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

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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.

japan south korea taiwan trip

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.

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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.

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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.

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for over 10 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.

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Japan South Korea Taiwan Tour – 18 Days

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It is time for you to discover the wonderful, exotic, and unique destinations of the three countries in East Asia. The 18-day tour leading you to experience the culture, taste the traditional food and further discover the vibrant atmosphere of Japan – South Korea – Taiwan in the modern age. What you get into via this tour would be unparalleled to anywhere else and you, without doubt, want to explore more.

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General Information

Tour highlights.

  • Experience enchanting Japan – South Korea – Taiwan
  • Cruise trip along the Sun Moon Lake
  • Admire panoramic stunning view while standing on the 89th floor
  • Enjoy the fastest bullet train

Tour Details

Duration : 19 Days/ 18 Nights Start/ End : Taipei/ Tokyo Tour Route : Taipei – Kaohsiung – Taitung – Hualien – Taipei – Seoul – Jeonju – Yeosu – Gyeongju – Wonju – Seoul – Osaka – Nara – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima – Tokyo Tour Type : Exploration & Experience Tour  Customization : Definitely! Tell us your interest Vehicle : private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver Guide Service : Private English-speaking guide (Other languages upon request) Tour Departure : No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!

Brief Itinerary

Day 01 : Taipei Arrival Day 02 :Sun Moon Lake – Foguangshan Monastery – Kaohsiung Day 03 : Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung Day 04:  Taitung – East Coast National Scenic Area – Hualien Day 05 : Hualien – Taroko Gorge – Qingshui Cliff – Taipei

South Korea

Day 06 : Taipei to Seoul Day 07 – 08: Seoul City Tour Day 09 : Seoul – Jeonju Day 10 : Jeonju – Yeosu Day 11 : Yeosu – Gyeongju Day 12 : Gyeongju – Wonju Day 13 : Wonju – Seoul

Day 14: Seoul – Osaka Day 15 : Osaka to Nara – Kyoto – Osaka Day 16 : Osaka – Hiroshima Day 17 : Hiroshima – Tokyo Day 18 :  Sightseeing Tour in Tokyo

Full Itinerary

Day 01: taipei arrival.

Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will be waiting to meet you and escort you to the hotel. En route, we will stop over the famous Taipei 101 which is the second tallest skyscraper in the world. While standing on the 89th floor of this site, you can witness a majestic vista. The rest of the day will be yours, relax at leisure. Overnight in Taipei.

taipei - japan korea taiwan trip

Day 02: Sun Moon Lake – Foguangshan Monastery – Kaohsiung (B, L)

Today, we head to Xiangshan Visitor Center . This uniquely designed building owns wood-patterned exteriors & wings stretching like human arms that embrace the earth.  Additionally, the 2 giant canopy structures, 34-m-long and 8-m-tall each, allow you to get into stunning sceneries of the Sun Moon Lake from the top.

sunmoon lake in taiwan

Then, drive to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery , the most renowned Buddhist holy place of southern Taiwan. Here, learn about Buddhism during the monastery walking tour, and there will be an opportunity to try a  Buddhist vegetarian lunch (at your own cost) and bump into some of the monks and nuns during our visit to the Main Shrine , Great Buddha Land where you will find a huge Buddha statue. Later, in the afternoon, we will drive to Kaohsiung City – the second-largest city in Taiwan. The tour will take you to Love River as well as Liuhe Night Market . Overnight at Kaohsiung.

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery

Day 03: Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung (B, L)

Breakfast and we enjoy a visit to Kenting National Park which is located at Taiwan’s southern tip and the 60km of coral-rimmed shoreline along the 3 sides of the park offer its main attractions. We will stop at Chuanfan Rock , Oluanpi lighthouse , Maopitou coastal scenic area , and Longpan Park . Continue to transfer to Taitung via Southern Link Highway . Overnight at Taitung.

Longpan Park in taiwan

Day 04: Taitung – East Coast National Scenic Area – Hualien (B, L)

This morning, we enjoy an exhilarating East Coast National Scenic Tour . The East Coast National Scenic Area aka Taiwan’s Last Unspoiled Land, stretches 170 kilometers down the east coast of the island. Elements that are weathering, erosion, and accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here. We will stop at Xiaoyeliu , Sanxiantai , ShiTiPing , Fanshuliao , Marble Factory as well as Exhibition Hall . In the late afternoon, we will traverse to one of the most stunning national parks in Taiwan – Taroko Gorge National Park . Overnight in Hualien.

East Coast National Scenic Area

Day 05: Hualien – Taroko Gorge – Qingshui Cliff – Taipei (B, L)

Today, spend a whole day visiting Taroko National Park and, Taroko Gorge is an exceptionally beautiful, narrow raving created by the Liwu river that has cut deep into the mountains of solid marble. A road is carved into sheer walls of rock that rewinds its way past forested peaks as well as cliffs that tower thousands of feet above it, while hundreds of feet below a river roaring past gigantic marble boulders.

Taroko Gorge

Passing tunnel of Nine Turns , Ci Mu Bridge and we stop at Shakadang Trail or Lushui Trail , Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Temple), Swallow Grotto, and Qingshui Cliff . We will drive back to Taipei via Su-Hwa Highway and Hsuei-Shan Long Tunnel (12.9 Kms) to arrive at around 6-7 PM.

Eternal Spring Shrine in taiwan

Day 06 – 07 – 08: Taipei to Seoul (B, L)

Today, morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Seoul . Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to greet and escort you to the hotel where you will stay for 2 days.

seoul tower in south korea

During our 3 days in Seoul, we visit several stunning tourist attractions in Seoul such as Seoul Tower , Gyeongbokgung , Cheongwadae Palace , COFX Aquarium , Dora Observatory , Dorasan Peace Park , the third tunnel, and so on. Every destination has its own important and significant features making our journey would be more fascinating. Overnight in Seoul.

Day 09: Seoul – Jeonju (B, L)

Today you’ll meet your guide at 8 am at a predetermined meeting point near Gwanghwamun Intersection . Depart from Seoul to drive around 1.5 hours to Gongju, where you will visit the UNESCO-listed Tomb of King Muryeong and the Gongsanseong Fortress . Next, we’ll continue another 1.5 hours to Buyeo, the ancient capital of the Baekje Dynasty . Visit Baekje Cultural Land , where you will see a palace, castle, cultural hall, and more.

Gongsanseong Fortress in south korea

You’ll also have the option to take an optional boat ride to see Goransa Temple and Nakhwaam Bluff (extra $15 per person) where 3,000 court ladies of Baekje plunged into the river to get away from being captured and dishonored when the enemy breached the castle on the last day of the Kingdom. Next, we’ll continue another hour to UNESCO-listed Jeonju Hanok Village , including about 700 traditional Korean “Hanok” houses . Overnight in Jeonju.

Jeonju Hanok Village in south korea

Day 10: Jeonju – Yeosu (B, L)

Today, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we’ll transfer 1 hour and 20 minutes to Gwangju , where we’ll head to the Gwangju City Museum (closed on Mondays) to learn more about this historically rich place. After learning about Korean culture and history, we’ll move on to the Boseong Green Tea Plantation , a stunning, verdant, and peaceful getaway. Next, we’ll drive about an hour to Suncheon , where you will visit the stunning Suncheon Bay Garden . Finally, we’ll arrive in Yeosu , a lovely port city. See the Historic Site of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Path before overnighting in Yeosu.

Boseong Green Tea Plantation in south korea

Day 11: Yeosu – Gyeongju (B, L)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, head out to discover the Jinjuseong Fortress and the Nongae Shrine , historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592. We’ll continue 1.5 hours to the seaside city of Busan. Discover the city on an afternoon tour that visits the Jagalchi Market , Korea’s largest seafood market, and then Haeundae Beach to soak up the sun. Finally, travel to Gyeongju  for overnight.

Jinjuseong Fortress

Day 12: Gyeongju – Wonju (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll embark on a Gyeongju City Tour at 8:00 am. See the UNESCO World Heritage Seokguram Grotto ($5 entrance fee not included) and the Bulguksa Temple , world-famous for its stunning architecture. Next, we’ll drive about 2.5 hours to Andong Hahoe Folk Village , preserved since the Joseon Dynasty and continuing to thrive to this day. Then, we’ll continue 2 hours to Wonju, surrounded by the stunning Chiaksan Mountains and the Seam River. This city was the capital of Gangwon Province for 500 years during the Joseon Dynasty , and it maintains rich traditions and fascinating cultural relics. Overnight in Wonju.

Seokguram Grotto in south korea

Day 13: Wonju – Seoul (B, L)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer 1.5 hours to Pyeongchang , host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Then we’ll continue another hour to Mt. Seorak National Park , where the peaks of the Seoraksan Mountains break through the clouds while jade-like water flows through the valleys, creating breathtaking views and making this Korea’s most famous national park. Due to the fact that manifold rare species found there, UNESCO designated this national park a Biosphere Preservation District in 1982. Finally, we’ll transfer 4 hours back to Seoul, arriving around 7 pm. Happy trails!

Mount Seorak National Park in south korea

Day 14: Seoul – Osaka (B, L)

Breakfast and morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a flight to Osaka . Upon arrival, our representative in Japan will be waiting to warmly welcome and escort you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be yours. Overnight in Osaka.

osaka in japan

Day 15: Osaka to Nara – Kyoto – Osaka (B, L)

Today, we proceed for a visit to the Osaka castle and head to the well-known and grand Nara   Deer Park . Also, we visit the renowned Todaiji Temple – a World’s Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in Japan.

nara deer park - japan south korea taiwan tours

Later, take a pretty drive to Kyoto . When we reach Kyoto, we head to the famous golden pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple . Pay a visit to some more attractions and then, we come back to Osaka . Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Osaka . Overnight in Osaka.

Kiyomizu Temple in Japan

Day 16: Osaka – Hiroshima (B, L)

Enjoy breakfast and morning at leisure and then, proceed to Hiroshima . Once reaching there, we will go to the immensely famous tourist destination of Bomb Dome where you can get an insight into the sorrow and loss of the Japanese once suffered in World War II. We then visit the  Sadako Monument reflecting the authentic spirit of the people living in Hiroshima. Before heading back to the hotel, we pay a visit to the famous Hiroshima History Museum and the Peace Park . Later, enjoy the endlessly vibrant nightlife in Hiroshima . Overnight in Hiroshima.

bomb dome - japan vs south korea vs taiwan

Day 17: Hiroshima – Tokyo (B, L)

Early breakfast and we take on a Bullet train to Tokyo . Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel. Relax at leisure in Tokyo. If you want to get more fun, feel free to ask your guide for some suggestions. Overnight in Tokyo.

tokyo japan

Day 18: Sightseeing Tour in Tokyo (B, L)

This morning, our last day will begin with a visit to the well-known Yamashita Park as well as the Royal Park Tower . The park will be especially splendid and gorgeous in mid-April and mid-May when the wisteria bloom season begins. We then head to the Palette Town ,  Toyota   Mega  &  Venus Fort and pass through the famous Rainbow Bridge .

pallete town in japan

Later, we go to the next location of the Asakusa Temple Complex as well as the Shopping in Nakamise arcade and have some time to refresh at Shinjuku Gyone . Our day trip to Tokyo will end up with a visit to the famous Tokyo Tower offering a panoramic view of the city. Overnight in Tokyo.

