Japan vs South Korea: which impressive East Asian destination should you visit?

Tom O'Malley

Apr 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Take advantage of Japan's onsen culture, or visit the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan.

Take the plunge at a Japanese onsen, or join the hallyu (“Korean Wave”)? © Stocksy; Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

At the easterly side of East Asia, Japan and South Korea are perennial favorites of savvy travelers – and for good reason.

But if you had to choose just one (we’re sorry), which one would get the nod? Below, two of our regular writers on the region make the case for their favorite.

It’s just Japan

Regular Japan visitor and rail expert John Walton expounds on the many ways – both fast and slow – to explore his favorite country to visit. His top Japanese journeys include following rural rail lines up to relaxing hot spring towns and exploring local foodways.

I’ve traveled in both Japan and South Korea, and both are wonderful. Yet the former is the country I return to again and again.

The world-famous Sagano Romantic Train running along the gorge formed by the Katsura River near Kyoto, Japan

Japanese trains are irresistible

The incredible railway network that blankets all of Japan is one of the country’s top draws – and wins out over South Korea’s trains, which I’ve also taken. Even with its recent price hikes , the Japan Rail Pass offers a fabulous value for shuttling between cities at up to 200mph (320km/h), relaxing on a comfortable Limited Express, exploring tiny local branch lines or enjoying cultural experience on the special Joyful Train excursion services.

If I had to pick a few favorite train trips, I’d go with the Tohoku Shinkansen’s top-speed section north of Omiya, the single-car branch line between Abashiri and Kushiro in Hokkaido, the Limited Express Yakumo from Okayama to Matsue and the SL Ginga steam trains from Takasaki.

The torii gate at a shrine (with lettering that reads “Aso Shrine” in Japanese) framed by gingko trees in fall, Kyushu, Japan

A country for all seasons

Japan is several times the size of South Korea, and crosses a lot more climatic zones – from tropical Okinawa to the northern island of Hokkaido , snowy in winter but delightfully cool in summer. 

This means there’s not only simply more to do, but that there’s more variety, as well as a wider range of seasons of pleasant weather.

Since I’m no great fan of the rain and humidity of the tsuyu early-summer season, I’ll head north to Hokkaido then, where the temperatures are balmy but not muggy, to enjoy the freshest of fish in historical Hakodate. Come autumn, I love to head southwest to Kyūshū to extend short-sleeve weather: Kumamoto and Kagoshima are delightfully sunny and warm even into late November.

A view of Mt Fuji through the window of a Japanese inn, called a ryokan, on Lake Kawaguchi, Japan

Relaxing ryokan and onsen culture

Formal appearances can be deceiving: Japanese people love to relax, and they’re great at it. They’re also excited to share their traditions with visitors. Traditional ryokan hotels, especially those with attached onsen hot-spring baths , provide the perfect way to build intensive relaxation time into your trip.

From the moment I arrive at a ryokan , my worries melt away and all I have to think about is what book I want to read sitting by the scenic window in my room. In a picturesque onsen town I fancy going for a little wander in a yukata robe as I ponder which of the often multiple onsen baths I want to slip into to soak away my cares (and relieve my sore traveler muscles). Gunma ’s Kusatsu-Onsen is famous for a reason, yet tiny Bessho Onsen near Ueda in Nagano  – up the side of a mountain reached by a tiny private railway – is my favorite hidden gem.

Thousands of onsen can be found around Japan, from the famously beautiful one in Matsuyama that inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away to the one inside the railway station at Echigo-Yuzawa. I love dipping my tired toes into one of the stone public foot baths that you’ll find in many tourist areas.

Skiing through the Japanese alps on a beautiful sunny day after heavy snowfall

Hiking, skiing and nature

An antidote to a very urbanized society, Japan’s outdoor activities are many and widespread. Once you get out of Japan’s cities, the natural beauty is a stunning surprise – accessible by both Shinkansen and local trains. Hiking is incredibly popular, while so many people love skiing that there is a special seasonal spur of a Shinkansen bullet train line that goes directly to the Gala Yuzawa ski resort .

Don’t miss the gorgeous Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region, with its rugged yet human-scaled peninsulas and promontories. Rugby-loving Kamaishi or sleepy Miyako, with its stunning Jōdogahama Beach , are great starting points for exploring this region. 

If you’re interested in it, Japan has it.

South Korea takes the crown

Tom O’Malley has ventured both north and south of Korea’s DMZ, and worked on the current editions of the Korea and Seoul Lonely Planet guidebooks. His favorite Korean dish is sundubu-jjigae (spicy tofu, pork and kimchi stew).

For this throw down of east versus slightly more east, I’m fighting in the K-corner – though in full disclosure I really love Japan, too. Still, in the spirit of partisanship, here’s my take on why South Korea deserves to be your next adventure destination. 

Lisa of Blackpink performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio, California, USA

The “It” culture

First, a question: how far would you have gotten in Squid Game ? I reckon I’d have made it past the terrifying giant doll and then died trying to nibble the dalgona (sugar candy biscuit) without it breaking. The fact that you almost certainly know what I’m on about illustrates something: Korean culture is crushing it right now. From Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite winning Best Picture at the Oscars to girl group Blackpink blowing up Coachella, the world can’t get enough of South Korea. It’s a phenomenon dubbed hallyu (the “Korean Wave”), and it’s been building for years. 

If you had the chance to time travel back to Belle Époque Paris, say, or London in the swinging ’60s, you’d go, right? Japan peaked in the 1980s before the bubble burst, yet South Korea’s golden age is happening right now. Why not go and be a part of it?

Stream Waterfall in Seograksan National Park, South Korea

I appreciate that’s all a bit abstract, so let’s go head-to-head, starting with size. Japan is almost four times bigger than South Korea. And while there’s arguably more to see in Japan overall, that’s part of the problem. Itinerary planning is a headache, and getting around is expensive.

No such worries apply in South Korea, however. You can travel the length of the country – from the electric capital Seoul to the bustling southern port city of Busan – in just a couple of hours by high-speed train, with side forays to any number of incredible places, like the ancient tombs and temples of Gyeongju , or the dreamy peaks and waterfalls of Seograksan National Park . Or why not venture right to the edge of North Korea with a trip to the DMZ ? 

A patron cuts galbi beef into smaller pieces as it cooks on a burner at his table at a Korean BBQ restaurant

Fiery flavors

And then there’s the food, to my mind always one of travel’s chief pleasures. Japanese cuisine is elegant, subtle and often…well, raw. Are those really the best food adjectives? Personally, I want my meals to slap me around the face with flavor, heat and spice – and that’s exactly what you get from Korean cuisine.

Whether you’re cooking up galbi (beef short ribs) on a tabletop grill, going hard on chimaek (fried chicken and beer) or slurping down a fiery kimchi-and-pork stew, eating is a hearty, visceral pleasure in Korea. And a word about banchan , those little side dishes of delicious treats you get with most meals: they’re both free and refillable. What’s not to love?

A vendor prepares food at a market in Seoul, South Korea

Delightful people

A final word has to go to the true highlight of any trip to South Korea: the Korean people themselves. It’s as if hospitality, helpfulness and respect are hard-wired into their DNA. You can guarantee that as you travel through the country, you’ll have encounters with locals that will leave you feeling that little bit more positive about this planet we all share.

Sure, it could happen in Japan as well, but they’re probably too busy reading manga.

South Korea for the win.

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Japan vs. Korea: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Help You Decide

  • Post author: cuppa
  • Post published: January 27, 2024
  • Post category: Knowledge Base

Deciding between a trip to Japan or Korea can be quite a pickle! Both countries offer rich cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and unique attractions. It’s like choosing between two equally tempting dishes on a menu.

Japan, known for its blend of tradition and tech, offers a journey into the future and the past all at once. On the other hand, Korea, with its K-pop culture and historic palaces, provides a vibrant and dynamic travel experience.

So, how do you choose? Well, I’m here to help you make that decision. Let’s delve into the unique aspects of both Japan and Korea, and see which one aligns with your travel aspirations.

Table of Contents

Japan: A Blend of Tradition and Tech

When it comes to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, it’s hard to overlook its reputation as a powerhouse of technology. While one might also associate Japan with its lush Shinto shrines, verdant tea gardens, and serene Zen temples, it’s equally recognized for its gleaming skyscrapers, bustling cityscapes, and high-speed Shinkansen or bullet trains.

A visit to Japan is practically a time travel adventure. You’ll walk amid centuries-old castle towns in the morning and witness futuristic robot restaurants at night. You’re constantly torn between the charms of the past and the allure of the future.

One of the prominent aspects of Japan is its advanced tech scene. Consider Akihabara in Tokyo, where I found electronics stores galore. One moment I was marvelling at the latest cutting-edge gadgets, the next I was lost in the colorful chaos of Manga and Anime. This blend of Japanese pop culture and technology is infectious, making you yearn for more.

Yet, Japan is not all about shiny new toys. There’s an undercurrent of tradition that binds even the glitziest cities. Take Kyoto , for instance. This former imperial capital perfectly marries the old and the new. From its ancient temples and traditional tea houses to avant-garde architecture and stylish boutiques, Kyoto simply captivates. It’s a testament to Japan’s ability to balance reverence for the past with an insatiable quest for the future.

Japanese cuisine is another area where tradition collides with innovation. It’s not just sushi and ramen. It’s also about using umami (savory taste) to its full potential. Michelin-star restaurants co-exist with quaint local food stalls, each pushing culinary boundaries while adhering to the age-old principles of Japanese gastronomy.

Lastly, I cannot overlook the role of technology in enhancing Japan’s tourism experience. There is no shortage of modern conveniences. From railways that always run on time to advanced tourist translation apps, Japan is at the cutting edge of travel convenience.

In short, a trip to Japan is a kaleidoscope of experiences. It’s a place where traditions and high-tech wonders are seamlessly woven into everyday life.

Korea: Vibrant and Dynamic Travel Experience

Another exciting destination to consider is Korea. Similar to Japan, Korea offers an interesting blend of modernity and tradition.

My first touchpoint with Korea was its fast-paced and vibrant capital city, Seoul. Walking through Seoul is like stepping into the future – bustling neighborhoods like Gangnam and Hongdae radiate with bright neon signs, skyscrapers, and people navigating their routine in the embrace of cutting-edge technology. Yet, nestled among these modern marvels, you’ll find places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, where the rich scent of history and culture pervades. Tradition and modernity coexist flawlessly , much like in Japan, demonstrating Korea’s rich cultural tapestry.

Then, there’s Korean cuisine – a tantalizing roller coaster ride of flavors. From the fiery yet comforting Kimchi stew, to the savoury delight of Bibimbap, and down to the street-food haven, Korea is a gastronomic paradise. Food, in these parts, perfectly echoes the local culture – a unique mix of time-honoured recipes and today’s culinary innovation .

Korea’s tech scene is also a force to reckon with. Boasting big names like Samsung and LG, Korea stands out with its futuristic concept stores, robot cafes, and advanced tech showrooms. Tech enthusiasts are sure to appreciate sights such as the Samsung D’light Store or Starfield Library in Seoul.

Natural attractions are also aplenty in Korea. Jeju Island, for instance, offers serene landscapes, fetching waterfalls, and hiking trails that lead to awe-inspiring volcanic craters. The healing forests of PyeongChang and vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae further amplify Korea’s natural allure.

Weaving in Korea’s dynamic pop culture, such as K-pop and K-dramas, will enhance your travel experience, ensuring an immersive introduction to this fascinating country. To say that a trip to Korea offers a vibrant and dynamic travel experience would be an understatement.

So, as you weigh the merits of Japan and Korea, remember that each country offers a unique tapestry of experiences that’s as enriching as it is enlightening. It’s a tough choice, no doubt, but isn’t that what makes travel planning all the more exciting?

Cultural Experiences in Japan

Traveling opens up a windshield wiper-like perspective, where every sweep brings a fresh view right before your eyes. In Japan, a lot more than the usual awaits an eager explorer. Hold onto your hats because it will be a dizzying yet mesmerizing ride.

Every traveler, whether a history fanatic, a religious explorer, a pop culture addict, or even a foodie, will find something endearing in Japan.

Historic Sites and Heritage: There’s an overflow of historical sites in Japan with over 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the ancient castles of Himeji and Matsumoto to the beautiful temples of Kyoto, it’s like stepping backwards into a time when samurai roamed and the shogunate ruled.

Japanese Cuisine: I’m not only talking about sushi here! Japan’s cuisine, or what they call washoku , goes far beyond sushi. Whether it’s slurping soba noodles in Tokyo, savoring Kaiseki in Kyoto, or relishing the tang of Okinawan sushi, your palate will enjoy this culinary journey.

Art and Crafts: In Japan you can’t evade art and craftsmanship. With inspiring rural landscapes and bustling urban centers, it’s a hotbed for artistic expressions ranging from ancient pottery and woodblock prints to contemporary forms like manga and 3D art.

Religious Practices: Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist practices are fascinating. Participation mandatory matsuri (festivals) held all year round, visit hallowed grounds like the Meiji Shrine, or witness the awe-inspiring O-Bon Festival.

Truly, Japan is not just a country—it’s an experience. Next, I’ll delve into how Korea’s culture offers equally vibrant and enriching experiences.

Cultural Experiences in Korea

As we explore further, let’s delve into the captivating realm of Korean culture. Like Japan, Korea has an intricate tapestry of time-honored traditions and innovative trends that weave together to provide a rich, full-bodied cultural experience for every visitor.

While you might’ve been introduced to Korea via the vibrant sounds of K-pop or the irresistible draws of K-dramas, the nation’s cultural depth extends far beyond these popular facets. Going from bustling Seoul to the serene countryside, you’ll come across a juxtaposition of modern marvels and storied spectacles that narrate Korea’s grand history.

You cannot discuss Korea without mentioning its opulent palaces and historic sites. For instance, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a significant fixture in Seoul that showcases the regal aura of past Korean dynasties. Or venture a little further afield to the historical city of Gyeongju – often referred to as “the museum without walls” – where relics and ruins of the storied Silla Kingdom lie.

Korean arts and crafts offer another layer of cultural intrigue. The mesmerizing art of crafting Hanji – traditional paper made from mulberry trees – to the detailed and delicate process of creating traditional Korean Hanbok will have you appreciating the skill and precision involved.

Lastly, but by no means least, we have Korean food. Korean cuisine is a roller coaster ride of flavors. From the fiery heat of Kimchi and unique taste of Bibimbap, to the soul-warming Stone Pot Rice and spicy Buckwheat Noodles. Each dish tells a story and offers a taste of the country’s cultural diversity.

No doubt, traveling to Korea will heap cultural enrichment upon your senses. From historic sites to traditional arts, every day spent here offers unique insights into this fascinating culture. It’s not a matter of if you should visit Korea, but when.

Remember, you’re not just sightseeing, you’re making memories for a lifetime! And with that, it’s time to head over to our next segment: Korean festivals. Buckle up, because we’re about to delve into the heart of Korea’s vibrant public celebrations.

Cuisine: Japanese Delicacies vs. Korean Delights

Many travelers plan their journeys around culinary explorations. If you’re among that league, both Japan and Korea offer a wide array of delectable treats.

Journeying through Japan unearths culinary gems such as sushi & sashimi, known internationally. Yet, there’s so much more to discover: sumptuous ramen noodles, expertly grilled yakitori, and sweet mochi. Meanwhile, the country’s extensive palette also offers diverse regional dishes and local specialties. Cold Hokkaido has its fresh and delectable seafood while Okinawa down south is famed for its goya champuru, a unique stir-fry using bitter gourd.

On the other “table,” Korea tantalizes your tastebuds with dishes like bulgogi, sweet marinated beef barbecue, and kimchi, the famous fermented vegetable dish. Yet perhaps, the real specialty lies in regional varieties of kimchi, ranging from refreshing, crisp water kimchi in the North to hot and fiery versions in the South. And let’s not forget Korea’s comfort food, bibimbap: a bowl of warm white rice topped with sautéed and seasoned vegetables, chili paste, and usually a raw or fried egg.

If street food is more your style, both cultures won’t disappoint. In Japan, there are yatai (food stalls) located in city street corners offering takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). Over in Korea, street food vendors sell everything from spicy tteokbokki (rice cake) to fluffy hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Importantly, it’s not just about the food. Both countries offer immersive dining experiences that focus on more than simply satiating your hunger; they incorporate elements of their ancient cultures and modern innovations.

Deep dive into Japanese cuisine with traditional customs: meticulous food arrangement speaks volumes of their aesthetics, while the tea ceremony articulates a story. In Korea, experience traditional dining called Hanjeongsik, a course meal with a spread of small side dishes or take a hands-on cooking class to learn the art of Korean cuisine.

Attractions in Japan

Venturing into Japan, one thing becomes immediately apparent: there is a harmonious blend of the old and the new. The country’s ability to maintain its ancient heritage while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of modernity is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

In both urban and rural settings, you’ll find temples drenched in history and enormous skyscrapers touching the clouds. This unique combination makes Japan an intriguing destination from a cultural and architectural standpoint.

The City of Tokyo offers an abundance of attractions that could keep you busy for weeks. The Tokyo Skytree – currently the tallest tower in the world – is an architectural marvel providing 360-degree views of the sprawling metropolis. The ancient Sensoji Temple , located in Tokyo’s traditional district of Asakusa, gives a glimpse into the nation’s spiritual heritage.

Away from the urban vibe, the scenic Mount Fuji stands high as a testament to Japan’s gorgeous landscapes. It’s not just a sight to behold but a popular hiking destination, with individuals from all around the world taking on the adventure to reach its summit.

The city of Kyoto , a former imperial capital, is another must-visit place in Japan. Here, one can immerse themselves in Japanese tradition by visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine , famous for its thousand red torii gates.

But Japan isn’t restricted to its temples, cities and nature alone. The country also offers unique experiences like Onsen Bathing at natural hot springs, and Bullet train rides – traveling at speeds that defy human comprehension.

A peek into the daily life of a Sumo wrestler at a morning practice session, a stroll through bustling authentic Fish Markets , and a visit to a traditional Geisha district also add to Japan’s allure.

Fascinating indeed, Japan is mach more than sushi and ramen. It’s an amalgamation of a distinct past, striking landscapes, and futuristic innovation that pulls everyone under its charm.

Attractions in Korea

Exploring South Korea unveils a panorama of dynamic cities, breathtaking natural landscapes, and impressive historic sites. Let’s delve in and discover South Korea’s must-visit attractions.

The capital city, Seoul , is an exhilarating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. At the heart of the city is the Gyeongbokgung Palace , a striking symbol of Korea’s proud history. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, this palace provides a serene respite from the bustling city life. Talking about gardens, don’t miss out on visiting Namsan Park , home to the iconic N Seoul Tower that offers stellar views of the cityscape.

Seoul’s Myeongdong district is a paradise for shoppers with an array of retail outlets from high-end designer boutiques to street markets. At night, the scene transforms into an open-air food market teeming with mouthwatering Korean delights.

History enthusiasts would find the coastal city Gyeongju fascinating. Known as the “Museum without Walls”, this city is studded with ancient temples and royal tombs that narrate the stories of the Silla Dynasty. Uncover the millennia-old history at Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For breathtaking natural sights, head over to Jeju Island . Its outstanding natural beauty, featuring volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, will leave you in awe. The sunrise view from the peak of Hallasan Mountain is truly a sight to behold. The Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes are recognized as UNESCO Natural Heritage Sites, magnifying the island’s idyllic charm.

Once in Korea, immersion into their local culture cannot be overlooked. Try out traditional kimchi making or the tea ceremony for an authentic Korean experience. Korea’s unique blend of culture, history, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes certainly ensures a fulfilling trip that caters to all interests.

Choosing Based on Your Travel Aspirations

Wondering whether to pick Japan or Korea for your next travel experience? Don’t fret! Your personal interests and travel aspirations should guide your choice. Considering these, let’s delve into the unique characteristics of both destinations to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re a history enthusiast, both Japan and Korea have a lot to offer. Japan’s historical sites like Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple or Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji are renowned world over. Korea counters with sprawling palace complexes, such as the grand Gyeongbokgung in Seoul and antique royal tombs in Gyeongju. For those yearning for a taste of times gone by, you’ll be enthralled in both countries.

For the foodies among us, which country has superior cuisine is a hotly debated topic. Japan is famous for sushi, ramen, and yakitori while Korea stakes its culinary claim with bulgogi, kimchi, and bibimbap. Street food culture is vibrant in both nations, offering a smorgasbord of delights to tantalize your taste buds.

If technology and modernity excite you, then Tokyo’s neon glow and unmatched innovation will be irresistible. Contrastingly, Seoul is a city where tradition and technology intertwine seamlessly, offering a unique blend for the discerning traveler.

Natural beauty? Both countries shine! While Japan lays claim to iconic mountains like Mount Fuji and scenic onsen towns, Korea boasts of unparalleled beauty with volcanic landscapes in *Jeju Island and breathtaking panoramas in rural countryside.

There are endless opportunities for unique experiences. Be it onsen bathing in Japan or a traditional tea ceremony in Korea, there’s always something new to learn and immersive experiences to enjoy.

Choosing between Japan and Korea isn’t an easy task. Both offer a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine that’s sure to delight any traveler. If immersing yourself in ancient temples, feasting on sushi and ramen, or taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji appeals to you, Japan’s your spot. However, if you’re drawn to vibrant cities, mouthwatering street food like bulgogi and bibimbap, and the serene beauty of places like Jeju Island, then Korea’s calling your name. Both countries offer unique experiences, whether that’s soaking in an onsen in Japan or participating in a traditional tea ceremony in Korea. So, it’s not about choosing the ‘better’ destination. It’s about deciding which experiences you’d like to dive into. Remember, there’s no wrong choice here. Whether you choose Japan or Korea, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the highlighted historical sites in japan and korea.

The article highlights the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, and the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea as key historical sites that add a rich cultural dimension to your travel experience.

What are some of the popular cuisines to try in Japan and Korea?

Japan is famous for its sushi, ramen, and yakitori, while in Korea, bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi are must-tries. Both countries also offer vibrant street food culture.

Can you suggest some unique experiences in Japan and Korea?

In Japan, taking a dip in an onsen (hot spring) can offer a unique cultural experience. Meanwhile, in Korea, participating in traditional tea ceremonies provides a glimpse into the nation’s rich traditions.

What are some architectural landmarks in Japan and Korea?

Japan is known for the intriguing blend of old and new in its architecture, with Mount Fuji being a notable landmark. In Korea, the dynamic cities, natural landscapes, and historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace are worth visiting.

What’s noteworthy about the natural landscapes in Japan and Korea?

Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji and Korea’s volcanic Jeju Island landscapes offer visitors a taste of the countries’ natural beauty.

Why are Japan and Korea recommended travel destinations?

The article emphasizes that the diversity and allure of the cuisine, attractions, and unique cultural experiences make Japan and Korea must-visit destinations for travelers.

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A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Japan vs. South Korea

Should you visit japan or south korea, which country is cheaper, south korea or japan.

Should I visit Japan or South Korea? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in South Korea can cost you about $778 (per person), while a week in Japan may cost you around $873. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days , two weeks , or even one month of travel to South Korea or Japan can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in South Korea compared to Japan ($50 vs. $59). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Compare hotel prices here: Japan Hotel Prices and South Korea Hotel Prices .

Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between South Korea and Japan to find the cheapest accommodation here: South Korea hostels and Japan hostels .

When comparing food in Japan vs. South Korea they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Japan ($30) are often cheaper than South Korea ($29).

