Korea and Japan’s Capital Cities

📍 Incheon International Airport – Seoul (approx. 58 km): +/- 1hr

Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver (no guide) and then head to Seoul City. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Meet & greet service upon arrival is available at extra charge.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation. As a sprawling metropolis, it boasts historic palaces, bustling markets, futuristic architecture and a vibrant arts scene, making it a cultural, technological and historical hub in East Asia.

The remainder of the day at leisure.

Normal hotel check-in time is 15:00; a surcharge will be applied for early check-in.

Overnight in Seoul

Inclusions:

Tour duration: 09:00-17:00

Meet the guide at 09:00 to start the tour. Today’s tour will use public transportation.

Begin with a visit to Gwanghwamun Plaza, encountering the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Continue through Gwanghwamun gate to visit Gyeongbokgung (Gyongbok) Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1395, it was expanded in 1867 to become the largest, and arguably most beautiful of Seoul’s five palaces, with 330 buildings in total. 

Witness the ceremonial changing of the guard which takes place at 10:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate. 
While at the palace, there is an option to visit The National Folk Museum. Located next to the palace grounds, the museum contains interesting exhibits about the history of Korean people and their culture. 

From there, take a short walk to Bukchon Hanok. This village dates back to the Joseon period and features traditional Korean houses, called hanok, many of which are still inhabited today. Spend time exploring the area, getting a closer look at the unusual architecture and learning about traditional village life.

Next stop is Changdeokgung Palace, another palace from the Joseon dynasty.  In addition to being one of the best preserved palaces, this UNESCO site is known for its Secret Garden where man-made structures were built in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Finish the city tour at Ikseondong, a captivating district blending Korea’s past and present. Stroll through winding alleys adorned with beautifully restored hanok, now home to chic boutiques, artisan shops, and cosy cafes. The neighbourhood’s inviting atmosphere and fusion of tradition and innovation make it an ideal spot to be immersed in Korean culture.

Overnight in Seoul

NOTE: 
- Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday.
- Changdeokgung Palace is closed every Monday.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Tour duration: 07:00/07:30-14:30

Around 7:00, be picked up by a shared transfer vehicle and drive to the meeting point. Meet the DMZ specialist guide at the meeting point for a join-in tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The DMZ, the border barrier between South and North Korea, is steeped in history and intrigue. Spend time exploring the various sites and exhibitions at the DMZ including Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory. 
Transfer back to Seoul by bus, disembarking at City Hall Station and marking the end of this enlightening journey through Korea's complex history.  The guide can provide directions for returning to the hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight in Seoul

Notes: 
- DMZ is a Join-in tour, a shared experience in a bus tour (approx. 30-40 pax per coach).
- DMZ closes on Mondays & public holidays.
- IMPORTANT: Each traveller is required to bring their passport for today’s visit.
- Pick-up time and meeting point for this join-in tour will be confirmed by your guide a day in advance. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Tour duration: 09:00-18:00

Meet the guide at 09:00 to start the tour. Today's tour will be by public transportation. 

Begin the day with a visit to Namsan Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul and a beloved filming location for numerous Korean dramas. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and soak in the romantic atmosphere.

Next, head to Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district. Explore stores offering K-pop albums, exclusive merchandise, and items promoted by K-pop stars and famous Korean actors.

Continue with a visit to HiKR Ground, a vibrant and interactive zone for Global K-pop and K-drama fans. It is designed to be an immersive experience, blending physical exhibits with digital technology. 

Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a picturesque urban oasis often featured in K-dramas as a popular dating spot. Enjoy the serene surroundings and snap some memorable photos.
Next, head to Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest and most atmospheric traditional markets. Famous for its lively food alleys, the market is a paradise for local delicacies such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The bustling stalls and authentic local charm make it a favourite spot for both Seoulites and travellers.
End the day at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. This futuristic cultural complex hosts exhibitions, design shops, and creative installations, and is beautifully illuminated after sunset. Take a walk around its curved structures and explore the nearby fashion district for a glimpse of Seoul’s dynamic design and style scene.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. 
Overnight in Seoul

NOTE: 
- HiKR Ground is closed every Monday.
- Expect approximately 8 km at a slow pace, mostly on flat terrain, with a few stairs around Namsan Tower.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Tour duration: 09:00-18:00

Meet the guide at 09:00 to start the tour. Today's tour will be by private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver.

Depart on a 1.5-hour journey to Suwon. Upon arrival, visit Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. This fortress, built during the late Joseon Period (1777-1800), stands as an emblem of the King's devotion to his father and his vision to establish an economically self-sufficient city. Within its walls are an array of unique military structures, setting it apart from other fortresses. 

Continue to the Korean Folk Village. A stop will be made for lunch at a local restaurant (own account) along the way. The village is a living museum where visitors can experience daily village life from the Joseon Dynasty. Also the village shows various places with unique features such as a farming village, private house, Confucian academy and workshops. 

Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Seoul
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Incheon International Airport – Seoul (approx. 58 km): +/- 1hr Narita International Airport (NRT) to Central Tokyo: 1.5 h Haneda International Airport (HND) to Central Tokyo: 50 min

After breakfast at the hotel, your driver (no guide) will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your international flight to Japan. 

Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, our representative will be waiting to assist with train transportation into the city. After reaching the hotel and checking in, the remainder of the day is free at leisure. 

Overnight in Tokyo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Time: 09:00-17:00

Meet up with the guide this morning at the hotel for the trip to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine steeped in history and spirituality. Pass through the impressive torii gates leading to the shrine's inner forest of over 100,000 trees. Whether witnessing a traditional Shinto wedding procession or strolling through the lush grounds, Meiji Jingu provides an unforgettable experience of nature in the centre of Tokyo’s urban landscape. 

Move on to the nearby districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, vibrant neighbourhoods that offer a unique and eclectic experience. Harajuku, renowned for its quirky street fashion, showcases an array of avant-garde boutiques and shops that cater to various subcultures. Omotesando, often dubbed Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées," presents a sharp contrast with its upscale, sophisticated atmosphere. 

After lunch, use public transport to reach the beautiful Korakuen Garden, a traditional landscape that serves as an excellent example of Japanese garden design.

The final destination of the day is Asakusa. This charming district exudes a nostalgic charm and showcases Tokyo's traditional side. At the heart of Asakusa stands the iconic Senso-ji, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, drawing hordes of locals and tourists alike seeking blessings and cultural insight. The vibrant Nakamise Street leading to the temple offers a bustling market with a myriad of stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

After a full day of touring the city, return to the hotel with the guide or part ways and continue exploring the city independently.

Overnight in Tokyo

Note: The order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of the hotel.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Time: 18:30-21:30

Today’s at leisure until the scheduled time of the tour. 

Meet the guide at 18:30 and head out into the night for stops at three restaurants that all include food and drinks. 
Begin with some background on the area from the guide. The nearby districts grew around important rail lines, and an incredibly diverse landscape of shops, restaurants, markets, and temples is still intact with an older atmosphere.
Move on to the first restaurant, a working-class tachinomi (standing tapas bar) that serves small dishes to locals hungry for a bite (and a drink) after work. Savour kushikatsu, skewers of fried meat, vegetables, shrimp, and other ingredients, as well as plates of sweetly pickled onions or simmered bamboo shoots. The convivial atmosphere is just as delicious as the food here!
Next, stop at a kappo restaurant (high-end izakaya gastropub), where a rotating menu of dishes are prepared based on market-fresh ingredients. This can include deliciously fresh sashimi, slow-cooked meat, crispy tempura, and other delightful bites.
Last up is a historic restaurant from the 1850s. The food here is highly seasonal, with options like nabe hotpot, seared bonito fish, fresh vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth yellowtail. The menu is packed with gilled, baked, and fried dishes, so everyone is sure to find some new favourites here.
All restaurants include options for both alcoholic non-alcoholic drinks.
After three delicious stops, part ways with the guide and continue exploring the city’s nightlife independently. 

Note: This tour follows a curated itinerary of predetermined restaurants; however, venues and menu items are subject to change due to closures, seasonal availability, dietary accommodations, or other unforeseen circumstances. The guide will strive to ensure the total number of dining venues remains consistent.

Overnight in Tokyo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a day at leisure, but we recommend using our self-guide app to tour the city independently. Our recommendation for today is as follows:

Visit the Imperial Palace near Otemachi Station. Whilst the Palace itself is not open to the public, the Palace East Gardens are readily accessible to all visitors. It is here that one can find the ruins of the former Edo Castle and a lovely Japanese garden.

Optional Activity: Cool Tokyo Cycling

Today’s tour starts at 9:00 or 14:00. Meet the guide at Sasazuka Station, and head together to the cycling studio for a bicycle and helmet fitting. On the way, listen to some fascinating insights and entertaining anecdotes about the local neighbourhood, and get some useful explanations from the guide about Tokyo’s cycling etiquette and today’s itinerary. 

When everything is ready, depart for today’s cycling tour. Leave Sasazuka with the guide, and cycle to the first location, enjoying the best of Tokyo’s urban design and natural environment on the way. Depending on the season, enjoy the surrounding foliage, which is especially beautiful in the spring when the plum and cherry blossoms bloom, and in the autumn, when the trees are a blaze of colour. There will be several cultural and architectural design stops along the way, where the guide will share interesting information and allow some time for photos. 

Bike through Tokyo’s backstreets, local shotengai (small commercial streets) in hip neighbourhoods such as Shimo-Kitazawa, and some little-known parks, seeing the guide’s favourite areas and shops, and stopping for a break at a charming café. 

Finally, enjoy the ride back to Sasazuka where the bicycles will be returned to the guide. 

Overnight in Tokyo
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today is a day at leisure, but we recommend using our self guide app to tour the city independently. Our recommendation for today is as follows:

Enjoy the rest of the day exploring this amazing city. Make an early start to visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries. 

Alternatively, take an excursion in Kamakura. One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient shrines, temples, and other structures like the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands at 13-meter tall 

Overnight in Tokyo

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Central Tokyo to Narita International Airport (NRT): 1.5 h Central Tokyo to Haneda International Airport (HND): 50 min

The rest of the day is at leisure until the scheduled transfer via train back to Tokyo Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast