22 Day Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

This tour is categorised as 2 out of 5

 

Relax and uncover: Enjoy ample free time alongside key sightseeing and activities. Moderate fitness is still recommended to fully experience the trip.

 

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.

Pace
Relaxed

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.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

Cooling Off Period
7 Days
21,284 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Incredible sightseeing, visit the DMZ on the border of North Korea, marvel at breathtaking Mount Fuji, and ride the shinkansen bullet train, Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
✓ 21 nights centrally located 3 and 4 star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner
✓ Included flights from Seoul to Tokyo and Osaka to Taipei
✓ Ride the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto
✓ Professional English-speaking tour guides throughout
✓ Dedicated coach transportation
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers
✓ In-depth sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ All entrance fees as per the itinerary

✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.

What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo or Similar

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Upon arrival at Seoul Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, your guide will transfer you to your hotel. Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of East Asia's financial and cultural hubs filled with a mix of traditional and modern elements which attract visitors from all over the world.

It is the centre of fascinating ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, home to multitudes of street food vendors and vast nightlife districts, serene Buddhist temples and extraodinary modern architecture.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

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.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Hotel
Sokcho Sea Cruise Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we travel to Mount Seoraksan National Park. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District in 1982 due to the many rare species found here, Mount Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea's most famous national parks. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of one of the park's inhabitants, including deer, otters, squirrels and bears. First we will visit Sinheungsa Temple and then take the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress to see the castle ruins and the spectacular views of the National Park.

We then continue on to Sokcho, a small fishing village known for its fresh seafood.

Hotel
Daegu Inter Burgo Exco Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we head to the village of Andong, known for its well-preserved traditional houses and unique mask dancing performances. Afterwards, relax with some retail therapy in Dongseongno Shopping District, one of the major fashion districts in Daegu city

Hotel
Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today, explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs and monuments of Gyeongju. During the time when ancient Korea was divided into three seperate kingdoms (Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo), Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom.

Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory which was constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok in the 7th century and Gyeongju National Museum, home to many Silla Kingdom stone relics. Stop and admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. The Bulguska Temple complex includes a number of national treasures, while the Seokuram Grotto is home to a masterful sculpture of Buddha looking out to sea.

Finally, we will visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond. After the Silla Kingdom fell, the site was abandoned and forgotten for many centuries. Excavation and reconstruction began in the 1970s and the site was once more restored to its former glory. Lastly, we visit Gyeongju National Park, which features a palace complex of the ancient Silla kingdom and beautiful forests.

Hotel
Stanford Hotel Seoul or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today we will visit North Korea's 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. An entire infantry division can move through the tunnel in an hour.

Visit the Imjingak Resort Unification Park and North Korea Centre to gain an insight into the history of the Korean War. View North Korean territory from the Dora Observation Platform, including the spooky Propaganda Village, People School and Kaeseong City, the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom.

Hotel
Stanford Hotel Seoul or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

The Blue House, otherwise known as Cheong Wa Dae, is the residence of the South Korean president. It is an icon of South Korea, set against the back drop of Bugaksan Mountain. Today, we have the chance to visit the Blue House before making our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, originally built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

We then visit the famous Amethyst Store and later stroll through the heart of the city down the streets of Isa-dong, a historical entertainment districts. Step back in time in Bukchon Village before jumping back to the present day to walk along the elevated sky garden of Seoullo 7017.

Hotel
Hotel Mystays Premier Omori or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel

Hotel
Hotel Mystays Premier Omori or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch.

Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street.

Hotel
Hotel Crown Palais Hamamatsu or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning we make our way towards the Mount Fuji area. En route, we stop for a tour at a beer factory, before a visit to the Gotemba Peace Park, known for it's majestic views of Mt Fuji. Time permitting, we will head for another famous vantage point of Mt Fuji at Miho no Matsubara.

We then continue to Hamamatsu where we spend the evening at leisure.

Hotel
Sarasa Hotel Namba or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today, we visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. This fascinating complex is home to a ninja residence complete with revolving walls, trap doors, and exhibition halls. Afterwards, we continue to one of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.

Built in 1583 as a centre of a new, unufied Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture. We then continue to our centrally located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. You may wish to head out to experience the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dotonbori district.

Hotel
Sarasa Hotel Namba or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside.

Out first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with it's thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We spend time here strolling through the gates and visiting the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in golf leaf.

Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka.

Hotel
Sarasa Hotel Namba or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka. Your Tour Director can give you some tips on how to make the most of your day.

Hotel
Hotel Kuretakeso Hiroshima Otemachi or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistc design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan.

Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.

