PERFECT FOR:
- Travelers of All Ages including Families
- History Buffs & Food Lovers
- Mix of City Vibes, Timeless Culture & Beach Time!
- First Time Travelers of Japan & Korea
A Private Japan & south Korea Tour – Tokyo, Kyoto, Busan & Seoul
13 Days / 12 Nights – Tour Code (JPK) – Land Only – private tour – Departs Daily
In Recent years, Japan and South Korea has become two of the hottest travel destinations in East Asia. Travelers are often torn choosing between these two fascinating countries. Well, choose no more. Traveling in style, this meticulously crafted 13 day tour features the must-sees of the empires of the yesteryears, and juggernauts of today’s food, entertainment and technology.
Starting with Tokyo, one of the most vibrant and modern cities in the world, we soak up this electrifying cityscape of contrasts: between the old and the new, the traditional and modern that makes Tokyo an exciting place for travelers to visit the world over. With your private guide as your co-pilot, we explore Tokyo’s fantastic sights via its vast transportation system that boasts an experience in and of itself. Visit the world-famous Tsukiji Market, a vibrant locals market lined with sushi stalls featuring the day’s freshest catch; Sensoji Temple and its colorful Nakamise shopping street; and the Sacred Meiji Shrine. You’ll also get a chance to broaden your culinary repertoire with a fun-filled sushi making lesson.
Next, fasten your seatbelts on an exhilarating ride aboard the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan for more than a thousand years. Forever known for its history and culture, Kyoto casts an image of Old Japan with ancient Buddhist temples, stunning palaces and beautiful classical gardens. Here, visit the ancient capital’s most revered landmarks Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine famed for its 10,000 red torii gates. We’ll have a chance to visit Japan’s first capital in Nara for a glimpse of the world’s largest wooden structure, Todaiji Temple, quaintly accompanied by over 1,300 free-roaming deer.
After a week amazing sights and sounds in Japan, zip across the Sea of Japan to South Korea for some seaside fun in Busan, famed for its beautiful coastline, bustling markets and the country’s freshest seafood. Here, hit the city’s highlights while enjoying some nice R&R on Haeundae Beach.
Your sensory overload continues as we touchdown Seoul. The birthplace of K-Pop and K-Drama, this ancient and modern day Korean capital is fascinating metropolis of paramount sophistication that offers the visitor a myriad of stunning palaces, sensational cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Here, we’ll spend a day hitting the must sees of the city – Gyeongbok Palace with its Guard Changing Ceremony, the vibrant Insadong district filled with galleries, markets, tea houses and a traditional village reminiscent of Korea’s yesteryears. We’ll also get a rare chance to step foot on the DMZ (demilitarized zone) that has divided the two Koreas for over 50 years – certainly an experience not to be missed!
From ultra-modern skyscrapers to thousand year-old palaces, bustling markets to charming villages, mouthwatering cuisine to cool seaside vibes. They’re all here.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy Class Osaka / Busan Airfare
- Bullet Train Tickets: Tokyo-Kyoto & Busan-Seoul
- 12 nights superior & deluxe hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Private transfers* upon arrival and departure
- Private sightseeing with services of English-speaking guides (via public transit)
TOKYO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Shibuya Excel Stream Hotel | Shibuya Excel Hotel (Superior) OR Cerulean Tower Hotel (Deluxe)
- Full day private tour of Tokyo’s Must Sees
- Evening private tour of Tokyo’s popular local hangouts featuring food, pop culture or nightlife
KYOTO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Cross Hotel Kyoto (Superior) OR Dhawa Yura Kyoto Hotel (Deluxe)
- Extensive sightseeing of Kyoto & Nara per itinerary
- Choice of Japanese Cooking Lesson or Tea Ceremony
BUSAN (3 nights)
- 3 nights at L7 Haeundai by Lotte (Superior) OR Grand Josun Busan (Deluxe)
- Full day tour of Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, Gamcheon Village & Haedong Yonggungsa Tempe
SEOUL (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Four Points by Sheraton Myeongdong (Superior) OR The Westin Josun | Hotel Lotte (Deluxe)
- Full day private walking tour via public transportation
- Half Day DMZ Excursion (join tour)
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center by private car for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. Balance of the day is at your leisure to explore bustling Shibuya surrounding your hotel.
