16 Day Korea & Japan Encompassed

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Trip Length

16 Days

Trip Starts

Seoul

Trip Finishes

Tokyo

16 Day Korea & Japan Encompassed Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: South Korea, Japan

Trip Operator

G Adventures

103 Reviews

Trip Style

Classic

Departures

Aug 2025 to Dec 2026

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Moderate

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

AKKJ

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 16 Day Korea & Japan Encompassed. There's truly no better way to see living ancient traditions and futuristic marvels perfectly coexisting than on an adventureful two weeks through South Korea and Japan. Hit iconic destinations and try life-changing street food in both countries. Stay overnight in a temple tucked away in the Korean mountainside and in a traditional Japanese ryokan inn. Come hungry and get ready for an unforgettable trip through two of Asia's most popular destinations.

Itinerary

After the welcome meeting, join your CEO for an orientation walk down Cheonggyecheon Stream to learn about Seoul while walking past small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges. Then, enjoy the dense grid of streets found in the bustling neighbourhood of Myeongdong which is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea. Opt for a group dinner to end your first night! Stay: Hotel Prince

After exploring the city, opt to see a show, explore a local museum, or hit the pavement and eat your way through street markets trying local fares such as bibimbap, soondae, and kimchi. Stay: Hotel Prince (B)

Stay in rooms called Ondol. These rooms are very traditional, heated to be cozy and comfortable, with beds made up directly on the floor. The rooms here are multi-share, divided up by male and female rooms. Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay. Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation. Stay: Golgulsa Temple Stay (B/D)

Enjoy a peaceful morning meditation, martial arts practice, and drum and bell ritual before exploring in Gyeongiu. On the city tour visit to the UNESCO site of Bulguksa Temple located on the slopes of Mount Toham and admire the national treasures there, such as Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. Afterwards, experience the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and the surrounding Royal Tombs. Stay: Swiss Rosen Hotel Gyeongju (B)

Travel by bus to Busan. Along the way enjoy a day trip to Yangdong Folk Village, a 500-year-old UNESCO site located in Gyeongju National Park, to get a feel for life during the early Joseon Dynasty. Afterwards, continue on to the picturesque 14th century seaside temple hidden in the rocks - Haedong Yonggungsa. After exploring the temple, check in to your hotel and get your bearings with an orientation walk on Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House). Spend the evening getting to know colourful Busan, opt to treat yourself at a Jjimjilbang spa or sing your heart out at a popular karaoke bar. Stay: Felix Hotel by STX (B)

In the seaside city, Busan, visit the bustling Jagalchi fish market, Gukjesijang market, Yongdusan Park, and the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village before traveling back to Seoul. After arriving in Seoul by train, check out Korea's oldest traditional market - Namdaemun Market. Then make your way by cable car to N Seoul Tower to see this beautiful landmark and opt to make the trip up to the observation deck. Spend the rest of your day in Seoul opting to see Banpo Bridge, the floating islands, or hanging out in the Gangnam district. Stay: Hotel Prince (B)

Opt to visit the Samsung Leeum Contemporary Gallery, explore the Itaewon neighbourhood, or prebook the Kimchi making and Hanbok experience. Stay: Hotel Prince (B)

Say annyeong to South Korea and konnichiwa to Japan as we depart one incredible place and start our adventure in a new one. Upon arrival in Osaka, take some time to rest or explore on your own. There aren't any activities today until the evening where you'll join your CEO and great for a Japan Welcome Meeting. Stay: Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji (B)

Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery. In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono. Stay: Sekishoin (B/D)

Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular. Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945. Stay: Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ (B)

This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen. Stay: Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ

Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour. Stay: Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo

Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time. Stay: Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo

Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs. In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen. Stay: TKP Hotel & Resort Rekutore Hakone Gora (D)

Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis. Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface. Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (B)

Depart at any time.

Trip Inclusions

Immerse yourself in the serene and spiritual atmosphere with an overnight stay at a traditional temple.
Experience Japanese hospitality and tradition with a stay in a cozy ryokan. Enjoy leisure time exploring the vibrant attractions.
Cuisine.
And culture of both Tokyo and Seoul.
Reflect on history and hope for peace at Hiroshima Peace Park.
Walk through the iconic red torii gates of the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Temple Stay, Gyeongju-si
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, Kōyasan
City tour of Seoul
DMZ visit
City tour of Gyeongju
Yangdong Folk Village visit
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple Visit
City tour of Busan
Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit
N Seoul Tower Visit
Namdaemun Market Visit
Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
Miyajima Island excursion
Nijo Castle and gardens visit
Gion walk
Fushimi Inari shrine visit
Lake Ashino-ko boat ride
Traditional kaiseki meal
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Hotels (13 Nights), mountain monastery (1 Night, shared facilities) temple (1 Night)
ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotels rooms are small! Additionally, most Japanese hotels do not have designated non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deoderise rooms before check in.
Ryokan are traditional inns found across Japan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate meals (often served in the comfort of your own room), a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality. As ryokan are usually top tier accommodations, most guests stay only one night, often to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Don’t be intimidated by the formalities inherent to a stay at a ryokan, your hosts will welcome you the same way they do all their guests. Have fun and enjoy this relaxing opportunity to learn more about Japan’s unique customs.
Minshuku are Japan’s answer to the Western bed and breakfast. Similar to ryokan, they have traditional features like tatami floors, futon beds, and Japanese-style baths. Minshuku are often family-run, and as such they offer a great opportunity to interact with local people and learn more about the nation’s customs. More affordable and simpler than ryokan, minshuku tend to have smaller guestrooms, shared bathroom facilities, and any included meals (traditional, local, and delicious) are served in a communal dining room.
Please note that some of the traditional Japanese inns used on this tour only offer shared bathing facilities. This means that individual shower stalls will not be available, instead several shower stations are available in an open, same-sex bathing area. Shared bathhouses and onsen (hot springs) are an essential part of Japan’s culture, traditionally serving as a place for men or women to gather, relax, and discuss the days happenings.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

10 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Plane, Bullet train, tram, ferry, public bus, walking

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l...more

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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Korea & Japan Encompassed

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Seoul

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul - Gyeongju-si

Day 4: Gyeongju-si

Day 5: Gyeongju-si - Busan

Day 6: Busan - Seoul

Day 7: Seoul

Day 8: Seoul - Osaka

Day 9: Osaka - Kōyasan

Day 10: Kōyasan - Hiroshima

Day 11: Hiroshima

Day 12: Hiroshima - Kyoto

Day 13: Kyoto

Day 14: Kyoto - Hakone

Day 15: Hakone - Tokyo

Day 16: Tokyo

Trip Inclusions Expand All

Journey Highlights

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Your Tour Guides

Meals Included

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Brochure

G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

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