Asakusa Temple Complex in japan

Day 19: Tokyo Departure (B)

Time to say goodbye. Enjoy breakfast and morning at leisure until taking a drive to the airport for a return flight. Hope you had a beautiful time with our tour and wish that we can serve you next time when it comes to other Asia vacation packages .

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Japan, Korea & Taiwan Triple Indulgence

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Partially Guided
  • Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

Taipei

  • Introduction
  • Day 1 Arrive Taipei (-/-/-)
  • Day 2 Taipei - Jiufen - Taipei (B/-/-)
  • Day 3 Taipei - Sun Moon Lake (B/-/-)
  • Day 4 Sun Moon Lake - Kaohsiung (B/-/-)
  • Day 5 Kaohsiung - Kenting - Taitung (B/-/-)
  • Day 6 Taitung - East Coast Scenic Area - Hualien (B/-/-)
  • Day 7 Hualien - Taroko Gorge - Taipei (B/-/-)
  • Day 8 Taipei - Seoul (B/-/-)
  • Day 9 Seoul - Gongju - Jeonju (B/-/-)
  • Day 10 Jeonju - Suncheon - Yeosu (B/-/-)
  • Day 11 Yeosu - Busan - Gyeongju (B/-/-)
  • Day 12 Gyeongju - Andong - Wonju (B/-/-)
  • Day 13 Wonju - Pyeongchang - Mount Seorak - Seoul (B/-/-)
  • Day 14 Seoul (B/-/-)
  • Day 15 Seoul - Tokyo (B/-/-)
  • Day 16 Tokyo (B/-/-)
  • Day 17 Tokyo (B/-/-)
  • Day 18 Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Hakone (B/L/-)
  • Day 19 Hakone - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (B/-/-)
  • Day 20 Kyoto (B/L/-)
  • Day 21 Kyoto (B/-/-)
  • Day 22 Kyoto - Depart Osaka (B/-/-)

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  • Tour Operator MW Tours 4.3
  • You · December 21st, 2023 Tourradar provided me a very smooth 10 days trip.
  • Gregory · December 16th, 2023 Allan Chou was a remarkable tour guide
  • Peter · November 4th, 2023 South Korea - Day 2 to 8 Very good and interesting round trip (day 2 to 6), mainly because of our excellent tour... Show more

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  • Currencies ¥ Yen Japan ₩ Won South Korea $ New Taiwan Dollar Taiwan

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F. As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F.

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  • Typhoid - Recommended for South Korea and Taiwan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
  • Tuberculosis - Recommended for South Korea and Taiwan. Ideally 3 months before travel.
  • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Taiwan. Ideally 10 days before travel.
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  • For any tour departing before May 29th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 29th, 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with MW Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
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Itinerary Planning Cheatsheet For East Asia — Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (incl. deals and pro-tips)

japan south korea taiwan trip

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. 

japan south korea taiwan trip

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  

japan south korea taiwan trip

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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Japan, korea & taiwan triple indulgence, destinations on the tour, taipei > sun moon lake > kaohsiung > kenting > taitung > hualien > taroko gorge > taipei > seoul > gongju > jeonju > suncheon > yeosu > busan > gyeongju > andon > wonju > pyeongchang > mt seorak > seoul > tokyo > mt fuji > hakone > kyoto > nara > osaka.

Our most popular combination tour takes you to all three of our northeast Asia destinations. Start with natural scenic beauty in Taiwan, explore the unique culture of South Korea, then wander through traditional temples and shrines in Japan. You will enjoy local experiences in each destination, from sampling local whisky in Taiwan, to feeding the friendly bowing deer in Nara, Japan. Please note that this tour is a combination of Modular and Seat in Coach so your touring style will be slightly different in each country. Why not indulge yourself on our Japan, Korea, and Taiwan Triple Indulgence!

Japan Guided Tours to Mount Fuji with MW Tours.

What’s included in the tour

Accommodation.

21 nights premium (4-5 star) accommodation with daily breakfast

Some meals as indicated

Transport & Fees

All land transportation, daily tours and admission fees

Professional Guides

Professional English speaking guides

Shibuya Crossing - Japan

Qingshui cliff, taroko national park - taiwan, national chiang kai-shek memorial hall, taipei - taiwan, tour highlights.

japan south korea taiwan trip

Explore the traditional temples and shrines in Japan

japan south korea taiwan trip

Experience the unique culture of South Korea

japan south korea taiwan trip

View the natural scenic beauty of Taiwan

japan south korea taiwan trip

Local cuisine and delicacies in each country

Sample local cuisine and delicacies in each country - a food lovers haven!

Tour Map & Dates

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Day 1 arrive taipei -/-/-, day 2 taipei b/-/-, day 3 taipei – sun moon lake b/-/-, day 4 sun moon lake - tainan - kaohsiung b/-/-, day 5 kaohsiung – kenting – taitung b/-/-, day 6 taitung – east coast scenic area – hualien b/-/-, day 7 hualien – taroko gorge – taipei b/-/-, day 8 taipei – seoul b/-/-, day 9 seoul – gongju – jeonju b/-/-, day 10 jeonju – suncheon – yeosu b/-/-, day 11 yeosu – busan – gyeongju b/-/-, day 12 gyeongju – andong – wonju b/-/-, day 13 wonju – pyeongchang – mount seorak – seoul b/-/-, day 14 seoul b/-/-, day 15 seoul – tokyo b/-/-, day 16 tokyo b/-/-, day 17 tokyo b/-/-, day 18 tokyo – mount fuji – hakone b/l/-, day 19 hakone – kyoto – nara – kyoto b/-/-, day 20 kyoto b/l/-, day 21 kyoto b/-/-, day 22 kyoto – depart osaka b/-/-.

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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 .

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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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Bukchon Hanok Village | Location: Seoul,  Korea, Republic of

Taiwan, South Korea & Japan-by-rail Tour TOURCODE: TA5

Duration: 27 Days

Activity Level: 2

When To Go: Mar, Sep, Oct

Countries Visited: 3

Arrive In / Depart From: /

Max Group Size: Never more than 18

Tour Style: Cultural

Price From:

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.

Prices below are per person , twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD) . Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here .

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

PLEASE NOTE that, due to logistical challenges and high costs in Japan, we offer customization services only for groups of minimum 10 participants plus a mandatory tour leader.

Optional Single Supplement: $3250 CAD (number of singles limited). This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $1630 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.

