Tour Classical Korea and Japan - 19d - 2026

SEOUL 72ºF - 73ºF

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

SEOUL 72ºF - 73ºF

Visit to the Aegibong Observatory in GIMPO, very close to the border with NORTH KOREA, from where it is possible to clearly see North Korean territory. Transfer to the Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang), where lunch is included. We will see the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion Temple, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will stop at the Freedom Bridge, a symbol of hope and reunion.

Important Note: Please remember to bring your passport; it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may be closed without prior notice. If this occurs, an alternative tour will be provided.

Later, with our guide, we will go to the square where City Hall is located to see this building from the outside, notable for its wave-like (tsunami-shaped) design. Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, which, when illuminated at night, allows us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the largest commercial and entertainment area in Korea; its name means “bright tunnel.”

Dinner is included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway system (ticket included). Overnight stay.

SEOUL 72ºF - 73ºF

Today we include an extensive visit of approximately five hours in SEOUL. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of palaces set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses.

We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive war museum that explains the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We then continue to the Gangnam District, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues.

To conclude the day, we will stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the observation deck (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.

Return to the hotel and free time.

SEOUL 72ºF - 73ºF - SUWON 72ºF - 77ºF - JEONJU 73ºF - 73ºF

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included), a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south.

Our first stop will be SUWON, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace (entrance included). Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to JEONJU, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

JEONJU 73ºF - 73ºF - DAMYANG 73ºF - 73ºF - HAEINSA - BUSAN 75ºF - 75ºF

We’ll depart toward the SUNCHANG GOCHUJANG VILLAGE, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to DAMYANG to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum (entrance included). Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at HAEINSA, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples (entrance included) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to BUSAN, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

BUSAN 75ºF - 75ºF - FUKUOKA 81ºF - 81ºF

In the morning, we depart from BUSAN to visit Haedong Yonggungsa, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. We return to Busan and visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are laid to rest. We then head to the country’s largest fish market, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included.

After lunch, transfer to the airport to board the flight (included) from Busan to FUKUOKA, JAPAN. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

FUKUOKA 81ºF - 81ºF - IWAKUNI 82ºF - 82ºF - ITSUKUSHIMA - HIROSHIMA 81ºF - 81ºF

We will travel to IWAKUNI, a small city where we’ll see its beautiful and historic Kintai-kyo Bridge. We’ll then continue to MIYAJIMA, taking a ferry to the island known as “where men and gods coexist.” There we’ll visit the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and built partially over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, stroll through the charming town center, and enjoy lunch.

We’ll then continue on to HIROSHIMA, a city sadly known for the atomic bombing of 1945 that completely destroyed it. We’ll walk through the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the moving Peace Memorial Museum. Dinner included.

HIROSHIMA 81ºF - 81ºF - MATSUYAMA 82ºF - 82ºF

Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour journey that will help us understand Japan, a country made up of numerous islands. In Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle. After that, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a popular pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

MATSUYAMA 82ºF - 82ºF - KOTOHIRA 73ºF - 75ºF - TAKAMATSU 75ºF - 77ºF - NARUTO 77ºF - 77ºF - KOBE 77ºF - 81ºF

We’ll head to Kotohira, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site built on Mount Zosu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Afterward, in Naruto, we’ll stop at an impressive bridge that spans the sea. Here, we’ll explore its remarkable construction and walk along its glass floor to observe the powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Our scenic route will then take us across stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. Finally, we’ll arrive in Kobe for accommodation.

KOBE 77ºF - 81ºF - OSAKA 79ºF - 81ºF - MOUNT KOYA

In KOBE, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction.

We’ll then continue to OSAKA, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in JAPAN. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.

We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.

Notes:
-On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
-Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

MOUNT KOYA - KYOTO 72ºF - 72ºF

We’ll start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Kyoto, a city that served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably spared from bombings during World War II, Kyoto retains its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. The city is also famous as the site where the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed in 1997.

Our visit will take us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the magnificent Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, explore the historic Imperial Palace, and marvel at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” with its stunning gardens.

You’ll have free time to explore before we visit Gion, a bustling traditional district renowned for its Geisha culture. Here, you’ll have additional free time to soak in the unique atmosphere.

Note: If you’ve already visited Kyoto as part of your tour, our guide will provide tips and recommendations to help you explore other parts of the city on your own.

