✓ Return international airfares with world’s best airline, Singapore Airlines
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 14 nights in charming and comfortable four-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast and two dinners
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking local guide in each country
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees – See beautiful temples and shrines, breathtaking Mount Fuji, UNESCO sites like Yangdong Folk Village and Nijõ Castle, and the neon-light splendour of Tokyo
✓ Comfortable, dedicated coach transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Seoul, the magnificent capital of South Korea. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, take some time to relax after your flight or begin exploring the local area.
Please note - some flights may depart the night before.
Today we will set out on a city sightseeing tour with our guide. Seoul is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets. We will begin at the N Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower, built in 1969. It is located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul and operates as a communication and observation tower. At 236 metres, it marks the second highest point in Seoul. Next we will be visiting Namsangol Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village set in the foothills of Namsan Mountain that features Korean houses and pavilions, as well as a beautiful small pond. Walking through this quaint village is like walking back through time. From here our guide will take us to Gyeongbokgung Palace where we will witness the Changing Guard Ceremony. Built in 1395, this was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Next we will be visiting Bukchon Hanok Village, a picture-perfect historic village dating back almost 600 years. Following this we will take a stroll down Insadong Antique Street, a street that has been selling furniture since the '60's when U.S. soldiers sold their pieces before returning home. Our city tour will come to an end at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5000 shops.
Today we depart Seoul and head to the city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the 1,000-year-long Silla dynasty, and known for its extensive historical remains. Upon arrival we will tour Yangdong Folk Village with our guide. This is Korea’s largest traditional village, showcasing the intriguing culture of the Joseon Dynasty and the beautiful natural surroundings. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following this we will head to the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and possibly even the world. Cheomseongdae means ‘star-gazing tower’ in Korean. From here our guide will take us to the Daereungwon Royal Tomb. Excavated in 1973, this ancient burial tomb of an unknown king contained 11,000+ artifacts. Our final stop today is Anapji Pond, a stunning artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park. It was constructed in 674 CE as part of the palace complex of ancient Silla.
We depart Gyeongju this morning after breakfast and begin our drive towards Busan. En route, we will be making a stop at Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Together, Bulguksa Temple, built in 774, and the Seokguram Grotto form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance. Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto is an artificial grotto constructed of granite that comprises an antechamber, a corridor and a main rotunda. It also contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking out towards the sea. After our tour here, we will continue on to Busan, a large port city known for its gorgeous beaches, sloping mountains and ancient temples. Upon arrival we will head to Ibagu-gil, or Story Road. Located near Busan Station, Ibagu-gil street was formed at the top of a hill after people started building houses back in the poor period. The night scene is especially beautiful here, as the lights from every house twinkle and gleam as the surrounding area gets darker.
After breakfast this morning we will be visiting the iconic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of the city. This temple complex was built in 1376 and is one of the few in Korea to be set on the seaside, offering stunning vistas over the ocean. Following a tour here we will head to the colourful and interesting Gamcheon Culture Village. This village is built right into the mountainside and is known for its steep streets, twisting alleys, and brightly painted houses. After a lovely stroll through this picturesque historical area, we will continue on to Gukje and Jagalchi Market, world famous for fresh fish and seafood to take away or eat at the informal stalls. Upon completion of our tour, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.
Today we depart Busan and head back to the capital, Seoul. Here you will have a free day to spend exploring the city at your leisure, visiting any sights that you may have previously missed. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations.
This morning we say farewell to wonderful South Korea as we depart Seoul for the airport where we will catch our domestic flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you may spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring as you please.
Welcome to Japan! The second half of our tour begins in the extraordinary capital city of Tokyo, the world’s most populated megalopolis – the Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over 3 prefectures and has 38 million habitants. Following breakfast this morning we will meet with our guide and set out on a full day coach tour of the city. We will begin at Meiji Jingu Shrine, located within a 170 acre forest in the centre of Tokyo. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution and emergence onto the world stage. Next we will visit the Asakusa district where we will tour the beautiful Sensoji Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. We will take a brief break for lunch before we begin our splendid Sumida River Cruise, offering a striking new perspective of the city. After our cruise we will make a final stop at the Tokyo Tower, a communications and observation tower that at 332.9 metres is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure features an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice-work. Following this, the rest of the evening is yours to spend at leisure.
This morning we will be departing Tokyo to begin our scenic journey towards Hakone, making a stop at one of Japan’s most iconic destinations along the way. After enjoying a break for lunch, we continue on to the Mt. Fuji 5th station above the clouds, where you will view the sacred mountain’s enormous summit (if weather permits). Mt Fuji is the tallest and most picturesque mountain of Japan and an active volcano, peaking at 3,776 meters high. After an enjoyable tour here and many incredible photo opportunities, we will begin the final leg of our drive to Hakone. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel where you will have some leisure time before meeting the rest of the group for a delicious dinner.
After breakfast today we will start a guided tour of Hakone, a stunning mountainous town that lies within Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, known for its hot springs and mesmerizing views of Mt. Fuji. We will begin at the Hakone Ropeway, a gondola lift that provides the perfect place for enjoying Hakone's scenic panorama. Following this we will head to the magnificent Lake Ashi where we will enjoy a thrilling Pirate Boat Cruise around the dazzling lake, taking in the gorgeous setting. After this we will depart Hakone and being our drive to Matsumoto, stopping along the way for lunch and a visit to Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The Keep, completed around 1593, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. After viewing this awe-inspiring monument we will continue along towards our final destination for the day, the city of Takayama.