  • Japan Prices South Korea Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Japan $ 125 South Korea $ 111
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Japan $ 59 South Korea $ 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Japan $ 119 South Korea $ 100
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Japan $ 18 South Korea $ 16
  • Food Meals for one day Japan $ 30 South Korea $ 29
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Japan $ 19 South Korea $ 27
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day Japan $ 16 South Korea $ 12
  • Water Bottled water for one day Japan $ 4.51 South Korea $ 2.19

How much are flights to Japan and South Korea?

The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.

Find a Hostel in Japan or South Korea

Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.

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Travelling Without a Passport

Japan Vs Korea

Japan Vs Korea: Where Should You Go On Tour Next?

visit japan or korea

It goes without saying that Japan and South Korea are two incredible destinations but deciding where you should visit on your next tour, however, is never an easy decision to make.

To save you losing sleep over choosing where to visit next, here are a few tips to help you with the decision: Japan or South Korea?

What type of traveller is best suited to Japan?

Japan is home to some of the best experiences in the world that are bound to suit the needs of all travellers. Thrill seekers can perch themselves on top of the Tokyo Tower to enjoy the sweeping views of the city from hundreds of meters in the air, or if you prefer to keep two feet on the ground, there are plenty of traditional Japanese spa experiences to be enjoyed. For the food lovers out there, of course, there are millions of new flavours and delicious cuisines that can be found across the country.

So basically, what we’re really trying to say is that anyone can visit Japan! 

See Also: Where to Take the Best Photos of Japan: As Told by a Pro

Should you book a tour to Japan?

For travellers wanting an in-depth cultural experience, a multi-day tour to Japan is one of the best ways to go to experience the country. Not only will you get to learn all about Japan from your local guide, you can surround yourself with other like-minded travellers on your tour. 

If you are determined to see Japan on your own, there’s always an option to join a self-guided tour so you can move at your own pace while exploring away from the beaten path. 

Japan Vs Korea

What is the best time to visit Japan?

Peak season for travel in Japan is dictated by the patterns of the colourful cherry blossom trees which causes a steep price hike during this time. The cherry blossom season is typically in full swing in early April, and between late-April to the start of May, the majority of the Japanese population take this week off work, and this is often referred to as ‘Golden Week’. If you are planning on travelling during this time, be wary that crowds at popular attractions will be much higher, and hotel rates will jump.

If you’re happy to settle for slightly cooler temperatures, late May to early June is a pleasant time to visit Japan as hotel accommodation prices will drop and crowds will lessen. Late-autumn through to early-spring is also an ideal time to visit Japan, although temperatures will be colder during this time.

  • Spring – March, April and May
  • Summer – June, July and August
  • Autumn – September, October and November
  • Winter – December, January and February

See Also: Hiking the Japanese Alps in Winter

What are the must-visit sites in Japan?

Mount fuji .

An undeniable icon of Japan is the beautiful and majestic Mount Fuji. Japan’s tallest peak can be seen up close with a drive up to the volcano’s 5th station, where travellers can enjoy the sweeping views of Japan’s countryside. Those seeking picturesque views of Fuji from afar can visit surrounding locations such as Lake Ashi.

Fushimi Inari Shrine 

Japan Vs Korea

An endless stream of red torii gates, weaving and guiding travellers throughout a vibrant green mountain; the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a highlight that cannot be missed when visiting Kyoto. The shrine was founded in 711 AD and is comprised of over 10,000 torii gates. Although walking through the tunnels can be time-consuming, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Kyoto city.

Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is a buzzing and colourful shopping lane of Tokyo, lined with unique stores, eateries and clothing boutiques. The spot is extremely popular due to its trendy stores which contain unique accessories that cannot be found elsewhere.

Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade 

Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, surrounded by charming and entertaining market strips. The temple was opened in 645 AD and still stands today as a much-loved tourist destination. Visitors can enter through the temples thunder gate and amble along the Nakamise Shopping Arcade through to the vibrant and grand structure.

Enoshima Bay 

Enoshima is a small island, located approximately 1 hour south of Tokyo that can be accessed by car. Travellers can walk through the narrow shopping streets past traditional restaurants, through to the Enoshima Shrine. Trek through the shrine, respectfully participating in an array of Japanese customs before reaching the peak of the island for sweeping views of the surrounding area.

What are the must-try dishes in Japan?

  • Sashimi: Thinly sliced raw meats, with the most popular being fish and seafood.
  • Miso Soup: A soup made from fish stock, miso bean paste, green onion, and tofu. Commonly served alongside traditional Japanese meals.
  • Tempura: Battered seafood and vegetables.
  • Udon: Wheat flour noodles commonly served in soups.

Japan Vs Korea

What are the best local experiences in Japan that I need to make time for?

Ride the shin kasen.

Japan’s extensive bullet train system is easily the most convenient and efficient method of getting between major cities. Reaching speeds of approximately 320 kilometers per hour, the trains are comfortable, spacious and popular among locals and travellers.

Wander among a bamboo forest

The opportunity to walk through a bamboo forest is an experience that simply cannot be overlooked in Japan. Walk beneath the towering tips of the bamboo, surrounded by greenery and fresh air.

Japan Vs Korea

Feed the deer at Nara Park

One of Japan’s oldest parks, Nara Park is home to hundreds of roaming deer. Travellers come from all parts of the world to visit these creatures, with some even bow before receiving a treat.

Eat sushi in Tokyo

High upon many Japanese bucket lists is the opportunity to eat sushi while visiting, and Tokyo provides countless places to do just that. The city holds plenty of traditional sushi restaurants with a range of flavours to sample. 

What do you need to know before visit Japan?

Jr rail pass.

The JR Rail pass allows travellers visiting Japan to ride the country’s bullet train system, for one fixed price, over a specific duration of time (7 or 14 days). This extremely cost-effective option is ideal for those wishing to venture between major cities. However, it should be noted that the pass must be purchased from home countries and can only be activated in Japan.

Learn a few phrases

While it is often easy to get your point across without the need for English, it may be worth learning a few phrases in case you find yourself in a situation where verbal communication is needed. Otherwise, online translators may be worthwhile. Here are a few Japanese phrases to help you with your journey.

See Also: Best Travel Podcasts If You’re Travelling to Japan

South Korea

What type of traveller is best suited to south korea.

Most travellers might be under the assumption that South Korea is a conservative place, however, in reality, this is not so much the case. South Korea is built for the curious traveller; someone who isn’t afraid to navigate the busy streets or to get lost and learn from locals who no doubt have a story to share. From the vibrant city of Seoul to the Seoraksan mountain in Gangwon and more, South Korea is filled with enough experiences to keep you entertained for a lifetime. Travellers with an open mind and an thirst for new experiences would be best suited for a trip to this exciting destination.

Japan Vs Korea

Should you book a tour to South Korea? 

A multi-day tour of South Korea may be a good idea for those visiting for the first time. Aside from the obvious benefits of travelling with a local tour guide and a group of travel buddies,  a tour can highlight the best secret places to visit that you might not find on your own. 

What is the best time to visit South Korea?

The peak season for travel in South Korea is during the summer months of the year. During this time, crowds, hotel accommodation, and temperatures are at an all-time high.

The best time to visit South Korea is in spring and fall. Crowds are much lower than the peak season and weather is overall quite pleasant. Hotel rates are also much more reasonable.

  •   Spring: March, April and May
  •   Summer: June, July and August
  •   Autumn: September, October and November
  •  Winter: December, January and February

Japan Vs Korea

What are the must-visit sites in South Korea?

Myeong-dong.

The vibrant area contains big brands, department stores and charming eateries to enjoy. The streets are bustling with many tourists seeking delicious food and an energetic nightlife.

N Seoul Tower

Opening in 1980 and standing at an impressive 236m, N Seoul Tower is the perfect spot for those wanting to gain a unique perspective of the city. Some of the tower’s best features include a panoramic viewing platform, multiple restaurants, and a digital observatory.

Changdeokgung

Also located in the city of Seoul is Changdeokgung, a grand palace from the Joseon Dynasty. Within the grounds of the palace is a flourished, palace park, a rear garden and a residence for royal family members.

Japan Vs Korea

South Korea’s biggest theme park, Everland, is beloved by countless locals and tourists every year. The park houses thrilling rides, festivals throughout the year and a zoo. The park also features a wooden roller coaster, which is popular among guests.

See Also: Dress Codes in Asia: From Myanmar to Thailand and Beyond

What are the must-try dishes in South Korea?

  • Korean spicy rice cakes (Ddeokbokki): Made of rice cakes, a fish cake, and sweet chilli sauce. The dish is popular in street markets.
  • Pan fried chicken (Dakgalbi): A stir-fried, spicy, diced chicken dish served with sliced cabbage.
  • Red bean shaved ice (Patbingsu): A popular dessert. The shaved ice is topped with sweet flavours, such as fruit syrup, and red bean paste.
  • Stir-fried octopus (Nakji Bokkeum): Served with udon noodles and a spicy sauce. 

What are the best local experiences in South Korea to make time for?

Try korean bbq.

For those looking to indulge in some traditional foods while visiting South Korea, Seoul is home to some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants. For those unsure about what Korean BBQ is, a grill is built into the table and guests purchase raw meats, commonly beef, pork and chicken to cook.  

Noraebang (Karaoke)

A way of life for people of all ages in South Korea, Karaoke is a fun way for travellers to sing their hearts out in a unique, welcoming setting. It is very easy to come across a Noraebang when visiting, as they are scattered thoroughly around major cities.

Visit a temple

An excellent way to experience the remarkable history of South Korea first hand, the country is home to countless Buddhist temples to wander among and enjoy. Some of the must-see colourful temples include the Bongeunsa Temple and Haedong Yonggung Temple.

What do you need to know before visit South Korea?

Japan Vs Korea

Transportation

Getting around the major cities of South Korea is very simple due to the country’s extensive and cost-effective public transport system. Purchasing a T-money card is a wise investment, as it can be topped up and used on public buses and subways. It also allows travellers to avoid purchasing a single ticket whenever the subway is used

See Also: 12 Safest Countries in Asia for 2018

visit japan or korea

Nicholas Hastie

Nicholas Hastie is a writer located in Brisbane, Australia. He enjoys documenting his journeys through travel and photography, hoping to inspire others to create unforgettable memories. He has travelled to 9 countries himself, Japan being his favourite. Follow his adventures on Instagram via @NicholasHastie and @WonderfulRoaming

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South Korea vs Japan: Which Country Is Best For Adventure Travel?

Post Template

Both South Korea and Japan are filled with adventure opportunities alongside the rich cultural experiences they offer. Deciding which country is best ultimately depends on what adventure experiences you’re looking for.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the main adventure travel activities you can do in each country to see where you should travel next.

Wherever you go, make sure that you soak up the unique culture as well!

Joining small group or private tours to Japan  is a great idea if you want to see the absolute best this destination has to offer. The same can be said of  South Korea tours  - having the logistics handled and a professional guide to show you around allows you to experience the country like a local.

If you love mountains, hiking, and outdoor adventure in general, then you’ll have a great time in either country. Just make sure that you plan your trip carefully to visit at the right season for the activities you want to do.

South Korea: Hiking Options

Jirisan national park: hiking for all levels.

Jirisan National Park is also a hiker's paradise with trails for everyone. The Baemsagol Valley Trail is perfect if you're up for a challenge, winding through lush greenery and offering a real sense of accomplishment.

For a more relaxed hike, the Nogodan Trail provides breathtaking views without the intense climb. It's a great choice for families or beginners.

This national park is covered with lush green mountains and epic views wherever you look. It’s the perfect escape into nature while you’re in South Korea.

Seoraksan National Park: Epic Hiking in Nature's Beauty

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park is a dream for hikers. This park is filled with beautiful hiking trails, which are suitable for hikers of all experience levels.

The Dinosaur Ridge Course is one of the most popular trails. It’s like a rollercoaster for your legs, with steep climbs and rocky paths that keep your heart pumping. But the reward at the top is unbeatable panoramic views and a thrilling adventure.

For those who prefer a more laid-back hike, there are easier trails like the Ulsanbawi Rock Course, offering stunning views of the park's unique rock formations.

Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island: South Korea’s Tallest Peak

Hallasan Mountain is the king of peaks in South Korea. If you’re going to go hiking in this country, then this is the peak you’ll want to conquer.

The Eorimok Trail is a favourite among adventurers, taking you through diverse landscapes to the summit. The views from the top are mind-blowing.

If you're into volcanic landscapes, the Manjanggul Cave nearby is a fascinating exploration. A day in Jeju can easily mix hiking and visiting unique natural wonders - a top recommendation if you’re visiting this part of South Korea.

Japan: Hiking Options

Mount fuji: japan's iconic peak.

visit japan or korea

Mount Fuji is the star of the show when it comes to hiking in Japan. This is Japan’s tallest peak and the country’s greatest natural icon; it’s often considered one of the best hikes in Asia .

There are a couple of different routes available if you want to climb Mount Fuji . This includes variations for hikers of all levels. The Yoshida Trail is a classic route, offering a challenging yet rewarding climb. The sunrise from the summit is legendary and attracts adventurers from around the world.

For those seeking a less crowded experience, the Subashiri Trail provides a more serene journey through forests and volcanic landscapes. Both trails promise stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.

Being one of the most beautiful mountains in the world , Mount Fuji is an incredibly rewarding hiking experience. From the base to the summit, hikers are rewarded with some of Japan's most amazing views and scenery.

The Japanese Alps: A Haven for Hikers

If you’re going to hike in Japan , then you’ll also want to experience the Japanese Alps.

The Japan Alps, divided into Northern, Central, and Southern ranges, offer diverse hiking experiences. The Kamikochi Valley in the Northern Alps is a picturesque destination with easy trails suitable for beginners. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Alps combines hiking with breathtaking scenic views.

The Kiso Valley in the Central Alps boasts the Nakasendo Trail, connecting historic post towns. It's a perfect blend of cultural exploration and moderate hiking. The Southern Alps, with the Senjojiki Cirque, present a challenging yet mesmerizing alpine environment.

Hikers can spend weeks here exploring the many different trails on offer. The scenery also changes dramatically with each season, with hiking being at its best during the Spring when the cherry blossoms are out.

Yakushima: Mystical Forests and Coastal Wonders

visit japan or korea

Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site , invites adventurers to explore mystical forests and coastal wonders. The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is a highlight for hikers, with moss-covered trails and ancient cedar trees creating a surreal atmosphere.

The challenging trek to Jomon Sugi, one of the oldest cedar trees in Japan, is a must for experienced hikers.

The island's diverse landscapes make Yakushima a unique destination for nature enthusiasts. Whether you want to go on a challenging hike or just want to soak up Japanese nature, then this is one of the best places to do it.

Japanese Via Ferratas: Scaling New Heights

Japan offers thrilling via ferrata experiences, combining hiking with rock climbing.

The Daikanbo Via Ferrata in the Northern Alps provides stunning views of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. It's an adventure suitable for both beginners and seasoned climbers.

The Karasawa Via Ferrata, also in the Northern Alps, offers a more challenging route with exposed sections and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Other Adventure Travel Activities in South Korea

Riding rapids on the donggang river.

visit japan or korea

For water thrill-seekers, the Donggang River's white-water rafting is an absolute blast.

The rapids add an exciting twist to your adventure, and you don't need to be an expert to enjoy the ride. You can take guided white river rafting trips down the river to experience the thrill of these rapids in a safe environment.

Rock Climbing in Bukhansan National Park

South Korea's adventure scene isn't just about hiking - rock climbing is another well-loved activity here.

Bukhansan National Park is a rock climber's haven with challenging routes. Whether you're a pro or just starting, the varied terrain has something for everyone.

If you want to experience the best of this park, then consider doing the 5 Summits Traverse - a classic adventure day that leads you up to an intense ridge. There’s also the Seoninbong - a tall peak known for its difficult bolted slab routes.

Baekundae is the highest peak in the park at 836m. There are fewer routes up here and it can get quite crowded. Of course, the views from the summit are awesome.

Uiam is another climber's favourite. This is a single monolith with a few routes to climb up. It’s a more moderate climbing option for those who don't want to take on the more intense climbs in the park.

Ice Climbing in Cheongsong

South Korea's adventure scene doesn't hibernate in winter. Cheongsong Valley becomes an ice-climbing paradise. Of course, you need to prepare for the cold, but the thrill of scaling icy heights is a unique experience you won't forget.

You can take guided ice-climbing trips, which include all of the gear you need for this adventure activity. This is suitable for new and experienced ice climbers.

Scuba Diving

visit japan or korea

While there’s plenty of fun to be had in the mountains of South Korea, head to the coast and you’ll also find some amazing scuba diving opportunities.

Scuba diving is mainly done along the sojourn part of the country’s east coast, as well as around Jeju Island. The waters are warm, and you can experience a range of sandy bottom dives, beach dives and reef dives.

Experiencing New Heights

If you’re after some high-flying adventure, then South Korea has a range of adrenaline-fuelled options.

You could go sky diving or hot air balloon riding over the country. Bungee jumping the country’s highest jump at Jecheon City (62m) is another thrilling option.

Adventure travellers can also enjoy a seriously impressive ziplining course at the Hadong Alps Leports. It’s possible to reach 120km/hr on this 1.5 km-long ziplining trail.

And with all of the mountains comes plenty of paragliding opportunities. You can do this across the country, with many popular launch sites existing along booking trails.

Other Adventure Travel Activities in Japan

Ski and snowboard the mountains.

visit japan or korea

Japan's adventure scene adapts to each season. In winter, the country transforms into a winter sports paradise, with skiing and snowboarding in places like Niseko and Hakuba.

There are plenty of great ski resorts around these parts of Japan, with slopes suitable for all experience levels. If you’re after some of the best winter skiing outside of Europe, then Japan should be on your list.

Shirakawa-go and the Noto Peninsula: Cultural and Coastal Adventure

For a unique blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, head to Shirakawa-go and the Noto Peninsula. The traditional thatched-roof villages of Shirakawa-go are surrounded by scenic landscapes. Hiking through this cultural treasure provides a glimpse into Japan's rural history.

The Noto Peninsula offers coastal hiking with stunning views of the Sea of Japan. The Noto Kongo Coastline Trail is a great way to combine seaside exploration with outdoor adventure.

Surfing and Kayaking

Japan's extensive coastline provides excellent opportunities for surfing and kayaking enthusiasts. The beaches of Shonan near Tokyo and the Chiba Peninsula are popular surf spots, offering some great waves - especially during typhoon season.

For kayaking, the crystal-clear waters of Okinawa provide a serene yet exciting adventure. You can explore sea caves, coral reefs, and hidden coves, immersing yourself in Japan's coastal beauty from a different perspective.

South Korea vs. Japan: Which Country is Best for Adventure Travel?

visit japan or korea

So, which country is better for adventure travellers?

Both South Korea and Japan offer many thrilling activities, including plenty of mountains and hiking opportunities.

Overall, Japan is a more popular and iconic adventure destination, as it includes the impressive Mount Fuji, the tall Japanese Alps, and offers a greater range of winter sports activities.

However, South Korea still has plenty of amazing national parks, with beautiful protected mountains, and it tends to be cheaper to visit. Jeju Island is also the better option for sunny beaches and ocean adventures.

If you’re looking to tick off bucket list hikes, go to Japan. If you’re looking for a lesser-known adventure destination, consider South Korea.

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About the author 

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison used to work as a guide for a 5-star safari reserve in South Africa. Today she is a full time traveller and editor for Mountain IQ. She has travelled and hiked extensively in South America, including many solo hikes in Patagonia, the Cusco region of Peru, Ecuador and Chile.

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Itinerary Planning Cheatsheet For East Asia — Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (incl. deals and pro-tips)

visit japan or korea

1-for-1 flash deals, promo codes, and other exclusive deals for those travelling to Taiwan, Japan or Korea this year-end!

First it was Korea, then Japan and finally, Taiwan opened its borders on 13 October. Stretch out those fingers — now all that’s left to do is to book that holiday you’ve been waiting for!

Girl in Hanbok in Historical Home Korean Folk Village - Things to do in Korea

Yet the thing with holiday-planning, there’s just so many bookings to account for. Hotels, transport passes, SIM cards, attraction tickets — the list goes on. 

visit japan or korea

If you’re having trouble creating your “List of things to book”, we’ve collated a checklist of travel essentials and highly recommended activities for that East Asia trip. Bookmark this article for your next holiday to any of these East Asian countries!

There are also attractive deals to score this weekend at Klook’s Travel Fest — more details at the end !

Jump to: Japan | Taiwan | Korea

Travel Necessities

Passport at Changi Airport

Before diving head-first into the exciting activities, let’s get the important stuff out of the way.

Travel insurance: Be sure to find a plan that has Covid coverage, covers adventurous activities you might be planning to do, and worldwide travel assistance — TravelCare

SIM Card and Hotel Transfers: Get connected once you land by pre-booking your SIM Card. Book your hotel transfer too, if you usually struggle to find your bearings in a new place, and want to save that hassle when travelling with family.

Transport Passes

Hokuriku Shinkansen on Railway - Central Japan

Photo credit: Central Japan Area

Japan’s transport networks are extensive but can be disorienting for first-timers. Save yourself some confusion by booking transport passes pre-trip and checking out this Japan Rail JR Pass guide .

Do some research before booking your passes as they vary in coverage categorised by prefecture. Some options include the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (~S$95), JR West Kansai Pass (~S$23), Hokkaido Rail Pass (~S$237), JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)  (~S$192) and more.

Read also: 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo to Osaka

Whole Japan JR Pass - Japan Winter Itinerary

Alternatively, the Whole Japan Rail Pass (from S$284) is great for travellers exploring the whole of Japan. For your choice of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, it covers travel along the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Tokyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Shinkansen, and more. 

All-inclusive/Activity Passes

Okinawa Enjoy Pass - Okinawa Itinerary

A good budget tip when exploring city areas is to purchase activity passes. These passes cover a range of tourist essentials including unlimited trips on subways, buses, free entry to attractions, redeemable vouchers, and more. 

Each pass varies in coverage. For example, some operate on a day-basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while others work on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options). Some cover transport rides while others do not, so double check these details.

Some activity passes to consider in Japan:

Theme Parks

Universal Studios Japan Entrance - Osaka USJ Guide

Japan’s theme parks are notoriously crowded all year round. While you can purchase tickets on-site, save time on queueing by pre-booking these tickets — more time chasing rides!

Consider pre-booking these if they’re in your Japan itinerary: – Universal Studios Japan (USJ) (~S$80) — with 1, 1.5 and 2-day studio passes – USJ Express Pass 4 (from S$65) or Express Pass 7 (from S$103) – 1-Day Passports to Disneyland or DisneySea (from S$85)

Check out our ultimate USJ guide and Disneyland and DisneySea guide to find your way around!

Cultural Experiences

Mount Fuji Itinerary Tokyo - Sumo Stable

Check out lesser-known cultural experiences like this Sumo Morning Training Visit (~S$144) where you’ll get a sneak peek into the lives of professional Sumo wrestlers.

If you love dressing up, check out the Kyoto Kimono Rental and Maiko Dinner Show (~S$670), or this Ninja Experience in Tokyo (S$74) — learn ninja tricks like the shuriken and blowgun as you visit some of Japan’s iconic shrines in a ninja outfit.

Guided/Day Tours

cherie surrounded by deers nara deer park - nara budget guide

Remember to explore other neighbouring cities too! If you’re short on time to plan, consider booking day tours. They offer both the flexibility of a self-planned trip together with the convenience of guided tours. Some options include the Nara Park Half-day Bus Tour from Kyoto (~S$77), the Hakkoda Ice/Snow Monsters Snowshoeing Guide Tour (~S$74), or a Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip (~S$122).