Day 1 Arrive in Taipei Arrival in Taipei -- welcome to Taiwan! Lying off the south-eastern coast of mainland Asia, and across the Taiwan Strait from China, Taiwan is an island truly on the edge of the Pacific. One of the most densely-populated places on earth, this is also a natural wonderland with steep mountains, magnificent forests and an array of scenic attractions. Being situated on the western edge of the Pacific "ring of fire", continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, spectacular coastlines, and other natural wonders. 8 national parks and 13 national scenic areas preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites. Overnight in Taipei. Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Taipei: City Tour We will spend today exploring vibrant Taipei, modern and old, where Taoist temples sit alongside shopping malls. Many have rated Taipei as one of the region's most dynamic, comfortable and liveable cities. Situated at the northern tip of the island, the capital is located on the Tamsui River, about 25 km southwest of the Pacific Ocean. This is the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan. Originally founded in the early 18th century, Taiwan quickly became an important center for overseas trade in the 19th century. Today this truly is one of Asia's most dynamic and fascinating cities. Taipei is the thriving heart of Taiwan and the bustling centre of commerce, government and culture. Our sightseeing will first take us to the world-famous National Palace Museum, the world's largest collection of Chinese artifacts. Here we will see porcelain, paintings, jade, bronze, tapestries and other art objects that once belonged to the emperors of China. This truly is a breathtaking selection of Chinese Imperial Art. In 1949, the collection was brought to Taiwan by Chiang Kai Shek's armies. Nearby is the wonderful Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines. This museum houses exhibits relating to the cultures and histories of the Taiwanese aborigines. These Austronesian peoples are related through blood or linguistic ties to people across precolonial Oceania, as far away as Madagascar. The tribes developed pottery, basketry, woodcarvings, musical instruments and colourful costumes. We will view some fine examples of Taiwanese aboriginal handicrafts and learn about the history of these people. After a break for lunch we will continue with our tour of the city. A must is a visit to the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, located in the heart of the city. This Memorial Hall (C.K.S. Memorial Hall) was constructed in memory of the former president of R.O.C. During our touring of the city we will pass by the Presidential Buildings Presidential Square. Originally built by the Japanese, it originally served as the governor's mansion. A must during the tour will of course be a visit to Taipei 101, with its outstanding views over the city. Taipei 101 is a 101-floor landmark skyscraper that claimed the title of world's tallest building when it opened in 2004. Overnight in Taipei. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Taipei - Taroko Gorge This morning we will depart Taipei and travel to the famous Taroko Gorge. Our route will take us to the hilly suburbs of Taipei, and through the Hsuehshan Tunnel ("Snow Mountain" tunnel), the longest tunnel in Taiwan. From the coastal city of Yilan we will continue along the coast via the Suao Highway. The eastern coast of Taiwan is the least populated region and yet covers more than a fifth of the landscape. In every sense, nature is less tamed on this side of the island. Our drive will take us past the Qingshui Cliffs, located on a section of the highway that provides some of the most spectacular sights on Taiwan's Pacific coast. The cliffs here are more than 1000 meters high and they drop almost vertically into the sea. The highway snakes along its curving face, with the sheer cliffs rising on one side and a sheer drop to the ocean on the other. The Taroko Gorge is the undisputed scenic highlight of Taiwan, the jewel of the beautiful national park of the same name. The gorge itself is a marble canyon featuring a rushing white water river, towering cliffs, hiking trails and even the odd hot spring. The most phenomenal aspect of the park is the amazing relief and change in terrain. In a single afternoon we will travel from the rugged coastal cliffs through a maze of subtropical forest. The road is carved into the sheer walls of rock, winding its way past forested peaks and cliffs towering thousands of feet above it, while hundreds of feet below a river roars past gigantic marble boulders. Many consider this area to be the most attractive region of Taiwan. This steep ravine, with its high marble cliffs, is permeated with a network of tunnels. Shrines, waterfalls and grottoes are found throughout the area. We will spend the afternoon touring the gorge, with plenty of scenic viewpoints and trails to explore. Overnight at Taroko Gorge. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Taroko Gorge - Sun Moon Lake This morning we will drive out of the Taroko Gorge region and travel southwest to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's most famous and most beautiful vacation spots, situated in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range. Our route will take us from the gorge through a high elevation sub alpine coniferous forest. We travel via Puli, a town in the heart of Taiwan and surrounded by mountains. We will have a guided tour of the spectacular Chung Tai Chan Monastery located on the outskirts of Puli. This massive temple is more than just another modern temple - it is an international centre of Buddhist academic research, culture and the arts. This afternoon we continue with our journey to Sun Moon Lake. The surrounding region is dotted with temples and pagodas, and on arrival we will have the opportunity to visit Wenwu Temple. This region has also been a center of aboriginal life for thousands of years, with aboriginal people involved in its tourist industry since the 1930s. Overnight at Sun Moon Lake. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Sun Moon Lake - Tainan After breakfast we will continue exploring the Sun Moon Lake area. In this idyllic environment we will see the deep blue waters of the lake and the mountainous surroundings from different perspectives. We will begin by enjoying a cruise across the lake, where we will benefit from fantastic views of the neighbouring mountains. Then, we will take in the lake from above as we experience the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. This afternoon we continue our journey south to Tainan. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, and was its capital for over 200 years. This city has managed to maintain much of its historical character, and its many historical sites make for some great exploration. Most of the Han migrants who sailed for Taiwan in the 17th and early 18th centuries landed on the islands southwest coastline, an area of flat land suitable for rice cultivation. Often compared to Kyoto, Tainan is an essential destination for those interested in history, religion and traditional ways of life. Upon arrival in the city we may enjoy some sightseeing this afternoon. Overnight in Tainan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Tainan Sightseeing Today we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Tainan. This is an enticing city and a true highlight on the west coast of Taiwan. Tainan retains a stronghold of traditional Taiwanese culture, with frequent Buddhist parades and ceremonies. Our exploration will take us to several of Tainan’s historic sites and temples, as well as the Dutch fort of Anping on the coast. We will explore both the Chihkan Cultural Zone and the Confucius Temple Cultural Zone. The Chihkan Cultural Zone covers the northern part of the old city, and highlights here include several temples and the Chihkan Tower. This was the site of Fort Provintia, built by the Dutch in the 1650’s. Meaning ‘eternity’ in Dutch, the Chihkan Tower has been a significant administration centre of Tainan ever since the Dutch invaded the country. The tower has been through various periods of Chinese rule, such as the Ching and Ming Dynasties, as well as a period of Japanese Colonization. Many of its original architectural features can still be seen today. Anping is considered to be the cradle of Han Chinese civilization in Taiwan, and the first European base on the island. It took the Dutch nearly 10 years of hard work to construct the impressive Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Fort) in the town of Anping. This noteworthy fortress is a clear reminder of colonial rule in the country. When constructing the fortress the Dutch selected a sandy peninsula in Tainan, and the strategic location was aimed at providing direct access for various supplies and support from Batavia (now known as Jakarta, Indonesia). Yanping Street is one of the oldest streets in Tainan. Also known as Anping Old Street or Taiwan’s 1st Street, it was the first established merchant street in the area. We will walk along the narrow and winding streets with their little shops and food stalls that cover a full range of souvenirs and handmade products. As well as these sites we will also explore the southern half of the old city of Tainan where we see the well-preserved Great South Gate and the Confucius Temple. Built in 1665, the Confucius Temple is believed to be the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan. Overnight in Tainan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Tainan - High-speed train to Taipei - Taipei Sightseeing Today we will leave Tainan and travel back to Taipei by high-speed train. This high-speed line opened for service in 2007, using trains with a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The journey time from Tainan to Taipei will take just over 90 minutes! This afternoon we will complete our sightseeing of Taipei. A visit to the Taoist Lungshan Temple provides some insight into the local culture. Dedicated to Kuanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, this is one of the city’s most popular and busiest temples. Like most temples in Taiwan, the Temple worships a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu. We will walk through the Dihua Street Area, where one can get a true feel for the city’s past. The old-town market has dozens of shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and herbs, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colourful bolts of cloth, and bamboo and wooden crafts. This is a fascinating patch of the past. Built on a green hillside in 1969, the impressive Taipei Martyrs Shrine was architecturally inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City. The shrine is dedicated to the 390,000 soldiers killed in the service of their country during the War of Resistance against Japan and the civil war between the Chinese Republican and communist forces. Overnight in Taipei. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Taipei, Taiwan - Seoul, South Korea Today we fly to Seoul/Incheon, South Korea and transfer to our hotel. Seoul is a city of contrasts. In this rapidly evolving metropolis, the traditional exists with the modern in a state of harmony. For over 500 years the seat of Joseon Dynasty kings, Seoul is now the beating heart of modern Korea, the centre to which all else in the country is drawn. Overnight in Seoul. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 Seoul: The DMZ & Seoul City Touring This morning we hit the ground running with a full highlight-packed day. After an early departure we travel along the Jayuro (Freedom Road) to Imjingak, the northernmost point bordering North Korea.* On the way, we will be able to view barbed wire fences and military guards on duty all the way along the river. At Imjingak, we visit the Mangbaedan Memorial ritual altar which was established in 1985 for those who were separated from their families or displaced from home during the Korean War. It is a symbolic spot used to hold traditional memorial services for ancestors or to pray for separated family members living in the North and for reunification of the country. We will see the Freedom Bridge, the very locale where 12,773 Korean War prisoners walked to freedom to South Korea in 1953. We then board a tour bus that will take us to the 3rd infiltration tunnel dug up by North Koreans. On the 20-minute ride to the tunnel, we pass through the check points, military camps, and mine fields. Before going down to the tunnel, we will view a short video presentation and visit exhibition hall for information on the divided Koreas. A seven-minute tram ride (if available) or a walk down a steep access through a narrow and steep interception tunnel, leads us to the lower platform, a point where we are only 170 meters from the Military Demarcation Line. Our next stop is the Dora Observatory where we can see the whole expanse of the Demilitarized Zone, North Korean propaganda village, Gijeong-dong, where the world's largest flag hangs on a 160 meter-tall flagpole, South Korea's northernmost village of Daeseong-dong and Panmunjom where the ceasefire that ended hostilities was signed. We return to Seoul in time for a break for lunch in Insadong, a lively district known for it's vast array of restaurants, small museums, and shopping. Insadong was originally two towns whose names ended in the syllables "In" and "Sa". They were divided by a stream which ran along Insadong's current main street. Insadong began 500 years ago as an area of residence for government officials. Today Insadong has some of the tastiest food vendors in all of Seoul. One of the main attractions in the area is the ‘Kings Dessert’ or the ‘Dragons Beard Candy’, 16,000 strings of honey wrapped multiple times with a flavouring of either almond, peanut or chocolate on the inside. There are also gooey pancakes and spicy Korean dumplings to sample. From here we proceed to the War Memorial of Korea, an excellent tie-in with what we experienced at the DMZ. This huge museum documents the history of the Korean War (1950–53) with documentary footage (with English commentary) of the main battles and events. Along with photos, maps and artefacts, the films give a fascinating insight into what the war was like. There's also plenty of military hardware outside – tanks, helicopters, missiles and planes, plus stirring war memorials. * Due to an ever-changing security situation, our activities today may be altered, re-routed, or curtailed without notice. Overnight in Seoul. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Seoul: City Touring This morning we start with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we plan to arrive in time for the very colourful changing-of-the-guard ceremony. Of all the tourist attractions in Seoul, the Joseon Dynasty Palaces and, particularly Gyeongbokgung Palace, are the most tangible link between modern Korea and its not-too-distant monarchical past. Not merely inert relics, they are symbols of a deep history and rich culture. Although substantially reduced in number, the remaining palace buildings provide a glimpse of traditional architecture and the overall organization of a palace grounds. As part of our visit, we also include the National Folk Museum, contained within the palace. This excellent museum presents historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestic and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea’s cultural beliefs. After a break for lunch, we proceed to Jongmyo, a royal shrine dedicated to the performance of ancestral rites for the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Being the place where the royal ancestral tablets are enshrined, Jongmyo's atmosphere is solemn and sacred rather than splendid like the royal palaces. The simple and elegant buildings of this shrine have faithfully kept their original forms since the 16th century. We finish our day at Namsan Seoul Tower, built in 1969 as Korea's first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark. The tower's main attractions include multi-coloured digital art projected onto the tower at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, and a number of viewing platforms where visitors can enjoy the cityscape. 32 LCD screens recount the 600-year history of Seoul. This evening we'll have our dinner at the top of the tower and enjoy a typical Korean meal and nighttime views of the city. Overnight in Seoul. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 Seoul - Fly to Jeju Island This morning we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Jeju Island. Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners; indeed it remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds. The island is known for beaches, rugged coastal scenery, volcanic geography, and a unique culture which stands in stark contrast to the mainland (and much of Asia) as being matriarchal. Stemming from this basis, and some odd tax reasons, the role of seafood gathering on the island has been dominated by women. As such, a common sight around Jeju's coastline is that of the "haenyo" or "woman diver", a figure that has become somewhat iconic of the island. After our arrival we'll have a break for lunch and then visit the informative Folklore and History Museum, an excellent introduction to the island. Flight/arrival time-permitting, we can also visit Yakcheonsa Buddhist Temple, a relatively new structure built in the style of Buddhist temples of the early Joseon Dynasty. Overnight on Jeju Island. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Jeju Island Touring Early this morning we head to Sunrise Peak for a spectacular view of/from this unique caldera/mountain and surrounds. After a break for lunch we'll visit the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, dedicated to the women divers of Jeju before heading to Ilchul Land, a park offering themed gardens, sculptures, and walks in Micheon Cave, a large lava tunnel. Jeju has an extensive system of lava tubes, natural conduits through which magma once flowed, now empty caves that are some of the largest in the world. The insides of the tube is adorned with multi-coloured carbonate decorations and innumerable cave formations commonly found in lava tubes. They include lava stalactites and lava stalagmites, lava columns, lava flowstone, lava helictites and lava blister, cave corals, benches, lava raft, lava bridges, lava shelves and striations. Our last stop is Dol Hareubang, a small park featuring stone sculptures associated with local legends, plus a traditional garden. Overnight on Jeju. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13 Jeju Island - Fly to Busan: City Touring This morning we fly to Busan, South Korea's second largest city and largest seaport. Busan is known for its beaches, hot springs, nature reserves, and events such as the city's renowned international film festival held each fall. Busan is a good destination for those seeking a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul. Located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Busan's important port gives the city an international flair, with sailors from around the world trooping through and a growing number of tourists. On arrival we'll visit the Gamcheon Cultural Village (a UNESCO site), spread out in a panorama of endless rows of low-rise cubicle homes climbing up the steep hillsides, earning it the nickname "Santorini of the East." The cheerful blue, yellow and pink hues a delight to the eye. Narrow stone and concrete alleyways wind their way through the homes, yielding something new at every turn. The village used to house the city’s poorest people, but during the Korean War, refugees fled their homes for Busan, which was the only area which was free from fighting. We'll head to the Jagalchi Fish Market for a break for lunch, followed by a visit to the impressive UN Cemetery. Overnight in Busan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 Busan: Gyeongju Excursion This morning we head out of the city to Gyeongju, located on Korea's southeast coast. This was the capital of the 1,000-year Silla dynasty, and is known for its extensive historical remains. We'll visit the 8th-century Bulguksa Temple featuring twin stone pagodas, a series of wooden staircases, and a large bronze Buddha. Afer a break for lunch in Hwanglidan-gil we'll continue to Tumuli Park, which contains 23 of the over 200 royal tombs found in Gyeongju. At times, the sense of history, and of secrets buried along with the royals, is almost palpable in the quiet between the large grass-covered mounds. We'll visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in all of Asia The 362 stones that make up the 27-level structure represent each day of the lunar year. Built during the reign of Shilla Queen Seon-deok, it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. Our last stops include Gyeongju National Museum, largely devoted to relics of the Silla Kingdom; and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, once part of the palace complex of ancient Silla. Return to Busan. PLEASE NOTE: owing to the length of the day and the probability of a busy trave day tomorrow, your Tour Leader may choose to include lunch today and leave dinner to yourselves this evening. Overnight in Busan. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15 Busan, South Korea - Fly to Tokyo, Japan Today we fly from Busan to Tokyo. Tokyo is Japan's capital and the country's largest city. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. Overnight in Tokyo. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 Tokyo: City Touring Tokyo is a dazzling modern metropolis rich in history and tradition. While the pace and the glitz of the city can be overwhelming, we will do our best to also showcase the tranquil, traditional side of the world's most populous city. We have a private bus at our disposal today, though we may, during our time in the city, also make use of its legendarily efficient public transit system, an excellent way to observe the locals going about their daily lives in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. We’ll kick off our morning with a visit to one of Tokyo’s venerable department stores, the earliest of which were founded during the early 1900s. Their predecessors were kimono stores, which supplied various types of luxurious goods during the Edo and Meiji periods. Japanese department stores are famous for their unparalleled customer service; we’ll aim to be there just before it opens when we will see its employees lined up neatly, waiting to welcome customers. The moment the second hand of the clock hits the opening time, the doors punctually open and customers can make a grand entrance being flanked by bowing and greeting staff. We’ll take some time to stroll through the food halls, where you will see the amazing variety of beautifully-presented foods being sold at unbelievably high prices. Seeing where and how the Japanese shop, what they buy, for whom and for what occasion, offers instructive glimpses into a highly sophisticated social strata where conventions of human interaction and presentation are minutely-defined. Whether it be for a wedding, business meeting or returning from a trip, the culture of gift giving in Japan is one of the most prevalent in the world. However, unlike in some other cultures, in Japan the emphasis is more on the ritual of gift giving than the gift itself. This dates back to the Edo period when a lucky few would go on pilgrimages and bring back souvenirs for the villagers who weren’t able to go. You’ll have time here to pick up supplies for a picnic lunch at our next stop (a “bento box” is an excellent and convenient option). We then move on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, part of the inner palace area. The Imperial Palace, or Kokyo, built on the site of the Edo-jo Castle, is an impregnable fortress that housed the Tokugawa Shogunate for 265 years until Emperor Meiji moved the court here in 1860's. Surrounded by moats, the original outer walls extended for over 16 km (10 miles) and were thick enough for a squad of samurai to walk six abreast on top. Even in its original state, it deceptively looked more like an administrative villa than a fortress. The buildings survived until they were all but obliterated by the fire bombings of WWII. You’ll have time to explore a bit, see the iconic bridge, and to enjoy your picnic lunch in a relatively peaceful setting. Our next stop is Meiji Shrine. Entry into the shrine grounds (a ten minute walk) is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. The approximately 100,000 trees that make up Meiji Jingu's forest were planted during the shrine's construction and were donated from regions across the entire country. At the middle of the forest, Meiji Jingu's buildings also have an air of tranquility distinct from the surrounding city. While in the vicinity of the shrine, time- and weather-permitting, we may be able to take a stroll down nearby Takeshita Street, possibly the busiest and definitely the most colourful pedestrianized shopping street in Tokyo. Our last stop is Ueno Park and the National Museum which, among other things, features the finest collection of Japanese art in the country. After our guided tour of the museum we will return to our hotel before our evening meal at a local restaurant. Overnight in Tokyo. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17 Tokyo: Sushi Making Class This morning we take a fascinating dive into Japanese seafood cuisine during a 3-hour combination walking tour of a local fishmarket and cooking class, where we can learn to prepare traditional style 'washoku' food items like sushi and a Japanese omelette. We meet up with our guide in front of Tsukiji Honganji Temple, located just outside the market. Then we step inside this temple to all things seafood for an in-depth shopping session including plenty of time for photography and exploration. As you wander the aisles of this colourful and chaotic market, you’ll observe everything from giant tuna to sea urchins to octopus arranged for sale. We'll then proceed with our guide to the gourmet cooking studio of one of Asia's largest culinary schools, boasting more than 150 studios throughout the region. Following the instruction of an experienced cooking teacher, we'll learn to prepare two 'washoku' recipes, a style of Japanese cuisine emphasizing traditional and homemade techniques. This typically includes a sushi roll along with a Japanese style omelette called Tamagoyaki, plus side dishes. This will be an excellent and fun introduction to Japanese cuisine, definitely a highlight of any trip to Japan. We finish our session by digging into our tasty creations for lunch. We'll leave with full stomachs and a new-found appreciation for the wondrous world of Japanese cuisine and its top-notch ingredients. Because of our late/filling lunch and full day tomorrow, and because you may be planning an evening activity before we leave Tokyo, we will leave dinner on your own account tonight. Your Tour Leader can help you plan. Tomorrow our large luggage is transported to Hakone for us -- please pack an OVERNIGHT BAG for ONE NIGHT. Your larger bags (one per person) will be shipped ahead to Takayama, and you will need to pack an overnight bag to carry with you for the the one overnight in Hakone. Your Tour Leader will advise in advance re recommended items to have with you for the next two days. Overnight in Tokyo. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 Tokyo - Lake Ashi - Hakone This morning we take a short metro (train) ride* to Odawara Station where we connect with our private coach towards Lake Ashi near Hakone. Shortly after we leave the station, we'll make a brief stop to see Odawara Castle (exterior visit only). Wedged between Mt Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, Hakone is a large region encircled by several forested mountains with a beauty accented by deep glens and ravines. In the feudal era, Hakone was a very important checkpoint that safeguarded the security of Edo (now Tokyo) as the seat of the Shogunate. This onsen (hotspring) area has been popular since the 1500s, when Hideyoshi Toyotomi came here to relax in an open-air bath after the hard fought Battle of Odawara. From the castle town of Odawara we board a bus that takes us into the National Park. We then board a lake cruiser on Lake Ashi for scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Weather permitting, we can enjoy views of Mt Fuji. One of the highlights today will be our visit to the Hakone Outdoor Museum, or Chokoku-no-mori, a beautiful park filled with sculptures by renowned Japanese and international artists such as Rodin, Bourdelle, Moore, Zadkine, and Picasso. Tonight we will enjoy a Keiseki-type meal at our ryokan-style hotel. Originally this type of dining was to accompany tea ceremony and is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. You can feel free to wear your "yukata" (bathrobe - provided by the hotel) to the dining room as many of the Japanese do when they stay in ryokan, a perfectly wonderful place to relax after leaving busy Tokyo behind. Our rooms are traditional style with tatami flooring and futon beds. * PLEASE NOTE: We use the rail system quite extensively on this tour, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BAGS ONTO/OFF TRAINS AND IN TRAIN STATIONS. Japanese stations can be large and crowded and may not have escalators or elevators. Packing lightly is essential. If you are unsure about your suitability for this type of trip, please refer to our website entry for this tour or speak to one of our sales agents for more information. Overnight in Hakone. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 19 Hakone - Train to Takayama Today we travel by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Takayama.* The region known as Hida, which surrounds Takayama, was cut off from the rest of Japan by almost impregnable encircling mountains. Hida lacked good farmland, which made taxpaying from an agricultural livelihood an impossible burden upon the people. Necessity caused them to diversify, so the craftsmen of Takayama honed their tools to a sharpness matched by their skills and became known as the finest woodworkers in the land. The mountains yielded the most coveted lumber in the empire, which Takayama's artisans fashioned into magnificent works worthy to adorn Japan's finest temples, shrines and palaces. During the Nara period, the central government, in lieu of taxes, required ten Takayama craftsmen to relocate to the capital, where their considerable talents were employed. During the Tokugawa era, the ancestral daimyo of Takayama was reassigned to the far north. Our train journey today takes us through the scenic Hida River Valley. We arrive in the late afternoon and will have time to wander through the lovely town of Takayama and the merchant quarter of San-machi with its historic wooden structures. * PLEASE NOTE: For our 2024 tour on which this day falls on 09 October, we will be in Takayama for the yearly Autumn Festival, which will impact the sightseeing program as published for today and tomorrow. Your Tour Leader will advise on our exact program prior to our arrival. The Takayama Autumn Festival is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals and was registered as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in late 2016. The festival has continued to be protected and cherished by the local people, who demonstrate their traditional folk arts during the event. Because it honours Hachiman Shrine in the old town, the festival is also known as Hachiman Festival. The festival is about giving thanks while also marking the beginning of preparations for winter. Perhaps more than anything else, the focal point and must-see attraction of the Takayama Festival is the beautiful festival floats, which are products of the fabulous craftsmanship of the Hida masters. With elaborate, artistic ornaments, masterfully designed marionettes who exhibit incredibly dexterous movements, and clever contraptions for manoeuvring them around town, the floats are really masterpieces in their own right! At nighttime, the floats are covered with lanterns, and the parade of these floats creates a beautiful fantasy world completely different from the daytime procession and is considered the festival's highlight by many visitors. Overnight in Takayama. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 20 Takayama: City Tour This morning we will visit the colourful early morning market before heading to the Hida Folk Village, consisting of over 30 unique houses which had been scattered in the Hida region.* The houses are attractively laid out around a small lake and display valuable articles showing the way of life and culture of the past. The style of architecture is called gassho-zukuri, or "praying hand" houses, because of the steep pitch of the roofs reminiscent of two clasped hands in prayer. This was to protect the occupants from the large amounts of snow that fall here over the winter months. Upon our return to the town centre we will visit the Yatai Kaikan, or Float Museum. Your afternoon is at leisure. Takayama is a small, interesting and manageable place for those who enjoy easy-going, on-foot exploration. * 10 October 2024: Please note that this day will operate differently for our Fall 2024 tour that coincides with the Takayama Autumn Festival. Overnight in Takayama. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 21 Takayama - Train to Kyoto Our journey continues back through the Hida Valley to connect with the Shinkansen train in Nagoya. Kyoto vibrates with creative energy. For 1,000 years, skilled craftsmen, wise masters, and the nation's most promising fine artists have been lured here. The deep impress of culture and the refinement is indelible; it's in the soul of the city. A long line of Japanese emperors was enthroned here, and the city retains this regal bearing through myriad festivals and commemorative customs preserved from feudal times. In diminutive home workshops along cobblestone alleyways no wider than a footpath, lacquerware, cloisonne, damascene, kimono fabrics, pottery, porcelain, fans, dolls, embroideries, and bamboo ware are still expertly turned out by hand. Kyoto attracts a sophisticated crowd to its vibrant Noh and Kabuki theatres, while the last geisha finishing schools are found in the lantern-lit side streets of the Pontocho and Gion sections of the city. Thankfully, Kyoto's treasures were spared from bombing during WW II, when American scholars persuaded the military to leave this masterpiece of a city alone. Though Kyoto is now a thoroughly modern city, much of its spirit is intact, with over 200 Shinto shrines; 1,600 temples, 30 of which administer to the major sects of Buddhism throughout Japan; three Imperial palaces, nine major museums, and countless classic gardens. We arrive in this fascinating city mid-afternoon. Tonight we will venture to the Pontocho District, one of the traditional geisha quarters of Kyoto and next door to its rival, Gion. Wandering down the narrow lanes with the Kama River flowing alongside gives a sense to what this city was like long ago. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 22 Kyoto: City Tour Today we have a highlight-packed full day of sightseeing in this spectacular city. Please note that the actual order of sites visited may vary from what is listed below, depending on how your Tour Leader and local guide for the day determine what is the best way to deliver the program. We start with a quick stop at Nishi Honganji (West Honganji), a designated UNESCO world heritage site, built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin sect with over 10,000 sub-temples across the country and 200 temples overseas. The two largest structures are the Goeido Hall, dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder, and the Amidado Hall dedicated to the Amida Buddha, the most important Buddha in Jodo-Shin Buddhism. We then visit Heian Shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the capital. It is a replica to three-fifths of the size of the first imperial palace in the ancient capital Heiankyo. We also visit the beautiful "go-round" style garden with a total area of 30,000 sq metres, which is well-known for the beauty of its weeping cherry trees, Japanese iris, and waterlilies. At some point we will make a stop to acquire some picnic lunch items followed by a break, possibly combined with a walk on Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi), a pleasant route through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. We continue to Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavillion, and then proceed to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, one of Japan's most famous architectural and historical icons. We also visit Ryoan-ji, the famous raked gravel Zen Garden, for which the Zen Buddhists are renowned. The essential dichotomy and harmony of the universe, which lies at the heart of this belief system, is symbolized in these tranquil gardens. After a busy day, we’ll have a break before reconvening for our evening meal at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 23 Kyoto & Nara Today we travel by local train to Nara. The crest of every mountain, the slope of every hill, the mute testimony of every rock, the waterfall, rivulet, and the valley of Nara are infused with the intangible spiritual energy that accompanied the birth of the Japanese civilization. Nara, meaning "level land, " occupies the great basin of what was Yamoto, or the Land of Great Peace. Here was the centre of the half-real, half mythical kingdom of Japan before it became a nation. Jimmu Tenno, the first emperor of Japan, was purportedly buried at Nara, the Imperial Japan, the oldest existing dynasty in the world, established its first permanent court within the city in 710. Arts, culture, and literature also bloomed in this fertile valley. The earliest histories of the nation were compiled in Nara by noble court ladies in colloquial Japanese, and from the ancient city Buddhism spread throughout the land. In its glory days, Nara covered an expansive area linked by palaces, temples, shrines, public buildings, and nobles' villas. The temples were massive and extremely powerful, almost like independent city-states. Numerous fires, the ravages of time, war, and pestilence have reduced many of the ancient structures, but plenty remain in their original states, especially in the eastern sections of the city. Part of this legacy is the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Otera, the largest bronze statue in the world, tipping the scales at over 500 tonnes. Nara Koen, at over 500 ha (1235 acres), is Japan's largest park and is home to the sacred deer of nearby Kasuga Taisha. This shrine, moss-covered and illuminated by over 3000 stone lanterns, was first erected in 768 and is second in importance only to the Grand shrines of Ise. As we walk through this park dotted with temples and deer wandering about, you will be struck at how the sublime cultural richness of the quiet past lingers on. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 24 Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Leisure time This morning we visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. The balance of the day is yours to explore Kyoto on your own. A good place to start may be the small Japanese garden named Shoseien, located another few street blocks east of Higashi Honganji. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your afternoon. Overnight in Kyoto. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 25 Kyoto - Train to Hiroshima Today we take the Shinkansen train to Hiroshima. Passing through Osaka and Kobe, just minutes from Kyoto on this fast train, we will arrive at our destination in just a couple of hours. Modern Hiroshima rose like a phoenix from its own ashes. Less than five decades since its obliteration, it is once again the most vital city of San-Yo with a population of one million and growing. Hiroshima is referred to as the "River City." In its confines, the Ota-gawa River fans out into six delta tributaries that flow into the immense and very busy bay. In the years just following the A-bomb blast, scientists doubted if Hiroshima could ever live again. Today the streets hum with activity, trees and flowers grow, and birds sing. Nature may not forget, but it does forgive! On the morning of August 6, 1945, the people of war-torn Japan hurried to begin the day. Then suddenly buildings melted, people evaporated, and humankind lost the first battle of the atomic age. Seventy thousand buildings were flattened and 200,000 people perished, the lucky ones quickly; the unlucky lingered. Hiroshima, fringed by mountains forming a natural amphitheatre, seethed and fumed. Our visit takes us to the Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen Koen). Here the Cenotaph, shaped like an ancient tomb, holds the names of the dead. The prayer, the hope, the Japanese reads "Repose ye in peace, for the error shall not be repeated." The skeleton of the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Domu) turns green with age against a blue sky. Until all nuclear arms are banned and destroyed, the Eternal Flame will flicker. We will visit the Peace Memorial Museum and walk to the A-Bomb Dome, passing the many monuments, memorials, and statues. Overnight Hiroshima. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 26 Hiroshima & Miyajima Today we travel by train and ferry to Miyajima where we spend the day. Since ancient times, Miyajima has been regarded as one of the "Three Most Beautiful Spots" of Japan and, as part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, it has received several distinctions, such as a place of extraordinary scenic beauty, exceptional history, and a natural monument. The virgin forests neighbouring Mt. Misen are representative of the lush greenery and abundance of nature which still covers the entire island even now. A surprisingly large number of southwestern Japan native botanical specimens can still be found on Miyajima. The island is like a miniature model of Japan, showing the harmonious ecology of all living things from the ocean depth to the top of mountains. Our walking tour of the island will include a visit to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, which together with its large wooden tori, stands in the ocean during high tide.* You will also have some free time to admire this World Heritage Site before returning to Hiroshima. * Please be advised that the tori may be undergoing regular maintenance at the time of our visit. This occurs every 30 years and can, depending on its needs, take anywhere from 6 months to two years to complete. Please be prepared for the gate to be either partially or completely covered by scoffolding during this time. Overnight in Hiroshima. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 27 Hiroshima - Departure Departure for home. LAND ONLY CLIENTS: You could book your return flight from Osaka or Fukuoka instead of Hiroshima, though you would have to make it late enough in the day to allow for your arrival by train on the same day. Trains are very regular and your Tour Leader will assist. Your flight from Fukuoka or Osaka should be no earlier than 4pm. YOU MAY also fly directly from Hiroshima to Tokyo and connect to homeward flights if this is easier/more economical for you (though beware of possible change of airport). Land & Air passengers may be offered this option. Departure from Hiroshima. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions Breakfast and most dinners (mostly at local restaurants) are included daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving/departing on tour dates.