This morning following breakfast we will take a tour with our guide through the exciting Miyagawa Open Air Market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. The market consists of approximately sixty shops, with stalls selling vegetables, fruits, pickles, spices, as well as Japanese sweets, souvenirs and crafts. Following this we will visit the Takayama Jinya, the former government house of Takayama. After our visit here we will depart Takayama and transfer to Shirakawago, taking a break for lunch along the way. Upon arrival we will take a lovely stroll with our guide through Shirakawago Village. Shirakawago is a World Heritage site with 114 Gassho-style houses with steeply-pitched roofs in the shape of a triangle. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. Next we will continue on towards Kanazawa, our final destination for the day.
During World War Two, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and the chaya entertainment districts, have survived. This morning we will be visiting Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species. We will then tour Kanazawa Castle Park, an absolutely stunning open space in the middle of the city and a favourite stop for many. Next we will be touring Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District. A chaya (or teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period, chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. Of the three districts in Kanazawa, the Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting. After exploring here we will head to Kanazawa Station where we will board the Thunderbird bullet train to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel where we will check in and spend the rest of the night at leisure.
This morning after breakfast we will begin our full day city sightseeing tour of Kyoto with our guide. The golden city of Kyoto is considered by many to be the Jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during the war leaving it’s countless relics intact. Upon arrival we will begin a guided tour of the city at the breathtaking Nijo Castle. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. From here we will travel to Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Following a break for lunch we will visit the incredible Yasaka Shrine. This brightly painted Shinto shrine is one of the city's best known and most popular landmarks, especially the two-story vermilion entrance gate. Finally we will tour Gion area, Kyoto's most famous geisha district before returning to the hotel.
Today after breakfast we will set out for charming Nara, a city with significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital. We will begin at the iconic Nara Deer Park, where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely. Next, we will visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses a huge 15m tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Following this we will depart for Osaka, stopping for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Osaka we will tour the outstanding Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the sixteenth century. The castle is elaborately fortified, and decorated in an attractive white and green colour scheme. We will continue on from here to Osaka’s Namba District which encompasses the city’s premier shopping districts, full of boutiques, designers outlets, restaurants and bars. Finally, no visit to Osaka would be complete without a walking tour of the Dotonbori area, one of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations running parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. After our stroll here we will enjoy a delicious dinner as a group at a local restaurant to celebrate our final evening in Japan, before returning to our hotel in Kyoto.
Unfortunately today marks the end of our phenomenal tour through these two magnificent countries. We hope that you have enjoyed your experience and are returning home with exciting stories and beautiful photographs. Following breakfast this morning, enjoy some free time until your transfer to Kansai International Airport to board your flight home.
Arrive home today.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount (if booking your own flights)
A $900 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, an additional cost will apply:
The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice, due 90 days prior to departure, and is strictly subject to availability.
If you have chosen to deviate your stay or if you have requested specific flights that do not match the group arrival and departure times, you will forfeit the airport transfer services in Japan. For this package, we cannot offer a private airport transfer service for you, therefore you will be required to make your own way from & to the airport at your own expense. You may choose to book a shared transfer service independently, get a taxi on arrival or travel by train. For advice, you may speak to your Dedicated Support Agent.
Singapore Stopover Package
You may wish to stop over in Singapore before or after your tour.
Includes:
Cost - $550 per person Twin Share ($1100 Single Share)
If you wish to book the Singapore stopover package before or after your tour, please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced for this in your final payment.
The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences) applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement, or alternatively we can offer the following rates:
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, an additional cost will apply:
The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice, due 90 days prior to departure, and is strictly subject to availability.
If you have chosen to deviate your stay or if you have requested specific flights that do not match the group arrival and departure times, you will forfeit the airport transfer services in Japan. For this package, we cannot offer a private airport transfer service for you, therefore you will be required to make your own way from & to the airport at your own expense. You may choose to book a shared transfer service independently, get a taxi on arrival or travel by train. For advice, you may speak to your Dedicated Support Agent.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,400 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Travellers
This package allows you to avoid paying a single supplement by booking as a Paired Solo Traveller.
This option must be selected at time of booking during the purchase path under "Select Your Room" and then choose "Paired Twin Room".
Regardless of whether an accompanying solo traveller is found, you are guaranteed to travel at no additional cost.
Solo travellers are matched only on the basis of gender and not on other factors such as age, nationality, religion or sexuality. We kindly ask that you disclose any requirements, medical or otherwise, that might disturb your matched traveller’s sleep (e.g. sleep apnoea or a CPAP machine). Unfortunately, with this in mind and in the interest of other travellers, we request that you proceed with your own private room with the resulting single supplement. Should a second solo traveller not be available, you are nonetheless guaranteed to travel at no extra cost and you will be placed into a single, twin share or double room by yourself. Your tour group may include multiple solo travellers who may or may not be paired. No changes will be permitted to any pairing arrangements.
Note that for some portions of some itineraries, the group sizes will vary. Some packages may operate on groups as small as 2 people and therefore, there may be time spent travelling only with your paired traveller. Should a package require a minimum number of 2 travellers and you are not paired, your booking may be cancelled.
You will be introduced to your matched solo traveller at the beginning of your itinerary and your personal details will not be shared as per our Privacy Policy. Should there be any dissatisfaction with your matched traveller, unfortunately we are unable to make any changes to your room arrangements or offer any refund. Inspiring Vacations takes no responsibility for and will not be held liable for any dissatisfaction with the matched traveller or for their actions.
All departures remain strictly subject to availability and may sell out prior to your tentative booking being confirmed, in which case the fee will be refunded in full. All other booking terms apply.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to New Zealand.
No visa is required for travel to Japan for the length of this tour.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
16 to 40 people.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
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