Japan & Korea Discovery

Trip Highlights

Spend the night in a Korean Buddhist temple, learning martial arts and meditation
Cruise round beautiful Jeju Island on a yacht
Learn how to make sushi with a Japanese chef in Tokyo
Take in views of Mount Fuji on a pirate-ship cruise across Lake Ashi
Explore the mysterious world of the Kyoto geisha over a tea ceremony

24 days from £3,050

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Trip Overview

Are you ready for some serious adventure in the Far East? This cracking combo tour kicks off
with two weeks in South Korea, Asia’s up-and-coming travel destination. You’ll explore the
Korean DMZ, learn the art of meditation from monks, make like a K-Pop star with a Korean dance
class, and learn Taekwondo. Then say Konichiwa to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo as you jet off to
Japan! Learn how to make sushi from a master, see Mount Fuji from the water, explore ground
zero at Hiroshima and stroll through graceful bamboo forests!

Trip Details

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul. Fly into Incheon International Airport, and make your way to your starting
accommodation in Hongdae district. This vibrant neighbourhood is full of hip bars, creative types,
good food and amazing shopping opportunities. It’s a great introduction to the city. Depending on
what time you arrive, take a stroll round the neighbourhood or just chill at the hostel after your
long flight. You’ll get to know the rest of your group and your guide at a welcome meeting this
afternoon, where you’ll find out about the amazing adventure we’ve got in store for you. Then get

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warmed up ready for a Taekwondo class in an authentic Korean setting with a professional
teacher. This exciting martial art originated in Korea and involves punching and kicking
techniques, with an emphasis on head-height kicks!

After filling our bellies, we’ll make our way up Namsan Mountain for spectacular views across the
neon-lit city. Next up we’ll see the ‘love padlocks’ at the base of N Seoul tower. One of the city’s
most popular spots for romantics, couples head to the tower to clip their own love lock to the
railings. If you want an even better view, head to the top of the tower. After, we’ll hop on public
transport and travel back to Hongdae. Stroll around, checking out the buskers, dances and
amazing photo-sticker booths, or just crash at the hostel.

Day 2: Seoul DMZ trip. We’ll explore the Korean Demilitarised Zone today. We’ll head north, with
a stop in Imjingak to grab some breakfast, and then continue on to Dorasan ‘Ghost’ Station. This
station was originally built to connect the country with North Korea. It was completed in 2002 and
trains ran for a short time, but then the station was shut down. The building remains, frozen in
time, as a sad reminder of the split between the two countries. Buy a commemorative train ticket
before we pay a visit to Dora Observatory, where you can see into North Korea. With binoculars
you can observe daily life in this reclusive country. Next we’ll descend into the 3rd tunnel. This
passageway, hundreds of feet below the surface, was created by North Korea to prepare for
invasion of the South. You’ll come as close as 170m to North Korea! After, we’ll travel back to
Seoul, with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk to a North Korean defector on the bus.

Back in Seoul, get ready to shake your booty with a high-energy K-Pop dance class! Learn some
of the most popular dance moves from the pros – you’ll be dancing together like K-pop stars
before you know it!

Refuel with dinner in the funky student area of Hongdae, where your accommodation is, before
checking out the buskers, dances and amazing photo sticker booths, or just crash at the hostel
and catch up on some zzzs after a long day.

Day 3: Seoul. Get up early today to explore ancient Seoul. Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung
Palace where we’ll watch the changing of the Royal Guard, before entering the majestic palace
itself. You can rent Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) to tour the palace in if you like.

You’ve got a free afternoon to explore Seoul. There are loads of awesome optional activities on
offer if you’d like to get involved. These include a visit to the traditional village of Bukchon Hanok,
with its narrow alleyways and ancient wooden houses, Insadong Art Street, a fascinating area full
of art galleries, wooden tea houses and shops selling crafts, glitzy Gangnam District, where
Seoul’s rich and famous live, or HKIR ground, a cultural centre where you can record your own
video and learn all about K-wave. Alternatively, rent a bike and cycle along the Han River.

Explore Seoul further this evening, with a walk around Ikeson-dong Hanok street, grab some
dinner in a pojangmacha (tiny tented street stalls that can sometimes be on wheels!) or head back

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to Hongdae Street for a pub crawl.

Day 4: Seoraksan National Park. Leave the city behind this morning and head to Seoraksan
National Park where you’ll have free time to hike through the beautiful surroundings, or take the
cable car to one of the peaks. Option 1 is a cable car followed by a short hike to one of the peaks,
option 2 is a 3 hour hike to Bisundae and Keumganggul Cave, option 3 is a waterfall hike stopping
at Yukdam, Biryong and Towangsung Falls over 2 hours, and option 4 is a 4-hour hike to
Ulsanbawi Rock.

After the most amazing day in the park, take the bus to Sokcho Town, where there’s an option to
board a gaetbae boat (pulley system) to cross the river to Abai, a small village of North Korean
refugees. Explore the village and meet some of the locals, before tucking into some of the
freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted at the fishmarket. Then head to the hostel where you can
drop your bag before heading out to a traditional liquor tasting.

