A cross-country East Asia journey from Seoul’s palaces and markets to Busan’s coastline, then across to Japan for Fukuoka, Kyoto, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kamakura and Tokyo’s modern energy.
Tour Highlights
Korean palaces, Busan coastline, Japan’s temples, Mount Fuji views and Tokyo innovation.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience two countries in one seamless route, combining Korea’s heritage and food culture with Japan’s temples, landscapes and city life.
Daily Program
14-Day Korea & Japan Itinerary
Follow the route from Seoul to Gyeongju, Busan, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Hakone, Kamakura and Tokyo.
Day 1: Seoul Arrive
Upon arrival in Seoul, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner featuring Hanjeongsik, Korea’s traditional full-course meal, beautifully presented with seasonal dishes, side plates and authentic local flavors. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 2: Seoul History Day & Evening Foodie Tour
Enjoy a full-day Seoul sightseeing tour. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five grand Joseon palaces, then continue to the National Folk Museum to learn about Korean daily life and heritage. Explore Bukchon Hanok Village with over 900 traditional hanok houses, stroll along Insa-dong Street for Korean arts and crafts, then experience Gwangjang Market and Jongno 3-ga Pojangmacha Street for an evening food tour.
Day 3: Free Day in Seoul
Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore Seoul at your own pace, with no guide or vehicle provided. You may revisit favorite neighborhoods, discover hidden cafés, shop in vibrant districts, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of this dynamic capital. Overnight in Seoul.
Day 4: Seoul to Gyeongju by KTX & Road to Busan
At 8:45 AM, transfer to the train station for your KTX journey to Gyeongju, known as the museum without walls and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tomb Complex including Cheonmachong, and Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Continue by road to Busan.
Day 5: Busan Full Day Including Yacht Tour
Discover Busan’s history, culture and seaside beauty. Visit Gamcheon Culture Village, originally settled by Korean War refugees and later transformed by art projects; continue to Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market; visit the National Maritime Museum; ride the Haeundae Blueline Park Beach Train; visit BUSAN X the SKY Observatory; and end with a relaxing yacht tour along Busan’s sparkling coastline.
Day 6: High-Speed Queen Beetle Ferry to Fukuoka
Meet your guide and transfer to the pier for the high-speed Queen Beetle ferry to Fukuoka. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic crossing from Korea to Japan. Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer by private coach to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Hakata Ineya with a traditional Japanese izakaya-style dining experience.
Day 7: Fukuoka Day Tour with Guide
At 9:00 AM, begin a full-day Fukuoka tour by private coach. Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to scholar Sugawara no Michizane and known for over 1,100 years of history. Enjoy lunch at Shousei Kan, then walk in Ohori Park with its large pond, bridges, Japanese garden and floating pavilion. Continue to Seaside Momochi Seaside Park, a fashionable urban beach area with restaurants, wedding halls and marine sports shops.
Day 8: Going to Kyoto by Bullet Train
At 8:15 AM, transfer to Hakata Station by private coach and board the bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, transfer to lunch, then visit the charming Gion District with free time to explore. Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for preserved wooden machiya houses, elegant shops, restaurants and traditional ochaya where geiko and maiko continue centuries-old entertainment arts.
Day 9: Kyoto Guided Tour
Depart at 8:15 AM for a full Kyoto cultural day. Begin with a traditional Tea Ceremony Experience, then visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion covered in gold leaf and reflected in its pond. Continue to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then visit Tenryu-ji Temple, the most important temple in Arashiyama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admired for its Zen significance, architecture and gardens.
Day 10: Bullet Train to Mt. Fuji
Transfer to Kyoto Station for the bullet train to Odawara Station, gateway to Mount Fuji and Hakone. Continue by private coach to Hakone. After lunch, enjoy a Lake Ashi Cruise on the crater lake formed by volcanic activity, then ride the Hakone Ropeway for views of Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley and Mount Fuji on clear days. Visit Owakudani Valley, with steaming vents, sulfurous fumes, hot springs and the famous black eggs.
Day 11: Road Trip to Tokyo
At 8:30 AM, begin a scenic private coach journey to Tokyo with cultural stops. Take photos at Odawara Castle, recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Fine Castles. Continue to Kamakura to visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura, an 11.4-meter bronze Amida Buddha at Kotokuin Temple, then visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine dedicated to the samurai deity Hachiman. Continue to Tokyo.
Day 12: Tokyo City Tour
At 8:45 AM, begin a full-day Tokyo tour by private coach. Visit TeamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum at Azabudai Hills with more than 70 installations. Drive past the House of Parliament and Imperial Palace, then visit Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck at 3:00 PM for panoramic skyline views. Continue to Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and stroll along Nakamise Street, lined with traditional snacks, sweets, souvenirs and cultural treasures.
Day 13: A Free Day in Tokyo
Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore Tokyo at your own pace, with no guide or vehicle provided. Discover the city according to your interests, from shopping in Ginza and Shibuya to hidden temples and gardens, trendy neighborhoods, or Tokyo’s incredible food scene. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 14: Tokyo Departure
Breakfast at your hotel. Check out at noon and taxi to the airport for your onward flight, ending your Korea and Japan journey.
Made for travelers who want Korea’s cultural depth and Japan’s timeless elegance in one journey.
Korea and Japan combines Seoul’s palace heritage and night market flavors, Gyeongju’s UNESCO history, Busan’s coastal beauty, Fukuoka’s shrines and seaside parks, Kyoto’s temples, Hakone’s Fuji landscapes and Tokyo’s futuristic city life.
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