Exclusions International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals.

Seasonality and Weather Our autumn tour can expect warm temperatures with moderate humidity. For our fall (Sep/Oct) departures, temperatures range from 20-25C (68-76 F). Rain showers can occur at any time, though their likelihood decreases the later we get into the fall. Spring will experience slightly cooler temperatures and the same possibility of rainfall. Our spring date may feature annual cherry blossoms at some locations.

Transport and Travel Conditions TAIWAN & KOREA: Private air-conditioned bus; internal flight via scheduled carrier. JAPAN: Our primary means of transportation throughout Japan is via the very efficient rail system, including the famous Shinkansen, or Bullet Train. Distances are not great and most journeys are only a few hours duration. A combination of buses and taxis will be used elsewhere as part of our local sightseeing program. The tour is physical in that it is busy and that YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BAGS ONTO/OFF TRAINS AND IN TRAIN STATIONS. You must pack VERY lightly, preferably in wheeled soft-sided baggage plus a day-bag that you can fit into the overhead luggage compartments in the trains. You must also be steady on your feet and be able to endure some long days; we have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. There is also a very strong culinary element to this trip. Breakfasts feature Asian as well as Western items, but our dinners out at local restaurants will feature a wide range of local specialties. Eating is very much a cultural experience in this part of the world, and this aspect of our program is an integral part of the overall experience. Though individual tastes and requirements will be taken into account by your leader who will be organizing our evening meals on-the-go, if you are strictly a meat-and-potatoes person, or a strict vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free etc, you may find your needs/preferences significantly challenged on this tour.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form .

Accommodation All hotels are centrally-located, air-conditioned, 3-4 star standard with private bath facilities. We spend one night at a traditional Ryokan (in Hakone), which features tatami rooms and futon bedding. Laundry service is available at most hotels (except Hakone) for a rather high price. All hotel rooms are well equipped and usually include coffee/tea making facilities. Most hotels have hairdryers and irons. Some hotels have indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Porters are generally available (see 'Inclusions').

Staff and Support Tour Leader throughout, local guides at various locations.

Group Size Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

Tourism Partners

Korea Tourism Organization Logo

Regions visited: Far East Countries visited: Taiwan ; South Korea and Japan

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

4 Star Accommodation

Reservation Summary

Have Questions? Call us: 1-800-843-2678

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Taipei, Taiwan, Hope Valley

12 Night Ultimate China, Japan & South Korea Cruise

Your ship serenade of the seas.

Serenade of the Seas Cruise Ship, Side View, European and Caribbean Destinations

BANISH BOREDOM FOR GOOD

Rock Climbing Wall Boy Almost Reaching the Bell

Rock Climbing Wall

Sister Teaching Younger Brother Mini Golf

Adventure Ocean ®

Pool Kids Jumping

NEXT LEVEL NOSHING

Salad - Chops Grille

Chops Grille℠

Izumi Sushi Specialty Roll

Giovanni's Table

Peak performances.

Stage to Screen Cruise Show, Performers dressed Retro, Serenade of the Seas

Stage to Screen

Schooner Bar Close-Up

Schooner Bar

Vibeology Cruise Show, Performers in Costumes on Stage, Serenade of the Seas

Solarium Bar

Day 1 - 2: hong kong, china.

Hong Kong, China Red Bridge Garden

Peek From the Peak

Hong Kong, China Harbor Pier Ferry Dock

Scenic Ride to Stanley

Hong Kong, China Ferris Wheel

Out on the Harbor

Hong Kong, China Skyline

Local Cuisine

Hong Kong, China Traditional Jade Necklaces

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., day 3: international date line.

