Korean-Japan Fantastic Route

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SEOUL

· Arrival at Incheon International Airport, meet a Spanish-speaking guide.

*Transfer to the hotel (Ibis Style Ambassador Seoul Yongsan - Breakfast Included) in Seoul.

* After check-in and luggage drop, visit:

• Gwanghwamun Square : Located at the heart of Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square is a major public space and historical site. It’s home to the statues of King Sejong the Great (the inventor of the Korean script, Hangul) and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a national hero. The square is surrounded by significant landmarks such as Gyeongbok Palace and is a symbol of Korea’s historical and cultural identity.
• Gyeongbok Palace : is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). It was the main royal residence and is renowned for its beautiful architecture, including the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the National Folk Museum of Korea. Visitors can also see the changing of the guard ceremony here.
• Myeongdong : Street (via subway) : is one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts, famous for its mix of global brands, local boutiques, street food, and cosmetics shops. It’s a great place to experience Seoul's vibrant energy, and you can find everything from fashion to delicious Korean snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).

DAY 2 : SEOUL

* Breakfast at the hotel.

*Meet guide and visit:

• Changdeok Palace: is another one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. This palace is famous for its Secret Garden (Huwon), a beautifully landscaped area with ponds, trees, and pavilions, showcasing the natural harmony between architecture and nature. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved palaces in Seoul.
• Bukchon Hanok Village : is a traditional Korean village located between Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace. The village is home to hundreds of well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) and offers a glimpse into what Seoul looked like in the past. It’s a popular spot to walk through narrow alleys and experience the contrast between modern Seoul and its historical architecture.
• War Memorial of Korea : is a museum dedicated to Korea’s military history, especially the Korean War (1950–1953). It includes various exhibitions on the history of Korea’s wars, military equipment, and the impact of the Korean War. The memorial also features outdoor displays of military aircraft, tanks, and weapons.
• Gangnam District : is one of the most modern and affluent areas of Seoul, made famous globally by the song “Gangnam Style” by Psy. It’s known for its luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and trendy cafes. The area is a major commercial hub and is also home to Seoul’s tech companies and startups.
• Lotte Tower (Seoul Sky) : Lotte Tower is a massive skyscraper and the tallest building in South Korea. It stands at 555 meters (1,819 feet) and features the Seoul Sky Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. On clear days, you can even see Mount Bukhansan and the Han River from the observation deck.

* Return to hotel for lunch and rest.

DAY 3 : SEOUL TO JEONJU

* Check-out from hotel, meet guide.

* Transfer to Suwon (1.5 hrs) to visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. - Suwon Hwaseong Fortress : s a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the late 18th century under King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty. It is famous for its well- preserved defensive walls, gates, and watchtowers, offering a glimpse into Korea’s military history. You can walk along the fortress walls or take a traditional Korean horse-drawn carriage ride around the area.

* Transfer to Jeonju (3 hrs) to explore Jeonju Hanok Village. - Jeonju Hanok Village : is a large collection of traditional hanok houses, offering an authentic view of old Korea. This area is also famous for its food, particularly Jeonju bibimbap, a dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat, and topped with a fried egg and spicy gochujang (red chili paste). It’s a great place to experience traditional Korean architecture, culture, and cuisine.

* Check-in to Jeonju hotel (Shilla Stay Jeonju - Breakfast Included) and rest.

DAY 4 : JEONJU TO BUSAN

* Check-out from hotel, meet guide.

* Transfer(2 hrs), visit Haeinsa Temple

• Haeinsa Temple : one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples, located in the Gaya Mountains. It is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of over 80,000 woodblocks carved with Buddhist scriptures and considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.

* Transfer(1.5 hrs), visit Daegu

• Yangnyeongsi Market : is a traditional medicine market, where visitors can explore a variety of herbs, spices, and medicinal ingredients used in Korean traditional medicine. The market has a long history dating back to the Joseon Dynasty and is a great place to learn about traditional Korean healing practices.

* Transfer to Busan (2 hrs), check-in to hotel (Sono Moon Busan - Breakfast Included)

DAY 5 : BUSAN

* Check-out from hotel, meet guide.

* Visit:

• Haedong Yonggungsa Temple : is a temple located by the sea, offering stunning views of the ocean. Built in 1376, it is unique because most Korean temples are found in mountainous locations. The temple is a popular site for both spiritual seekers and visitors looking to enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.
• UN Memorial Park : is a cemetery dedicated to the soldiers from 16 countries who fought in the Korean War (1950-1953). It’s a solemn place of remembrance and honors the contributions of UN forces during the war.
• Jagalchi Market : is one of Korea’s largest seafood markets, located near the Busan port. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, including a variety of fish, crabs, shellfish, and octopus, which can be eaten right at the market or taken to nearby restaurants for cooking.
• Yongdusan Park : is a scenic park located in the heart of Busan. It is famous for the Busan Tower, which provides a great view of the city. The park is also home to several statues and monuments, including a large statue of the Holland mission and a Buddha statue.