Day 2 Tokyo
Today, enjoy a private tour of several of Tokyo’s must-sees. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto Shrine dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West, home to a 40-foot-high torii gate and a 200-acre park made of 1,500-year-old cypress. Next, proceed to Tsukiji Market, the former site of the world’s largest fish market, now a vibrant marketplace filled with produce and seafood stands and sushi joints. Continue to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist Temple at Senso-ji in Asakusa followed by a stroll thru its colorful Nakamise Shopping Street. Last stop of the day is Ueno famed for its Ueno Park comprised temples & shrines, museums, and a zoo. Afterwards, take a stroll through nearby Ameya-Yokocho market that boasts an array of local eats and fresh seafood stands. Return to your hotel. (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Full day free at leisure eat, shop and explore Tokyo on your own. Consult with your travel advisor on the wide arrange of sites (Anime, Museums, Gardens, food districts) and activities (cooking lessons, food tours, Sumo show, etc.) that can be tailored to your interests. (B)
Day 4 Tokyo / Kyoto
This morning, proceed to Shinagawa Station for your 2-hour Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride for Kyoto. Upon arrival, bet met at Kyoto Station by your guide and commence sightseeing of Kyoto starting with Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion). Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun that later became a Buddhist Temple after his death at his request. Continue to Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto. This UNESCO world heritage site is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below boasting panoramic views of Kyoto City. Enjoy a stroll through the two famous shopping streets (Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka) for cherry blossoms view at Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Continue to Gion District before returning to your hotel. (B)
***Note: Your bags will be picked up at your hotel’s bell stand and delivered to your hotel in Kyoto the same day.
Day 5 Kyoto (Nara & Fushimi Inari)
This morning, enjoy an invigorating bike ride through several of Kyoto’s famous sights. Your tour includes visits to the Golden pavilion, which is the most famous tourist spot; Ryoan temple, home of the most famous rock garden; and Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo forest. At the end of the tour, you will make your way back to Kyoto by local train on your own. Balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 6 Kyoto
Morning at leisure to relax and explore beautiful Kyoto. This afternoon, enjoy a choice of Japanese Izakaya Cooking Lesson or a Tea Ceremony at a Machiya House. (B)
***Note: Cooking Lesson & Tea Ceremony on join (non-private) basis
Day 7 Kyoto / Busan
Transfer by shared shuttle van to Osaka Airport for your flight to Busan. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your resort on Haeundae Beach. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to explore the vibrant markets and beach scene surrounding your hotel. (B)
Day 8 Busan (Local Markets & “Lego Village”)
This morning, enjoy a tour of Busan’s highlights beginning with two of the region’s most popular markets. Visit Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market lined with vibrant stalls in a bustling atmosphere. Next up is Gukje Market, a sprawling marketplace offering a diverse range of products, from clothing and electronics to antiques and local delicacies. The market’s lively atmosphere, coupled with its maze-like alleys, provides a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into Korea’s postwar history. Continue to Gamcheon Culture Village (a.k.a. Lego Village), a colorful, artistic neighborhood located on the hillside of Saha District. Originally a modest, working-class neighborhood, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination known for its brightly painted houses, narrow alleyways, and vibrant street art. Time permitting, visit the iconic Haedong Yonggunsa Temple before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day 9 Busan (Free at Leisure)
Full day at leisure to enjoy the beach. (B)
Day 10 Busan / Seoul
Transfer to Busan Station for your KTX Train to Seoul. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the city in Myeongdong. Balance of the afternoon to eat, shop and explore the many attractions (Namsan Tower, Namdaemun Markets, Myeongdong shopping street) surrounding your hotel. (B)