Girls Diving in the Pool

Sports Court

Young Woman Climbing

Spa & Fitness Center

Day 4: taipei, taiwan, china.

Taipei, Taiwan, Temple at Jiufen Old Streed

Easy Breezy

Taipei, Taiwan, Giant buddha statue

Visit a Goddess

Taipei, Taiwan, Cityscape

Day 5: Ishigaki, Japan

Ishigaki, Japan Kabira Bay Boats

Sail on Glass

Ishigaki, Japan River Forest Mangrove

Find Your Own Path

Ishigaki, Japan Traditional Costumes

Party in the Past

Ishigaki, Japan Kabira Bay

Day 6: Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, Japan Sea Coast Cliff

Live Like a King

Okinawa, Japan Beach

Where Sea Meets Sky

Okinawa, Japan Traditional Ryukyu House

Okinawan Education

Okinawa, Japan  Shuri Castle Main Hall

Day 7: International Date Line

Chops Grille Rosemary Steak Juicy

Chef's Table

Izumi Table with assorted dishes

Café Latte-tudes

Main Dining Room Cheesecake Topeed With Fruit Dessert

Main Dining Room

Day 8: busan, south korea.

Busan, South Korea Aerial Of Village

Tale of Two Temples

Busan, South Korea Beach

Umbrellas Out

Busan, South Korea Lighthouse

Korean Cliffhanger

Busan, South Korea Haedong Yonggunga Temple

Day 9: Jeju Island, South Korea

Aerial view of seascape of Jeju island, South Korea.

Experience Lava Love

Head to Sunrise Peak for breathtaking views.

Breathe Deep at Sunrise Peak

Jeju Island's tradtional dol hareubang, or grandfather stone statues are important to the island's culture.

Meet Stone-Faced Grandfathers

Cheonjeyeon Falls, Jeju Island, South Korea

LOCAL CUISINE

Jeju Island's stone souvenirs fill the shelves of local shops.

Day 10: Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea Traditional Architecture

Palace Park

Seoul, South Korea Cheonggyecheon Stream

Urban Hiking

Seoul, South Korea Jogyesa Temple

Day 11: International Date Line

Solarium Bar Cocktail with Sunset in the Background

Outdoor Movie Nights

Bell and Barley  Craft Beers

English Pub

Day 12 - 13: beijing, china.

Beijing, China Cityscape

Open Your Eyes

Beijing, China Lantern Tianjin City

Ride Back in Time

Beijing, China Italian Church

Cultures Collide

Beijing, China Great Wall

For a limited time, book your 2020, 2021 & 2022 group tour packages with no deposit required!!!

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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)

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..

japan south korea taiwan trip

13 Days 12 Nights | from US $4598.00

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

japan south korea taiwan trip

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

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All departure dates (4).

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  • 5% GST is applicable on given tour price.
  • Mentioned tour prices are Per Person for Indian Nationals only.
  • TCS (5% or 10%) is applicable for international.

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Tour Information

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  • Policy & Terms

Itinerary (Day Wise)

Osaka (2 nights).

Mumbai to Mumbai tour guests will report at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai as per the scheduled flight departure time and proceed to Osaka – a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu, known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. Upon arrival at Osaka, we view Gate Tower Building – a 16-storey office building famous for the highway that passes through three floors of the building.

  • Night Stay in Osaka

Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka

Today we enjoy a walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Groove and Togetsukyo Bridge – Arashiyama Bridge. We then visit the spectacular Golden Pavilion. Later we to proceed to Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for its thousands of Vermilion Torii Gates. On our return journey to Osaka, we pass by Osaka Castle.

  • Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
  • Coffee / Soft Drink at Kyoto

Osaka – Miyajima – Hiroshima (1 Night)

Today we visit the world famous landmark of Japan Miyajima Shrine and its Floating Torii Gate. Later we visit Hiroshima Peace Park and History museum, followed by a visit to Bomb Dome, Sadako Monument and the Memorial Cenotaph.

  • Night Stay in Hiroshima
  • Coffee / Soft Drink during Osaka to Hiroshima journey

Hiroshima – Mt. Fuji – Tokyo (2 Nights)

it’s time for an exciting travel by Bullet train to Mishima / Odawara station. Upon arrival, we visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station (subject to weather condition) and enjoy spectacular views of the Mt. Fuji. Later we proceed to Tokyo – The Capital city of Japan. Upon arrival we pass by Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and take a photo stop at Odaiba Statue of Liberty.

  • Night Stay in Tokyo
  • Coffee / Soft Drink during Hiroshima to Tokyo journey.

Today we visit Asakusa Temple Complex along with Nakamise Shopping area. We then take a photo stop at Tokyo Skytree. Later we explore Shinjuku Garden which is famous for its traditional Japanese landscapes. We enjoy shopping at Shibuya crossing and take a photo stop at Hachiko – The statue of Japanese Dog Akita, remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner for whom he continued to wait for over nine years following his death and Imperial Palace – main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda district. It’s time to discover the incredible Team Lab Planets – an art facility that utilizes digital technology to create illusions. Here you walk through water, and a garden where you become one with the flowers. It comprises 4 large-scale artwork spaces and 2 gardens. We then visit Shibuya Sky – a 360° open-air observation deck located at bustling Shibuya crossing to get an amazing view of Tokyo city.

  • Coffee / Ice-cream / Soft Drink

Tokyo – Taipei – Taichung (1 Night)

Today we fly to Taipei – a modern metropolis with Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets and contemporary buildings. Upon arrival, we proceed to Taichung – Taiwan’s second largest city rich in history, heritage, art and natural landscapes. In the evening we visit Fengjia Night Market – the largest night market in Taiwan.

  • Night Stay in Taichung
  • Tea / Coffee / Soft Drink en route Taipei to Taichung

Taichung – Sun Moon Lake – Taipei (2 Nights)

Today we visit Rainbow Village – one of the most colourful spots in Taiwan famous for its vibrantly painted houses and streets. Later we proceed to Sun moon Lake. Upon arrival, we take a cruise on the Sun Moon Lake and visit Wen Wu Temple. We also enjoy a ropeway ride to the top from where we get a bird’s eye view of the lake. In the evening, we proceed to Taipei – the capital city of Taiwan.

  • Tea / Coffee / Soft Drink en route Taichung to Taipei

Today we explore Taipei city, we visit Taipei 101 – the world’s second tallest skyscraper to enjoy the amazing view from its observatory deck at 89th floor, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall to see the hourly Changing of the Guards ceremony, followed by a visit to National Palace Museum which is famous for ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks.

  • Tea / Coffee / Soft during Taipei city tour

Taipei – Seoul (3 Nights)

Today we fly to Seoul – economic, cultural and political heart of South Korea, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year due to its wide array of activities and attractions. In the evening, we visit Seoul Tower also known as Namsan Tower to get an amazing view of Seoul city.

Seoul – DMZ – Seoul

Today we visit an unusual tourist attraction ‘The Korean Demilitarized Zone’ (DMZ) on the border of South and North Korea. It’s a weapons-free buffer zone between North and South Korea, a 2-kilometer wide demilitarized zone on each side where we will visit Dorasan Peace Park, Dora Observatory and the third Infiltration Tunnel which was dug by the northern army to spy on southern part. In the evening, we visit Myeongdong Market – one of the most vibrant and diverse market in Seoul. It has many local, international brands and department stores lined streets and alleys, selling everything from cosmetics, clothes, shoes to accessories.

Today we explore Seoul city, we visit Cheongwadae Sarangchae – an official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace – the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, National Folklore museum and COEX Aquarium which showcases incredible diversity of aquatic life.

  • Tea/ Coffee/ Soft during Seoul city tour

Seoul – Departure to hometown

It’s time now to say goodbye, Phir Milenge! Let’s stay in touch with each other through email, phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. and meet again on yet another memorable Veena World tour. See you all! ‘Mumbai to Mumbai’ tour guests will proceed to the airport as per their scheduled group flight departure time and start their journey back home. 'Joining & Leaving' tour guests will proceed on their own to their scheduled departure destination, like an airport, railway station, bus terminal, or cruise terminal. Tour concludes. Please note: Airline: On group tours, we generally fly well-reputed airlines that are group-friendly. During your air travel, refreshments and meals are provided as per the airline policy. However, we recommend you carry dry snacks of your choice for the flight journey. Transport: For transfers and sightseeing, we use mini coaches, big coaches, or small vans, depending on the respective tour group size. If you wish to have a separate vehicle solely for yourself or your family, it can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability. Sightseeing attractions: Given the current dynamic situation, some monuments or sightseeing places may be closed temporarily without any prior notice; in such cases, every attempt will be made to visit an alternate sightseeing place if possible. Hotels: The hotels on tour are comfortable and have been appreciated by Veena World’s guests in the past. The category of hotels on international tours is a mix of three-star, three-star superior, and basic four-star. Meals: On tour, we provide all meals, from day one to the last day, as mentioned in the itinerary. Breakfasts are generally continental on European tours, whereas, lunches and dinners are Indian OR Indian along with a local dish OR local cuisine, OR at times fast food meals from Subway, McDonald’s, etc., depending on the convenience and ease of execution of the itinerary or the availability of food at the respective destination. Visa: Veena World takes maximum tourists from India to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan through group tours, customised holidays and corporate tours (MICE). Every month Veena World Visa Facilitation Team of 80+ members assists thousands of our guests for visa documentation, visa application and submission to VAC/VFS/ consulate, collection of passports from the VAC/VFS/ consulate on guest’s behalf when applicable. However, all guests should be aware of the fact that ‘issuance or granting of visa to any guest’ is at the sole discretion of respective country’s consulates/embassy. Veena World does not play any role in the actual granting of the visa. Veena World cannot be held responsible for delay or rejection of the visa by the respective consulate. In the rare event of a visa delay or rejection, cancellation charges will apply as per the policy. We request all our guests to start the visa application process well in advance or immediately after the tour booking

Tour details

Best facilities with no added cost.

Departure & Arrival

Reporting point, dropping point.

Note: Flight details are tentative only. The airline, departure, arrival times and routing may change. Hotel details are tentative only. The hotel or place of accommodation may change.

Read this to prepare for your tour in the best way!