Limited-time Exhibitions

teamlab planets toyosu tokyo - pre-trip booking

Photo credit: Klook

If you’re travelling before the end of 2023, check out TeamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu (S$30). This is a limited-time exhibition offering visitors a barefoot museum experience with a collection of 9 artworks discovering teamLab’s concept of “Body Immersive”.

Alishan Cherry blossom and forest train - Taiwan Cherry Blossom guide

Taiwan’s transport system includes three types of train services: Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR), Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and Taipei Metro (MRT) train services.

The THSR travels up to 300km/h across Taiwan, connecting travellers from the Northern end of Taipei to the Southern tip of Kaohsiung. The slower TRA connects smaller cities uncovered by the THSR. Lastly, the Taipei Metro serves areas in New Taipei.

Choose transport passes that best suits your Taiwan itinerary best:

You can also get discounted individual tickets for the THSR starting from Taipei , Taichung , Taoyuan , Zuoying , Tainan , Banqiao , Chiayi , Hsinchu or Nangang  

visit japan or korea

One of the best ways to discover the best food in a country is to ask a local! If you’re too shy to talk to strangers, consider a Shihlin Night Market Food Walking Tour (~S$15) for a blend of food and vibrant culture!

Travelling solo? Meet up with other like-minded travellers by signing up for a Taipei Pub Crawl (~S$30).

After a night of alcohol, consider detoxing with a Taipei Tea Culture Day Tour (~S$120) at Bagua Tea Plantation.

Iconic Attractions

Yehliu Geopark Scenery -Taipei Itinerary

Catch Taipei’s famous night view from the Taipei 101 Observatory Tower (or the sky lounge) (~S$24).

Then head to Yehliu Geopark for its natural landscapes (~S$5) showcasing an array of unique rock formations. While you’re there, also stop by the Yehliu Ocean World (~S$16) for a fascinating water show with underwater animals.

Transport Passes & T Card

Korail card in train of South korea - South Korea Cherry Blossom Guide 2019

The Korea Tour Card (T-card) also offers discounts at tourist spots and allows payment at retail outlets. Any unused balance at the end of your visit can be refunded.

*Note: The Discover Seoul Pass acts as a T-money transportation card as well, so you won’t have to purchase the Korea Tour Card separately if getting the Discover Seoul Pass.

All-inclusive/Activity Passes 

Discover Seoul Pass - Pre-trip Budget Travel Hacks

With many tourist attractions to visit in Seoul, you’ll want to grab activity passes to enjoy additional discounts when touring the city. There are two options for touring Seoul: one operates on a day basis (eg. 1-day inclusive pass), while the other works on an activity basis (eg. 3 free activities chosen from a list of options).

Attractions

Girls Taking Picture at Lotte World Adventure Singapore South Korea VTL Itinerary

Korea’s theme parks too are often packed with long queues. Pre-booking entrance tickets help you skip queues and save time. If these are in your Korea itinerary, definitely have them pre-booked: – Everland (~S$30) – Lotte World (from S$40)

Friends Wearing Hanbok at Gyochon Village - Busan Hidden Gems

A Korean holiday must-do — don a Hanbok with Korean hairstyling (~S$6.50) as you stroll Gyeongbukgong Palace. For a closer look into Korea’s culture, check out the Nami Island and Gwangjang Market tour (~S$144). For Hallyu fans, there’s also a Seoul Hallyu Kpop tour (~S$45) for a chance to meet your favourite idols!

Seasonal winter experiences

Garden of Morning Lighting - Pre-trip booking

For those heading over during Winter, check out the Cheongyang Ice Fountain Festival (~S$60) or the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (~S$80).

Score attractive travel deals at Klook’s Travel Fest from 29th – 30th Oct 2022

Klook Travel Fest 2022 Key Visual

Alright, if you’re heading to East Asia this year-end, Klook’s Travel Fest is the event you won’t want to miss.

This includes event-exclusive 1-for-1 flash deals for top attractions like Everland, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Amazing Pass, Taiwan High-Speed Rail, and other items mentioned in this article.

Not only can you redeem event-exclusive promo codes offering up to $80 off , but the first 100 visitors for each day also win goodie bags with extra promo codes. One lucky visitor will also find a golden ticket in the goodie bag to redeem a 3D2N Genting Dream cruise! Other prizes to redeem include $800 Klook e-Gift Card, a Swiss Travel Pass, etc.

Prepare yourself and check out the full list of deals and promotions before heading down!

Meet us there

Speakers from The Travel Intern at Klook Travel Fest 2019 - travel itinerary

The Klook Travel Fest will be held at Suntec City West Atrium on 29 and 30 October 2022, from 11am to 9pm. Entry is free, but note that registration is required .

On 30 October, TTI will be sharing a Japan spotlight at 3:30pm — join us for an overview on travelling with the JR Pass and car rental! Check the full schedule for sessions with other travel gurus as well.

Make a note on your calendars, and be sure to say hi when you catch us there!

Which East Asian country are you visiting this year-end? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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Korea VS Japan: Which is Cheaper for Traveling?

December 24, 2016 December 5, 2018 by KKday

visit japan or korea

Korea and Japan, two of the most popular countries to visit in Asia. If you’re trying to keep costs down on your next holiday, wondering which of these awesome countries to visit and which one offers the best low cost activities then you’ve come to the right place. KKday’s travel guide on Korea VS Japan has crunched the numbers and are here to help.

1. Shopping

Famous for fashion and low cost fashion, you don’t have to dig deep into the streets of  Ewha  or  Myeongdong  to find the top bargains. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself lugging back an overweight luggage filled with clothes, shoes and makeup — whatever happened to keeping those costs down?

>>  6 Beauty Products Under $30 You Must Buy in Korea (2016 Edition) >>  10 Must Go Shopping Spots in Korea

Japan has famous shopping streets like Harajuku , Shinjuku and Shibuya where you can get second-hand clothes in extremely good-shape. (Vintage shopping is a Japanese thing.)  Japan is also known for their 100yen and 300yen shops — similar to our value dollar shop, but unlike our value dollar shop stocked with snacks and boring household appliances, Japan’s 100yen and 300yen shops actually sell useful items. Think MUJI , but at 300yen .

Verdict: Korea

The force of Korean wave is too strong for us to deny. Etude House , Laneige and Innisfree  are all way cheaper in Korea .

If you’re not a foodie and don’t mind saving on food for more shopping, go ahead and order a tteokbukki for USD $2 at a food truck that’s usually parked by Korea ‘s streets. However, don’t bother looking for variety when pigging out at a food truck; by the time you’re done ordering the different variety of food available, you might as well head to a local eatery for some proper food at USD $7. >>  5 Food You Must Try At Least One in Korea

Get comfy and have a sit-down meal at any Japanese eatery for USD $7, where you’ll be serve with a simple ramen or donburi set meal, usually complete with miso soup and green tea. If you’re satisfied with filling your stomach with street food, Japan has countless selections for you to choose from.

>>  10 Must Eat Street Food in Japan

Verdict:  Japan

Japan is definitely winning this. Have you seen the types of street food they have? Definitely a huge bang for your buck.

>>  These 5 Pocket Friendly Eateries Will Let You Enjoy Tokyo on a Budget

3. Free Attractions

Fancy a trip to the world’s longest bridge fountain? Make your way down to Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain and see the bridge come to life with 200 lights illuminating the entire bridge with spurts of water dancing in sync with music! Or saunter around Bukchon Hanok Village  to see traditional houses with a modern twist.

See the once majestic Tokyo Imperial Palace as you pedal around the moats and paths of the large park, ride your day away with one of the 150 bikes available outside Tokyo Imperial Palace . There’s also  Tsukiji Market , a must go for all tourists. Watch how Japanese enter a bidding war over their freshest catch of the day, and you might score a slice of sashimi for yourself.

Verdict: It’s a tie!

Oh come on , we can’t possibly take sides when both countries are offering free attractions, right?

4. Accommodation

Depending on how comfortable you wish to be and the location you wish to settle in at, we’d say accommodation prices in Korea are pretty affordable with starting prices for as low as USD $28 a night. There are inexpensive hostels at almost any corner of Myeongdong , Dongdaemun and Hongdae and we assure you, they’re not at all dodgy-looking.

If you haven’t already heard, capsule hotels are gaining popularity among budget tourists in Japan . At only USD $45 a night, you can get comfy in a capsule with a well-laid futon. The downside? Claustrophobic or tall travelers might suffer a little.

It’s difficult for Japan to shake off the image of being expensive in everything. USD $28 a night for a room in Korea VS USD $45 for a tight space in a Japanese capsule hotel? There isn’t much of a fight.

5. Transportation

Basic transportation like for trains and buses within Seoul are priced close to Singapore’s. Bus fares start from around USD $1.10, and train fares around USD $1.20. Base fare for taxis starts at USD $2.50, with a 20% bump from midnight to 4am.

Japan Trains

How about we take the price difference and go for a round of crazy shopping in Korea?

Final Verdict: Korea

While it’s clear that Korea is the final winner for budget travellers, Japan  and Korea are both beautiful countires to visit regardless of season. If you’re still having troubles on picking which country to visit, take a look at some of the travel activities available in Japan and Korea.

Japan: >> Kimono Experience in Kyoto >> Universal Studios Japan

Korea: >> Hangang River Cruise >> Korea Demilitarized Zone and Joint Security Area Tour

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Is Korea Really the Poor Man’s Japan?

Is Korea Really the Poor Man’s Japan?

January 7, 2023 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

When the topic of Korea vs Japan travel comes up, you might assume the discussion is historical, political or even racial—that’s not what this post is about. Rather, I’m going to explore the key differences between these two amazing countries where travelers are concerned, and help you decide which is best to visit.

Some of these will be practical in nature, whether you’re asking “is Japan expensive?” (either in comparison to South Korea , or as a standalone question), or want to know how far English will get you in either country (Spoiler alert: not very!).

I’ll also be exploring the difference between Japan and Korea in a more esoteric sense, weaving in stories from my two dozen combined trips to the two countries to entertain you a bit as you make your decision. (Assuming you don’t simply decide to extend your trip and visit both!)

When it comes to Korea or Japan, which is better to travel?

My Own Experience with Korea vs Japan

Before my first trip to Korea, a well-meaning friend of mine told me that “Korea is the poor man’s Japan” (which, side note, is a ridiculous statement, since Korea is at least as expensive as Japan—but I digress). I landed in Seoul the first time very much in love with Japan and believing Korea couldn’t possible measure up; this prophecy was largely self-fulfilling. Why is Japan more popular than Korea? Part of it may be simply because so many people ask this question.

Indeed, my views have moderated as I’ve traveled in Korea more, but I still wouldn’t say that the question of Japan vs South Korea travel is a draw. Japan is still a far superior country for travelers in my opinion, even if South Korea has more redeeming factors (and, to be sure, a slightly wider array of destinations and experiences) than I initially gave the country credit for.

Key Ways to Compare Korea vs Japan

Japanese culture vs korean culture.

visit japan or korea

Let’s be clear: A post on a travel blog is not the proper venue to have a sophisticated discussion of Korea vs Japan culture. However, from practices like the Japanese tea ceremony and the Korean hanbok costume, to the way people in Japan and Korea welcome strangers (or don’t), I prefer Japanese culture in every conceivable way. One (possible under the influence of my aforementioned) friend I wholly believed that the entire of Korean culture was a rip-off of Japan’s (and China’s), though I’ve somewhat walked that back in recent years.

Korean Food vs Japanese Food

visit japan or korea

Whether you travel from South Korea to Japan or vice-versa, you’re in for a culinary treat. Largely, I would say that Japan’s cuisine is more diverse , ranging from delicate dishes like sushi and sashimi to down-home comfort food like tonkatsu fried pork cutlet and ramen noodle soup. Korean food has some range too (beyond kimchi and bibimbap , you can enjoy kimbap rolls and dakgangjeong fried chicken), but I still give the nod to Japan overall in this category.

Destinations in Korea and Japan

visit japan or korea

Comparing Korea or Japan in terms of destinations (and experiences), there is simply no contest: Japan wins hands down! Japan destinations , for example, span several exciting regions: Tohoku , Kanto , Chubu , Kansai and Chugoku ; as well as the islands of Hokkaido , Kyushu and Shikoku ; and the Okinawa archipelago. While I’ve slowly come to realize that Korea is more than just Seoul and Busan as time has passed, it’s just got nothing on Japan in the variety department.

Cost of Travel in Japan vs Korea

visit japan or korea

Is Korea expensive? Of course it is—and so is Japan. However, while prices of some things like city hotels (say, Tokyo’s Hotel Felice Akasaka and Makers Hotel Seoul ) tend to be pretty congruent, I would generally say that Korea is slightly cheaper. Korea’s smaller cities and towns, for example, are significantly cheaper than major metro areas; this is not the case in Japan. On the other hand, Korea’s paltry rail pass falls far short of the savings offered by the Japan Rail Pass .

Speaking English in Korea vs Japan

visit japan or korea

How Long to Spend in Japan and Korea

An important practical element of the discussion of Korea vs Japan travel is how long to spend in each. Japan has significantly more regions (which are significantly more interesting, and have many more destinations within them) than Korea—your trips to Japan will be longer than those to Korea out of sheer necessity.

In general, I would say that the shortest itinerary you can get away with for your first trip is 3 weeks in Japan vs about a 10 days in Korea itinerary. Naturally, this element of Japan vs Korea travel becomes less important if you’ve already visited either country, or if you’re 100% sure you’ll be able to return to either (or both) in the future.

Plan Your Trips to Korea and Japan

Regardless of what you end up deciding RE: Japan or Korea travel (i.e. whether to visit one country or both, at what time of year and for how long), planning your trip can be a whole other animal. This is at once a matter of nuts and bolts (which cities and regions in Japan do you visit, and how do you structure your food trip to Korea) as it is an esoteric question: How do you want to feel when you step back on the plane to go home, and how do you translate that into an itinerary?

Other FAQ About Korea vs. Japan

How is korea different from japan.

The main difference between Korea vs Japan, in my opinion, is that technology is slightly more important than tradition in Korea, while slightly less so in Japan. Additionally, while both Korea and Japan are relatively xenophobic countries, I feel that the Japanese tend to tolerate foreigners better, at least in public.

Is Japan richer than Korea?

Although Japan has a higher GDP (and GDP per capita) than Korea, I don’t necessarily think that Japan feels richer than Korea in reality. There’s a certain austere manner to the Japanese, and a very profound level of dilapidation in some more rural prefectures, even in smaller cities—you don’t see this in Korea. This isn’t as obvious in Korea vs Japan travel, of course, as it is if you live in either country.

Is South Korea cheaper than Japan?

Honestly, this depends on which aspect of Japan vs Korea travel you’re talking about! While hotels in Korea are perhaps cheaper than those in Japan on an absolute basis, I think the value of Japanese hotels (at least in major cities) is better. Korea is cheaper than Japan, but Japan offers more richness as a travel destination.

The Bottom Line

Japan or Korea—which is better for holiday? The question of South Korea vs Japan travel is a contentious one—even before broaching the topic of travel, and to say nothing of the Seoul vs Tokyo debate. But while both of these countries offer travelers a great deal of return-on-investment, they’re not the same, whether because of practical factors like the cost of travel in either, or the historical and cultural differences that underlie both ancient and modern tensions between their people. Taking a short trip to Asia, but want to squeeze Korea and Japan into your itinerary? Hire me as your Travel Coach!

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Three Week Traveller

3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

For various reasons, Japan and South Korea are on almost everyone’s bucket list. Aside from the beautiful scenery and a variety of healthy foods, people are also fascinated with their culture, anime, manga, K-dramas, K-pop, and of course, their history.

One of the most famous beef varieties, which is Kobe beef, can be found in Japan. You can also see the world’s shortest escalator here, only five steps, and the tallest mountain. 

South Korea, on the other hand, has the fastest internet speed in the world. They have over 200 kimchi varieties, and their capital, Seoul, is where The Simpsons and South Park were processed. If it’s your first time in South Korea, these apps for Korea will help you get around and plan your upcoming trip.

You might be wondering why we’ve mentioned all of these facts. Well, it’s because this article will focus on 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan. That’s right, why travel to these countries on separate occasions when you could spend 3 weeks visiting both?

I compiled the most famous places to visit and things to do during your 3-week stay. How to spend 10 days in each country.

RECOMMENDED TRIPS: 3 weeks in the Philippines or 3 weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam

TIPS BEFORE GOING TO SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Jeju island statue, tokyo temple, seoul south korea, hiroshima museum - 3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

We know you’re already excited and want to proceed with the itinerary. But first, there are some essential things that you need to know and be prepared first before you book anything. 

When is the best time to go to South Korea and Japan

If you are fond of skiing and seeing the snow, the perfect time to go to these countries is during their winter season, which is from December to February in Japan and late December to mid-March in South Korea .

For those who want to witness the famous cherry blossoms personally, go during the spring season , which is from March to May, in both countries. Japan’s summer season is from June to mid-September and July to August in South Korea. 

If you don’t want to go during the peak seasons, the best time to visit South Korea is from April to May and September to October because those are the months when the tourist numbers are low.

While in Japan’s off-peak season would be from late autumn through March . For those who are planning to avoid typhoon season, try not to book a flight to Japan from July to October and mid-June through September in South Korea.

Are 3 weeks enough for South Korea and Japan

If it’s your first time visiting these great countries, planning to spend 10 days on each will give you plenty of time to see all the top sites. Since both countries are small with reliable public transportation and short flights between them, you can really make the most of your time.

Remember to book your flight arriving in the first country you wish to visit first, then the flight home from the other country. This way, you don’t need to waste time flying back to the previous country.

Average cost of 20 days in South Korea and Japan

At $ 1,800, you can explore Japan and South Korea in 20 days. If you want to save a bit more, you can stay in a dorm room instead of a private one. On that low budget, you can expect to spend around $1,200 , especially if you also eat street food than dining at restaurants. If you want to splurge, $3,000 will allow you to stay in luxury hotels and try fancier restaurants.

These costs are per person, if you’re travelling with another person, you can bring the accommodation cost down if you don’t mind sharing a room.

Getting around

There are tons of ways to get around South Korea. There are trains, buses, cabs, cars, subways, and aeroplanes . If you’re planning to ride the bus, the most convenient way to do so is to buy a T-money transit card beforehand to avoid any hassle.

If the place you’re planning to visit is really far from where you currently are, then the fastest option would be to ride a plane, but it would be more expensive compared to the other modes of transportation.

Railways are the most common means to get around in Japan . They have two train types: the bullet train and the night train. Aside from that, they have taxis, buses, ferries, and offer car and bicycle rentals.

bullet train, korean food, japanese food - 3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

Visa/Covid policy

South Korea and Japan have quite different visa policies. Travellers with passports from North America (including Mexico), Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Suriname, French Guinea, most of European, some of Southeast Asia, most of Oceania, and its neighbour South Korea, can enjoy visa-free travel to Japan for 15-180 days depending on the passport you have. Still, you must get the K-ETA which is only about $9.

For people who wish to visit South Korea, passport holders of most of America (excluding Bolivia and Cuba), almost all of Europe, some of Central Asia, some of North and South Africa, some of Southeast Asia and East Asia, and most of Oceania can enter the country as a tourist and stay for 30-180 days.

Unfortunately, as of the first quarter of 2022, Japan and South Korea have yet to open their borders to tourists. Bookmark this Japanese government site and South Korean government site to keep updated.

Basic travel tips

Here is a list of sites and travel services I use when travelling anywhere in the world. Many of these sites offer flexible cancellations and various choices depending on your budget and travel style. If planning to visit during peak season, make sure to book at least 6 months in advance especially for accommodations.

HOW TO TRAVEL BETWEEN JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA

The most common and fastest way from Japan to South Korea (and vice versa) is to take a non-stop 2.5-hour flight . If you take on a connection, the travel time extends up to 6 hours.

There used to be a ferry service between these countries which was relatively uncommon. The travel time takes about 21 hours, and the ports are between Busan, South Korea to Hakata/Fukuoka, Japan.

You can choose from two companies: Kampu Ferries and Camellia Line Ferries. However, in 2019, Kampu Ferries limited their services to Japanese nationals. You can read more information here .

PACKAGE TOURS

If you prefer to sit back and relax, you can book a package tour where the tour operator will arrange everything for you, including transportation, hotels, food, tours, porters, and guides. Check out this 18-day trip for Japan and South Korea.

MUST-SEE PLACES IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN (pinned map)

Click the icon on the top-right to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Due to the size of both countries and the distance from each other, you can easily cover Japan and South Korea in one go. You can spend about 10 days in each place or move things around if you want to spend more or less time in the other.

Although this doesn’t mean you can’t pay for the entire 3 weeks in a single country, you can very well, which will let you see many more places and travel slower.

Day-to-day overview:

  • Day 1 : Arrive in Seoul, South Korea – get transferred from the airport or take the train/bus, get a local sim card if needed and train/bus passes
  • Day 2 to 4 : Go sightseeing around Seoul and the surrounding areas
  • Day 4: Get to Busan from Seoul by car or train or bus
  • Day 4 to 6 : Explore Busan
  • Day 7 : Travel from Busan to Jeju Island by plane
  • Day 7 to 9 : Explore Jeju Island with East bus tour
  • Day 10 : Fly to Tokyo from Jeju Island, get pocket wifi for Japan or local sim card with unlimited data , book an airport transfer to your hotel
  • Day 10 to 14 : Go sightseeing around Tokyo , nearby areas such as Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka
  • Day 15 : Get to Hokkaido by plane or train
  • Day 15 to 17 : Discover Hokkaido
  • Day 18 : Travel to Hiroshima from Hokkaido
  • Day 18 to 20 : Discover Hiroshima
  • Day 21 : Get to Tokyo to catch your flight home

10 days in South Korea

Various K-pop acts are now well-known worldwide, starting when Psy’s song Gangnam Style propelled to stardom. Very recently, the movie Parasite gained numerous prestigious awards, and the web series, most recently, Squid Games, paved the way for gaining worldwide recognition.

Not only that, even some of their variety shows, including Running Man, have been famous outside of South Korea for years. Their entertainment industry drew people to be interested in their culture as well. So much so that more people started learning Hangul.

Of course, their tourism industry skyrocketed along with these positive changes. That’s why we created a South Korea itinerary for 10 days where you’ll get to stay in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.

Seoul for 5 days

Eight mountains and the Han River border Seoul, so it’s perfect for those who are fond of hiking, go for a stroll, or picnicking by the river. Here are some other places to visit and things to do in South Korea’s capital:

  • Namsan Tower
  • Seoul city tour
  • Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village
  • Lotte World Tower – get your e-ticket to avoid any hassle
  • Nanta – enjoy a day trip to Nanta or Korean Folk Village
  • Demilitarized Zone – you can book a half or full-day trip
  • Seoul Museum of Art
  • Join a cooking class and market tour
  • Attend Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – join a cherry blossom tour
  • Experience South Korean nightlife – book a pub crawl
  • Experience Ultra Korea, a huge music festival that happens during the summer
  • Ghost stories walking tour

Accommodations in Seoul:

  • Affordable: 24 Guesthouse or Good Stay
  • Mid-range: Standford Hotel or Hotel Skypark
  • Luxury: Lotte Hotel or Four Seasons

Busan for 3 days

Seoul Skyline, tall building, Busan skyscrapers - 3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

The easiest way to reach Busan from Seoul is by KTX high-speed train, which takes under three hours. You can also take the slow train, which is more affordable than the KTX. It would take you anywhere between 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours, depending on the train type that you will ride.

The costs also vary. Riding a bus would take you four hours to reach your destination. You can also ride the plane, which is the fastest and most expensive option.