Day 11 Seoul (Palaces, Temples & Neighborhoods)
Today, enjoy a full day private walking tour visiting the capitals’ revered landmarks and local hangouts. Visits today include Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Insadong & Ikseondong neighborhoods and Namsangol Village. (B)
Day 12. Seoul (Demilitarized Zone)
Today, embark on a rare opportunity to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas. In place for over 50 years, the DMZ serves as a buffer zone between South and North Korea to prevent direct military collisions. Given its strict access to civilians, the DMZ is also globally recognized for its ecological value as resources in the area have been left untouched since its inception. Here, we travel inside the 3rd Tunnel, said to be built by North Korea to invade the south in case of hostility after the armistice that has the capacity to move 10,000 soldiers in an hour. Take a cable car ride over the mine field that separates to two Koreas, as well as Dora Observatory that offers a view of DMZ’s terrain as well a glimpse into North Korea from a distance. (B)
***Note: Tour operates on JOIN basis by motorcoach. DMZ (closed on Mondays) can only be visited as part of a group per government regulations***
Day 13. Depart Seoul
Transfer to the airport by private car (drive only) for your departure flight onward. (B)
****END OF PROGRAM****
| 2025 Price Chart (Prices Valid Thru December 31, 2025) | |||
| Daily Departure | Hotels | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – February | S | 7,485 | 2,645 |
| D | 8,395 | 2,875 | |
| March – April | S | 7,825 | 3,075 |
| D | 8,725 | 3,325 | |
| May, September | S | 7,725 | 2,975 |
| D | 8,625 | 3,225 | |
| June – August | S | 7,485 | 2,645 |
| D | 8,395 | 2,875 | |
| October – November | S | 7,825 | 3,075 |
| D | 8,725 | 3,325 | |
| December | S | 7,485 | 2,645 |
| D | 8,395 | 2,875 | |
| S = Superior | D = Deluxe | |||
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and minimum of 2 passengers
- Price includes entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes all airfares, personal expenses, beverages during included lunches
- Tour commences in Tokyo and ends in Seoul (program can be operated in reverse)
- Sightseeing utilizes public transportation with services of English-speaking guides on private basis (except DMZ Excursion)
- Peak Season Surcharges or blackout dates apply during Sakura season (Cherry Blossoms in late March – mid April), Golden Week Holiday (April 29-May 6) & December Holiday period (Dec. 24- Jan. 03). Please contact us for details and restrictions.
- All hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy Class Osaka / Busan Airfare
- Bullet Train Tickets: Tokyo-Kyoto & Busan-Seoul
- 12 nights superior & deluxe hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Private transfers* upon arrival and departure
- Private sightseeing with services of English-speaking guides (via public transit)
TOKYO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Shibuya Excel Stream Hotel | Shibuya Excel Hotel (Superior) OR Cerulean Tower Hotel (Deluxe)
- Full day private tour of Tokyo’s Must Sees
- Evening private tour of Tokyo’s popular local hangouts featuring food, pop culture or nightlife
KYOTO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Cross Hotel Kyoto (Superior) OR Dhawa Yura Kyoto Hotel (Deluxe)
- Extensive sightseeing of Kyoto & Nara per itinerary
- Choice of Japanese Cooking Lesson or Tea Ceremony
BUSAN (3 nights)
- 3 nights at L7 Haeundai by Lotte (Superior) OR Grand Josun Busan (Deluxe)
- Full day tour of Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, Gamcheon Village & Haedong Yonggungsa Tempe
SEOUL (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Four Points by Sheraton Myeongdong (Superior) OR The Westin Josun | Hotel Lotte (Deluxe)
- Full day private walking tour via public transportation
- Half Day DMZ Excursion (join tour)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple & Tsukiji Market
- Fushimi Inari Shrine & Kiyomizu Temple
- Nara Ancient Capital
- Busan’s Jagalchi Fish Market & “Lego Village”
- R&R on Haeundae Beach
- Seoul’s Palaces, Food Markets & Trendy Neighborhoods
- The infamous DMZ
Price Starting From:
$7,825
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Tokyo – Shibuya Excel Stream Hotel
Kyoto – Dhawa Yura Hotel
Tokyo – Cerulean Tower
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
