Japan & Korea Discovery

Days 1 - 3: Seoul, South Korea. Your adventure starts here! Kick off (literally!) with a Taekwondo class, before heading up Namsan Mountain for spectacular views across the city. On day 2 you’ll head into the Korean Demilitarised Zone, visiting Dorasan Station, Doran Observatory, descending into the 3^rd tunnel and chatting to a North Korean defector before heading back to Seoul for a K-Pop dance class! On day 3 we’ll visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Day 4: Seorakasan National Park. Travel to Seoraksan National Park this morning where you’ll have free time to hike, or take the cable car to one of the peaks.  After lunch, opt to visit a village of North Korean refugees and tuck into fresh seafood at a local fish-market This evening, enjoy a traditional liquor tasting – kanpai!

Days 5 - 6: Gyeongju. Explore historic Gyeongu by bike on day 5, taking in Cheonmachong Tombs in Tumuli Park, the ancient Cheomseongdae observatory, beautiful Gyerim Forest and Hyanggyo Confucius School. Day 6 is something special, with an overnight stay in Golgulsa Buddhist Temple. Take a meditation class, watch a traditional arts performance and Sunmudo (martial art) demonstration and learn the basics of Sunmudo yourself!

Days 7 - 9: Busan. Head to Gamcheon Village on day 7, to check out the pastel coloured houses and winding streets. Then hit Songdo Beach, where you’ll ride the Marine Cable Car before an afternoon in the trendy BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area in Nampo-dong in Busan. Day 8 is a free day to explore at your own pace, then on day 9, enjoy a morning at the beach, before catching  a flight to the ‘Hawaii of South Korea’, Jeju Island. 

Days 10 - 12: Jeju Island & Seoul. Spend the next few days in paradise. Hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, sail round the island on a yacht, visit Jeongbang Waterfall, and take a day-long trek along the Jeju Olle Trail before a delicious farewell Korean barbecue dinner. Head back to Seoul where your Korea adventure ends, before flying to Tokyo in Japan to start the next leg of your adventure.

Days 13 - 15 Tokyo, Japan. You’ve got a few days to explore this sprawling metropolis. We’ll visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tsukiji Outer Market, colourful Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara district (Japan’s ‘Electric Town’), Tokyo Palace, Harajuku (home to Japan’s most extreme youth cultures), Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Joypolis, and the 'Love Sign' by Aqua City. We’ll also learn the art of sushi-making with an experienced chef!

Day 16: Kamakura. Say sayonara to Tokyo and hop on a train to Japan’s medieval capital. Our hostel is just minutes from the sea, so rent a surfboard and head to the beach to catch some waves. You can also visit some of the town’s many shrines, including the giant bronze Buddha.

Day 17: Hakone. Travel to Hakone and enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi on board a pirate ship! Take in spectacular views of Mount Fuji, then board a cable car to Owakudani, an active volcanic zone. Spend the evening in a Japanese outdoor bath, or ‘onsen’. Then learn all about Japanese rice wine during a sake tasting session.

Days 18 - 20: Kyoto. Travel to Japan’s cultural heart on the bullet train. Kick off with a visit to Kiyomizu Dera Temple, and then attend an optional geisha performance, featuring a tea ceremony, puppet show and traditional music. Take a boat trip down the Hozugawa River, visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park, Tenryu-Ji Temple and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama. Day 20 is totally free for you to explore the atmospheric city at your own pace.

Days 21 - 22: Hiroshima. Explore Kyoto by bike on day 21, including the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-Ji and the Imperial Palace, before taking the bullet train to Hiroshima. On day 22 we’ll learn about Hiroshima’s tragic history with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park. Then travel to Miyajimi Island, where we’ll see the striking Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 23: Osaka. Travel to Osaka on the bullet train, arriving in time for lunch before taking the subway to Osaka Castle. Marvel at the displays of original artefacts and learn all about Japans ancient warriors, the Samurai. The afternoon is yours to explore Osaka at your own pace.

Day 24: Trip end. The time has come to pack your bags and say your farewells before heading to the airport or continuing your adventures. See you again soon!

Please note this itinerary is for guidance only and depending on the start date you may spend some extra nights in either Tokyo or Seoul. Please download the trip notes for further information.