Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
South Korea – Japan – Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan – Osaka – Kyoto – Shuzenji – Tokyo
100% customisable for you
Today’s the day – your adventure to South Korea and Japan begins. Head to the airport, whizz through security and grab some late-night snacks for the long-haul journey. Then board your direct, overnight flight to Seoul which takes around 13 hours.
Cosy up in your seat, queue up some films – or better yet, a few K-dramas to get you in the mood and try to catch some Z’s if you can.
When you touch down in Seoul the following day, you’ll be met at the airport and whisked away by a private driver to your hotel in Myeondong, your base for the next three nights. After a long journey, take it easy for the rest of today.
If you have the energy, take a stroll through the neon-lit streets of the surrounding streets, soaking up your first taste of the city’s buzz before heading back to your hotel for an early night. Tomorrow promises plenty more excitement.
Woke up feeling ravenous? Well, today you’re in for a real treat. This morning, dive in chopstick-first into Seoul’s incredible food scene. Meet your private guide and set off on a flavour-packed street food tour in Tongin Market, where sizzling pans and mouth-watering aromas await.
Your guide will introduce you to the dosirak (bento box) concept, as you wander from stall to stall creating your own perfect meal. Sample everything from crispy fried mandu (dumplings) to japchae (noodles) to fiery tteobokki (simmered rice cakes). And for something sweet? Try hotteock – warm cinnamon-filled pancakes, fresh off the griddle.
And if you’re inspired by Seoul’s trend-setting style, browse the market’s clothes and accessories boutiques, and embrace your inner fashionista between bites.
End the day suitably stuffed and spend the rest of your time as you please – perhaps head out for a stroll to walk off your food or simply relax back at your hotel.
Make the most of your T-money card today, your ticket for navigating Seoul’s speedy public transportation system. Stay local and wander through Myeondong, dipping into beauty boutiques for their famous radiance-boosting facials – you'll be glowing for the rest of your trip.
Alternatively, hop on the subway and head to the chic district of Gangnam, made famous by PSY’s Gangnam Style. Press the button at the iconic Gangnam Statue for the song to play, try out your best moves and snap some photos while you’re here. Indulge in a little retail therapy at COEX mall, one of the largest shopping centres in Asia and if you’re a book lover, don’t miss the striking Starfield Library.
As evening falls, dive into Seoul’s nightlife in Hongdae, where you can belt out catchy K-pop tunes in karaoke bars, watch spontaneous dance battles (or join in), and soak up lively street performances. And for your last evening in the city, ask your Concierge for a top restaurant recommendation and toast to your time in Seoul over another delicious dinner.
Bid the capital farewell this morning and make your way to the station, ready to board your high-speed train south to Gyeongju. Find your seat and watch the landscape shift as the city gives way to rolling countryside during the two-and-a-half-hour journey.
When you arrive, make your way to your next hotel: a traditional hanok stay. These beautifully preserved Korean houses offer a glimpse into the country’s past, so settle in with a cup of green tea in the courtyard and embrace the slower pace of life here.
When you’re ready to explore, step out into Gyeongju's historic streets, brimming with cultural treasures. Wander through the Gyeongju National Museum to uncover artefacts from the Silla dynasty, then stroll among the burial mounds of the Daereungwon Tomb Complex to learn about the funerary customs of the time. Continue on to Gyeongju’s old town, where charming alleyways and indie craft shops are filled with locally-made treasures, from handmade ceramics to beautifully woven textiles.
At sunset, make your way to Anapji Pond, a magical spot to admire the views at dinner.
Start the morning with a climb up to Bulguksa Temple, where you can explore striking stone pagodas, historic bridges and ornate woodwork. Continue on to the nearby Seokguram Grotto, home to an impressive state of Buddha surrounded by intricate carvings of deities and disciples – offering a fascinating insight into Korea’s Buddhist heritage.
Later this afternoon, head back to the station and board your high-speed train to Busan, a journey that takes around 45 minutes. Sit back and admire the views as you make your way to South Korea’s vibrant coastal city.
When you arrive, make your way to your hotel in the heart of Busan, your home for the next three nights. After a day of exploration and travel, enjoy a relaxed evening in – perhaps catching up on your favourite K-drama.
In true Korean fashion, rise early this morning and head out for a walk. Meet your local guide who knows Busan like the back of their hand and set off to explore the city on foot.
This day is shaped entirely around your interests, so follow whatever catches your eye – whether that’s wandering the colourful hillside lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village, where art spills across every corner, diving into the dizzying chaos of Jagalchi Fish Market to see the day’s catch being hauled in, or browsing Gukje Market for sizzling street snacks. It’s a great way to learn more about the country, discover lesser-known neighbourhoods and discuss all things K-culture with your guide along the way.
