19 Day Authentic Japan & South Korea
This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Return International Airfares Included
✓ Incredible sightseeing including breathtaking Mt Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites Golden Pavilion and Atomic Bomb Dome, the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island, Tokyo’s buzzing metropolis, Bulguksa Temple, Jeonju Hanok Village and much more
✓ Internal flight from Osaka to Seoul
✓ 17 nights in central 3 and 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking tour guides
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
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.
Today you will board your flight to Japan, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.
Please note: Some flights may depart the night before, to arrive on Day 1
Arrival & Check-in information
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, both airports have reliable public transport services into central Tokyo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Tokyo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area.
Special information
There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Please meet in the hotel lobby for your welcome meeting this morning to discuss tour logistics and to give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers. A Welcome Letter with the meeting time will be provided upon arrival
Following the meeting, you will begin your full-day coach tour of Japan's ultramodern capital - Tokyo!
Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji temple–the oldest temple in Tokyo–famous for its huge lantern hung at the Kaminarimon gate (Thunder Gate).
We’ll drive-by the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it’s a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city.
Next, we'll venture into the vibrant neighbourhood of Shibuya, allowing you some time to explore at your leisure and discover a delightful local eatery for lunch (at your own expense). Nearby, we will visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Surrounded by green trees it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time exploring before retiring to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your tour leader for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 10:00
Approx Finish Time: 11:30
Duration: Approx 1.5 hrs
Today, learn the Shodo - the way of writing. Experience the traditional Japanese calligraphy - from the preparation of the ink, to the writing with a brush.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Escorted by your tour leader, take a short Shinkansen ride to Atami. Atami is a famous resort town surrounded by mountains and the sea. You'll enjoy a walking tour around one of the main streets along with sweet and craft shops and you will enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant (included in the cost).
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Start time approx: 9:00am
Finish time approx: 4:30pm
Duration: 7.5 hrs
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Half Day Atami Tour cannot be booked in conjunction with Calligraphy Class.
After breakfast today we depart Tokyo and travel to Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery.
Upon arrival at Hakone, enjoy a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake, followed by taking a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. You’ll have spectacular views, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance. Here we will enjoy lunch and make our way to the hotel in Hakone.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast we’ll travel to Takayama, a charming Edo period town located in the Japanese alps. Upon arrival in Takayama, take a walk with your tour leader who will point out examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. During the walk, you will visit a local sake brewery and try different kinds of sake. You also learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in the Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers (own expense).
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Before leaving Takayama this morning after breakfast we'll visit the Hida Folk Village, also known as Hida no Sato, which serves as an open-air museum that showcases over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region. Creating a charming village-like ambiance, the museum encompasses various structures including a former village leader's residence, logging huts, storage buildings, and numerous gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
The term "gassho-zukuri" translates to "hands folded in prayer," aptly describing the steep thatched roofs resembling hands joined in prayer. These distinctive farmhouses were transported from nearby Shirakawago, a location renowned for its gassho-zukuri houses, which contributed to the region's recognition as a World Heritage site.
Today's lunch will be at highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food, and then we continue to travel to Kyoto where the afternoon is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
We’ll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning after breakfast, starting with Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views.
We’ll continue onto some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.
This afternoon, you have free time to explore the city on your own.
Inspiring Highlights
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 14:00
Approx Finish Time: 15:00
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Meeting Point:
Approx Start Time: 15:00
Approx Finish Time: 16:00
Duration: Approx 1 hr
Today, experience Ikebana - the Japanese art of flower arrangement that dates back to the 7th century. The tradition believes that by arranging the flowers you give a new life to the flowers - Ike (live) Hana (flower). Head to a master's classroom where you will be able to try hands-on the art of flower arrangement in Japan
Please note that times are subject to change and are a guide only.
Tonight, enjoy your experience of an Izakaya - a typical Japanese casual pub where Japanese go for a drink after work. You will be picked up from your tour leader at your hotel and will head to a local Izakaya to try the lifestyle of a local while enjoying different types of alcoholic beverages and traditional Japanese pub food.
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu:
- Three kinds of appetizers
- Sashimi
- Sushi
- Japanese salad
- Assorted deep-fried
- Tsukemen “dipping noodles”
** No beverages included
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food
Start time approx: 6:00pm
Finish time approx: 8:00pm
After breakfast this morning, we spend the day travelling to Hiroshima.
Upon arrival in Hiroshima, visit Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there's a 'floating' torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century.
Later, check in your hotel and relax in the evening. You might want to try a local famous dish okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning after breakfast we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here.
Today's lunch will be at a highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food, After lunch, we continue our Japan adventure to Osaka. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore Osaka.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
For those of you who would like to experience the Shinkansen bullet train, there is an option to take the train back to Osaka. Please discuss with your tour leader and they can arrange a ticket for you (own expense).