* Transfer to International Port to Shimonoseki 

DAY 6: BUSAN – SHIMONOSEKI – IWAKUNI – ITSUKUSHIMA – HIROSHIMA

Arrival at 8:00 AM at the port of Shimonoseki (breakfast not included), followed by border crossing.

• Transfer to Iwakuni, a small town known for its historic and beautiful Kintai-Kyo Bridge.
• Continue to Miyajima, where we board a ferry to the island “where men and gods live together,” home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, built partially over the sea. Explore the temple, stroll through the charming center of Miyajima, and enjoy lunch.
• Afterward, travel to Hiroshima, a city deeply marked by the atomic bombing in 1945. Visit the Peace Memorial, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum.
• Dinner included.

Hotel : Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or Similar

DAY 7: HIROSHIMA – MATSUYAMA

*After breakfast, take a ferry to the island of Shikoku for a pleasant crossing of about two and a half hours.

• Arrive in Matsuyama and take a cable car up to the impressive Matsuyama Castle, offering stunning views of the city.
• Visit Ishitji Temple, a beautiful Buddhist site and a popular place of pilgrimage.
• Lunch included at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bath built in the 19th century, to experience a relaxing soak.

Hotel : Daiwa Roynet Hotel Matsuyama or similar

DAY 8: MATSUYAMA – KOTOHIRA – TAKAMATSU – NARUTO – KOBE

*Depart for Kotohira to visit the Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of Sailors, located on Mount Zosu. Reach the shrine by climbing 785 steps.

• In Takamatsu, visit Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, known for its stunning landscape and serene atmosphere.
• Lunch included at a local restaurant.
• Continue to Naruto, where you’ll witness the impressive Naruto Bridge, with a chance to walk on a glass floor above the sea to view the whirlpools below.
• Enjoy a scenic drive through Japan’s islands, arriving in Kobe for the evening. Check-in and overnight stay.

Hotel : Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland or similar

DAY 9: KOBE – OSAKA – MOUNT KOYA

· In Kobe, visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a poignant site dedicated to the 1995 earthquake and the city's remarkable reconstruction.

(Note: On certain dates, the Earthquake Museum may be replaced with the Sake Museum or a visit to the Kobe Tower.)

• Continue to Osaka and then proceed to Mount Koya, the most significant center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, with 120 temples and monasteries.
• Visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a vast and spiritual cemetery in nature with over 200,000 tombs.
• Explore Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593, and experience Zen meditation (Ajikan) with the monks.
• Dinner included (vegetarian meal). Accommodation at a Buddhist monastery, where the rooms are traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are communal.

Hotel : Koyasan Syukubou Fudouin (half board and ZEN) or similar

DAY 10: MOUNT KOYA – KYOTO

· After a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple, depart for Kyoto, Japan’s former capital and cultural heart.

• Spend the day exploring the city, starting with a visit to the beautiful Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
• Visit the Imperial Palace, once the residence of the Imperial Family, and Kinkakuji, the famous Golden Pavilion, with its serene gardens.
• Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto's traditional district known for its historic teahouses and Geisha culture.

Hotel : Umekoji Potel KYOTO or similar

DAY 11: KYOTO – TOKYO

· After breakfast, board the bullet train (Shinkansen) for a fast and comfortable ride to Tokyo. The journey takes just over two hours, covering 500 kilometers.

• Upon arrival in Tokyo, take the underground (tickets included) to Shinjuku, one of the most vibrant and lively districts in the city, known for its shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.
• Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for the evening.

Hotel : Pearl Hotel Shinjuku Akebonobashi or similar

DAY 12: TOKYO

· In the morning, enjoy a guided five-hour tour of Tokyo, experiencing the dynamic contrast of modern and traditional Japan.

• Stop at Zojoji Temple for a photograph with the stunning Tokyo Tower in the background.
• Continue to Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings, and visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
• Stroll along Omotesando Street, passing the beautiful Imperial Palace Gardens and Nijubashi Bridge.
• Explore Akihabara, Tokyo's electronic district and manga/anime hub, before visiting the Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium.
• End the day in Asakusa, where you can visit the famous Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
• Lunch included at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure.

Hotel : Pearl Hotel Shinjuku Akebonobashi or similar

DAY 13: TOKYO

· After breakfast, end of our services.

TOUR PRICE (based on 2 persons sharing Twin/Double room):

From Jan 2025 - Dec 2025: from US$ 4,619 / person

(Price and accommodation may change depending on travel dates and availability. Alternatives will be proposed at the same level.)