Want to see the city from above? Ascend to the top of the Busan Tower observation deck, located in Yongdusan Park. Stay for sunset and enjoy dinner as the skyline turns into a sea of twinkling lights.
Your T-money card works across Busan too, making it easy to hop between highlights.
To the northeast, head to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple where devotees light incense, leave offerings and pause in quiet prayer. Marvel at the stone zodiac sculptures, the reclining Buddha and the statue of the Buddhist goddess of the sea. Don’t forget to make a wish on the Yongmungseogyo Bridge, said to bring good fortune to those who cross it.
To the west, explore the Geumjeongsan area and the impressive Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, where mountain trails lead the way to sweeping views over Busan. If time allows, continue to Beomeosa Temple, a peaceful hillside retreat and one of the region’s most important religious sites.
And as it’s your last night in South Korea, what better way to end it than with a Korean barbecue? Grill your own meat at the table, share dishes as they arrive and soak up the social atmosphere.
Today is all yours to enjoy at your own pace in Busan. Take the opportunity to try some Korean dishes you may not have ticked off yet – perhaps a steaming bowl of bibimbap (rice with vegetables, meat and a chili kick), a helping of kimchi (fermented cabbage with a hint of spice) or a tasting of soju, the country’s popular spirit. Fancy a bit of shopping? Stock up on Korean skincare favourites or browse for manhwa (comics) – perfect for the journey ahead.
All that exploring is bound to make you sleepy. As the afternoon rolls in, make your way to Busan Port where you’ll board the 17-hour overnight ferry bound for Osaka. Enjoy dinner from your balcony, settle into your cosy cabin, pull down the blinds and let the gentle motion of the waves lull you to sleep. Tomorrow, Japan awaits...
You’ll likely wake up with a jolt of excitement this morning as the ferry pulls into Osaka Port – you've officially arrived in Japan. Step off the boat and meet your private driver who will whisk you to your hotel located in central Osaka, your home for the next two nights. Drop your bags and spend the afternoon wandering the nearby streets.
This evening, dive straight into the city’s legendary culinary scene on a guided food tour through the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori. Duck into characterful eateries and sample kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers) or takoyaki (grilled octopus). Here, it’s all about being adventurous – you're in Osaka, after all. Your guide will also take you into a traditional izakaya (a casual Japanese pub) for a taste of seasonal dishes and local life.
No food tour is complete without something sweet to finish. Try mochi (chewy rice cake) or dorayaki (red-bean filled pancakes) – both beloved classics. Then head back to your hotel with a full belly, likely smitten by Osaka’s energy.
Today, take a 45-minute train ride from Osaka to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Explore the Kofuku-ji Temple and admire the five-storey pagoda, learn about the region’s history inside the National Museum, then admire the Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue inside the world’s largest wooden building.
But, you’ll likely be quickly distracted by the park’s resident deer roaming the grounds. Considered sacred messengers of the gods, they were granted imperial protection during the Heian period, symbolising the harmony between nature and spirituality in Nara. They’ve even mastered the art of Japanese politeness. Be sure to pick up some deer crackers from a local vendor, offer one up and you may be rewarded with a neat little bow – undeniably cute, or as you’d say in Japan, kawaii.
After a day of oohing and aahing around the city, hop back on the train to Osaka for another night in the city – perhaps try a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen tonight.
This morning, hop on the 30-minute local train from Osaka to Kyoto. Nab a window seat for the journey and admire the rolling views.
When you arrive in Kyoto, check into your hotel, your base for the next three nights.
Craving a little peace and quiet? This afternoon, head to the Camellia Garden House for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Set within a calm garden setting, this is a chance to experience chanoyu, a centuries-old ritual rooted in Buddhist tradition and practiced by monks as a form of meditation. Sip some matcha, take a moment to clear your mind and enjoy the tranquility of being out in nature.
In the evening, follow Kyoto’s lantern-lined streets in search of a traditional kaiseki dinner (a beautifully presented multi-course feast), before returning to your hotel for the night.
Lace up your best walking shoes for a private tour of Kyoto today, led by an expert guide ready to bring the city’s stories to life. Together, explore Kyoto’s most iconic sites, from the historic grounds of Nijo Castle to the hillside setting of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, for sweeping views over the city.
Next, wander through the atmospheric streets of Gion, the famed geisha district, where charming wooden teahouses line the streets and geiko and maiko slip by. And don’t forget to ask your guide to snap a few photos along the way – these streets make the perfect backdrop for some standout holiday shots.