KYOTO 72ºF - 72ºF - TOKYO 70ºF - 73ºF

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to take the bullet train to Tokyo. We’ll arrive in Tokyo after covering nearly 500 km in just over two hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

TOKYO 70ºF - 73ºF

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about seven hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.

We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.

Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.

We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.

6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

TOKYO 70ºF - 73ºF - NIKKO 64ºF - 64ºF - SENDAI 70ºF - 70ºF

We’ll depart for Nikko, arriving at this fantastic city at 10:30 a.m. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for the "Crying Dragon" room. Our tour will continue to the Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum, set in an impressive and serene location. Next, we’ll enjoy a stroll near the river at Kannanga Fuchi, where hundreds of Jizo statues silently watch over the path. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city center. Later, we’ll head to Sendai, a vibrant and modern city with over one million residents. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore its bustling center and enjoy dinner in this lively urban hub.

SENDAI 70ºF - 70ºF - MATSUSHIMA 70ºF - 70ºF - HIRAIZUMI 66ºF - 66ºF - MORIOKA 64ºF - 64ºF

We’ll depart for the marvelous city of Matsushima, located on the “Thousand Islands” Bay in the Pacific Ocean, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Japan. Upon arrival, we’ll visit a magnificent tea house overlooking the sea, where we’ll enjoy a cup of traditional tea as our guide shares fascinating insights about the city. Then, we’ll embark on a 50-minute cruise and enjoy some lunch on board. After, our tour will cintinue to Hiraizumi, where we’ll visit its historic temples, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takkoku no Iwaya, carved into the rock in 801. We’ll then explore the magnificent Buddhist temples of Chusonji and enjoy a peaceful moment in the gardens of Motsuji Temple, where passengers can participate in a Zen ceremony (admission included). conclude the day in Morioka, the charming capital of Iwate Province, where we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore.

MORIOKA 64ºF - 64ºF - HIROSAKI 63ºF - 63ºF - AOMORI 63ºF - 68ºF - HAKODATE 66ºF - 66ºF

We’ll travel through a region of stunning landscapes to Hirosaki. From the outside, we will see its castle, located in a beautiful park where more than 2,500 cherry trees bloom in spring.

We’ll then continue to Aomori, the provincial capital on Mutsu Bay. Here, we’ll visit the Nebuta Museum to learn about Japan’s vibrant festival traditions, reminiscent of carnival celebrations, featuring beautifully painted and illuminated floats. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Afterward, we’ll board a ferry to cross to the island of Hokkaido, enjoying a scenic journey of just over three and a half hours. Upon arrival in Hakodate, free time to explore its charming historic district, where we can admire the influence of different cultures, including the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian churches.

HAKODATE 66ºF - 66ºF - ONUMA - NOBORIBETSU 63ºF - 63ºF - SAPPORO 61ºF - 61ºF

In the morning, we’ll visit the lively and bustling fish market, a fascinating glimpse into local culture. We’ll also go up Goryokaku Tower, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and appreciate the star-shaped design of Hakodate’s historic fortress. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the castle area before we continue to Onuma.

In this magnificent natural setting, dotted with countless small islands, you’ll have free time to take a boat ride or stroll along scenic walking trails. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll journey along the coastline to Noboribetsu, an awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. We’ll walk among the steam vents of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where we´ll admire the misty waters of Lake Oyunuma.

Later, we’ll continue to Sapporo, arriving in the evening at this beautiful northern capital of Japan.

SAPPORO 61ºF - 61ºF

We’ll go on a city tour with stops at the iconic Clock Tower and Odori Koen, the beautiful park-lined avenue dominated by the towering Sapporo TV Tower. We’ll also visit the stunning Hokkaido Jingu Shinto shrine, where we’ll take part in a Kito, a traditional ceremonial prayer to express gratitude for our journey.

On the outskirts of Sapporo, we’ll visit the Hill of Buddha, a striking example of avant-garde architecture inaugurated in 2015. This lavender-covered hilltop is home to a massive Buddha statue, and within the complex, we’ll also see replicas of the famous Moai statues from Easter Island.

Our journey continues to Otaru, a charming town reminiscent of Europe, with lively shopping streets, a historic canal, and quaint museums. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

We’ll return to Sapporo around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

SAPPORO 61ºF - 61ºF

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.