Hotel
Sarasa Hotel Namba or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, we visit the Peace Park Memorial and the Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the atrocities of the atom bomb disaster in Hiroshima. We will then travel to mystical Miyajima. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island is probably one of the most well-known icons of Japan, and is officially classed as one of Japan's "3 best views".

After exploring the island, we head back to Osaka.

Hotel
Royal Inn Taipei Linsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Taipei. 

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Hotel
Royal Inn Taipei Linsen or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, use your 1 Day Taipei Double-Decker sightseeing Bus ticket to explore Taipei!

The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, etc. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum, etc. There is onboard English audio-guide information.

Hotel
Lealea Garden Hotel The Moon or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan , the highest spot (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to have a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around, visiting Wen-wu Temple with beautiful lake views.

Hotel
Ali-Shan Kaofeng Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Alishan National Scenic Area. Sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forest and sunset are the images of the five wonders that always come to mind when Alishan is mentioned. As soon as dawn arrives in the early morning, a glimpse of sunlight slowly makes its appearance above the mountain, and a new day begins. At dusk, the orange red sunset is another breathtaking scene. On the other hand, Alishan’s sea of clouds, one of the top 8 scenes in Taiwan, are usually seen during sunrise and sunset on a sunny autumn day. 

Next, take a ride on one of the three remaining mountain railways in the world. It was built to transport wood in the past, but nowadays it has transformed to a tourism train, and shuttles tourists throughout the forest. Visitors who don’t want to take the train can take a walk on the trails and enjoy the nature and fresh air. You will discover the charming side of an alpine forest.

Hotel
The Place Tainan or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today enjoy a trip from the beautiful Alishan to the ancient capital of Tainan. For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe, with some of the country’s most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan.

In the afternoon you will visit Anping Old Fort, formerly known as Fort Zeelandia. A historical site in Tainan, it was originally built by the Dutch East India Company over a ten-year period from 1624 to 1662. The fort served as the administrative center for the Dutch regime in Taiwan and was a hub for trade. This evening you are free to explore this cultural city.

Hotel
Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning, we head to Kaohsiung to visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals. 

Afterwards, enjoy a light vegetarian lunch at the Fonguanshan Monastery with a tour through the main shrine and Buddhist museum as well as a tour through downtown Kaohsiung City.

Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy!

Hotel
Howard Plaza Hotel Kaohsiung or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today, visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake.

Afterwards, visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to capture the beautiful reflection of this unique building over the lake.

Then, visit Lukang which is famous for the Longshan Temple and markets. Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods.

Meals
Breakfast

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. At the appropriate time, join your included transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey.

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.

Inclusions

  • Incredible sightseeing, visit the DMZ on the border of North Korea, marvel at breathtaking Mount Fuji, and ride the shinkansen bullet train, Taroko National Park, Sun Moon Lake, The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 
  • 21 nights centrally located 3 and 4 star accommodation
  • Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Included flights from Seoul to Tokyo and Osaka to Taipei
  • Ride the bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto
  • Professional English-speaking tour guides throughout
  • Dedicated coach transportation
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers
  • In-depth sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • All entrance fees as per the itinerary

  • Explore the Seoraksan National Park in South Korea
  • Visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone on the border of South and North Korea
  • Wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades, and explore the traditional Asakusa district
  • Ride the bullet train (Shinkansen) between Osaka and Kyoto, which offers an exceptionally unique and efficient travel experience
  • Enjoy a guided visit of Osaka castle which was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo
  • Get a birds eye view of Tokyo from the 200m observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
  • See the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Park Memorial in Hiroshima
  • Enjoy a day sightseeing in Taipei at your own pace aboard the Taipei Double Decker bus
  • Visit Taroko National Park and see the Taroko Gorge Gateway, Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto
  • Discover Wen-wu Temple on the shores of the idyllic Sun Moon Lake 
  • Visit the Tehua village to learn the history of the Tsao tribe
  • Stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood 
  • Visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake
  • Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese style houses, narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods

Fine Print

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.

Instalment Schedule:

  1. At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
  2. Pay a 1st installment of $661.00 per person within 28 days.
  3. Pay a 2nd installment of $1,322.00 per person within 90 days.
  4. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

  • Your booking is confirmed
  • Your departure date is within 11 months
  • You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances. 

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 for your destination. For further visa information, click here.

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.

Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.

Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is ₹1,995.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.


Triple Share
Available upon request.

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 travelling.

Group Size
20-45 people in Japan and South Korea. Maximum 18 in Taiwan.

Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.

Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and 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: 

  • Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

 

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

  • International airfares (Optional)
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Tipping
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Click HERE for more information on weather in Japan.

Click HERE for more information on weather in South Korea.

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