One of the reasons why Busan is well-known is because they have the largest traditional market and seafood market in South Korea. There is also a great variety of street foods which are perfect for foodies, their speciality being eomuk or fish cakes or tasty Korean instant noodles , which are available in grocery stores and even food stalls. With that being said, here are the places to visit/ things to do in Busan:

  • Attend Lantern Festival, which they celebrate during the spring season (May)
  • Book a full-day city tour
  • Haeundae beach
  • Gwangbokdong food street or join a traditional food cooking class
  • Samjin Eomuk main storer and museum
  • Enjoy an afternoon cruise
  • Busan Tower & Yongdusan Park
  • Day trip to Oedo Island or Tongyeong
  • Visit the cool Jusangjeollidae

Accommodations in Busan :

  • Affordable: No.25 Hotel or Seri Inn Guesthouse
  • Mid-range: Residence Mumum Hotel or Toyoko Inn
  • Luxury: The Westin Josun or Arban Hotel

If this list is not enough for you or you don’t find suitable accommodation, check this detailed article about where to stay in Busan .

jeju island statue, traditional village in south korea - 3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

Jeju for 2 days

There are six ways to reach Jeju from Busan, one of which is by ferry. The travel time would last for 11 hours. You can also ride the train or bus and then ride a plane for about a little over 3 hours. Car rentals are also an option, then riding the ferry, which would take more than 6 hours.

The most recommended option would be to take the subway and ride the plane afterwards, which would take around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Aside from otherworldly natural scenery, Jeju is also famous because of its unusual theme parks and commercial attractions. Here are some of the places to visit in Jeju:

  • Osulloc Tea Museum
  • Attend the Jeongwol Daeborum Fire Festival, which usually happens during the winter season (February or March)
  • Mount Hallasan – go for a hike with local lunch
  • Take a Submarine tour
  • Manjangul Cave – you can book a transportation to and from
  • Yeomiji Botanical Garden
  • Book an organised full-day tour for Jeju Island
  • Explore the famous Museum of Sex and Health

Accommodations in Jeju City :

  • Affordable: You&I Guest House or Bricks Stay
  • Mid-range: Ganderak Guesthouse or Ventimo Hotel & Residences
  • Luxury: LOTTE Hotel or Grand Hyatt Hotel

10 days in Japan

Aside from anime and mangas, Japan is well-known for the plethora of snacks and beverages that can be found in its convenience stores and vending machines. They have a wide variety of fresh foods and snacks that you seriously won’t run out of options.

Japan also have a vast expanse of beautiful natural scenery, as well as places and trinkets with a kawaii aesthetic. Japan has such visual diversity that you’ll indeed find your trip to this country unforgettable. But most importantly, tourists love Japanese cultural etiquette.

The places are clean, the trains are always punctual, and most people are courteous and polite. If you are a history buff, there’s also something waiting for you. Hopefully, we’ve piqued your interest in having a vacation in this country and for that, here’s the Japan itinerary for 10 days.

Tokyo Temple, mount fuji from the lake - 3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

Tokyo for 5 days

Tokyo is a bustling yet organised city. Public transport is often on time, so you don’t have to worry about being late. You can get around the city pretty easily or get a hop on-hop off bus ticket or a Tokyo metro pass . There are many things to do and places to see in Tokyo, but some are only seasonal. Let’s first talk about places you can visit and things you can do in Tokyo all year round:

  • Tokyo Skytree observation deck – get your ticket
  • Visit Kawaguchi Lake with a Mount Fuji view – book a tour with lunch
  • Digital Arts Museum – great for all ages, but for people with autism (especially with light sensitivity, this might be overwhelming) – buy your entrance ticket in advance
  • Imperial Palace – join a walking tour with a local guide
  • Visit Tsukiji Market (fish market) and learn how to roll a sushi – book a tour
  • Enjoy a traditional Yakatube dinner on a cruise
  • Learn about rame through this ramen tasting tour
  • Join a half-day cycling and cruise tour

Accommodations in Tokyo :

  • Affordable: Hotel Owl or bnb Hostel
  • Mid-range: Hotel GrandBach or Shiomi Prince Hotel
  • Luxury: The Capitol Hotel or The Gate Hotel

Here are some of the places you could visit during the winter:

  • Skating rink at Toshimaen amusement park
  • Tokyo German Village

Some of the things you could do during summer:

  • Attend a fireworks summer event
  • Try out kakigori , one of their summer foods

Things to do or places to visit in spring:

  • Attend a Japanese Spring Festival
  • Try out sakura-flavoured foods and delicacies
  • Walk in parks to see cherry blossoms up close

Hokkaido for 3 days

Hokkaido has been included as one of the top destinations for travellers in Japan. They have various natural scenery, coastline villages, historical sights, and the freshest seafood. You could ride a plane, a bullet train, or a ferry or rent a car to reach Hokkaido if you come from Tokyo. 

Here are some of the places to visit and things to do in Hokkaido, or you can book a customised city tour :

  • Attend Sapporo Snow Festival during the winter
  • Take a stroll at Matsumae Park during the spring season
  • Daisetsuzan Mountain Range
  • Noboribetsu Onsen

Accommodations in Hokkaido :

  • Affordable: Tune Hostel or Tmark City Hotel
  • Mid-range: Hotel Amanek or Toyoko Inn
  • Luxury: Hotel Nets or Tenza Hotel and Sky Spa

Hiroshima for 2 days

Hiroshima is known to be the first city hit with an atomic bomb, but that’s not what the city is only known for. Hiroshima is famous among museum lovers because of the abundance of museums there. They also have tons of parks, historical wonders, and festivities all year round.

To reach Hiroshima from Hokkaido, the fastest and most recommended mode of transportation would be to ride a bus, then a plane, which would last for four hours. Some other options include taking a train, driving a car, taking a car ferry, or taking the bus. The travel times for these could last between 13 hours to 32 hours. 

Here are some of the things to do and places to visit in Hiroshima once you’ve reached your destination:

  • The Island Shrine of Itsukushima
  • Hiroshima Castle – explore Hiroshima on a bicycle
  • Shukkei-en Garden
  • Have fun shooting arrows traditionally
  • Hiroshima Museum of Art
  • Learn about Japanese culture – book this cultural tour in a Kimono
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
  • Explore the city through this cycling tour
  • Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome
  • Explore Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day – book a guided tour

Accommodations in Hiroshima :

  • Affordable: Capsule Hotel Cube or Santiago Guesthouse
  • Mid-range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel or Candeo Hotels
  • Luxury: Hilton Hotel or Sheraton Grand Hotel

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Combining all the days spent in these places, you’ll get to stay for 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan. With that being said, here are some other additional know-how during your travels: 

When in Seoul, you could get an integrated palace ticket which will grant you entry to all five palaces and costs way less than buying separate tickets for each. You could also look on different sites for discount passes, and if you’re planning on doing physical activities, you might want to consider getting travel insurance.

You can also study some of the most common phrases used in your destination countries, purchase a travel dictionary, or download an app to make conversations more seamless. That’s about it, we hope that you’ll have a great time visiting these countries that have so much to offer and that you found this itinerary of 3 weeks in South Korea and Japan helpful in creating your own itinerary .

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

Exploring South Korea and Japan offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Experience Seoul's dynamic culture, Tokyo's neon-lit streets, tranquil temples, diverse culinary delights, and a rich tapestry of history and technology in both countries. via @threeweektraveller

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  • Travel Guide
  • South Korea
  • Budget Travel

Japan VS Korea: Which Destination Is Better For Budget Travellers?

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Cheng Sim  •  Jun 12, 2023

If you’re standing at the crossroads between a backpacking adventure in Japan and a budget getaway in Korea, you’re not alone. Exploring these high-priced travel destinations on a low budget can take a bit of work, but leave the homework to us! ? With Japan and Korea placed side by side, we cover everything from the array of free attractions to budget shopping to ease your selections. By the end of the article, you will discover one destination that is friendlier to your travel budget.

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1. Free Attractions

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, but free attractions - yes! In Japan, you can catch a real-life sumo training session, explore the Imperial Palace East Garden with a guided tour, walk amidst the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, discover the old world charm of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and more without costing any yen – and the list doesn’t stop there! Check out our handy guides to free attractions in Tokyo here .

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Credit: clio1789 on Flickr

P.S. Conquer Osaka and Nara for just under RM2500 with our budget-friendly itinerary for Muslim travellers!

Brimming with cultural and historical sites, Seoul has a good amount of free attractions to keep your travel itinerary packed too. Our favourite is the free hanbok experience at Seoul Global Cultural Center. Followed by a chance to explore a traditional Hanok village, listen to Seoul-ful stories from the free walking tours, visit the bustling Dongdaemun after sundown, and catch the Seoul Lantern Festival and other festivities. And that is just a summary of our full compilation - check out our round-up of the absolutely free things to do in Seoul near halal food !

visit japan or korea

Credit: seoulculturalcenter

P.S. Heading to Seoul but not sure if you can do it on a budget? Our 5D4N Seoul Muslim-friendly itinerary under RM1800 will be perfect for you !

Verdict: Korea may have the upper hand in cultural experiences, but Japan wins this round for the huge amount of free attractions in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Whenever we have the four seasons experience in mind, it’s difficult to shake off Japan from our daydreams. Spring and autumn seasons are the best times to visit Japan, but this advice comes with an entourage of tourist crowds and high priced accommodations. If you’re fine with skipping out on the widely popular cherry blossom and koyo (autumn foliage) season, pay a visit within a week or two after the viewing weeks and public holidays.

But if you're planning to visit Japan during these hugely popular seasons, make sure you check out these tips:

  • Muslim-Friendly Guide To Japan's Cherry Blossom Season
  • Muslim-Friendly Guide To Japan's Autumn Foliage Season

visit japan or korea

Credit:  Yoshikazu TAKADA  on Flickr

visit japan or korea

Check out our tips to having your best cherry blossom or autumn experience in Korea:

  • Muslim-Friendly Guide To Korea's Cherry Blossom Season 
  • Ultimate Guide To Autumn Foliage In Seoul

Verdict: Japan may be the ideal destination for spring and autumn, but if you have a budget to care about, the equally beautiful Korea is your best bet.

With manageable flight tickets and accommodation rates, experiencing spring in Korea will be lighter on your pocket compared to Japan. Remember to research and reserve early because the cherry blossom months also remain as everyone’s favourite time to visit Korea. Other affordable months to consider include autumn and winter, where hotel rates and airfare are generally lower. Due to the array of local festivals in the summer, expect to fork out high travel expenses during that season that is subsequently a huge no-no for your tight budget.

3. Accommodation costs

Major cities in Japan are generally known for their expensive hotel rates. If you’re in Tokyo, go for areas such as Ikebukuro and Asakusa for hostels (starting from around USD16/SGD21/MYR66 per night) and budget hotels (starting from USD61/SGD83/MYR256 per night). Spending the night in Kyoto won’t cause a dent in your wallet, especially in areas like Central Kyoto and around Kyoto Station where convenient public transportation is also guaranteed. Hostels are normally priced from USD12/SGD16/MYR50 per night and budget hotels starting from USD35/SGD47/MYR143 per night.

P.S. Looking for affordable accommodation in Tokyo? Check out these 9 affordable Tokyo hotels near halal food for your next vacay !

visit japan or korea

Credit: Khaosan World Asakusa & Ryokan on Facebook

visit japan or korea

Credit:  @artravel.myeongdong  on Instagram

Staying the night in a backpackers’ hostel is a true way to keep your accommodation budget to a minimum. When in Seoul, focus on areas such as Dongdaemun, Myeong-dong, Hongdae, and Itaewon for hostels with rates starting from as cheap as USD6/SGD8/MYR25 ? If you’re planning to call it a night in Busan, popular areas such as Jung-gu (starting from USD5/SGD6/RM20 per night) is filled to the brim with affordable hostels, and same goes to Seo-myeon and Sasang-gu for budget hotels (starting from USD7/SGD9/MYR25 per night). Check this link out for 12 affordable accommodations in Seoul near halal food for the perfect stay !

Verdict: It’s a challenge for Japan to shake off their reputation for costly accommodation stays, so it’s pretty easy for Korea to take this category in the bag, in terms of their larger network of budget-friendly stays!

4. Shopping

Never let your tight budget stop you from doing a little shopping on the side. One of the best places to shop cheaply in Japan is the famous Don Quijote (for snacks, electronics, household products, and make-up), Tokyu Hands (for leather goods, packaged food, and cookware), and lastly, Loft (for quirky homewares, stationeries, and accessories). If you have more time on your hands, saunter casually around Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa for a hot cuppa in an indie cafe, as well as window shop in vintage and secondhand shops. Check out our Japan budget shopping guide to get more bang for your buck !

While you're on your shopping spree in Japan, don't forget to drop by one of their many drugstores and get these 16 items!

Korea definitely has the upper hand when it comes to the value-for-money shopping experience, and more so when you’re shopping on a budget. Hit up the flea markets in Seoul such as Seocho Saturday Flea Market (for clothing, books, and household products), Gwangjang Vintage Market (for vintage goods), the Seoul Folk Flea Market (secondhand items, leather goods, hiking/outdoor gear/Korean music CDs) and more. If you want to see what else is in store, check out our guide to 7 shopping hotspots in Seoul near Muslim-friendly eateries !

Similar to most travel destinations in Asia, bargaining is the ultimate rule to stretching your shopping money. Since we have a couple of secrets up our sleeves, here are 11 tips to help you experience the best shopping spree in the shopping area of Myeongdong !

Verdict: This is a tricky round to decide! If you’re a bargain shopper just like us, you will definitely find the utmost pleasure when shopping in both Japan and Korea .

5. Halal Food

Ah, the thought of Japanese food is enough to stir some cravings. Dining shortcuts like Family Mart and Lawson’s Station may offer very little Muslim-friendly meals, but there’s a lot of halal ramen (starting from JPY750/SGD9.50/MYR29), yakiniku (starting from JPY3000/SGD37/MYR114 per set), sushi set (starting from JPY2400/SGD30/MYR92 per set) and udon noodles (starting from JPY400/SGD5/MYR15) waiting out there. Just throw your diet out of the window and fill your tummy with the help of these guides:

  • Guide to Halal Japanese food in Tokyo
  • Guide to Halal Japanese food in Kyoto
  • Guide to Halal Japanese food in Osaka

Rule of thumb: Lunch sets are typically priced lower than the average dinner menu. For instance, some sushi sets can go as low as JPY1300/SGD16/MYR50 Feel free to indulge in your mid-day meals and save up during dinner!

Otherwise, if you're really on a tight budget and don't wish to spend a lot on dining in a restaurant, then check out these 9 Muslim-friendly Japanese convenience store snacks that'll surely fill you up as you travel around Japan!

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If you’re feeling famished in Korea, always remember that there’s a halal yeoipbap (lotus leaf rice), tteobbokki (soft rice cakes), and patbingsu (shaved ice dessert) lurking around the corner. The Muslim-friendly meal options may not be as many as Japan’s and if you're in Seoul, halal food options are mostly concentrated around the Itaewon area. Check out these halal food guides in major Korean cities before your visit:

  • Guide to Halal Korean food in Seoul
  • Guide to Muslim-friendly eateries in Jeju
  • Guide to Muslim-friendly eateries in Busan

visit japan or korea

Credit: Eid Halal Korean Food on Facebook

For those of you who still think that dining in a restaurant can be pretty expensive, fret not! Spend your moolahs on one of these 15 Muslim-friendly Korean street snacks which are not only cheap but filling too. Or else, you can also pop by any of the many convenience stores around Korea to fill your tummy with these Muslim-friendly convenience store snacks !

Verdict: Considering the variety of Muslim-friendly local dishes and its affordability, Japan definitely takes the lead on this one.

Scoring an affordable flight ticket to Japan and Korea can be tricky because they aren’t generally cheap. However, with the right tools and a bit of luck, you can maximise your chances of snagging a good deal. Look out for mobile apps like Google Flights, Kayak or Skyscanner for trusty flight promotions. Of course, we have more secret hacks to uncover right here .

While a flight ticket to Japan in 2023, can be really pricey, If you have Tokyo in mind for your Japan trip and are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, July (starting MYR504/one way) has lower airfare prices on average while December and Mar/Apr can be rather expensive with one-way tickets costing MYR600-800+. For those travelling from Singapore to Tokyo, September seems to be the cheapest month with one-way tickets selling from just around SGD200. June, March and April can be quite expensive with one-way tickets costing at least SGD270 or even more.

Planning to go Osaka instead? The flight fares from Kuala Lumpur are known to be the cheapest in September , starting from MYR399 one-way. December and April seem to be the most expensive months, with prices hovering around MYR700-800 one-way.

If you're travelling from Singapore to Osaka, October seems to be the cheapest month with one-way flight prices starting from SGD172. March to June (spring to summer) seems to be a more expensive season as prices for one-way tickets start from SGD240 and can go as high as SGD300-400.

Travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul, the months of July-August and October are the cheapest (around MYR364/one-way) while Dec and April-June are the more expensive months where flight prices can go for at least MYR600/one-way. If you’re travelling from Singapore to Seoul, September is the cheapest month with prices starting from SGD179/one-way. This is great because the heat of summer would be winding down so the weather will be pretty cooling before autumn kicks in. Try to avoid the months of December, Mar/Apr and June as prices are more than SGD230 one-way.

If you're from Kuala Lumpur and travelling to Busan, we recommend picking April as prices are the cheapest around MYR460/one-way while in May and June, prices tend to be from MYR580-700/one-way. Flight prices from Singapore to Busan are the cheapest in September, around SGD200/one-way while prices in June are the most expensive, starting from around SGD250/one-way.

For those heading to only Jeju, there's a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jeju and the cheapest month is July with prices starting from MYR326/one-way while prices in December can be as high as MYR800/one-way.

Verdict: If you would like to maximise your chances of experiencing spring and autumn, the steady flight rates to Korea will keep your holiday affordable.

Japan and Korea may have a reputation for being one of the most expensive travel destinations, but vacationing on a budget is certainly doable with helpful research. It’s a tight comparison and judging from the verdicts alone, Korea leads only by a slight margin with affordable seasonal rates, accommodation costs, budget shopping, and yearly flight fares on their side. However, if you’re a traveller who can’t resist the temptation of local cuisine and free sightseeing tours, Japan may be the one for you.

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East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan

East Asia Essentials: Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

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An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia’s most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more! This itinerary will take you on a journey through three diverse and fascinating countries: South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Get ready to fire up your wanderlust, eat amazing food, and make unforgettable memories on this trip of a lifetime!

Days 1-2: Seoul, South Korea

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After your visit to the palace, head to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village , a charming traditional Korean neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). You can wander the streets and admire the architecture, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, for a fun photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, head to Namsan Tower , a landmark tower atop Namsan Mountain reachable by cable car that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and also several attractions and restaurants to explore.

▽More things to do in Seoul!▽

10 Best Things to Do in Seoul

After shopping, visit the nearby Gwangjang Market , one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Be sure to try some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes). 

In the evening, dive into one of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife, such as Hongdae or Gangnam . Hongdae is known for its indie music scene, street performances, and clubs, while Gangnam is known for its upscale bars and clubs.

Days 3-5: Busan, South Korea

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In the afternoon, head to Busan Tower , a landmark tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the view, and there is also a museum and observation deck to explore.

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After visiting Gamcheon, go to Beomeosa Temple , a historic Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain , which can be accessed by cable car. The temple was first built in the 7th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. You can explore the different halls and buildings, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the temple.

visit japan or korea

In the afternoon, you can go to one of Busan’s other attractions, such as Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market , to experience the local culture and cuisine. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and you can try fresh seafood at one of the on-site restaurants. Gukje Market is a traditional market with a variety of goods, from clothing to food to electronics. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).

Days 6-8: Taipei, Taiwan

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After your visit to Taipei 101, head to the nearby Elephant Mountain for a hike and even better views of the city. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market , one of Taipei’s most famous and lively night markets. You can find a variety of food, from stinky tofu to fried chicken cutlets, as well as games and souvenirs.

visit japan or korea

After your visit to the memorial hall, head to Longshan Temple , one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples. The temple was first built in the 18th century and features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. You can explore the different halls and courtyards, and even make a wish at the wishing pond.

In the afternoon, visit the trendy Ximending neighborhood for shopping and entertainment. You can find a variety of shops, from local boutiques to international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also check out the street performers and live music.

Start your day by visiting the National Palace Museum , one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and jade.

In the afternoon, visit Beitou Hot Springs , a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot springs are located in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests. You can soak in the natural hot springs or visit one of the public or private hot spring spas in the area.

In the evening, visit the Raohe Night Market , another popular and bustling night market in Taipei. You can find a variety of food, from oyster omelets to pork buns, as well as games and souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as black pepper buns and Taiwanese-style fried chicken.

Days 9-11: Osaka-Kyoto, Japan

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Afterward make your way to Dotonbori , a famous shopping and entertainment district in Osaka. This area is known for its bright neon lights, large billboards, and a wide variety of street food vendors where you can eat to your heart’s content the local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit Umeda Sky Building before sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and see the sunset from the observatory deck. You can finish the day at the nearby Hankyu Umeda Station, with an enormous underground shopping center with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. 

For more information about the best things you can do in Osaka, check the following article:

30 Best Things to Do in Osaka

Then, head to Arashiyama , a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. You can walk through the picturesque bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji temple, and take a boat ride down the Hozu River. The district also has a popular shopping street with local souvenirs and snacks.

In the evening, visit the Gion district to experience Kyoto’s traditional geisha culture. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to a performance.

For more information about what to do around Gion, check the following article:

1 Day Itinerary in Higashiyama and Gion

After your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, head to Nishiki Market , a long and narrow covered market in central Kyoto. You can find a variety of local foods and goods, including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Kyoto-style sushi and matcha-flavored snacks.

In the afternoon, visit the Higashiyama district to see more of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and culture. You can walk through the historic streets, visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple, and enjoy the view from the temple’s wooden balcony.

For more information about what to do in Kyoto, check the following article:

30 Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Days 12-14: Tokyo, Japan

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After your visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, go to Ginza , Tokyo’s famous shopping mecca. It’s a chic and upscale district famous for its high-end boutiques, restaurants and department stores. There are also historic landmarks such as the Kabuki-za theater and the Imperial Palace is within walking distance. 

In the evening, visit the Roppongi district, a popular nightlife spot with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can also visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills or the Tokyo Tower for a panoramic view of the city at night.

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After your visit to Senso-ji, go to Akihabara , also known as Electric Town, famous for its many electronics shops and anime/manga merchandise stores. You can visit one of the many themed pop-up cafes and explore the different shops for quirky and fun items.

In the evening, visit the Odaiba district, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with a variety of shopping malls, amusement parks, and museums. You can also enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from the waterfront.

If the energy allows it, try to go as early as possible, after daybreak, to Meiji Shrine , a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. The peaceful surroundings with the sound of the morning prayers will be worth it. The shrine is located in a large forested park, and you can walk through the woods and see the traditional architecture of the shrine buildings.

After your visit to the Meiji Shrine, head to Shibuya , a bustling commercial and entertainment district famous for its Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. You can also visit the Hachiko statue, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku , another popular entertainment district with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has observation decks with panoramic views of the city.

For more information about the best things to do in Tokyo, check the following article:

30 Best Things to Do in Tokyo

Day 15: Depart from Tokyo, Japan

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If you have some time in the morning, you could visit the Tokyo National Museum , which houses a large collection of Japanese art and artifacts or just take a relaxing stroll around Ueno Park . 

After your final activities in Tokyo, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may need to leave for the airport quite early, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Overall, this 15-day itinerary should give you a great overview of some of the best sights and experiences that South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan have to offer. Of course, there are many other great destinations to explore in each country, so if you have more time, be sure to check out some additional places as well!

For more information about traveling around Japan, check out the following articles!

10 Best Places to Visit in East Asia

▽Related Articles▽

20 Best Things to do in South Korea

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Japan UNESCO World Heritage Sites : 2 Weeks Itinerary in Japan

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South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo

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You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today: Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book, and if you change your mind,  you’ll get your money back .†

Two sought-after countries. Twice the cultural cachet.

On the global pop culture scene, South Korea’s star has steadily risen in recent years. That’s thanks in part to sensationally popular Korean TV shows and films, foods, beauty trends, and pop bands that have taken the world by storm—and piqued travelers’ curiosity about the country in the process. Korea’s easterly neighbor, Japan, offers up rich history, cultural immersion, and impeccable hospitality that’s always in high demand. Spend two weeks getting to know these neighboring Asian nations, from their neon-lit cities to their rural villages to their serene, natural landscapes. If you want to venture a little farther off the beaten path, extend your tour and explore Hokkaido, Japan’s mountainous, northernmost island.

Your tour package includes

  • 13 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine

Included highlights

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
  • Visiting with Buddhist monks at Bulguksa Temple
  • UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan
  • Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan
  • Kushida-jinja Shrine in Fukuoka

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An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

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Board your overnight flight to Seoul today.

Welcome to South Korea! Settle in to your hotel this evening.

Meet up with your local guide and get to know South Korea’s capital city, Seoul. Situated in the northwestern reaches of South Korea, the thriving metropolis is home to modern skyscrapers, ornate Buddhist temples, grand palaces, and nearly 10 million residents. It’s also the perfect place to experience many of the fun and dynamic Korean cultural trends—from K-pop music to novelty foods—that have flourished around the world throughout the last decade.

  • Step inside the 14th-century, 7,700-room Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was built by King Taejo and is widely considered the most beautiful of Seoul’s five grand palaces.
  • Watch the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a reenactment of the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty; the ceremony features colorful reproduction costumes, as well as instruments and weapons, based on historical records.
  • Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about traditional ways of life, which are rapidly disappearing as a result of modernization and urbanization.
  • Enter bustling Gwangjang Market, the city’s oldest traditional market, where you’ll find everything from street food to silks to hanbok—traditional Korean clothing whose origins date back more than 2,000 years.
  • Enjoy a tasting of the market’s not-to-be-missed street food, followed by free time to shop and explore on your own.
  • Get to know your fellow travelers over an included welcome lunch, served with beer or wine.

Enjoy a free evening in Seoul or add an excursion.

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Kimchi-Making Class & Dinner

From $155 per person

Enjoy a free day in Seoul or add an excursion.

visit japan or korea

History of the Korean War: DMZ Visit

From $119 per person

Board a high-speed bullet train bound for the city of Gyeongju. Often referred to as the “museum without walls,” Gyeongju is home to several impressive archaeological sites and three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

  • Climb aboard your coach for a short transfer to Bulguksa Temple; the treasured head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism was established on the slopes of Mount Toham in the eighth century.
  • Explore the temple with a monk as your guide, then choose to make prayer beads or a lotus flower lantern.

Sit down with your group this evening for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Spend the morning exploring the Daereungwon Tomb Complex, the final resting place of nobility of the Silla Kingdom, or Golden Kingdom, which ruled from 57 B.C.–935 A.D. You’ll have a chance to enter one of its burial mounds and view some of the 11,000 artifacts and royal crowns that showcase the lavish lifestyles of Korean royalty.

Later, travel to the mountainous, seaside city of Busan, where you’ll visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. Learn about the history and impact of the Korean War, and pay your respects to those buried in the cemetery.

Enjoy an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

Meet up with a local guide to explore Busan, a dynamic port city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Home to roughly 3.5 million people, Busan is the country’s second-largest city. Here, visitors will find a little bit of everything, from bustling city streets to scenic beaches to excellent restaurants.

  • Pass through the heart of the city to popular Yongdusan Park and make a photo stop at its nearly 400-foot-tall Busan Tower, which features an observation deck and cafe.
  • Travel to colorful Gamcheon Culture Village and learn how it evolved from a downtrodden destination for Korean War refugees to a must-see destination known for its colorful dwellings and labyrinthine alleyways.
  • Head back to the city and visit the vast Jagalchi Fish Market, whose vendors sell just about every kind of fish and seafood imaginable.
  • Enjoy free time for shopping and lunch along Gwangbok-dong Cultural & Fashion Street, whose shops sell everything from bargain finds to luxury goods.

visit japan or korea

Busan Harbor Cruise & Korean Barbecue Dinner

Today, fly to Fukuoka, the largest city on Japan’s Kyushu Island. Then, join a local guide for a tour of the city, which was formed in 1889 when the castle town of Fukuoka and the port city of Hakata merged.

  • Visit the eighth-century Kushida-jinja Shrine, whose highlights include a fountain where people pray for eternal youth.
  • Learn about the shrine’s famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, which takes place every July and culminates with residents of seven Hakata neighborhoods racing beautifully decorated floats along a three-mile course through the city.
  • Wander along the Naka River to Nakasu, a small island packed with stalls selling street foods such as Hakata ramen and yakitori.

Head to a local restaurant this evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Travel to Nagasaki this morning and meet up with your local guide. Set out to explore the area, which was Japan’s early gateway to trade with the West, as well as the target of an atomic bombing by the United States in 1945. Today, the area’s unspoiled beaches and islands attract swimmers, divers, and sea kayakers.

  • Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, which serves as both a symbol of hope and a reminder of the horrors of war.
  • Explore the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum’s exhibits, which shed light on the city’s devastating history and post-war life.
  • Sit down for an included lunch this afternoon at a local restaurant.
  • Set off on a walking tour through the city, including its cosmopolitan center, as well as historic neighborhoods, like Dejima, which was constructed in the 17th century as a man-made island to segregate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population.

Board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto this morning. Then, get to know the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years and is still considered its spiritual capital.

  • Start in western Kyoto’s historic Arashiyama district, which is known for its temples, shrines, and stunning natural beauty.
  • Step inside the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-ji temple, which was originally constructed in the 12th century and is considered one of Kyoto’s most important sites.
  • Wander through the famous and photogenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, whose towering, 160-foot-tall bamboo stalks flank a singular pathway.
  • Take in views of the rolling, tree-covered hills that surround the Hozu River.
  • Cross the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge, which was originally built more than 1,200 years ago and stretches nearly 170 feet across a river that’s known as the Hozu to the west and the Katsura to the east.
  • See the famous, 14th-century Kinkaku-ji temple, widely known as the Golden Pavilion, which sits at the edge of a tranquil reflecting pond and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy a free day in Kyoto or add an excursion.

visit japan or korea

Fushimi Inari Walking Tour & Tea Ceremony

From $95 per person

Board a high-speed bullet train to Tokyo, then spend the afternoon exploring Japan’s bustling capital with your Tour Director leading the way. Ancient shrines and temples, peaceful parks, and modern skyscrapers make up the tapestry of the city, which is home to nearly 14 million people.

  • Snap photos of the Imperial Palace, which occupies the site of the original Edo Castle and is home to Japan’s emperor; its impressive grounds feature moats and massive, stone walls.
  • Pass through the Shinjuku District, a major hub for shopping and nightlife with neon signs as far as the eye can see.
  • Ride an elevator to the top of the Metropolitan Building—a soaring structure with twin towers and observation decks—to enjoy bird’s-eye views of the city.

Join a local guide and get to know more of Tokyo, from its historic past to its vibrant present.

  • Drive through central Tokyo to iconic Shibuya crossing and snap photos of the world’s busiest crosswalk—some 3,000 people cross from all directions simultaneously during rush hour—from an elevated viewing point.
  • Stop inside Shibuya Station to view “The Myth of Tomorrow,” Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto’s famous 1960s mural that depicts the explosion of an atomic bomb.
  • Drive to Yoyogi Park—one of the city’s biggest public parks—and take a short walk to Meiji Imperial Shrine, the final resting place of Emperor Meiji.
  • Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine.
  • Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, the city’s oldest and most sacred temple.
  • Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Tokyo or add an excursion.

visit japan or korea

Japanese Cooking Class & Dinner

From $125 per person

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo or add an excursion.

Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.

visit japan or korea

Aokigahara Forest & Mount Fuji

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, or choose to continue your adventure with a visit to Hokkaido.

Today, fly to Sapporo—the capital of Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island and one of the country’s youngest major cities (in 1857, its population clocked in at a mere seven people). The city also played host to the Olympics in 1972. Spend the afternoon exploring the city alongside your Tour Director.

  • Enjoy a comforting bowl of Sapporo’s famous ramen—the iconic Japanese noodle soup originated here—during an included lunch.
  • Walk through Odori Park—the sprawling green space separates the city into north and south—and enter the iconic Sapporo TV tower, which dates back to the 1950s, and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
  • Pass Sapporo’s clock tower, the city’s oldest building, as you make your way to Niko Market.

Travel to the charming harbor city of Otaru. Here, you’ll take a short walking tour alongside your Tour Director, cruise along the city’s canals, and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Later, visit the local brewery and enjoy a guided tour through the brewery where you’ll learn how the best ingredients are chosen, view the fermentation process, and see how the beers are manufactured and packaged. End the tour with a tasting of fresh off-the-line beer before enjoying free time for the rest of the day.

Enjoy a free day in Sapporo or add an excursion.

visit japan or korea

Volcanic Hokkaido

From $99 per person

Board a flight back to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day or add an excursion.

visit japan or korea

Tokyo Dinner & Karaoke

From $105 per person

Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo. Then, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun

This downtown hotel is located in Seoul’s vibrant Myeongdong district. Guests enjoy the fitness center, city views, and on-site cafe. Nearby you’ll fi...

Commodore Hotel Gyeongju

This grand hotel is located in historic city of Gyeongju. Guests enjoy the beautifully manicured gardens, outdoor pools, and on-site coffee house. Nea...

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae

This contemporary hotel is located a few minutes walk from Busan’s beautiful Haeundae Beach. Guests enjoy the fitness center, spacious rooms, and on-s...

Kyoto Yura Hotel MGallery

This boutique hotel is located the vibrant Sanjo district of Kyoto. Guests enjoy the thoughtfully designed décor, on-site restaurant, and the 1867 bar...

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

This comfortable hotel is located on Odaiba Island, Tokyo. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you’ll find Pallete To...

Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu

This modern hotel is located in Fukuoka’s Nakasu neighborhood. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant and tea lounge, as well as Tempur-pedic pillows. Ne...

Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu

This centrally located hotel is in the heart of Sapporo. Guests enjoy the two different restaurants featuring Western and Japanese cuisine, bike renta...

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
  • Find out more about flights
  • In order to enter South Korea and Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
  • We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
  • Beginning January 1, 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the South Korean government’s Electronic Travel Authority website www.k-eta.go.kr prior to departure.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact South Korea’s and Japan’s consulates for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SKJ.
  • You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. You may need to climb stairs when visiting temples.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
  • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
  • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Directors who accompany your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Directors is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and they cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
  • You will have two separate Tour Directors on this tour: one in South Korea and another in Japan.
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Seoul and depart from Tokyo. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
  • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
  • High-speed train transfers from Seoul to Gyeongju, Fukuoka to Kyoto, and Kyoto to Tokyo, as well as a flight from Busan to Fukuoka, are included in the price of your tour. The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight between Tokyo and Sapporo.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
  • Travelers may only bring personal items or carry-on sized luggage on the train transfers. Any large-checked luggage will be transferred for you from Fukuoka to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Tokyo directly.
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
  • It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
  • In South Korea, typical foods include rice, noodles, kimchi (a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage, radish, or cucumber and seasoned with ingredients like fish sauce and chili flakes), and bulgogi—a popular Korean barbecue dish.
  • Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
  • Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
  • South Korea operates on 220 volts and uses Type C and F plugs.
  • The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
  • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
  • All destinations visited are 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1am on the following day on tour.
  • You will use the the Korean won in South Korea and the Japanese yen in Japan.
  • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
  • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
  • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
  • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
  • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
  • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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Highlights of Korea and Japan     View Tours

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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe Style

Highlights of korea and japan.

Korea (Andong - Gyeongju - Seoul ) Japan (Nara - Kyoto - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Tokyo)

Departure Months:

For those who love to explore and learn about differnt cultures, consider visiting these two major countries in Asia - Japan and South Korea! While the two countries share many similarities, they also have their own unique cultures. All Japan Tours has designed a special itinerary for guests, showcasing unique locales, “must see” tourist attractions, colorful cultural traditions, and delectable dining. Travel in comfort by private coach bus while your English-speaking guides show you t... View More

For those who love to explore and learn about differnt cultures, consider visiting these two major countries in Asia - Japan and South Korea! While the two countries share many similarities, they also have their own unique cultures. All Japan Tours has designed a special itinerary for guests, showcasing unique locales, “must see” tourist attractions, colorful cultural traditions, and delectable dining. Travel in comfort by private coach bus while your English-speaking guides show you the Highlights of South Korea and Japan. Begin your tour in the beautiful country of South Korea, staying in Seoul for your first night. You will then make your way to Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a river flowing along its borders. Travel to Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls” for the amount of tombs, pagodas, rock carvings, Buddhist statuary, and palace ruins that can be found in the area. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit Gyeongju National Museum and also Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. Make your way back to Seoul, where you will stay for two nights, exploring the enormous city. Visit the chief temple of Korean Buddhism and visit Insa-dong Antique Street, where you can purchase handmade crafts. Before leaving South Korea to continue your Asia expedition, visit the DMZ, which serves as a buffer zone for North and South Korea. Once you have flown from Seoul to Osaka, you will start your tour of Japan by traveling to Nara, where you can see the giant statue of Buddha at Todaiji Temple, or make new friends with the hundreds of wild deer. In the ancient city of Kyoto, you will experience the best gardens, temples, and shrines. Enrich your cultural side by partaking in a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko). Travel towards Mt. Fuji, visiting Hikone, where the beautiful Hikone Castle is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, and stopping at Hakone to take in the amazing views of Mt. Fuji. Stay overnight at a Japanese-style hotel, where you can relax in the hotel's hot spring bath. Once you have reached the bustling city of Tokyo, enjoy a bird's eye view of the city from Tokyo Tower, learn to make your own sushi, and during spring, visit Ueno Park, where you can see over a thousand cherry trees. With exclusive access to gardens, temples, shrines, castles, museums and specialty shops, you will have a one of a kind experience and a chance to see why these countries are popular tourist destinations. Selected tours also include a visit to Hiroshima, where you will learn about the tragic history and bright future of the city. With tours based on seasonal attractions, and must see sites in every tour, you will truly enjoy your time in these two wonderful countries. We plan our tours based on seasonal attractions, with must see sites in every tour. Below are our Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour itineraries with seasonal changes:

Highlights of Korea and Japan

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a beginner expedition to two countries and visit their must-see sites.
  • Perfect for travelers who would like to see the main features of South Korea and Japan.
  • Stay one night at Japanese-style accommodation and unwind in the hot spring they offer.
  • See the award-winning “Nanta Cookin’ Show” at a theater in Central Seoul.
  • Experience kimchi making, a kimono fashion show, and a sushi making class.
  • Select itineraries include opportunities to visit during the cherry blossom season or visit Hiroshima.
  • Experience a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko).
  • Visit the DMZ, a buffer zone between North and South Korea.

Highlights of Korea and Japan

Spring (Mar - May)   (119)

Summer (Jun - Aug)   (48)

Autumn (Sep - Nov)   (95)

Winter (Dec - Feb)   (21)

March 2024   (1)

April 2024   (2)

May 2024   (1)

June 2024   (1)

October 2024   (1)

March 2025   (2)

April 2025   (1)

May 2025   (1)

June 2025   (1)

October 2025   (1)

March 2026   (2)

April 2026   (1)

May 2026   (1)

June 2026   (1)

October 2026   (1)

Deluxe   (222)

Deluxe-Plus   (21)

Ultra-Deluxe   (9)

Classic Tour   (31)

Cherry Blossoms   (73)

Autumn Leaves   (41)

Festival   (69)

Special Interest   (94)

less than 9 nights   (100)

9-14 nights   (158)

15 nights +   (25)

Hokkaido   (49)

Tohoku   (26)

Kanto   (238)

Chubu   (237)

Kansai   (238)

Chugoku   (110)

Shikoku   (96)

Kyushu   (32)

Okinawa   (0)

Kyoto Aoi Festival   (9)

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms   (4)

Lavenders   (11)

Snow Monkeys   (52)

Shirakawago   (85)

Gion Summer Festival   (4)

Awa Odori Dance Festival   (4)

Sapporo Snow Festival   (5)

Otaru Snow Light Path   (1)

Ice Breaker Cruise   (5)

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing   (5)

Shiretoko Nature Cruise   (8)

Blue Pond   (14)

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest   (197)

Miho Museum   (109)

Ise Grand Shrine   (4)

Kumano   (6)

Koyasan   (20)

Himeji Castle   (98)

Kurashiki Canal Area   (99)

Miyajima Island   (106)

Shimanami Kaido   (88)

Takeda Castle   (2)

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine   (2)

Adachi Museum of Art   (6)

Naoshima Island   (12)

Tottori Sand Dunes   (2)

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko   (35)

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route   (4)

Takachiho   (28)

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers   (7)

Wisteria   (11)

Takayama Festivals   (16)

Shibazakura Festivals   (10)

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals   (3)

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko   (163)

Sushi-Making   (196)

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route   (6)

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Autumn

Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe     Book Now & Save $100

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4298.00

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

Explore two beautiful countries in asia - korea & japan in one tour..

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Spring

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

Highlights of Korea and Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4498.00

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hikone / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

Explore korea & japan during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season..

visit japan or korea

13 Days 12 Nights | from US $4598.00

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour, plus Expo 2025 Osaka!

visit japan or korea

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour, plus Expo 2025 Osaka.

visit japan or korea

15 Days 14 Nights | from US $5698.00

Japan (Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Hikone / Koka / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Obokekyo Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe), Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul)

Explore japan & korea during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season..

Spring Tours (Mar - May)

Summer Tours (Jun - Aug)

Autumn Tours (Sep - Nov)

Winter Tours (Dec - Feb)

Travel Styles

Deluxe-Plus

Ultra-Deluxe

Walking Tour

Cherry Blossom Tours

Autumn Leaves Tours

Festival Tours

Special Interest Tours

Seasonal Attractions

Cherry Blossoms

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Shibazakura Festivals

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Gion Summer Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Snow Monkeys

Sapporo Snow Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shirakawago

Miho Museum

Naoshima Island

Himeji Castle

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Sushi-Making Experience

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko

Ise Grand Shrine

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Tottori Sand Dunes

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Miyajima Island

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle Ruin

Kurashiki Canal Area

Takachiho Gorge

Japan - Korea Travel

  • Published on : 24/12/2012
  • by : Japan Experience
  • Add to favorites

Travel between Japan and Korea: air, ship, ferry, train, hydrofoil ticket information, times and booking - and how to get from Japan to Korea and Korea to Japan.

  • Hydrofoil & Ship & Ferry
  • China Ferry Services

Korea Air Travel.

There are numerous daily flights between Japan and Korea. Prices are around US$430- US$570 for a round trip ticket Japan - Korea and slightly cheaper Korea - Japan.

Over 20 airlines fly between Japan and Korea, with numerous flights to and from various airports in both countries.

All flight times are approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Narita, (Tokyo) - Seoul (K) 7 daily flights

Narita, (Tokyo) - Busan (K) 2 daily flights (not Wednesday)

Narita, (Tokyo) - Cheju (K) 1 daily flight (not Wednesday)

Kansai (Osaka) - Seoul (K) 8 daily flights

Kansai (Osaka) - Busan (K) 2 daily flights

Kansai (Osaka) - Daegu (K) Friday only (dep 12.55)

Daegu (K) - Kansai (Osaka) Friday only (dep 09.10)

Cheju (K) - Kansai (Osaka) Mon Wed Thu Sun (dep 18.25)

Kansai (Osaka) - Cheju (K) Mon Tue Thu Fri (dep 09.30)

Ferry Osaka - Busan (New Service)

Korea-japan through-ticket train/ferry.

This ticket enables the holder to travel between Korea and Japan by train, transferring via the ferry crossing between Busan in South Korea and Shimonoseki in Japan.

Jointly operated by Hong-ik Travel Agency in Korea, and Nippon Travel Agency in Japan.

This ticket is worth purchasing if you don't have a Japan Rail Pass. Reservation Offices: - Hong-ik Travel Agency: Seoul 02-717-1002 - Nippon Travel Agency: Osaka 06-6312-1253 - Nippon Travel Agency: Tokyo 03 3354 5311

Osaka to Seoul via Shimonoseki 18,000 yen

Tokyo to Seoul via Shimonoseki 27,400 yen

Name of ticket in Japanese: 'Nikan kyōdō kippu'

Some Representative Fares

Shin Osaka to Hakata by JR Shinkansen 14,890 (one-way); 27,900 yen (return) Pusan to Seoul by Semaul train 5,500 yen (one-way) * Osaka - Hakata - Pusan - Seoul (train-Beetle-train) 23,560 yen (one-way) This ticket can only be booked at Osaka JR Station or travel agents in Osaka.

Japan - Korea Ferry Travel.

'Beetle' Hydrofoil Service between Korea and Japan

The shortest journey time between Japan and Korea by sea is by JR Kyushu 'Beetle' hydrofoil - which travels between Hakata ( Fukuoka ) on Kyushu Island (train links from here to all parts of Japan) and Busan (Korea's main port of entry from the sea). All fares are cheaper from Korea.

The Japan Rail Pass is NOT valid on the Beetle hydrofoil ferry.

Hakata-Busan

Daily Depart: Hakata (Japan) 08.45 & 12.15 Arrive: Busan (Korea) 11.40 & 15.10

Extra services on Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Depart: Hakata (Japan) 10.15 & 15.45 Arrive: Busan (Korea) 13.10 & 18.40

Economy fare: 13,000 yen (one-way); 24,000 yen return. 092 281 2315 (Hakata/Fukuoka)

Busan-Hakata

Daily Depart: Busan (Korea) 12.15 & 15.45 Arrive: Hakata (Japan) 15.10 & 18.40

Extra service on Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Depart: Busan (Korea) 14.00 Arrive: Hakata (Japan) 16.55

Extra service on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday Depart: Busan (Korea) 08.45 Arrive: Hakata (Japan) 11.40 Reservations: 051 465 6111 (Busan)

Osaka-Busan; Busan-Osaka

The Panstar Ferry sails between Osaka (in Japan) and Busan (in Korea) and from Busan (Korea) to Osaka (Japan).

Panstar Ferry from Osaka-Busan.

Ferry Services between Korea and Japan

Camellia Line Ferries Monday, Wednesday Depart: Hakata (Japan) 19.00 Arrive: Busan (Korea) 8.30

Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday Depart: Busan (Korea) 19.00 Arrive: Hakata (Japan) 8.30

One-way prices 9,000 yen - 18,000 yen Reservations: 092 262 2323 (Hakata/Fukuoka) 051 466 7799 (Busan)

Shimonoseki-Busan

Kampu Ferry Line Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Depart: Shimonoseki (Japan) 18.00 Arrive: Busan (Korea) 08.30

Friday Depart: Shimonoseki (Japan) 19.00 Arrive: Busan (Korea) 09.30

Busan-Shimonoseki

Daily Depart: Busan (Korea) 19.00 Arrive: Shimonoseki (Japan) 08.30

Economy fare: 8,500 yen Reservations: 0832 24 3000 (Shimonoseki) 051 464 2700 (Busan)

Ferries connect with trains arriving in Shimonoseki, which in turn connect at Kokura Station to the Shinkansen (bullet trains) from Osaka and Tokyo.

Ferry Services between China and Japan

The journey takes three days.

Shanghai-Osaka

Saturday Depart: Shanghai (China) Saturday 13.00 Arrive: Osaka (Japan) Monday

Osaka-Shanghai

Tuesday Depart: Kobe (Japan) 12.00 (check-in by 10.00) Arrive: Shanghai (China) Thursday

Japan-China International Ferry Company 2F Sanai Building 1-8-6 Shin-machi Nishi-ku Osaka Japan Tel. +81 (0)6 6536 6541 Fax. +81 (0)6 6536 6542

Ferry Services between China and Korea

Incheon-Weihai Tuesday,Thursday, Saturday 18:00 Weihai-Incheon Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 17:00

Incheon-Qingdao Wednesday, Saturday 14:00 Qingdao-Incheon Monday, Thursday 17:00

Weidong Ferry - Seoul: 02-3271-6753 - Incheon: 032-886-6171 - Weihai: 0631-522-3321 - Qingdao : 0532-280-3574

Incheon-Tianjin Friday 19:00 Tianjin-Incheon 4 day intervals 13:00 Tianjin-Incheon 4 day intervals 11:00

Jincheon Ferry - Seoul: 02-517-8671 - Incheon: 032-888-7911 - Tianjin : 022-2311-2842

Incheon-Shanghai Wednesday 19:00 Shanghai-Incheon Sat. 10:00

China Shipping - Seoul: 02-777-8080 - Incheon: 032-891-8070 - Shanghai: 021-6596-6009

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Dandong Ferry - Seoul: 02-713-5522 - Incheon: 032-891-3322 - Dandong : 0415-710-0228, 0338

Incheon-Dalian Wednesday, Saturday 18:30 Dalian-Incheon Tuesday, Friday 12:00

Da-in Ferry - Seoul: 02-3218-6550 - Incheon: 032-888-2611 - Dalian: 0411-270-5082

Incheon-Yantai Tuesday 18:00 Gunsan-Yantai Tues. 15:00 Yantai-Gunsan Monday 16:00

Busan-Yantai Saturday 12:00 Yantai-Busan Wednesday 17:00

Musung Shipping - Yantai: 0535-623-8888 - Gunsan: 063-467-8588 - Busan: 051-441-8888

(K) = Korea (J) = Japan. Tokyo, Osaka are in Japan.

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How to Plan a 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea

How to Plan a 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea

With anime and K-pop becoming more and more popular, visiting Japan and South Korea has become a dream trip for many children. If you're considering a trip to celebrate your child's birthday or graduation, Japan and South Korea would definitely exceed your family's expectations.

These two destinations also attract many insightful travelers to gain insights into East Asia's history as well as indulge in culinary delights.

To enjoy the main highlights, 12 days is ideal, with 7–8 days in Japan and 4–5 days in South Korea.

  • 1. Which Country to Visit First
  • 2. A 12-Day South Korea and Japan Itinerary
  • 3. Best Times to Visit Japan and South Korea
  • 4. How Much Does a 12-Day Trip Cost
  • 5. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan and South Korea

Which Country to Visit First, Japan or South Korea?

Although both Japan and South Korea are conveniently connected by flights from the US or European countries, to get more of a wow factor throughout the trip, you're highly recommended to start your journey in South Korea and then travel to Japan . Japan provides more hidden gems for you to unveil.

When choosing your international flights, if you're in the US, it usually costs less for a round trip from the west of the US, such as Los Angeles to Tokyo. From Tokyo to Seoul, it takes about 2½ hours and usually costs about 200 USD per ticket.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

A 12-Day Classic South Korea and Japan Itinerary: Explore the Highlights of Both Countries

This itinerary covers the major highlights of South Korea and Japan, creating a fulfilling experience full of lifetime memories.

In South Korea, you would have the chance to explore the renowned DMZ tunnels, immerse yourself in the vibrant K-pop culture, and savor delicious Korean cuisine. In Japan, you could experience kid-favored animation elements, have fun at Super Nintendo World, unwind in onsens (hot-spring baths), admire the iconic Mount Fuji, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

  • Days 1–3: Seoul in South Korea
  • Day 4: Gyeongju
  • Days 5–7: Fly to Osaka in Japan and then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto
  • Days 8–9: Hakone
  • Days 10–12: Tokyo

Start your wonderful trip in the energetic capital city of Seoul, South Korea. Stroll around the history-filled Gyeongbokgung Palace while wearing a hanbok to take memorable photos, explore the DMZ and its tunnels to learn about wartime stories and cherish the hard-won peace, attend an exclusive K-pop dancing class with a professional choreographer to groove with your teenage kids, and sample delicious Korean food, such as bibimbap and Korean fried chicken.

Head to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of South Korea. You could visit Bulguksa Temple, which has thousands of years of history, and stay for a night in a Hanok hotel to experience authentic Korean accommodation.

Continue your trip in the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto in Japan.

  • For families with teenagers, you could dress up like a ninja to learn about the techniques and weapons from a ninja master. Many fathers and sons among our family clients have enjoyed this activity. Feeding the friendly deer in Nara could also be a great family moment.
  • For couples, you could stroll through Fushimi Inari Shrine while wearing a kimono to admire the orange-red torii and gain an understanding of the history of the Japanese shrine. Have afternoon tea with a geisha and get an insight into the geisha culture with a story-telling explanation from an expert.

Take the Shinkansen to Hakone, which is home to onsens. Stay at a ryokan with an onsen to experience traditional Japanese accommodation. We would help you to select handpicked family-friendly or couple-friendly ryokans out of thousands. Generally, a traditional ryokan has 5–10 rooms, so it could easily be booked up. We suggest that you make a reservation at least 3 months in advance.

Complete your trip in Tokyo, the top city of Japan, which perfectly blends history and modernity. Wander through the Asakusa district to experience the Edo vibe and make sushi with the help of an experienced chef. For anime lovers, you could buy your favorite anime products in Akihabara and have a happy family time at Pokémon Center, the Ghibli Museum, or J-World Tokyo.

Taking a day trip to view the iconic Mount Fuji from Tokyo is another highlight.

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

Best Times to Visit Japan and South Korea

Japan and South Korea enjoy similar weather in their four distinct seasons because of their close proximity.

The best times to visit South Korea and Japan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) due to the pleasant weather and more clear days. These periods offer the most captivating views in both countries, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall. May has fewer crowds and decreased travel costs because the cherry blossom season will have ended in all but northernmost Japan.

Summer (June to August) is hot in both countries, with the average daily high reaching 34°C (93°F). It's the rainy season as well but it doesn't rain every day and you could still enjoy your planned trip.

Winter (December to February) is cold and dry in South Korea and Japan, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F), making it a good time to enjoy onsens and see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. Christmas and New Year are extremely busy in both countries and hotels are easily booked up. Therefore, we suggest that you plan ahead at least 3–6 months in advance for a festive-season stay.

Insider tips: For family groups who usually travel in the summer or winter vacation, June and January are recommended. June is cooler and less crowded than July and August (the local summer vacation months). January has a similar climate and sightseeing experience to December but you can usually get a better deal for international flights.

To make the best of travel opportunities at any time of the year, let us know your interests and requirements , and we'll take care of everything.

How Much Does a 12-Day Trip to Japan and South Korea Cost?

A 12-day trip to Japan and South Korea costs about US$7,000–8,000 per person based on a group of 3–5 people.

  • Private touring in Japan costs about US$350–500 per day per person, and the cost in South Korea is about US$400–500 per day per person, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, private cars, and private guides.
  • Direct flights from Seoul to Osaka are about US$100–150.

Our travel expert will customize your trip based on your requirements, and make the most of your money.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan and South Korea?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Japan and South Korea, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers could stay in Japan without a visa for 90 days.

Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)

  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

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visit japan or korea

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

visit japan or korea

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion.

Guilin, but mostly Yangshuo was at the tail end of our China adventure so there was a lot to live up to. Having a guide like Gary Wei meant that our trip ended on a high! We arrived in Guilin very late from an 11 hour train journey. Gary met us with gifts of fruit, sweet bread and cakes which was so unexpected and thoughtful.Gary's knowledge of the area was exceptional and his attention to us the same. He really took our children under his wing - even tuning in to annoying sibling rivalry and managing to keep the peace very well! Gary was our personal photographer at times and even our Taiji instructor, making a beautiful video of us all doing Taiji in a scenic setting :)The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is definitely worth taking and we enjoyed our few nights in the area, riding bikes along the river, doing a cooking class and enjoying the scenery

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Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Choosing the best time of year to visit Japan can be downright overwhelming. Each of Japan’s 4 distinct seasons has its draws and drawbacks (some more than others!). We’re going to break down exactly what to expect during winter, spring, summer, and fall so you can choose the best time to visit Japan based on your travel style and interests.

This is Japan in August… can you feel the humidity just by looking at the picture?! Because I sure can!

Japan has four distinct seasons: You’ve got the famed cherry blossoms in the spring, festivals in the summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and powdery snow come wintertime.

So this begs the question: 

What time of year is best to visit Japan?

In short, you’ll have the best chance of comfortable weather and fewer crowds in early spring (March – early April) and in autumn (late October – November). Our personal pick would be to visit Japan during November; but more on that later…

Dotonbori neighborhood Osaka Japan

Let me backup… Truthfully there is no correct answer, as each season has its own unique draws (and drawbacks too).

But we’re not going to just leave ya there, hangin’.

We’re going to go over the pros and cons of visiting Japan during each season to help you decide which time of year is ideal for YOU.

Just staying in Tokyo? We have another article about the best time to visit Tokyo , specifically!

Answer these questions to get started:

  • Do you mind hot weather?
  • What about cold weather?
  • Are you easily bothered by crowds?
  • How much of your time do you want to spend outdoors?
  • Which would you rather see: cherry blossoms or colorful fall foliage?

Thinking about your answers to these questions is going to help you start to determine when to visit Japan.

Best time to visit Japan guide

Our experience, japan geography overview, weather in japan.

  • Rainy season in Japan
  • Typhoon season in Japan
  • Best time of year to view Mt. Fuji
  • Seasons in Japan
  • Holidays and festivals in Japan
  • Best time to travel based on activity
  • How many days to spend in Japan
  • What to pack for Japan

Overall BEST time to visit Japan

Want a quick recommendation? Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit Japan. Plus, we’ll share what times of year we’d avoid visiting!

  • Our Recommendation…

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We visited Japan in summer, fall & winter

best Japanese cuisine

When: mid-August (2019) 

Our experience:

  • Very hot and humid in most places
  • Lots of Japanese tourists and international travelers in the popular places
  • We had a few days of typhoon weather
  • Mount Fuji wasn’t on our route, but she was only visible for a handful of days of our trip, due to clouds.
  • Felt too hot to be able to enjoy onsens as much as other times of the year

Would we recommend visiting Japan in August? 

It wouldn’t be my top recommendation, honestly. I found it very hot and muggy, and I would much prefer visiting when the temps are more comfortable.

Autumn in Japan momiji

When: mid-November (2023) 

  • Comfortable temperatures and no humidity
  • Colorful foliage in some areas (it differs quite a bit throughout the country)
  • During our 3-week trip, we had a little light rain , but not much
  • Clear views of Mount Fuji
  • Perfect weather for soaking in onsen
  • Crowds in popular areas for foliage viewing, but nothing overwhelming

Would we recommend visiting Japan in November? 

Absolutely! Autumn is perhaps my all time favorite time to travel anywhere — and Japan is no different. I think autumn will always be my favorite time to visit Japan!

Things To Do in Japan | Two Wandering Soles

When: early February (2015)

  • Mild winter temperatures (we’re used to very cold winters, and this wasn’t bad for us)
  • Snow in the mountains was magical
  • Even though winter is said to be the best time to view Mount Fuji , she was covered in fog when we visited
  • Onsens were very enjoyable (we had a private outdoor onsen while it was snowing, which was amazing!)
  • Obviously the cities are still busy (because they’re highly populated), but the amount of tourists was lower than other seasons
  • Good deals on accommodation since it was outside of peak season
  • We saw a few plum blossoms in Tokyo that were blooming early, which was a pleasant surprise!

Would we recommend visiting Japan in February?  Yes! I think winter is one of the best times to visit Japan and it’s very underrated. Next time we visit in the winter, I want to add more outdoor onsens and a snowboarding trip in the legendary Japanese powder!

Things to do in Japan Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

While not a large country exactly, Japan spreads more than 1,800 miles (2,900+ kilometers) north to south, from the island of Hokkaido in the northeast all the way down to the island of Okinawa in the southwest.

A distance that large means the weather from north to south varies quite a lot. Hokkaido can be freezing while the subtropical island of Okinawa can be experiencing a beach day.

For the purpose of this article, we’ll mostly be discussing the weather on the island of Honshu. 

Located in the middle of the country, Honshu is where Tokyo , Osaka and Kyoto are all located, and is where most international travelers will start and end their trip, especially if it is your first time in Japan .

Another thing to take into consideration is that Japan is a very mountainous country. Common sense tells us that when you venture to higher elevations, you’ll find colder temperatures.

Fun Example: We went up into the Japanese Alps in August and found a drastic temperature swing: 95°F (35°C) at sea level to 65°F (18°C) in the mountains. This same area has snow until as late as early July. Crazy, huh?!

Psst! If you’ll be traveling more throughout the country, be sure to check out our bucket list of crazy fun things to do in Japan !

Fun Facts about Japan Okunion Cemetery Koyasan

Let’s chat about the sun, the snow, the rain, and those dreaded typhoons. We’ll go over what type of weather you should expect throughout the year and describe our experience with a typhoon.

We’re also going over some important information if you are interested in viewing Mount Fuji.

Spoiler alert: You won’t be able to see this iconic mountain for much of the year.

Stats on Japan weather & seasons:

  • Hottest month in Japan: August (average 80°F/41°C)
  • Coldest month in Japan: January (41°F/5°C)
  • Rainiest months in Japan: June and September
  • Driest months in Japan: December and January
  • Most crowded month in Japan: late April – early May (aka “Golden Week”, explained in the section about Spring )
  • Least crowded months in Japan: January – early March are the least popular times to visit, which can mean cheaper prices and less crowds
Note: Again, these stats are for the central island of Honshu. If you are planning to visit the northernmost island of Hokkaido, or Okinawa in the very south, be sure to look up their specific weather, as they vary from the rest of the county.

Rainy season in Japan: Early Summer

Best Time to Visit Japan Rainy Season

The majority of the country experiences a rainy season from June through mid-July.

The good news is that during the rainy season, there’s a roughly 45% chance of precipitation each day (data from Tokyo), meaning you’ll have some dry days too! Some of those rainy days will be heavy, while others will be sunny before or after the rain.

Interesting Fact: Tokyo is one of the rainiest big cities on earth! In fact, it has more than double the amount of annual rainfall as London. Say whaaaat?!

Despite rain, you’ll find life goes on as usual in Japan, as locals are used to it. Do as the Japanese do and buy an umbrella to stay dry!

Typhoon season in Japan: Late Summer

Late May through October is known as typhoon season in Japan, with the majority of typhoons occurring in August and September. Data from the last 30 years show that an average of 11 typhoons approach the coast per year.

What is a typhoon?

A typhoon is a tropical cyclone. They are formed in the same way a hurricane forms, and the only real difference is the location at which they occur .

What is a typhoon like in Japan?

We visited Japan during the month of August, which as you now know is the peak of typhoon season. And one typhoon made landfall during our visit.

So how bad was it, really?

This was our experience: 

The entire day leading up to the typhoon was sunny with blue skies, and we both had this feeling that it wouldn’t be that bad.

But everyone was talking about it and how strong it would supposedly be. There was talk about trains shutting down, and we had a food tour cancel on us because restaurants were closing up shop.

But it’s beautiful outside, we thought naively. We put on rain jackets, grabbed our one umbrella and headed into town just as a drizzle began to start.

Soon, the winds increased and the rain started really coming down. But the trains still ran, and we decided to go catch a movie. By the time we got out of the show, the streets were mostly empty and the rain was really pounding, so despite our umbrella and rain jackets, we got completely soaked.

By the next morning, blue skies started peeking out from behind clouds and by the afternoon you would never know what had happened the previous night.

What to expect: Heavy rainfall and high winds, canceled and/or delayed trains, canceled tours. In some cases, it may only interrupt a day or two, and in others it might have longer-lasting effects. You should expect some plans to change since Japanese people take typhoons very seriously.

Best time of year to view Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji Japan

Many visitors to Japan will want to glimpse the country’s most famous mountain, and for good reason — it’s absolutely stunning. Well, we think it is. We’ve only seen her beauty in photos.

One thing many first-time visitors to Japan may not realize (ourselves included) is that Mount Fuji is notoriously shy. This means there is much of the year where your chances of seeing her are rare. Instead, this shy mountain will stay cloaked behind clouds and haze, only occasionally peeking through.

So what time of year will you have the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji?

  • Best chances of seeing Mount Fuji: Based on data from years past, you will have the highest chance of seeing Mount Fuji between the months of November and February.
  • Worst chances of seeing Mount Fuji: Alternatively, between April and August, you will have a slim chance of glimpsing this iconic mountain.

That said, nothing is promised when it comes to weather. 

We visited Japan for the first time during early February, when we should have had a good chance of seeing Fuji. We spent the night in Hakone and bought the (not so cheap!) Hakone Day Pass to get close to the mountain, yet we only saw WHITE FRICKIN’ CLOUDS.

Best Time to Visit Japan Viewing Mount Fuji

And on the other hand, we’ve known people who have seen Fuji peek out during July and August, supposedly bad months for viewing the mountain.

But if you’re looking to get that iconic shot of a clear sky day and the mountain towering in the background in her famous symmetrical grandeur, late autumn through early spring will be your best bet at capturing this sight.

Psst! Check out our list of the most beautiful places in Japan you’ll have to see to believe!

Japan’s seasons at a glance

Japan has 4 distinct seasons: The winter is cold and the summer is hot. If either of those would bother you, it’s easy to eliminate a season right off the bat.

Spring is famously known for stunning displays of cherry blossoms around the country . But when we say famous, we mean it. Japan gets very busy this time of year with domestic and international travelers, so if crowds bother you, this is another easy elimination.

Fall comes with spectacular autumn foliage , and while not as crowded as cherry blossom season, it’s not an unpopular time to travel.

Jump to the season you’re interested in to read more about what to expect:

Winter in Japan

Spring in japan, summer in japan.

  • Autumn in Japan

We’re going to go over what to expect during each season in detail so you can better plan your trip to Japan.

But before we dive in…

Did you know there are 72 “seasons” in Japan?

The traditional Japanese calendar was split up into 24 sections, and each of those were further divided into 3 subsections, creating 72 “micro seasons” .

These micro-seasons last 5 days, and the names of some of them are poetic:

  • Frogs start singing (May 5th – 9th)
  • Great rains sometimes fall (August 3rd – 7th)
  • Dew glistens white on grass (September 8th – 12th)
  • Insects hole up underground (September 28th – October 2nd)
  • Maple leaves and ivy turn yellow (November 2nd – 6th)

While this isn’t necessarily something people go by in modern times, it’s a good reminder that the weather and atmosphere changes very often in Japan and it’s important to be prepared for it all.

Best Time to Visit Japan Winter in Japan

During the winter months, major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto tend to enjoy mild temperatures, but you can find snow and colder temps in the mountains and on Hokkaido (the northernmost island in Japan).

Crowds tend to be fewer during the winter season, except for at the ski resorts where outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled with some of the best powder in the world.

Winter comes with sunshine and blue skies that are statistically the clearest they’ll be all year long.

While winter may not be the first season you think of traveling, there’s actually a ton to do, and we think it is a great time to visit Japan .

  • When is winter in Japan?  December – February
  • Typical weather in Japan during the winter:  Dry, cold, & sunny
  • Average winter temperatures:  35 ° F – 55 ° F (Tokyo) (2 ° C – 13 ° C)
  • least crowded season, great for visiting Japan’s iconic landmarks
  • Japan has great snow for skiing and snowboarding
  • great time for onsens, snow monkeys and seeing scenic landscapes & villages dusted in snow
  • cold weather, averaging around 43°F (6°C)
  • some outdoor activities, like hiking and biking may be more difficult in the winter

Winter months at a glance

  • December:  Third coldest month of the year, lots of Bonenkai (“forget the year”) parties and celebrations. Ski season begins in Sapporo.
  • January:  Coldest month of the year, clear and sunny skies, snowy in the northern part of the country, best month for skiing and winter activities.
  • February:  Second coldest month of the year, still great for skiing in the mountains, yet you can start seeing spring plum blossoms further south in the country.

Best things to do in the winter in Japan

Best Time to Visit Japan Snow Monkey Hot Spring

We have a huge list of all the best things to do during winter in Japan , but here are some highlights:

  • Go skiing or snowboarding
  • Visit traditional villages like Shirakawa-go , which is stunning after a fresh show
  • Go to the Sapporo Snow Festival (held for one week in February)
  • Soak in an onsen (natural hot spring)
  • Fill your belly with hot ramen noodle soup
  • See “snow monkeys” at Jigokudani Monkey Park
  • View Mount Fuji
  • Photograph famous sights with a blanket of snow
  • Check out some of Tokyo’s best activities that take place indoors

Best times and places to ski in Japan

  • Sapporo:  December – March
  • Nagano:  January – February

Winter is the best season to travel to Japan if…

  • …you don’t mind colder temperatures
  • …you want to ski or snowboard
  • …you want to avoid the crowds
  • …you want to save money and travel during off-peak season

What to pack for winter in Japan

  • Lots of layers, including a versatile jacket, gloves and a hat
  • Warm and comfortable footwear and socks
  • Sunglasses (remember, this season has the sunniest days!)
  • Hand warmers (you can buy these pretty much everywhere in Japan)
  • Ski gear (if needed)

Nakasendo Japan

With stunning  sakura  (cherry blossoms) popping up all around the country and temperatures warming, it should come as no surprise that spring is a popular time to visit Japan. A  very  popular time, indeed.

If you travel to Japan in the spring, you’ll be rewarded with comfortable temperatures, beautiful blossoms, and  crowds .

  • When is spring in Japan?  From March – May
  • Typical weather in Japan during the spring:  Nice during the day, but chilly at night. Mostly sunny days with a more showers near the end of May.
  • Average spring temperatures:  40 ° F – 70 ° F (Tokyo) (4 ° C – 21 ° C)
  • comfortable temperatures
  • beautiful cherry blossoms
  • crowded (make travel plans far in advance!)
  • things may be more expensive since it is peak season

What is Golden Week in Japan?

“Golden Week” is a series of four national holidays that all fall within the same week from April 29th – May 5th every year.

  • April 29, Showa Day:  birthday of Emperor Showa, who ruled the country during World War II.
  • May 3, Constitution Day ( Kenpo kinenbi ):  called  ,  this is the celebration of the Japanese constitution ratification in 1947.
  • May 4, Green Day ( Midori no hi ):  similar to Earth Day, this holiday honors the environment.
  • Pssst! For everyone else out there wondering why they don’t include young girls in this, there is a “Girls’ Festival” (Hina Matsuri) on March 3rd.

Many Japanese people have holiday from work during this time, so it is a popular time to travel for both international and domestic visitors.

If your trip falls during these dates (or even a bit before and after), you’ll have the unique opportunity to see some celebrations and mingle with lots of Japanese travelers.

But be warned, you should start booking your accommodation well in advance because rooms sell out in popular places, like Kyoto, for example. You’ll also want to reserve seats on trains ahead of your trip, otherwise you’ll be out of luck.

Should you avoid visiting during Golden Week in Japan?

I’m going to be honest, I don’t think we would travel to Japan during Golden Week because of the insane crowds.

If you want to see Cherry Blossom but aren’t excited about the prospect of crowds, we’d urge you to avoid Golden Week, and instead travel to Japan during early March.

When and where can you see cherry blossoms?

Best Time to Visit Japan Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are only in bloom for roughly one week per location. They bloom at different times throughout the country, so if you want to extend the length of time you can view them, it’s best to travel south to north so you can see them for a longer period of time.

We have an entire guide to how you can see the cherry blossoms during Spring in Japan , but in short, here are some of the best times to go:

  • Fukuoka: Late March – Early April
  • Hiroshima: Late March – Early April
  • Kyoto: First Week of April (very popular)
  • Osaka: First Week of April (very popular)
  • Tokyo: Late March – Early April (very popular)
  • Kanazawa: 1st – 2nd week in April
  • Matsumoto: 2nd- 3rd week in April
  • Sapporo: Late April – Early May

Spring months at a glance

Shirakawa-go Japan

  • March:  Temperatures are still cool, but it noticeably warms throughout the month. Skiing season in the mountains is starting to wind down, and toward the end of the month the first cherry blossoms start to reveal themselves.
  • April:  This is the prime month for cherry blossom viewing, though many Japanese people have a whole week off from work (Golden Week), so most major cherry blossom sites will be incredibly crowded.
  • May:  Very nice weather during the month of May — warm temperatures and sunny skies. Though it is technically the start of typhoon season, strong storms are very rare during the month of May.

Best things to do in the spring in Japan

  • Head to Kyoto to photograph sakura (aka cherry blossoms) of course!
  • Catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji
  • Try some interesting new foods in Japan
  • Take a day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima to check out some of the city’s super important historical sites

Spring is the best season to travel if…

  • …you don’t mind crowds
  • …you want comfortable temperatures (not too cold or too hot)
  • …you want to see the famous cherry blossoms
  • …you can make your bookings well in advance
  • …you don’t mind paying a bit more for hotels and tours during peak season

What to pack for spring in Japan

  • Thicker layers if traveling in March
  • Light jacket for April and May
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hiking attire if you plan to hit the trails

Best Time to Visit Japan Summer in Japan Swimming

Summer in Japan is the time for festivals and celebrations. The summer spans from June to August, with August being the busiest travel month because school is out and many Japanese people travel over the Obon holiday (August 13-15).

(Unlucky for us, we unknowingly decided to visit Japan for our second time in August…whoops!)

Be prepare on ways to beat the humidity because it can get pretty sticky. Also it’s rainy season and the start of typhoon season, so don’t forget your rain jacket and umbrella

  • When is summer in Japan?  June – August
  • Typical weather in Japan during the summer:  Hot, humid, sticky, and rainy. But not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.
  • Average summer temperatures:  70 ° F – 90 ° F (Tokyo) (21 ° C – 32 ° C)
  • Festivals throughout the country during the summer months
  • Prime season for outdoor activities like hiking
  • great time to try scuba diving in Japan
  • can get very humid
  • rain is common at the beginning of summer (June – mid-July), and typhoons are common at the end of summer (August – September)

How bad is the heat in summer, really?

Best Time to Visit Japan Summer in Japan Hiking

Over the last few years, I’ve realized I don’t handle extreme heat very well. I get tired and crabby much more quickly in the heat. Needless to say, I was very nervous about traveling to Japan during August — the hottest month of the year!

So what was it like?

Well, it did get pretty hot, like 98°F hot (37°C). And it did rain on us a few times but typically it would only last for 20-30 minutes and the rain would stop.

Some days were worse than others. After a rain, for example, it was actually pretty comfortable.

We’ve heard that summer in Tokyo is similar to summer in NYC, hot and humid. And Osaka in summer is similar to Washington D.C. in the summer, which is even more hot and humid. 

Knowing what to expect is half the battle , and this way you can prepare yourself for it.

All of our accommodation (even in tiny villages) had strong AC, so we never had an issue with being comfortable at night.

Summer months at a glance

  • June:  The beginning of the month is quite nice, comparable to the weather in May. However,  tsuyu  (rainy season) starts around mid-June and last for about a month. It’s not rainy all day but there is a June gloom feeling that hangs around. Temperatures get warmer and the humidity increases as the month progresses.
  • July:  Starts out rainy because of  tsuyu  (rainy season), this only lasts until mid-July. Temperatures and humidity continue to rise as this is typically the second hottest month of the year. Great time to see festivals including Kyoto famous Gion Matsuri festival.
  • August:  The hottest month of the year in Japan. August is a good time to venture into the mountains to escape the heat. Many Japanese have August 13th-15th off because of Obon holiday, so try to avoid this time because it can get busy.

Best things to do in the summer in Japan

Best Time to Visit Japan Summer in Japan

We have another guide to things to do during summer in Japan , but here are some top recommendations:

  • Check out Tokyo’s digital art museum on a day that’s too hot or rainy to be outside
  • Enjoy festivals including Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri
  • Go hiking through the Japanese Alps or venture up to Hokkaido
  • Scuba diving (apparently the diving is actually really good in Japan!)
  • Head to the beach
  • Watch a baseball game
Ever thought of going  scuba diving in Japan ?  Being an island nation, the diving in Japan is actually quite good, and being an off the radar scuba destinations means less crowded dive sites! If you are visiting Japan in the summer time, you’ll have the best conditions for diving all over the country.

Summer is the best season to travel if…

  • …you don’t mind humidity and a bit of rain
  • …you like outdoor activities like hiking and biking
  • …you want to experience cultural festivals

What to pack for summer in Japan

  • Anti-chafing cream
  • Hand-held fan (you can buy these all over and they make a nice Japanese souvenir )
  • Deodorant, finding quality deodorant in Japan is very difficult (we switched to natural deodorant several years ago and will never go back!)
  • Light, loose clothing that wicks sweat
  • Umbrella for rain and shade

Fall in Japan

With typhoon season peaking at the beginning of September, the start of fall in Japan is typically rainy depending on where you are. However, the weather starts to clear up in October and by November the leaves are changing.

We visited Japan in November 2023 and put together this guide to autumn in Japan that’s full of useful info.

  • When is autumn in Japan?  September – November
  • Typical weather in Japan during the autumn:  Rainy in September and beginning of October because of typhoon season
  • Average autumn temperatures:  50 ° F – 80 ° F (Tokyo) (10 ° C – 27 ° C)
  • nice temperatures
  • beautiful fall foliage in countryside
  • September can be a pretty humid and rainy month, but it starts to get better in October

When can you see fall foliage in Japan?

The colorful leaves peak a bit later than other places in the Northern Hemisphere, like North America and Europe. The best display of autumn colors can typically be seen toward the end of November and even through the beginning of December.

You can find past and current reports of fall foliage here .

Autumn months at a glance

  • September:  peak of typhoon season in the southern prefectures, there can be airport and train delays. But it is the month with the least amount of visitors so it will be less busy.
  • October:  rainy in the beginning of the month but the temperatures start to drop making going outside more manageable.
  • November:  cool, crisp and dry time of year. Autumn foliage peaks near the end of November

Best things to do during the fall in Japan

Nara Japan

  • Hike the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
  • Sneak some views of Mount Fuji
  • See the fall foliage on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
  • Eat sweet treats like deep fried maple leaves in Minoo Park
  • Travel to Osaka for leaf peeping in the parks

Autumn is the best season to travel if…

  • …you are seeking comfortable temperatures
  • …you would like to see (and photograph!) fall foliage
  • …you want to explore the major cities
  • …you like to avoid crowds
  • …you enjoy cool and crisp air

What to pack for fall  in Japan

  • Umbrella just in case it rains
  • Light jacket for November

Holidays & festivals in Japan

Where to stay in Tokyo | Asakusa Tokyo Japan

It’s a good idea to check the calendar before booking your flight to Japan, as there are many national holidays that can affect your travels.

Some of these festivals will be fun to observe, but they can also mean trains book up quickly and hotels mark up their rates for peak times.

Here are some of the (not all!) big holiday dates to know:

  • January 1:  New Year’s Day (people often travel on the days before and after)
  • February 11:  Foundation Day
  • Around March 20 – 21:  Vernal (Spring) Equinox Day
  • April 29 – May 5:  Golden Week
  • 3rd Monday in July:  Marine Day
  • August 11:  Mountain Day
  • August 13 – 15 : Obon
  • 3rd Monday in September:  Respect for the Aged Day
  • Around September 22 – 23:  Autumn Equinox Day 
  • October 1:  Citizens Day 
  • 2nd Monday in October:  Health and Sports Day
  • November 3:  Culture Day
  • November 23 : Labor Thanksgiving Day 
  • December 23:  Emperor’s Birthday

Festivals in Japan

In Japan, festivals are called  matsuri  and they take place all year long. This is a list of some of the more unique festivals in Japan.

  • Jan 15:  Nozawa Fire Festival , in Nagano, Japan
  • Feb 5-12:  Sapporo Yuki Matsuri  (Snow Festival), Sapporo, Hokkaido
  • Late March:  Sumo Wrestling Spring Basho , Osaka
  • Early June:  The Kaiko Kinenbi , Yokohama Port Opening Ceremony (Boat Races)
  • July:  Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri  (Star Festival), Hiratsuka
  • Late July:  Tenjin Matsuri  (Festival of the Gods), Osaka
  • October:  Warai Festival  (Laughing Festival), Wakayama

Best time of year to travel to Japan based on activity

Check the list below to find the activities you’re most interested in doing while in Japan. See what time of year is best to help you decide when to plan your trip.

  • Photography:  Spring or Fall
  • Beating the crowds:  Winter
  • Hiking:  Spring, Summer or Winter
  • Skiing/Snowboarding:  Winter
  • Onsens:  Winter, Spring or Fall
  • Scuba Diving:  Summer
  • Beach Hopping:  Summer
  • Spotting Mount Fuji:  Late Fall, Winter, early Spring
  • Festivals and Celebrations:  All year!

In our opinion…

Us wearing Yakata that was provided by our guesthouse.

We’ve traveled to Japan in both the summer and the wintertime, and each had its own pros and cons.

Summer was hot and humid—like really humid—so we found ourselves sweating through our shirts daily. But we’ve been in hot and humid climates before, so honestly, it wasn’t anything we hadn’t dealt with before. But still, it wasn’t all that pleasant, and it wouldn’t be our season of choice.

The wintertime was picturesque in the countryside where the snow stuck to the ground. And in the big cities, we actually got many sunny, blue sky days which was a surprise. The cold temperatures made it fun to pop into cozy noodle shops or soak in hot onsens, whereas those activities were not quite so pleasant in the August heat.

We preferred winter over summer, because the crowds were fewer and we’re accustomed to cold weather, so we found it to be quite mild actually.

However, if we were able to choose, we would without a doubt, travel to Japan in the fall: early November, specifically.

November has a smaller chance of rain than October, and more comfortable temperatures than December.

The temperatures will have cooled off from the crazy summer humidity, yet it wouldn’t be too cold for hiking. It wouldn’t have quite the same crazy crowds as cherry blossom season brings. And fall foliage in Japan is something we’ve been dreaming about seeing!

Alternatively, early March would offer the beginnings of cherry blossom season, comfortable weather, and less crowds than those you’ll find late April and early May during Golden Week.

How many days do you need in Japan?

couple holding hands in Japan

There’s so much to see and do in Japan that it can be overwhelming trying to decide how long your trip should be. Ideally, 2-3 weeks  will give you enough time to see iconic and lesser-known sights as well as recover from a long travel day and potentially a big time difference.

But the ideal duration for your trip depends on several factors, including destinations you want to visit and your travel style. Our guide to how many days to spend in Japan will help you figure out how much time you need based on what you want to do.

What to pack for traveling to Japan

Mt Fuji Japan autumn

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating these super helpful guides full of  packing hacks and tips for traveling in Japan  that you won’t find anywhere else:

  • Our  Japan packing guide  lists all the essentials (many of which you might not think about), as well as what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan.
  • This article on  what to wear in Japan  will help you create a perfect capsule wardrobe for every season and let you in on some cultural taboos so you can be sure to dress appropriately.
  • With this  FREE Japan packing list PDF download , we’ll send checklists straight to your inbox for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra stuff you may want to have on-hand just in case. Click the image below to get your free copy!

Japan Packing list Opt-In banner

More resources for traveling in Japan

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Japan Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!

  • Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy & Is It Worthwhile?
  • Trip to Japan Cost: Tips for Budget Travel in Japan
  • Japan Pocket Wifi vs. Japanese SIM Card: Review & Comparison
  • Best Japan Travel Apps
  • Expert Tips for Visiting Japan (Dos & Don’ts!)
  • Ultimate Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your First Trip to Japan

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Best Time to Visit Japan | Two Wandering Soles

We’d love to hear from you!

What season sounds best to you? Why? Do you have any more questions after reading this article? We’ll try our best to bet back to you!

Comments (11) on “ Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid! ”

Such a nice article. Thanks for sharing

Thanks, buddy, I really want to visit Japan, and your post makes me more excited about the Japan tour

Thank you so much!! Love the recommendations and help!! Will Use this to Plan my trip

It was a nice post. Pictures were overwhelming !!!!!!

I want to travels Japan

Thanks for sharing

Awesome tips! 👌 My question would be, is there any pro or cons going the last week in May to beginning of June. Looking at 2 weeks. Fukuoka & Tokyo. 😊 TIA!

Did you end up going during that time? We’re going this year in that exact time; late My early June for two weeks.

Want to visit Japan for a conducted tour of 15 days and am thinking of mid September to early October.

Very well article. Thank you very much. This is the first article I read for the trip we are planning. The details were amazing. 🙂

Where was the picture under “summer months at a glance” (with Katie walking up the steps) taken? It’s absolutely beautiful, and I’d love to go there when I visit!

At first, all your pictures are Wonderful. Nice interpretation?

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After South Korea’s Icebreaker, Its President Is Welcomed to Tokyo

The visit, the first of its kind in 12 years, is the latest sign of a diplomatic thaw. North Korea launched a missile hours before the countries’ leaders were to meet.

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By Motoko Rich and Choe Sang-Hun

Reporting from Tokyo and Seoul

When South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, touched down in Japan on Thursday, it was the first time in a dozen years that a leader from Seoul had made the short flight for a one-on-one visit with the Japanese prime minister.

It was a sign that the long-fraught relationship between the two Asian neighbors is thawing, a quick follow-up to last week’s ice-breaking announcement that South Korea would drop its demand that Japanese companies compensate Korean victims of forced labor during World War II.

On Thursday afternoon, Japan gave a further indication that it was reciprocating South Korea’s move when the trade ministry in Tokyo announced that it was moving to drop restrictions on technology exports to South Korea that had been imposed since 2019.

Although the ministry gave no specific date for dropping those restrictions, it was yet another signal that the two countries, which have been at odds over history and territory for years, are now willing to cooperate to face rising threats from North Korea’s advancing nuclear program and China’s growing military ambitions in the region.

Thursday morning brought another reminder of the threat from North Korea, as the country launched an intercontinental ballistic missile for the second time in a month, hours before Mr. Yoon and Mr. Kishida met. South Korean officials said the missile was fired at a steep angle and fell into waters west of Japan.

In a joint news conference after the two leaders met on Thursday, Mr. Kishida said he wanted to open a “new chapter” in relations between the two countries. He said there was an “urgent need to strengthen Japan-Korea relations in this strategic environment.”

The Japanese prime minister said he hoped to visit South Korea and resume “shuttle diplomacy,” with high-level leaders visiting each other’s countries regularly. As for further measures to improve relations, Mr. Kishida was not specific, but he said that as the countries drew closer, new steps would be announced “one by one.”

Mr. Yoon said that with Japan moving to lift the export restrictions on important technology, and with Japanese and Korean tourists visiting each other’s countries, “mutual benefit will be significant, and that is national interest to me.”

The steps toward conciliation by the two leaders are significant not only to Japan and South Korea, but also to their alliance with the United States. The Americans need their two strongest allies in the region to get along so they can focus on creating a bulwark against China, which is upending geopolitical calculations not only in Asia but across the globe .

Mr. Yoon’s visit, which was expected to include a dinner on Thursday at the prime minister’s residence and meetings between business leaders on Friday, was also a test of how well the two leaders could assuage domestic public opinion about issues that have long aroused heated passions in both countries.

“Ninety percent of Japan-South Korea relations are domestic politics,” said Kunihiko Miyake, a former Japanese diplomat who is now a visiting professor at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. “Therefore, nobody knows what’s going to happen.” Mr. Miyake said that he was “still cautiously optimistic, but more optimistic than cautious.”

An aircraft carrier is flanked by ships and trailing a submarine in the open ocean.

For the moment, the political risk is higher for Mr. Yoon. When he announced last week that South Korea would create a government-run fund to pay wartime forced laborers as a workaround for a Korean court order requiring compensation from Japanese companies, victims and activists denounced the agreement.

Opposition lawmakers described it as “one of the worst diplomatic disasters in the history of South Korea-Japan relations.” Public opinion polls released in Seoul this week showed that close to 56 percent of the public regarded Mr. Yoon’s solution to the forced labor dispute as “humiliating diplomacy.”

In Japan, which appeared to give little last week, the response was more favorable — a Kyodo News poll on Monday showed more than 57 percent of the public supporting the South Korean solution.

There is still risk for Mr. Kishida from the right flank of his Liberal Democratic Party and other conservative critics. An editorial in the Sankei Shimbun, a right-leaning newspaper in Tokyo, castigated Japan’s welcoming response to Mr. Yoon’s plan last week as “extremely regrettable” and “pandering” to South Korea for “distorting and denouncing historical facts.”

The newspaper said that by not openly objecting to the agreement, Mr. Kishida had tacitly accepted the South Korean court’s argument: that Japanese companies owed the Korean laborers reparations despite a 1965 agreement through which Japan had already made payments.

Despite such criticism, analysts expect that Japan will eventually offer even more in return. Keidanren, Japan’s largest business federation, announced on Thursday that it would work with its counterpart from South Korea to set up a scholarship fund for student exchanges between the two countries.

South Korea has also suggested that it would like Japanese companies to make voluntary contributions to the forced-labor fund. So far, the Japanese business community has not said much, but analysts said it was probably mulling some kind of conciliatory gesture. Mr. Yoon said that South Korea would not demand that Japanese companies pay into the fund.

“If the South Korean side goes first and doesn’t ask too much of the Japan side, then the Japanese side will try to make an advance,” said Tsuneo Watanabe, senior research fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo.

The last time a South Korean president came to Japan for an official bilateral visit, in 2011, Lee Myung-bak pressed his hosts to compensate Korean women who were forced to work as sex slaves by the Japanese military during World War II.

When Japan did not reciprocate, the South Korean public turned against Mr. Lee, who went on to antagonize Tokyo by visiting a disputed set of islets in the sea between South Korea and Japan in 2012. Relations between the two countries deteriorated from there.

This time around, both sides may have strong reasons to keep the reconciliation on track, as Russia’s war in Ukraine causes energy shortages and supply chain problems, and China’s rising ambitions threaten to alter the balance of power in Asia.

“There are extraneous events that force collaboration and cooperation,” said Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan. Even as relations between Japan and South Korea remained frosty in recent years, trilateral meetings between the Americans, the South Koreans and the Japanese continued.

Last year, Mr. Emanuel said, the United States convened meetings between officials from the three countries more than 40 times. “That normalizes friendships, relationships and trust that didn’t exist before,” he said, helping to support efforts by Seoul and Tokyo to calm the waters between them. After the summit meeting on Thursday, Mr. Kishida said that Japan and South Korea would also seek to renew trilateral meetings with China.

In South Korea, Mr. Yoon was unlikely to have been surprised by the public reaction to his olive branch to Tokyo and would not easily be steered off course by criticism, analysts said.

South Korean politics is so polarized that “turning anti-Japanese won’t get him new credit from voters,” said Bong Youngshik, an expert on South Korea-Japan relations at Yonsei University in Seoul.

The loudest criticism in South Korea comes from activists who have long argued that Japan has not done enough to atone for its atrocities during the 35 years it occupied the Korean Peninsula.

But with the urgency for South Korea and Japan to cooperate in combating geopolitical threats, “South Koreans need to let their government get on with the business of governance,” said Katharine H.S. Moon , professor emerita of political science at Wellesley College.

During Mr. Yoon’s visit, Tokyo lent a hand to the conciliatory message by staging the kind of hospitable and convivial show that Japan specializes in for official diplomatic meetings. Local media reported that in addition to hosting a formal working dinner at his residence, Mr. Kishida would take Mr. Yoon for a casual post-dinner drink and a snack of “omurice,” a popular Japanese version of an omelet on fried rice that Mr. Yoon has said he enjoys.

If the visit does mark more than a momentary reprieve in tensions, it will most likely cause concerns in China, said Victor Cha , a professor of government and international affairs at Georgetown University and Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

“China counts on Japan and Korea hating each other,” Mr. Cha said. “That’s part of their strategy to divide and weaken the U.S. position in Asia.”

Hikari Hida contributed reporting from Tokyo.

Motoko Rich is the Tokyo bureau chief, where she covers Japanese politics, society, gender and the arts, as well as news and features on the Korean peninsula. She has covered a broad range of beats at The Times, including real estate, the economy, books and education. More about Motoko Rich

Choe Sang-Hun is the Seoul bureau chief for The New York Times, focusing on news on North and South Korea. More about Choe Sang-Hun

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How to Travel From Japan to Korea: A Complete Guide

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How to Travel From Japan to Korea

Japan and Korea are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, and for good reason. Both countries offer a wealth of cultural attractions, delicious food, and stunning natural scenery. But what if you want to visit both countries on the same trip? Is it possible to travel from Japan to Korea without flying?

The answer is yes! It is possible to travel from Japan to Korea by train, ferry, or bus. Each method of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to travel from Japan to Korea, including the pros and cons of each method. We’ll also provide tips on how to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

So whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation, read on for all the information you need to know about traveling from Japan to Korea!

Transportation Options

There are a number of different ways to travel from Japan to Korea, depending on your budget and time constraints. The most common options are by flight, train, ferry, or bus.

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Japan and Korea. There are direct flights between major cities in both countries, with flight times ranging from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. The most popular airlines that offer direct flights between Japan and Korea are Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.

Taking the train is a more scenic and leisurely way to travel between Japan and Korea. The journey takes between 10 and 12 hours, and you will pass through some beautiful countryside along the way. The KTX is the fastest train between the two countries, with a journey time of around 10 hours. The JR Tokaido Shinkansen is also a good option, with a journey time of around 12 hours.

Taking the ferry is a more affordable way to travel between Japan and Korea. The journey takes between 12 and 14 hours, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the open sea. The most popular ferry companies that offer services between Japan and Korea are JR Kyushu Ferries, Korea Line, and Hanil Ferry.

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel between Japan and Korea. The journey takes between 14 and 16 hours, and you will pass through some small towns and villages along the way. The most popular bus companies that offer services between Japan and Korea are Kobus, Hanil Express, and Korail.

Visa Requirements

Japanese citizens

Japanese citizens do not need a visa to travel to Korea for tourism or business purposes. They can stay in Korea for up to 90 days without a visa.

Korean citizens

Korean citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan for tourism or business purposes. They can stay in Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.

Other nationalities

Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa to travel to both Japan and Korea. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit. For more information on visa requirements, please visit the websites of the Japanese Embassy or the Korean Embassy in your country.

Traveling from Japan to Korea is easy and convenient. There are a number of different ways to travel between the two countries, depending on your budget and time constraints. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, ferry, or bus, you are sure to have a memorable trip.

Itinerary Planning

When planning your trip from Japan to Korea, you’ll need to decide how long you want to spend in each country. If you’re only interested in seeing the major highlights, you could easily do it in a week or less. However, if you want to explore both countries in more depth, you’ll need to allow for more time.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a two-week trip from Japan to Korea:

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel. In the evening, head to Shinjuku for dinner and some nightlife.

