Essence of Japan with South Korea

Tour Itinerary

• Days 1 - 2 • UK - Tokyo

  Your tour begins with Titan's nationwide shared chauffeur service collecting you from home for your overnight flight to Tokyo. On arrival, the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the fantastic views, or explore the area.

• Day 3 • Tokyo

  Prepare for a fantastic day of Tokyo sightseeing. Walk out amidst skyscrapers and the world’s tallest self-supporting tower (the Tokyo Skytree) and learn the stories behind legendary landmarks like the moated Imperial Palace, Tokyo’s oldest temple and Sensō-ji, and Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine set on a tree-lined avenue.

• Day 4 • Mount Fuji - Matsumoto

  The next morning, it’s time to visit the iconic Mount Fuji. Take in the sight of the iconic snow-capped peak as you travel from Tokyo to Matsumoto. If the weather is clear, you’ll see the volcano’s image reflected on the placid waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

• Day 5 • Matsumoto - Takayama

  Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Japan, Matsumoto is a striking timber and stone structure with a unique moon-viewing turret. Stop to sample sake (Japanese rice wine) in a traditional brewery, before taking the breathtaking journey through thick pine forests and snow-tipped peaks of the Japanese Alps to the hill town of Takayama.

• Day 6 • Takayama

  Soak in the local character on a walking tour of Takayama, where you'll see highlights such as the open-air flower and fruit market and government house.

• Day 7 • Kanazawa

  Transfer by coach to Kanazawa, visiting the World Heritage Shirakawago Village en route. Kanazawa is a historic castle town, boasting beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts.

• Day 8 • Kanazawa - Hiroshima

  Pack overnight bags whilst your luggage is transferred to Kyoto. Enjoy a final look around Kanazawa, stopping at the gorgeous Kenroku-en Garden and BukeYashiki (Samurai’s house) before travelling on in perfect comfort on a bullet train to Hiroshima.

• Day 9 • Hiroshima

  Hiroshima is vibrant and cosmopolitan city of peace with a devastating history. Today, catch a ferry over to Miyajima Island to admire the ancient Itsukushima Shrine and its torii gate. Spend some time strolling through the park. Back in Hiroshima, take a walking tour around the Peace Memorial Park and take some time for reflection at the Atomic Bomb Museum.

• Day 10 • Nara - Kyoto

  Another bullet train takes you to Osaka, where we’ll board a coach for the onward journey to Nara, a former capital of Japan. The 8th-century Todaiji temple is wondrous, but the real highlight here are the adorable deer roaming through Nara Park. Arrive in Kyoto this afternoon.

• Day 11 • Kyoto

  Highlights of this morning’s tour include the wonderful Ryoanji Temple (a Zen temple with a famous rock garden), and the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple, or ‘Golden Pavilion’, whose top two floors are completely bedecked in gold leaf. You'll also visit Nijo, a fortified castle with unique ‘nightingale’ floors designed to replicate the sound of the nightingale song when stepped on.

• Day 12 • Kyoto - Mishima

  Learn all about the intricacies of the traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto before travelling by bullet train to Mishima. Check into your hotel and if the weather is kind you’ll have views of Mount Fuji from your room.

• Day 13 • Hakone - Tokyo

  Travel to Hakone and embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi for stunning views of the snow-capped mountains before jumping on a cable car up to the Owakudani Valley and Hot Springs.

• Day 14 • Tokyo - Busan

  Transfer to the airport for your flight to Busan, Korea’s second city, ready to begin the next chapter of our adventure. This evening, enjoy a Korean barbecue. Expect sizzling meats, aromatic sauces, and heaps of delicious sides and veggies.

• Day 15 • Busan

  Today’s guided tour of Busan begins at the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a serene Buddhist site especially enchanting during cherry blossom season.

• Day 16 • Gyeongju - Seoul

  This morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Gyeongju Historic Area, home to some of Korea’s finest Buddhist art and architecture. Wander through the hushed halls of 1,500-year-old Bulguksa Temple, visit Asia’s oldest astronomical observatory, and discover the domed tombs of Daereungwon Tomb Complex. After lunch, board the KTX bullet train and speed north to the capital, Seoul.

• Day 17 • Seoul

  Seoul fuses cutting-edge innovation with centuries-old tradition. On a guided city tour, witness the royal changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the National Folk Museum. Next, wander the preserved streets of Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of Seoul life hundreds of years ago. Finally, Insadong offers a cultural feast of traditional teahouses, antique stalls, and galleries showcasing local art.

• Day 18 • DMZ

  Spend the morning at the DMZ, the strip of land dividing the Korean Peninsula. Learn about the Korean War, hear the stories of affected families, explore one of the infiltration tunnels beneath the border, and reflect at Imjingak Park, home to monuments and statues commemorating those impacted.

• Days 19 - 20 • Seoul - UK

  Transfer to the airport for your return flights to the UK. Upon arrival your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.