Need a little pick-me-up? Perhaps make a pit stop at one of Japan’s famous vending machines, dispensing everything from iced coffees to hot chocolates – perfect for keeping you fuelled for exploration.
This evening, continue your culinary discoveries and tuck into another Japanese favourite – perhaps a comforting plate of katsu curry (a mildly spiced dish served with meat, vegetables and rice).
As this is your last full day in Kyoto, today is yours to spend as you please. Beat the crowds by starting early at Fushimi Inari Shrine and wander beneath thousands of vermilion torri gates, which wind their way up the forested hillside in a vivid tunnel of colour. From here, make your way to Arashiyma for a walk through its towering bamboo groves.
Then complete the day with something shiny: the Golden Temple, otherwise known as Kinkaku-ji. Before you enter, follow in the local’s footsteps: slip off your shoes, offer a quiet prayer and ring the bell for good fortune. Then step inside and admire the temple’s golden design in all its glory.
Still raring to go? Explore Ginkaku-ji, the silver pavilion, or visit Ryoan-ji, home to Japan’s famous rock garden.
And after a jam-packed day, head back to your hotel for a cosy night – perhaps order in something delicious and unwind with that anime you’ve been meaning to watch.
This morning, board the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Mishima. Sit back and relax as you speed through the Japanese countryside, before changing to a local train for the final stretch to Shuzenji. The total journey time takes around three-and-a-half hours.
When you arrive, make your way to your ryokan, your home for the night. These traditional Japanese inns offer a glimpse into a slower way of living – think tatami mat floors, futon bedding, sliding paper doors and impeccable hospitality.
And for the rest of today, it’s time for some well-deserved pampering. Head to one of the local onsen baths and step into the warm, mineral-rich waters. Or, if you want to stretch your legs, stroll through the surrounding bamboo groves or take a taxi to one of the nearby walking trails. Some viewpoints overlook Mount Fuji, so keep your fingers crossed for a clear day.
This evening, settle in for a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, before slipping into your yukata (bathrobe) and enjoying a restful night.
By now, you’re a pro at train travel, so you know the routine. Make your way to Shuzenji Station and hop on the local train to Mishima, where you’ll swap to the Shinkansen bullet train bound for Tokyo. You’ll zip across the landscape in a flash, with the journey only taking one hour and 50 minutes.
When you arrive in the big city, check into your hotel, your base for the next three nights. Drop your bags and head straight out to explore the nearby streets – bright, busy and buzzing with energy at every turn.
As night falls, dive into Tokyo’s electric atmosphere. Flashing lights and towering billboards illuminate the streets, with larger-than-life 3D displays – think playful cats and even Godzilla himself looming above the city. Keep an eye out for go-karts whizzing past, weaving through the traffic, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself drawn into a glowing arcade or two, giving it your all to win your favourite anime figure...
Another day, another adventure. Meet your local guide this morning and embark on a private tour of Tokyo, where tradition sits alongside cutting-edge modern life. Tick off some of the capital’s most iconic sights: the grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine; the storied streets of Asakusa, where lantern-lined lanes lead to the famous Senso-ji Temple; and the grand Tokyo Station which blends European-style architecture with Japanese precision.
Along the way, your guide will clue you in on the city’s heritage and reveal hidden corners you won’t find in the guidebooks.
Whether you’re a foodie, shopaholic, history buff or art lover, your guide will shape the day around your whims and wishes.
There’s no better place in the world to try sushi than Tokyo, so why not make that your mission for tonight? Take your pick between a fast-paced conveyor belt spot, or a more refined counter experience where an itamae (chef) carefully crafts each piece right in front of you. Whatever your style, you’re in for a treat.
As this is the final full day of your adventure, go wherever the mood takes you. Whether it’s the immersive digital worlds at TeamLab Planets; the neon-lit chaos of anime-obsessed Akihabara, filled with electronic stores, manga shops and themed cafes; or the glitz and glamour of Ginza, where flagship boutiques sit alongside tucked-away vintage finds. Shop till you drop to return home with a brand-new wardrobe of standout Japanese pieces.
Alternatively, head to the dizzying scramble of the Shibuya Crossing, where streams of people surge across in every direction in a rush of city life.
As night falls, squeeze in for a local sumo wrestling match. It’s loud, intense and full of atmosphere, with die-hard fans cheering every clash and shove. The energy in the arena is electric, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in it, raring for your favourite wrestler with the crowd.
And for a truly special send-off, ask our Concierge for their favourite restaurant recommendation – just tell them what you’re craving...
Swap your train ticket for a boarding pass this morning, as, you begin your journey home. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK. You’ll spend around 15 hours in the air – plenty of time to relax, reflect on your journey and start dreaming up your next big escape...
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