  • To and fro economy class air travel for ‘Mumbai to Mumbai Tour’ guests as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airfare, Airport taxes and Visa Fees
  • Baggage Allowance as per the airline policy
  • Tour Manager Services throughout the tour
  • Travel by comfortable A/C coach as per the tour itinerary
  • Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited from inside
  • Accommodation in comfortable and convenient hotels on twin sharing basis
  • All Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All Tips – Guide, Driver & Restaurants
  • Cost of insurance up to 59 years of age
  • Cost of internal airfare as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Govt Tax of 5.00% over and above the Tour Cost mentioned
  • Any increase in Airfare, Visa fees, Airport taxes, Govt Taxes, Fuel Surcharges and any applicability of new taxes from Govt
  • Any up gradation in Airline class or hotel room category
  • Cost of Air ticket deviation charges
  • Any Increase in the rate of exchange leading to an increase in all land arrangements which may come in to effect prior to departure
  • Cost of pre or post tour hotel accommodation
  • Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeuere circumstances during the tour
  • Cost of insurance
  • Porterage, laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu
  • Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency
  • Any services or activity charges other than those included in the group tour itinerary
  • To and fro Air fare, Airport transfers, visa fees to join/leave the group and Airport snack hamper for joining and leaving guests
  • Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘tour price includes’ column
  • As everyone is becoming a frequent traveller now, we suggest that you make your own travel accessories kit to ensure a stress free holiday.
  • Always make sure to carry less and light luggage, use a four wheel small or medium suitcase and please make sure that you are carrying only one suitcase per person. This will ensure that you will travel smartly and without any inconveniences.
  • It is also recommended that you have one cross shoulder bag or haversack for your handy needs which will ensure that you are comfortable at the time of sightseeing and also easy for photography during your tour.
  • A smart cap/hat and sunglasses are definitely something that you should have in your kit.
  • Though Veena World provides all three meals, that is breakfast, lunch, dinner and Veena World treats as per the itinerary, you can carry dry snacks of your choice in small sealed packets for munching during air travel or road journeys.
  • If you are travelling during the monsoon or to destinations where it is rainy, please carry a small umbrella or poncho.
  • For international tours, please carry a universal adapter for charging your cameras and mobile phones.
  • Ensure that your clothing and footwear is suitable for the destination you are travelling to.

Things to consider before the trip!

  • Warm & humid in summers, chilly in winters
  • For detailed Information about weather kindly visit www.accuweather.com

Air Travel:

  • Mumbai - Tokyo// Osaka - Taipei// Taipei - Seoul// Seoul - Mumbai
  • We use combination of Airlines like Malaysian Airline, Thai Airways etc.

Coach Tavel

  • A/C coach - Seating capacity depends upon group size

Documents Required for Travel

  • Original passport with minimum 6 months validity from the date of tour arrival along with sufficient blank pages for the stamping of visa
  • A valid Tourist Visa for the duration of the tour
  • Handwritten passport is not acceptable

Cancellation Policy & Payment Terms

We keep it transparent, crystal clear!

Payment Terms

Guest can pay by Cheque/ Demand Draft/ Debit card / Credit card/ NEFT/ RTGS/ IMPS. For Debit / Credit card payment additional 1.8 % convenience charge will be applicable Cheque / Demand draft should be in favour of "Veena Patil Hospitality Pvt ltd"

  • All meals are provided by Veena World in case the flight reaches the stipulated destination early morning or leaves destination late in the evening
  • ‘In Case if any sightseeing is not done due to weekly closure, an alternative sightseeing will be done for the same’.
  • Standard Check-in and check-out time of International hotels is usually 1500hrs and 1200hrs respectively.
  • Guests may please note that for Domestic flights or internal flights from one city to another city on international tours, the baggage allowance will be as per the respective airline baggage policy and weight regulations. Guests are requested to pack their belongings and carry luggage in accordance to the respective airlines baggage allowance. Excess baggage (if any) will be chargeable as per the airline policy and the same has to be borne by the guest.

Upgrades Available

Want luxury? Add luxury at minimum cost!

Need to upgrade to business or first class? Please get in touch with our team on 1800 22 7979 for more details.

You can select the prime seat(s) in your coach at an additional cost. Please get in touch with our team on 1800 22 7979 for more details.

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Japan battles Taiwan and South Korea for foreign workers

Tokyo relaxes strict rules, but competitive pay remains a challenge

TOKYO -- Japan seeks to become more attractive to international workers under legislation approved by the cabinet on Friday, as competition for foreign labor intensifies with South Korea and Taiwan.

As rising wages in other Asian nations undercut some of the attraction of working in Japan, there is a sense of urgency among policymakers here to create policies that allow foreign workers stay longer in the aging country.

Japan seeks to lure angel investors with 5-year residencies

Philippines tops women business executive ranking of 28 countries, indonesians, vietnamese form larger share of japan's foreign workers, japan races to court foreign talent as it doubles skilled worker cap, japan to double cap on skilled foreign workers from fiscal 2024, japan to make it easier to revoke foreigners' permanent residency, latest on japan immigration, japan to let more foreigners work as in-home caregivers, japan to help employers spot labor issues faced by foreign workers, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

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Wed, Mar 20, 2024 page7

Japan prepares to host and then travel to north korea.

japan south korea taiwan trip

Even with the top continental ranking and players of vast international experience, Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan squad faces a journey into the unknown in back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against North Korea.

Asian qualifying resumes tomorrow with Japan hosting North Korea in Tokyo. Five days later, Japan is to play in Pyongyang in front of a potential crowd of 50,000 — almost exclusively North Korean — at the Kim Il Sung Stadium.

The Japan Football Association’s request that the match be moved from the North Korean capital to a neutral venue amid concerns over a lack of operational transparency — including visa and logistics information — was rejected by the Asian Football Confederation.

japan south korea taiwan trip

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu sits on the bench ahead of their Asian Cup Group C match against Iraq in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Jan. 19.

“There are probably a lot of unexpected things that could happen,” said Moriyasu, the Japan coach. “We just need to be prepared.”

Japan has tallied 10 goals in its opening two matches against Myanmar and Syria in the second round of Asian qualifying. Back-to-back wins over North Korea, which lost 1-0 to Syria before responding with a 6-1 win over Myanmar, could assure it progresses to the third round as one of the top two teams in Group B.

However, Japan’s national men’s team has not played in Pyongyang since a 2011 loss to North Korea in the qualifying stages for the 2014 World Cup.

The last men’s international in Pyongyang was in 2019, when the visiting South Korea team complained about a lack of contact with the outside world and an overly physical approach from the host team.

When Japan beat North Korea at the Asian Games in October last year, players from the losing team roughed up the referee.

“I admit that our players were a little bit overexcited in the match but it is football,” North Korea coach Sin Yong Nam said at the time. “But there are confrontations in football matches ... I think our behavior is acceptable.”

Moriyasu did not select forward Junya Ito, who has been investigated by police after being accused of sexual assault in Osaka last year.

“I tried to imagine what the surrounding environment would have been like for him in Japan and I didn’t think it would be one that would allow him to live and play football in peace,” Moriyasu said. “It wasn’t just him — I didn’t think the whole team would have been able to go about their business in peace.”

Taiwan, who are bottom of Group D with no points, tomorrow play Kyrgyzstan in Kaohsiung.

Additional reporting by staff writer

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japan south korea taiwan trip

Ohtani and his wife arrive in South Korea

Shohei Ohtani and his wife arrived in South Korea with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates yesterday ahead of their season-opening games with the San Diego Padres next week. Ohtani, wearing a black training suit and a cap backwards, was the first Dodgers player who showed up at the arrival gate of Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. His wife, Mamiko Tanaka, walked several steps behind him. As a crowd of fans, many wearing Dodgers jerseys, shouted his name and cheered slogans, Ohtani briefly waved his hand, but did not say anything before he entered a limousine bus with his wife. Fans held placards

japan south korea taiwan trip

Tai Tzu-ying wins at the All England badminton event

Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying yesterday advanced to the quarter-finals at the All England Open, beating Kim Ga-eun of South Korea 21-17, 21-15. With the win, Tai earned a semi-final against China’s He Bingjiao, who beat Michelle Li of Canada 21-9, 21-9. Defending champion An Se-young defeated India’s P.V. Sindhu 21-19, 21-11. An on Wednesday cruised into the second round, unlike last year’s men’s winner, Li Shifeng, who suffered a shock defeat. South Korea’s An, the world No. 1, overcame Taiwan’s Hsu Wen-chi 21-17, 21-16 to set up the match against Sindhu. In other women’s singles matches, Taiwan’s Sung Shuo-yun lost 21-18, 24-22 against Carolina Marin of

japan south korea taiwan trip

Taiwan’s Hsieh advances to final

EYEING TOP SPOT: A victory in today’s final against Storm Hunter and Katerina Siniakova would return 38-year-old Hsieh Su-wei to the world No. 1 ranking Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei and Elise Mertens on Thursday secured a spot in the women’s doubles finals at the BNP Paribas Open after dispatching Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the US and Australia’s Ellen Perez 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) at Indian Wells. Hsieh and her Belgian partner Mertens, who won the Australian Open in late January, coasted through the first set after breaking their opponents’ serve twice, but found the going tougher in the second. Both pairs could only muster one break point over 12 games, neither of which were converted, leaving the set to be decided by a tiebreaker. Hsieh and Mertens took a 6-3 lead,

japan south korea taiwan trip

Taiwan’s Hsieh reaches semis

DOUBLES PAYBACK: Hsieh Su-wei and Elise Martens avenged their defeat in the quarters at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open against Demi Schuurs and Luisa Stefani Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei on Wednesday advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s doubles at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Hsieh and partner Elise Mertens of Belgium dispatched Demi Schuurs and Luisa Stefani 6-1, 6-4 to set up a clash against Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the US and Australia’s Ellen Perez for a spot in the final of the WTA 1000 tournament. Hsieh and Martens made a blistering start to their rematch after they lost to Schuurs and Stefani in the quarter-finals at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open last month, winning three games without reply at the start of the first set

japan south korea taiwan trip

japan south korea taiwan trip

Country That Visited Japan the Most: China in 3rd Place, Taiwan in 2nd, the 1st is…

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on February 20th that the Japan National Tourism Organization announced that Koreans took up the largest proportion among the 2,788,000 foreign visitors to Japan last month.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan was 7.1% higher than in February 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, setting a record for the highest number of visitors ever in a single month. Compared to February of last year, there was an 89% increase, and monthly visitors to Japan surpassed 2 million for nine consecutive months.

The increase in visitors can be attributed to more East Asian tourists, including those from Korea and China , and Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, visiting Japan during the Lunar New Year holidays.

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By country and region, Korea had the most visitors, with 818,500, a 14.3% increase from February 2019. Taiwan ranked second, with 502,200, a 25.6% increase within the same period.

With 459,400 visitors, China showed a 36.5% decrease from February 2019 and ranked third after Taiwan. The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday lasted eight days, from February 10th to 17th.

The media reported, “While Chinese visitors made up about one-third of the total visitors to Japan in 2019, their proportion has now fallen to less than 20%.”

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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.

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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.

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japan south korea taiwan trip

It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)

japan south korea taiwan trip

From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.

The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history

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.

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!

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23 Day Japan, South Korea & Taiwan

Leisurely Pace

Fully Escorted

This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.

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

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

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

japan south korea taiwan trip

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Home Seoul

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

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

Please note: Some flights may depart the night before, to arrive on Day 1

Day 2 Seoul Mt Seoraksan Sokcho

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

Day 3 Sokcho Andong Daegu

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

Day 4 Daegu Gyeongju

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

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

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

Day 5 Gyeongju Seoul

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

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

Day 6 Seoul

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

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

Day 7 Seoul Tokyo

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

Day 8 Tokyo

Today we explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Our first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where we will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Libery replica. From here, we head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoy free time for lunch. Our exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where we will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs in Nakamise Shopping Street.