Day 2: Spend the day exploring Tokyo. Visit the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Tower, and the Shibuya Crossing. In the evening, see a traditional Japanese performance.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Day 4: Fly from Tokyo to Seoul. Check into your hotel and explore the city center. In the evening, head to Gangnam for dinner and some karaoke.

Day 5: Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Changdeokgung Palace, and the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Day 6: Take a day trip to Busan. Visit the Haeundae Beach, the Jagalchi Fish Market, and the Gamcheon Culture Village.

Day 7: Fly from Seoul to Osaka. Check into your hotel and explore the city center. In the evening, head to Dotombori for dinner and some bar hopping.

Day 8: Visit the Universal Studios Japan theme park, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and the Shinsekai district.

Day 9: Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Day 10: Fly from Osaka to Tokyo. Check into your hotel and explore the city center. In the evening, see a traditional Japanese performance.

Day 11: Spend the day relaxing at an onsen (hot spring).

Day 12: Visit the Ghibli Museum, the Tokyo Tower, and the Shibuya Crossing.

Day 13: Fly from Tokyo to your home country.

This itinerary can be customized to fit your interests and budget. If you’re interested in spending more time in one country or another, you can easily add or remove days. You can also choose to stay in different cities or towns, or to do more or less sightseeing.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, a trip from Japan to Korea is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

What to See and Do in Japan

Japan is a vast and diverse country with something to offer everyone. Here are a few of the top things to see and do in Japan:

  • Visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is located in the heart of Tokyo and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
  • See the Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the Shiba-koen district of Minato, Tokyo. It is a popular tourist attraction and is one of the tallest structures in Japan.
  • Explore the Shibuya Crossing. The Shibuya Crossing is a busy intersection in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and neon lights.
  • Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city.
  • Explore the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the Fushimi ward of Kyoto. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan and is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a memorial park in the center of Hiroshima, Japan. It commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
  • Visit the Nara Park. The Nara Park is a large park in the Nara Prefecture of Japan. It is home to a large population of deer and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.

It takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to fly from Tokyo to Seoul.

What is the best way to travel from Japan to Korea?

The best way to travel from Japan to Korea depends on your budget and time constraints. The most popular methods of transportation are by plane, train, and ferry.

** How much does it cost to travel from Japan to Korea?

The cost of travel from Japan to Korea varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. A plane ticket from Tokyo to Seoul typically costs around $150-200, a train ticket costs around $100-150, and a ferry ticket costs around $50-100.

** What are the visa requirements for traveling from Japan to Korea?

Citizens of Japan do not need a visa to travel to Korea for tourism or business purposes. However, they must have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

** What are the customs regulations for traveling from Japan to Korea?

There are no restrictions on the amount of money that you can bring into or out of Korea. However, you must declare any cash or monetary instruments over $10,000. You can also bring in duty-free goods up to the following limits:

  • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco
  • 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
  • 16 ounces of perfume or eau de toilette
  • 2 kilograms of coffee or tea
  • 60 milliliters of perfume or eau de toilette
  • 100 grams of cosmetics
  • 100 grams of food

** What are the health requirements for traveling from Japan to Korea?

There are no specific health requirements for traveling from Japan to Korea. However, it is always advisable to be up-to-date on your vaccinations, especially if you are traveling from a country with a high risk of malaria.

** What are the safety precautions for traveling from Japan to Korea?

Korea is a safe country to travel to. However, there are a few safety precautions that you should take, such as:

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Keep your valuables close to you.
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol.
  • Be wary of scams.
  • If you are in an emergency, call 112.

** What are the cultural differences between Japan and Korea?

Japan and Korea are two neighboring countries with a long history of cultural exchange. However, there are also some key differences between the two cultures.

  • Language: The official languages of Japan and Korea are Japanese and Korean, respectively. However, both languages share a common origin and have many similarities.
  • Religion: The majority of people in Japan are Shintoists or Buddhists, while the majority of people in Korea are Christians or Buddhists.
  • Food: The cuisines of Japan and Korea are both heavily influenced by rice, seafood, and vegetables. However, there are also some key differences in the way that food is prepared and eaten.
  • Social etiquette: The social etiquette of Japan and Korea is similar in many ways. However, there are also some key differences in the way that people interact with each other.

** What are some tips for traveling to Korea?

Here are a few tips for traveling to Korea:

  • Learn some basic Korean phrases. This will help you to communicate with locals and make your trip more enjoyable.
  • Be respectful of Korean culture. This includes being aware of your surroundings, dressing appropriately, and being polite.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The people of Korea are generally very friendly and helpful. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a local.

** What are some popular tourist destinations in Korea?

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Korea include:

  • Seoul: The capital of Korea, Seoul is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in Seoul, including visiting the palaces, temples, and museums.
  • Busan: The second-largest city in Korea, Busan is a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and temples.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The most popular way to travel between Japan and Korea is by plane. Flights are frequent and affordable, and the journey takes just a few hours.
  • You can also travel between the two countries by ferry. Ferries are slower than flights, but they offer a more scenic and relaxing journey.
  • When planning your trip, be sure to factor in the time difference between Japan and Korea. Korea is 1 hour ahead of Japan.
  • It is important to have a valid passport when traveling between Japan and Korea. You may also need a visa, depending on your nationality.
  • For more information on traveling between Japan and Korea, please visit the websites of the Japanese and Korean governments.

Happy travels!

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visit japan or korea

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Jaishankar’s Strategic Engagement in South Korea and Japan

Jaishankar’s visit and meetings in tokyo will provide strategic guidance to functional cooperation between the two sides in these areas..

S Jaishankar, Russia, India and Russia, Russia ukraine war, Russian crude oil, top news, latest news, latest defence news,

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will travel to South Korea and Japan during March 5-8 for talks with his counterparts on bilateral, regional and global issues, including challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Agenda of the 2-nation visit

The visit to South Korea and Japan, two of India ’s major partners, will impart further momentum to bilateral exchanges and set the agenda for future cooperation,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

visit japan or korea

The minister will first travel to Seoul for a two-day visit from March 5-6 to co-chair the 10th India – Republic of Korea Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. He is expected to meet other dignitaries, heads of think tanks and the Indian community.

visit japan or korea

The India-South Korea special strategic partnership has expanded to diverse areas such as trade, investments, defence, education and technology . The joint commission meeting is expected to comprehensively review bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for further strengthening it, the statement said. The meeting will also be an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional and global issues.

In the second leg of the trip, Jaishankar will visit Japan from March 6-8 for the 16th India-Japan Foreign Minister’s Strategic Dialogue with the Foreign Minister of Japan, Yoko Kamikawa.

The two ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues and exchange views on cooperation for a free, open, inclusive and peaceful Indo-Pacific.

The India-Japan special strategic and global partnership has deepened in the last decade in areas such as defence, digital technologies, semiconductor supply chains, clean energy, high-speed rail, industrial competitiveness and connectivity.

Jaishankar’s visit and meetings in Tokyo will provide strategic guidance to functional cooperation between the two sides in these areas. And he is also expected to interact with business leaders, think tanks and academia.

During the weekly briefing on Thursday (Feb 29, 2024) the official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India shares a very expansive, broad-based, multifaceted relationship with South Korea and during the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the nation, all aspects of this relationship would be discussed.

“EAM is to visit Japan and S Korea from March 5-8. In South Korea, he will be attending the 10th joint commission meeting, where we have a very expansive, broad-based, multifaceted relationship with S Korea,” he said.

In response to a question the official spokesperson of the MEA said:  “All aspects of the relationship would be discussed.” Jaiswal also emphasised on India’s strong ties with Japan and stated that the foreign minister-level strategic dialogue will be conducted during the visit.

He said, “EAM would be visiting Japan. We have very strong ties with Japan. The foreign minister-level strategic dialogue will be conducted during the visit. When it comes to Japan, a very special country, a very special partner for India.” “We have a broad-based, and expansive relationship that goes into several domains,” he added. 

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Follow our news, recent searches, commentary: a summit between japan and north korea about time, advertisement.

With North Korea's Kim Jong Un extending an olive branch to Tokyo, high-level talks may be on the cards, but roadblocks remain, says this observer of East Asian politics.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae visit the Ministry of National Defense on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army in Pyongyang, North Korea in this picture released on Feb 9, 2024 by the Korean Central News Agency. (Photo: KCNA via Reuters)

BOSTON, Massachusetts:  North Korea keeps on surprising. While Pyongyang is busy erasing all references to unification with South Korea , it is extending an olive branch to Japan.

It all began early in 2024 when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a rare message of sympathy for a deadly earthquake in central Japan to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Kishida welcomed the message, saying that he felt a “strong need” for the two countries to improve their relations.

Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong responded to Kishida’s remark positively. She went as far as welcoming Kishida to visit Pyongyang as long as Japan did not lay a “stumbling block” - a subtle reference to the issue of past abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korean agents. Kishida is personally supervising high-level discussions with North Korea to make a Kim-Kishida summit a reality.

North Korea’s outreach to Japan after more than four years of silence is causing much speculation about Pyongyang’s true intention and whether such a summit would materialise.

Four years ago, I wrote about the prospect of a Japan-North Korea summit between Kim and Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe on the precipice of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At that time, North Korea had already met leaders from the United States, South Korea, China, Russia, Singapore and Vietnam. It was thus natural that Abe would be next on Kim’s list.

However, two factors ended the prospect of a Japan-North Korea summit in its infancy. First, neither country was able to overcome the abduction issue. Abe previously declared the return of the remaining abductees would be the precondition for normalisation and sanctions relief per the 2002 Pyongyang Declaration.

After the failed Hanoi summit in February 2019, Abe softened the precondition in an offer of dialogue to Kim, but the North Korean leader was not interested because Kim understood that so long as the United States did not agree to sanctions relief, there was little Japan could provide North Korea.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. While North Korea had to close its borders to fight the virus, Japan had to cancel the 2020 Summer Olympics. There were no sparks like the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that could rekindle a Japan-North Korea dialogue.

visit japan or korea

Commentary: North Korea ramps up military rhetoric as Kim Jong Un gives up on reunification with South

visit japan or korea

Commentary: North Korea unlikely to start a war it will lose

Sign of north korean confidence.

North Korea only re-opened earlier this year, finding itself in a much more permissive international environment than in 2019 when Abe extended the olive branch, and with that the negotiation leverage vis-a-vis Japan.

The country is no longer isolated, and it is benefiting from trade with Russia and China. Even worse for Japan, North Korea has been making steady progress in its missile programmes and successfully scared Tokyo into issuing an evacuation order for northern Japan in April 2023 due to a missile launch. With North Korea having broken its long-range missile test moratorium, there is nothing stopping Pyongyang from firing its missiles over Japan.

It is not a coincidence that North Korea is only accepting the offer of dialogue with Japan now when it has significantly increased regional tension with Russian and Chinese backing. Kim Yo Jong inviting Kishida to visit Pyongyang is a sign of North Korean confidence , not of concern about the revitalised US-Japan-South Korea trilateral alliance.

Similar to his predecessor Abe, Kishida suggested that he would be willing to meet Kim without any preconditions. However, Kishida will not be able to leverage North Korea’s isolation and economic hardships to make progress on the abduction issue as Abe tried to do in 2019. North Korea remains adamant that the abduction issue was resolved during the visits by Japan’s former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visits in 2002 and 2004.

Kim also demanded the Japanese government sincerely apologise and pay reparations for the crimes committed against North Korea during the Japanese occupation of the peninsula. In the absence of a green light for sanctions relief from the United States, Japan could not propose an economic deal, including compensations for its colonial era occupation, lucrative enough for North Korea to accept. The easiest step in improving bilateral relations would only be the resumption of a ferry route between Wonsan in North Korea and Niigata in Japan.

visit japan or korea

AT WHAT PRICE?

However, the huge impact of small steps cannot be discounted. North Korea responding to Kishida’s offer for dialogue is a good sign that the country is not planning to wage a war against South Korea and the trilateral partners.

It also demonstrates North Korea wants to maintain its 2018 diplomatic momentum and is preparing for Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House . Facing a stubborn conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, North Korea sees Kishida as a potential replacement to the role of peacemaker that former liberal South Korean president Moon Jae-in held in 2018 and 2019.

If Kim can persuade Kishida of his peaceful intention, Kim could bypass South Korea when resuming diplomacy with the United States. If a Kishida-Kim summit does not materialise, Kim has little to lose because he can always count on Chinese and Russian backing. The question may not be about whether a summit will happen, but at what price it will happen.

Khang Vu is a doctoral candidate in the Political Science Department at Boston College, where he focuses on East Asian politics and nuclear weapons. This commentary first appeared on Lowy Institute’s blog, The Interpreter.

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Mint Explainer: What’s on Jaishankar’s agenda in South Korea and Japan?

External affairs minister S Jaishankar. Photo: HT_PRINT

  • India’s foreign minister is expected to discuss cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, Indo-pacific issues, and China during his four-day visit that begins on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar will leave for a four-day visit to South Korea and Japan, where he is expected to discuss cooperation on advanced technologies, especially semiconductors, besides a host of other issues. Mint breaks down his agenda.

What's on the cards?

Jaishankar will first travel to Seoul, where he is expected to chair the 10th India-Korea Joint Commission Meeting with the new South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae-yul. At previous meetings, the two countries have focused on supply-chain security and collaborating on advanced technologies. Last August, India’s deputy national security adviser Vikram Misri visited South Korea to discuss critical and emerging technologies. New Delhi and Seoul have also set up a trilateral dialogue with the US on critical tech, led by the National Security Councils of the three countries.

Jaishankar will then travel on to Japan on Wednesday, where he will meet foreign minister Yoko Komikawa. According to India’s foreign ministry, the two will discuss defence, digital technologies, semiconductors, clean energy and high-speed rail, among other things.

What are the other issues on the agenda?

Discussions on Indo-Pacific issues and China are also expected during the visit. While Japan is a member of the Quad and has spoken about its concerns regarding China, South Korea has been more reticent. Seoul has attempted a more balanced policy as it tries to find a path between China and the United States.

Trade and investment will also be a likely topic of conversation with both Tokyo and Seoul. While Japan has announced targets for large investments into India, Seoul’s investment in India remains relatively muted.

What are the issues in bilateral ties?

Experts have said that Seoul and New Delhi have often found it hard to prioritise the other. India’s focus in East Asia has typically been on China and Japan, while South Korea’s recent efforts to diversify its foreign partners, such as through the New Southern Policy, have focussed on Southeast Asian countries rather than India. India has also raised concerns that its 2009 free trade agreement with South Korea is unbalanced in Seoul’s favour. Meanwhile, New Delhi and Tokyo have seen fairly anaemic growth in bilateral trade.

What are the key strategic issues?

India and South Korea have had some success on defence. India has bought K9 Vajra howitzers, made by Korea’s Hanwha, for its army. A senior executive from Hanwha told Indian media that submarines and space-technology cooperation could be a key focus. Defence ministers from both countries have travelled to the other and bureaucracies have remained in touch. Although both sides raised their strategic dialogue to the level of a 2+2 Ministerial meeting in 2019, no such meeting has taken place.

India and Japan have also committed to working together on robotics, underwater platforms and drones.

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Reuters

Japan PM Kishida plans South Korea visit on March 20, Fuji TV reports

T OKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is considering visiting South Korea on March 20, broadcaster Fuji TV reported on Wednesday.

Kishida seeks to meet President Yoon Suk Yeol and discuss issues including North Korea ahead of the South Korean legislative election in April, Fuji TV reported, citing government sources.

Kishida last visited South Korea in May 2023 as part of the two East Asian neighbours' "shuttle diplomacy", or regular visits between the leaders in the wake of improved bilateral relations.

(Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama and Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a Japan-Italy bilateral meeting at the Japan's prime minister office in Tokyo, February 5, 2024. Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

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COMMENTS

  1. Should you visit Japan or South Korea?

    Japan is almost four times bigger than South Korea. And while there's arguably more to see in Japan overall, that's part of the problem. Itinerary planning is a headache, and getting around is expensive. No such worries apply in South Korea, however. You can travel the length of the country - from the electric capital Seoul to the ...

  2. Japan vs. Korea: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Help You Decide

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  3. Should I go to Japan or South Korea? Which is Cheaper? Which is Better

    10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to South Korea or Japan can really add to your travel budget. Accommodation is often cheaper in South Korea compared to Japan ($50 vs. $59). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

  4. Japan Vs Korea: Where Should You Go On Tour Next?

    During this time, crowds, hotel accommodation, and temperatures are at an all-time high. The best time to visit South Korea is in spring and fall. Crowds are much lower than the peak season and weather is overall quite pleasant. Hotel rates are also much more reasonable. Spring: March, April and May.

  5. Japan or South Korea?

    The verdict. Japan and South Korea might be similarly located in Asia, but they couldn't be more different, and to be honest, choosing between the two is pretty much impossible. Both countries offer incredible experiences thanks to their respective cultures, cuisines, and attractions - in fact, you can't really go wrong with either of them.

  6. How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Japan and South Korea

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  7. South Korea vs Japan: Which Country is Best for Adventure Travel?

    Overall, Japan is a more popular and iconic adventure destination, as it includes the impressive Mount Fuji, the tall Japanese Alps, and offers a greater range of winter sports activities. However, South Korea still has plenty of amazing national parks, with beautiful protected mountains, and it tends to be cheaper to visit.

  8. Japan vs. Korea

    Japan and Korea are two of the hottest travel destinations lately, and for good reasons. Despite being geographically close to each other, they offer very different tourist experiences, calling for a visit to both the countries at least once in your lifetime. However, when you only have so little time and so little money, you've got to choose.

  9. Itinerary Planning Cheatsheet For East Asia

    Check out our ultimate USJ guide and Disneyland and DisneySea guide to find your way around!. Cultural Experiences. Check out lesser-known cultural experiences like this Sumo Morning Training Visit (~S$144) where you'll get a sneak peek into the lives of professional Sumo wrestlers.. If you love dressing up, check out the Kyoto Kimono Rental and Maiko Dinner Show (~S$670), or this Ninja ...

  10. Korea VS Japan: Which is Cheaper for Traveling?

    Final Verdict: Korea. Gyeongbukgung ( Thomas Park) While it's clear that Korea is the final winner for budget travellers, Japan and Korea are both beautiful countires to visit regardless of season. If you're still having troubles on picking which country to visit, take a look at some of the travel activities available in Japan and Korea.

  11. Should You Visit Japan or Korea (or Both)?

    Whether you travel from South Korea to Japan or vice-versa, you're in for a culinary treat. Largely, I would say that Japan's cuisine is more diverse, ranging from delicate dishes like sushi and sashimi to down-home comfort food like tonkatsu fried pork cutlet and ramen noodle soup. Korean food has some range too (beyond kimchi and bibimbap, you can enjoy kimbap rolls and dakgangjeong ...

  12. 3 Weeks In South Korea and Japan Itinerary

    The travel time takes about 21 hours, and the ports are between Busan, South Korea to Hakata/Fukuoka, Japan. You can choose from two companies: Kampu Ferries and Camellia Line Ferries. However, in 2019, Kampu Ferries limited their services to Japanese nationals. You can read more information here.

  13. Japan VS Korea: The Ultimate Budget Travel Showdown

    Japan and Korea may have a reputation for being one of the most expensive travel destinations, but vacationing on a budget is certainly doable with helpful research. It's a tight comparison and judging from the verdicts alone, Korea leads only by a slight margin with affordable seasonal rates, accommodation costs, budget shopping, and yearly ...

  14. East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan

    East Asia Essentials: Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Toshiko. Update: May 02, 2023. 34. An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia's most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more!

  15. Which to visit? Japan or South Korea? : r/travel

    If you only have a couple weeks, then S. Korea could be covered pretty well. Japan on the other hand is larger and spreads so far from North to South, that in a longer period of time you could really experience the breadth of its natural beauty. Asleep-District-4762. • 2 yr. ago.

  16. 16-Day South Korea and Japan Cultural Adventure Tour

    Embark on an epic East Asian Adventure: explore South Korea and Japan with a 2-week expedition across Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of these mesmerizing destinations, witness world-famous landmarks, and discover historical cities. With our meticulously planned itinerary ...

  17. South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo

    Korea's easterly neighbor, Japan, offers up rich history, cultural immersion, and impeccable hospitality that's always in high demand. ... Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about traditional ways of life, which are rapidly disappearing as a result of modernization and urbanization. Enter bustling Gwangjang Market, the city ...

  18. Highlights of Korea and Japan

    12 days in Kyushu from Fukuoka to Fukuoka. 9 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka. 10 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka. Advantage. 5-day itinerary that offers our passengers a more local cultural experience than you will find in the big city. Join our refreshing Anime Tour of Japan through Tokyo, Hakone and Nagoya.

  19. Japan

    Air. There are numerous daily flights between Japan and Korea. Prices are around US$430- US$570 for a round trip ticket Japan - Korea and slightly cheaper Korea - Japan. Over 20 airlines fly between Japan and Korea, with numerous flights to and from various airports in both countries. All flight times are approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

  20. How to Plan a 12-Day Trip in Japan and South Korea

    Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration: Days 1-3: Seoul in South Korea. Day 4: Gyeongju. Days 5-7: Fly to Osaka in Japan and then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Days 8-9: Hakone. Days 10-12: Tokyo. Start your wonderful trip in the energetic capital city of Seoul, South Korea.

  21. 3-Week Itinerary For Visiting South Korea And Japan

    Updated at October 6, 2022 by Kimota. Assuming you would like a travel itinerary for visiting both South Korea and Japan in two weeks: Days 1-3: Arrive in Tokyo, Japan. Spend time exploring the city and visit popular tourist destinations such as the Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple, and the Meiji Shrine. Days 4-6: Take the bullet train to Osaka.

  22. Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!

    Driest months in Japan: December and January. Most crowded month in Japan: late April - early May (aka "Golden Week", explained in the section about Spring) Least crowded months in Japan: January - early March are the least popular times to visit, which can mean cheaper prices and less crowds.

  23. After 12 Years, Japan Welcomes a South Korean Leader to Tokyo

    After South Korea's Icebreaker, Its President Is Welcomed to Tokyo. The visit, the first of its kind in 12 years, is the latest sign of a diplomatic thaw. North Korea launched a missile hours ...

  24. How to Travel From Japan to Korea: A Complete Guide

    Day 3: Take a day trip to Kyoto. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Day 4: Fly from Tokyo to Seoul. Check into your hotel and explore the city center. In the evening, head to Gangnam for dinner and some karaoke.

  25. Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Jaishankar's Strategic Engagement in South

    "EAM is to visit Japan and S Korea from March 5-8. In South Korea, he will be attending the 10th joint commission meeting, where we have a very expansive, broad-based, multifaceted relationship ...

  26. Commentary: A summit between Japan and North Korea? About time

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae visit the Ministry of National Defense on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army in Pyongyang ...

  27. Japan, North Korea hint they are ready for high-level talks

    Japan wants the return of its nationals abducted by North Korea, while Pyongyang is looking for sanctions relief. However, big hurdles remain to opening lines of communication.

  28. Mint Explainer: What's on Jaishankar's agenda in South Korea and Japan?

    Discussions on Indo-Pacific issues and China are also expected during the visit. While Japan is a member of the Quad and has spoken about its concerns regarding China, South Korea has been more ...

  29. Japan PM Kishida plans South Korea visit on March 20, Fuji TV reports

    TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is considering visiting South Korea on March 20, broadcaster Fuji TV reported on Wednesday. Kishida seeks to meet President Yoon Suk Yeol and ...