This morning after breakfast we’ll enjoy a coach tour with our tour leader, with our destination being Nara. Enroute to Nara, we will stop at the impressive Todaji Temple, which holds a world record as the largest wooden building in the world, and houses one of Japan’s largest buddha statues. You’ll then have some time to stroll Nara Park amongst the wild roaming holy deers, where you’ll then have some time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense).
We’ll also enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.
Inspiring Highlights
Celebrate the end of your Japan adventure with a casual meal at Izakaya, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar for that quintessential Japanese experience!
Please note: The following menu is a sample only, and dishes may vary depending on the venue, seasonal availability, and daily specials.
Sample Menu
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, food, 1 drink and Karaoke
Start time approx: 6:00pm
Finish time approx: 9:00pm
After breakfast, make your own way to Osaka Kansai Airport for your flight to Seoul. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Departure Information
Kansai International Airport (KIX) has reliable public transport services from central Osaka as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Osaka area. For more information or assistance with these services, please speak with your hotel reception or tour leader.
Special Information
There is no airport transfer included in Osaka. Please speak with your tour leader or hotel concierge for details on how to travel to the airport.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day sightseeing in Seoul and surrounds. Our first stop is at the Jogyesa Temple, which is the centre of Korean Buddhism. We then continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the changing of the guard ceremony before a visit to the National Folk Museum.
After lunch, we travel to the Korean Folk Village on the outskirts of Seoul. Here, you will experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty as we wander through the village of over 260 different types of historical houses and buildings.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast we leave Seoul to travel to Gongju. Here we visit the UNESCO listed Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs. Dating back to 500AD, the tomb complex was only re-discovered in 1927 and gives an insight into the Ungjin Period. We then visit the impressive Gongsanseong Fortress before continuing to Buyeo, an ancient capital of the Baekje Dynasty.
We continue to Jeonju where we spend the night at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
After breakfast at our hotel we continue our journey to Gwangju, the leading city of Honam, the region and birthplace of a modern democratic movement in Korea. Here we visit May 18th National Cemetery dedicated to those who participated in the Gwangju Uprising in 1980.
Our journey continues to Suncheon where we will visit Suncheon Bay Garden. Afterwards, we travel to Yeosu, where we tour the modern port city before checking in to our hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Suncheon Bay Garden will be closed on the last Monday of every month staring from April and will be replaced to Suncheon Nakaneupseong Folk Village.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
Our first stop today is the Jinjuseong Fortress, historically linked to Japanese invasion in 1592.
We then continue to Busan and visit the Jagalchi-Fishery Market, Busan’s largest seafood market, before seeing Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park. Our tour continues to the historic coastal city of Gyeongju where we check in to our hotel before an evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
Today is a real highlight and our first destination is the Unesco World Heritage-listed Seokguram Grotto. The religious site was constructed between 742 and 765 AD and still serves as a significant site for Korean and international Buddhists for its ceremonial and artistic value. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple before continuing to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, which has preserved the housing architecture and the village structure of the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, the Village was naturally formed with people who actually live there. It has become world-famous for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
Afterwards we continue to the scenic city of Pyeongchang, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and for being the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Pyeongchang boasts a wealth of attractions, from world-class ski resorts to enchanting natural wonders.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Today we visit the venue of 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
We then proceed to Mt. Seorak National Park. The peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains break through the clouds while jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating breathtaking views and making this Korea's most famous national park. Due to the many rare species found here, UNESCO designated this national park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982. You have the opportunity to take a cable car to the summit (additional expense) before we transfer back to Seoul for our final evening in South Korea.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through Japan & South Korea.
After breakfast, join your included transfer to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey.
Special Information:
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.
Some flights may arrive home a day later, subject to flight timings
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase.
Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?
This depends on the package you are booking.
Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.
We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):
When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance.
Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare.
The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked.
Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:
If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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”
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Room size
Japan is a densely populated country and space is at a premium. On average, Japan's room sizes are the smallest you will encounter. At times, single beds are separated by a 30 cm to 40 cm gap.
Storage room is also limited - for your own comfort, ensure to pack as lightly as you can.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,421.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately, this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments, and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveler
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveler of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your traveling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organized by travelers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after
Triple Share
Not available.
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.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
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.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Japan: 20-40 travellers
South Korea: You will travel with a maximum of 40 travellers in South Korea. You may travel with several different groups of people throughout your journey.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
** Please note: These tours operate at similar times, which means you may only choose one option on this day.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, Optional tours are unable to be purchased whilst on tour, therefore we suggest you book before you go to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.
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