunnels beneath the border, and reflect at Imjingak Park, home to monuments and statues commemorating those impacted. The afternoon is free to explore Seoul at your own pace. In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Korean cooking class. Prepare and cook a traditional Korean meal, then sit down to enjoy your creation.

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun (5-star)

Day 19 - Seoul - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flights to the UK. Upon arrival your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.