Korea & Japan Encompassed with G Adventures

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: UK - Seoul

  Arrive in Seoul and settle into your hotel before meeting your fellow travellers and CEO at the evening welcome meeting. There are no planned activities during the day, giving you time to relax after your journey or start exploring the vibrant South Korean capital at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy an orientation walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream before discovering the lively streets of Myeongdong, known for its shopping, street food and nightlife. Opt for a group dinner to end your first night!

• Day 2: Seoul

  Discover the highlights of Seoul on a city tour, where futuristic skyscrapers sit alongside ancient palaces, temples and traditional markets. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folklore Museum, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore more of the city, sample local specialities or browse the bustling street markets.

• Day 3: Seoul/Gyeongju-si

  Travel by high-speed train from Seoul to Gyeongju, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom. Your experience today is truly unique, with an overnight stay at a traditional temple. Learn about temple etiquette, experience Buddhist traditions and enjoy a traditional temple-style dinner. You’ll also have the opportunity to witness a monk martial arts performance and experience the peaceful atmosphere of temple life.traditional dinner and breakfast during the stay. Have the opportunity to learn about temple etiquette, experience the daily drum and bell ritual and take an easy hike up to the only stone cave temple in Korea for morning meditation.

• Day 4: Gyeongju-si/Busan

  Begin the day with meditation and traditional temple rituals before exploring Gyeongju. Visit the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple, home to impressive Buddhist architecture and national treasures, before discovering Yangdong Folk Village and learning more about life during the Joseon Dynasty. Continue to Cheomseongdae Observatory and the surrounding Royal Tombs before travelling onwards to Busan.

• Day 5: Busan

  Spend the day discovering the highlights of Busan. Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful 14th-century temple set dramatically beside the sea, before exploring the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village. Continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market and Yongdusan Park, taking in the sights, sounds and flavours of this lively coastal city. The evening is yours to explore, with optional experiences available.

• Day 6: Busan/Seoul

  Enjoy more of Busan with visits to Haeundae Beach and Dongbaekseom Island before travelling back to Seoul by train. Once back in the capital, explore Namdaemun Market, one of the city’s oldest traditional markets, before travelling by cable car to N Seoul Tower. Spend the rest of the day discovering Seoul at your own pace, perhaps exploring Gangnam or the Banpo Bridge area.

• Day 7: Seoul

  Today, visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea. Learn more about this fascinating area and its place in modern history before visiting the War Memorial of Korea. Return to Seoul for another evening in the city, with plenty of opportunities to explore its neighbourhoods, museums, restaurants and nightlife.

• Day 8: Seoul/Osaka

  Say goodbye to South Korea and continue your adventure to Japan. Travel from Seoul to Osaka and, after arriving, enjoy some free time to relax or begin exploring the city. In the evening, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting and get ready for the next chapter of your journey.

• Day 9: Osaka/Kōyasan

  Travel into the mountains to Kōyasan, one of Japan’s most important centres of Buddhist culture. Tonight, experience something truly special with an overnight stay at a traditional temple on Mount Koya. Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner and experience the peaceful surroundings of this spiritual mountain retreat.

• Day 10: Kōyasan/Hiroshima

  Wake early to experience the morning prayers before enjoying a traditional breakfast. Spend some time exploring Kōyasan before continuing your journey to Hiroshima. Take in the changing scenery as you travel towards this historically significant city and settle into your hotel for the evening.

• Day 11: Hiroshima

  Explore Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Memorial Museum, learning about the events of 1945 and the city’s journey towards peace. Later, take a ferry across to Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most scenic destinations. See the famous floating Torii Gate and enjoy some free time to explore the island, with the option to hike Mount Misen for panoramic views.

• Day 12: Hiroshima/Kyoto

  Travel onwards to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and a city filled with temples, gardens and traditional culture. Visit Nijo Castle and its beautiful gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before enjoying an evening walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district.

• Day 13: Kyoto

  Discover one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Walk beneath the thousands of vibrant torii gates that wind their way up the hillside before enjoying free time to explore Kyoto. Browse local shops, stroll along the river or visit one of the city’s many beautiful temples and gardens.

• Day 14: Kyoto/Hakone

  Continue your journey to Hakone, a scenic mountain town famous for its natural hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Take a relaxing boat ride across Lake Ashino-ko, where you may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Later, enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal before relaxing in the natural hot springs at your accommodation.

• Day 15: Hakone/Tokyo

  Travel onwards to Tokyo, arriving before midday with plenty of time to explore Japan’s exciting capital. Spend the afternoon discovering the city at your own pace, whether you’re looking for high-end shopping in Ginza, colourful fashions in Harajuku, electronics in Akihabara or peaceful green spaces around the Imperial Palace.

• Day 16: Tokyo

  Your Korea and Japan adventure comes to an end today. Depart Tokyo at any time, or extend your stay to discover more of this incredible city and make the most of your time in Japan.