Day 9 Tokyo Mt Fuji Hamamatsu

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

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

Day 10 Hamamatsu Osaka

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

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

Day 11 Osaka Kyoto Osaka

This morning, we board the technological marvel, the shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Travelling at speeds up to 280km/h, the shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside. Out first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with it's thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We spend time here strolling through the gates and visiting the various shrines and temples. Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Our last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion. This three-storey Buddhist Temple was built in the 14th century as a villa for a powerful shogun and is almost entirely covered in golf leaf. Afterwards, we make our way back to Osaka.

Day 12 Osaka

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

Day 13 Osaka Himeji Hiroshima

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

Day 14 Hiroshima Osaka

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

Day 15 Osaka Taipei

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

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

Day 16 Taipei

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

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

Day 17 Taipei Taroko

After breakfast, we make our way to Taroko Gorge via the world’s fifth longest highway tunnel (12.9km) and the breathtaking east coast cliff highway. We make a photo stop at the remarkable Chinshui Cliff, rising 2408 meters directly from the Pacific Ocean. Within the Taroko National Park, see the Taroko Gorge Gateway, Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto.

Day 18 Taroko Sun Moon Lake

After breakfast, we drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan, the highest point (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to get a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges.

Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around, before visiting Wen-wu Temple with its beautiful lake views.

Day 19 Sun Moon Lake Tainan

Today, enjoy a trip from the beautiful Sun Moon Lake to the ancient capital of Tainan. Along the way we will stop at the Holy Monk Shrine, Tehua Village and Tse En Pagoda. Continue on to the Tehua village to learn the history of the Tsao tribe. Then, we will finish up our day by visiting Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan. Tainan city displays a mix of western and Chinese culture, and you can see this influence in the Anping Old Fort as well as the quaint shops and museums.

Day 20 Tainan Kaohsiung

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

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

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

Day 21 Kaohsiung Lukang Taipei

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

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

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

Day 22 Taipei Home

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

Day 23 Home

Arrive home today.

What's Included

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

Sightseeing Highlights

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

Book With Confidence

How to book & payments.

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $5,000.00 per person within 28 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfill your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

Booking On Request

  • Your Inspiring Vacations package is made up of multiple components and travel partners. Once your booking is made and passenger details form submitted, we will begin to confirm all of your arrangements. Please note, this process can take several business days to complete
  • Once all elements have been confirmed we will send you an email confirmation, if we are unable to confirm we will provide you with alternative dates or offer a full refund of your deposit or re-credit your account if a travel credit was used
  • Please DO NOT book any additional services, such as flights, until we have confirmed your Inspiring Vacations package in writing. Inspiring Vacations will not be liable for any fees or charges incurred to change or cancel components not booked by Inspiring Vacations should your selected package be unavailable

Flight Information

Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase. 

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

This depends on the package you are booking. 

Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.

We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):

  • At check-out, please ensure you add the numbers of extra nights you would like pre- and/or post-tour (where available as an add-on). This can only be done at time of booking and cannot be added after purchase.
  • Some packages may only offer the opportunity to book one (1) extra night pre and/or post. If you want more nights’ than what is available to book you must choose Land Only (refer below).
  • If there is no option to add additional nights’ accommodation to your booking, then extending your stay with Inspiring Vacations is not an option and you can instead choose to change your booking to Land Only so you can arrange both your airfares and additional accommodation independently. 

When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance. 

Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare. 

The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked. 

Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:

  • You would like to stopover
  • You would like to upgrade your cabin class
  • You would like a specific airline booked 
  • You would like to extend longer than what is available within the package 
  • You intend to book additional accommodation independently
  • You would like to arrive and/or depart from another city or airport or; 
  • Your preferred domestic departure city point (ie Perth, Australia) is not an option 

If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.

How to book my flights through the flight portal:

As the travel industry moves towards providing customers with more self-service options, we are excited that our customers will have the opportunity to book their flights through our flight portal. If this option is available to you, you will be notified once flights are available to book for your selected departure date. Flights may be booked by Inspiring Vacations at any time.

Please visit our FAQ for more information .

Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please select land only. 
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees. 
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
  • Depending on departure date and time of booking, the required booking class for airfare offer may be too far in advance to book with the appropriate airline.
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation.
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Important Information

COVID -19 Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be affected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure. Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.

Twin Share Bedding Configuration At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays. Single Supplement Single supplement is $3,620.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding. Triple Share Available upon request. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE .

Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Visa & Passport information It is the travellers responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return to Australia or New Zealand.

Australian and NZ passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Tour Documentation Final documentation including e -tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel. Group Size 20-45 people in Japan and South Korea. Maximum 18 in Taiwan. Trip Style - Group Tour Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page. Children Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Length The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s)

Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation & Extra Services

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

  • $375.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
  • $375.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • International flights

Experiences

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The act of viewing flowers in bloom is a sacred Japanese past time that dates back centuries   What is hanami? The term hanami is a combination of two words: hana meaning flowers and mi meaning viewing. While it sounds like a vague expression, the term has become synonymous with the annual flowering of cherry blossom t...

Blooming beauties: a seasonal guide to Japan’s flowers

From cherry blossoms to sunflowers and hydrangeas, Japan is a country in bloom   The change of the seasons and the floral displays they bring are celebrated across Japan. From the keenly anticipated cherry and plum blossoms to the cheery sunflower, flowers hold a special place in Japanese society. There is even an anci...

Guide to cherry blossom season in Japan

From March to April every year, millions head to Japan to see their famed cherry trees shower the landscape in pink and white petals   The annual blooming of sakura (cherry blossom) trees in Japan is a sacred occurrence that has been celebrated for over 1,000 years. While its origins are somewhat disputed, with some so...

15 places to see Japan's autumn leaves

Where to experience the prettiest landscapes in Japan during the autumn foliage season Japan might be all about cherry blossom season, but once September hits, summer is farewelled and the focus shifts towards welcoming autumn and koyo zensen or tracking the progress of the leaves turning red. Much like the pink bloomi...

Fall in love with Japan in autumn

From September to December every year, Japan's temples and ancient shrines are transformed by seas of crimson foliage After months of steamy weather, an epic transformation begins across Japan. Trees change seemingly overnight from green to red, orange and yellow, turning the landscape into an artist's palette of autum...

Everything you need to know about: bullet trains in Japan

Get familiar with the Japanese love of innovation through its impressive network of bullet trains A needle-nosed train speeds past the base of beloved Mount Fuji. It’s an image as synonymous with Japan as a geisha shuffling through the streets of Kyoto or a steaming bowl of ramen—and for good reason. The East Asian nat...

Tokyo in five ways, over five days

Discover five faces of Japan’s sprawling capital over as many days with a jaunt through these diverse areas Day 1 – Shinjuku and Harajuku Dive headlong into two of Tokyo’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Begin in youthful Harajuku, where edgy boutiques line Omotesando Avenue and Cat Street and all things cute reign on T...

101 Things to do in Japan

From the delicious to the quirky, Japan is bursting with fun things to do   If you're all templed-out or just have some time to kill while visiting Japan, here, 101 ideas to keep you busy.   1. Queue up for sushi at Daiwa Sushi in the Toyosu Market (Tokyo) Recently located to a new, larger location, the sprawling fish...

Japanese etiquette tips every visitor should know

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A first timer's guide to Japan

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Five books to read before your trip to Japan

From modern classics to guides and memoirs, the many facets of Japan are best explored through literature These days, it seems like everything you need to know about a place can be found with a quick Google search. But sometimes, the best way to find out about the history or culture of a country is to turn to a good ol...

Eat like the Japanese: five must try regional dishes

Japanese food is treasured across the globe, but there’s much more to it than teriyaki chicken With such a vast array of flavours, dishes and regional specialties, it’s no surprise that Japan’s capital Tokyo, has been awarded the most Michelin Stars in the world, defeating culinary superpower Paris for 11 consecutive y...

The four seasons: when should I travel to Japan?

Japan can be visited year-round, with each season showcasing its own special charm While its eclectic capital Tokyo exudes modernity and is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, there are many prefectures throughout Japan that resemble their traditional forms with wooden minka architecture and t...

Everything you need to know about: Sapporo Snow Festival

Deep into Japanese snow season, the northern city of Sapporo hosts the country’s largest winter festival Japan has long been considered a leading winter destination, thanks to its powdery slopes and heavy snowfall. From February 4-11, 2024, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) turns the capital of Hokkaido into a f...

When is the best time to visit Japan

Japan is one of East Asia's most beloved countries, with a cherished ancient culture and exquisite sights. But, when is the best time to go?     Japan is an island country full of contrasts. From ultra-sleek modern cities, to soaring alps, traditional villages and ancient shrines. And with four distinct seasons that e...

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Citing safety risk, Taiwan president skips South China Sea visit

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visits army bases ahead of the Lunar New Year in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on Feb. 6.

Taiwan's top security official said on Thursday he does not currently recommend President Tsai Ing-wen visit the South China Sea given the possible risk to her flight from "interference by relevant countries" given China's military presence there.

Some lawmakers from both the ruling and main opposition parties have called on Tsai to visit Itu Aba before she steps down in May to assert Taiwan's sovereignty and view a newly renovated harbor that can take larger ships.

Both her predecessors visited the island but she has yet to do so while in office.

Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said the South China Sea had been highly militarized, and the government must also consider how the international community would view such a trip.

"Many countries' aircraft and ships are interfered with by relevant countries when passing through," he told reporters at parliament.

"Therefore, it is necessary to assess whether the president's aircraft's flight safety can be maintained during the 1,600 km (994 miles) flight. If the two problems cannot be resolved, it is not recommended that the president go to Taiping island at this stage."

China has reclaimed land and build air bases and other military facilities on some of its islands including those close to Itu Aba, and regularly objects to U.S. navy ships and military aircraft operating nearby in what Washington calls freedom of navigation operations.

Itu Aba has a runway long enough to take military resupply flights from Taiwan, which take around four hours, but is lightly defended compared to the nearby Chinese-controlled islands. Chinese forces generally leave Itu Aba alone.

Asked by a lawmaker whether China had ever interfered with or followed Taiwanese coast guard or military aircraft around Itu Aba, Tsai, who shares a common family name with the president, said it had happened.

"The activities of the Chinese communists' ships and aircraft in the South China Sea are very frequent," he added, without elaborating.

Taiwan also controls the Pratas Islands in the northern part of the South China Sea, and both China's air force and navy regularly operate nearby to assert Beijing's territorial claims over Taiwan, which the government in Taipei rejects.

Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei claim other parts of the South China Sea in dispute with both China and Taiwan.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visits army bases ahead of the Lunar New Year in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on Feb. 6. | REUTERS

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

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