Self-guided Japan & Seoul city break

Enjoy a day exploring Tokyo at your leisure, getting to know the shopping districts of Akihabara, known for its anime culture and camera bargains, or Shibuya, where you can see its iconic crosswalk and eclectic restaurants. 

Today, board a bullet train to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h! Once settled in Kyoto, we recommend exploring the emblematic neighborhood of Gion, known for its traditional architecture and admired geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Set off this morning on a Kyoto Highlights Full-Day Bus Tour to discover the beautiful and historical ‘cultural capital’ of Japan. On this exciting excursion you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari, the most important of the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of good harvest and success, known for its emblematic red ‘gates’. Next visit the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Pay a visit to the Kinkakuji Temple next, known as the temple of the Golden Pavilion as the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Finally, experience the immense natural beauty of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Lunch included. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto. 

Spend today at your leisure, exploring the delights of Kyoto at your own pace. Why not discover the historic Nijo Castle or the Philosopher's Walk, a beautiful footpath along a cherry-tree-lined canal? We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to the peaceful sanctuary of Nara.* Overnight stay in Kyoto.

* Optional Nara Excursion: Head to Nara for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide and discover Todai-Ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest wooden structures.

Please note: The Nara tour does not operate on a daily basis and has different departure dates for each month. It could be the case that the tour operational days do not match the dates of your itinerary. 

Today, take a local train* to travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to discover this charming city. We recommend visiting the Kuromon local market and its Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.

*The local train transfer Kyoto - Osaka does not have a fixed schedule. Passengers can exchange their ticket at any time during the transfer day and choose the departure time that best suits their plans. The local train departs from Kyoto station.

Spend the day at your own pace for a self-guided visit of Osaka. You will have at your disposal an Osaka Metro + City Bus card to discover the city's main areas. You will also have an admission ticket for the Osaka Castle, where you have the chance to learn about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Spend the day at your leisure exploring the cultural delights of Osaka. Get to know the local area and sample the iconic local cuisine. In fact, the street food markets of Osaka are said to be the best in the country! Overnight stay in Osaka.

Today, leave behind the Land of the Rising Sun, and head to the airport ready for your flight to Seoul. Arrive at Incheon airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check in.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring vibrant street markets, indulging in authentic Korean cuisine, or taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Han River. Overnight stay in Seoul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your first full day out in Seoul with a guided tour of the city. Begin with a photo-stop at the Blue House, formerly home to the Presidents of South Korea and today a beautiful public park.

Next, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty, known as the largest of the “Five Grand Palaces”. Tour through the 40-hectare grounds before continuing on to Jogyesa, a famous and historic temple located nearby.

Stop by a Ginseng Centre to learn more about the herb, which is native to Korea and widely used to improve memory and cognition. End your tour with a drop-off at City Hall. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you please! You could try some Korean barbecue or have a drink of soju in a local restaurant. Overnight in Seoul.

Important note: If your tour falls on a Tuesday, your stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace will be replaced by Deoksu Palace.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today the day is yours to enjoy at leisure! Why not explore the sights and sounds of sensational Seoul, or, to get the most out of this city, enjoy our optional excursion to the historic Demilitarized Zone*. Overnight stay in Seoul.

*Optional DMZ excursion: discover the famous Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. The first stop is Imjingak Park, home to memorials of the Korean War. Continue to Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and the DMZ Theatre. Climb the Dora Observatory, which grants views across the DMZ and even into North Korean territory (with the help of binoculars!). See Dorasan Station, before returning to Seoul, with the tour ending at the city hall.

Important note: during peak visit days, the excursion will begin at 6-7AM to avoid queues (you’ll be informed at destination). Please note that breakfast at the hotel won’t be available due to the early start. Also, it’s mandatory to take your passport with you on this excursion.

Breakfast*. Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the trendy Korea. On this day, transfer to Incheon airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. 

*Depending on your flight departure time, you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.