Day 5: Seoul to Gyeongju. Grab some breakfast on the way before heading to the city of
Gyeongju, with a stop en route at the famous BTS bus stop! We’ll check into our hostel before
exploring the area by bike this afternoon! First stop is Cheonmachong Tombs in Tumuli Park. This
surreal landscape is made up of a series of round, grassy hillocks which are mound tombs dating
back to the 5th Century. Next we’ll pedal on to Cheomseongdae, the oldest existing astronomical
observatory in East Asia, followed by beautiful Gyerim Forest and Hyanggyo Confucius School, a
graceful building surrounded by ginko trees. If you’re thirsty, stop for a cuppa at a 300-year old
tea-house. Tonight, why not enjoy some authentic Korean food at a hanok. Then take a stroll
round Anapji pond for some incredible views of the Palace by night. Make sure you bring your
camera!

Day 6: Gyeongju and Golgulsa Temple. Today you can either start the day early with a visit to
Bulguksa, a working Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Cultural Asset, explore a 300 year old
hanok which is currently a teahouse, check out Woljeonggyo Bridge or take the opportunity to
have a lie-in! Then tuck into some lunch before heading to Golgulsa Temple where we’ll be
spending the night! We’ll begin with a tranquil meditation class, or if you’re after something more
active, why not take an optional archery, horse-riding or training class? Afterwards, we’ll watch a
traditional arts performance and Sunmudo (martial art) demonstration, before helping with the
communal work of the temple. Tonight you’ll enjoy a simple Buddhist dinner of vegetables, rice
and fruit before taking part in the evening chanting and meditation and then learning the basics of
Sunmudo yourself

Day 7: Gyeongju to Busan. We’re up with the sun this morning, to take part in a morning
chanting service and meditation, before enjoying a traditional breakfast. You’ll have the
opportunity to talk to the monks over tea, getting to ask questions and to understand their way of
life and philosophy, before our transfer to Shin-Gyeongju Station, where we’ll take the bullet train
to Busan, followed by a private bus to Gamcheon Village. Known for its layered streets, artsy
murals and colourful houses, the former slum is a charmingly chaotic riot of pastel colours. Stroll

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round the labyrinthine streets, pick up some lunch from the street stalls and marvel at the street
art, before heading to Songdo Beach, where you’ll ride the Marine Cable Car which travels over
the emerald waters of the bay and offers impressive views of the city

Later this afternoon we’ll walk to the uber-hip BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area in
Nampo-dong. Treat yourself to Busan-style hotteok (pancake filled with brown sugar and seeds)
from a street vendor, or take part in one of the mind-blowing virtual reality gaming experiences on
offer in the area. Then transfer to the hostel and enjoy a free evening in Busan.

Day 8: Busan. You’ve got a full day to explore this bustling city. First up, head to Haedong
Yonggungsa Temple which we’ll get to by public bus. Widely thought of as Korea’s most beautiful
temple, HY is nestled in a mountain, looking out over the ocean and features a shrine enclosed in
a cave and a three-story pagoda.

This afternoon you’ve got the option to indulge in some jjimjilbang pampering at Spa Land in
Busan’s largest shopping centre. Jimjilbang is a traditional Korean bath and sleeping house, with
gender-segregated onsen baths, meditation rooms, saunas and ice rooms – Koreans take
pampering very seriously!

This evening there’s an optional boat tour of Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge ahead of dinner and
drinks in Haeundae. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some jokbal, a local delicacy of pig’s
trotters. Once the sun sets, why not join an optional night at a Noraebang, (a Korean style
karaoke room)?

Day 9: Busan to Jeju Island. You’ve got a morning on the beach with a picnic breakfast, before
a free afternoon to enjoy the city at your own pace or take part in some of our optional activities.
You might like to join a Korean cooking class, take a trip to the Tik Tok famous Haeundae
Blueline Park, or visit the colourful Huinnyeoul Culture Village. Later we’ll catch the overnight ferry
to the ‘Hawaii of South Korea’, Jeju Island. Catch a great view of the city from the top deck as we
pull out of the port, then either chill with your group in the ferry bar or head to bed ready for an
early morning start

Day 10: Jeju Island. We’ll arrive on beautiful Jeju Island after an early breakfast on board the
ferry. Jeju is well known for its lovely beaches, and lush scenery, coral reefs and rugged hiking
trails. We’ll kick off our visit with a hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise
Peak. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique formation created by hydro volcanic
eruptions over 5,000 years ago! Then board our private yacht for a stunning cruise round the
island before a spot of lunch. Then head to the hotel and check in before spending the rest of the
day at your leisure. Bum around on Jungmun Beach, head to beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall,
take a wander round Maritime Park and Saeyeongyo Bridge and go for sundowners at The Cliff,
Jeju Island’s Bali style beach club.

Day 11: Jeju Island. In the morning we’ll take a private transfer to Jeongbang Waterfall, the only

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waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean! Then we’ll take a day-long trek along the Jeju
Olle Trail, a scenic walk along the island’s coast. We’ll break for lunch in Seogwipo city, before
continuing on to Oedolgae Rock, a rugged formation which soars up 20 metres out of the sea.
Return to the hostel this afternoon and chill on the beach or try some surfing or paddle-boarding.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a Korean barbecue at a local restaurant. Chat to your travel buddies, watch
the sun go down, and party into the night.

Day 12: Jeju Island to Tokyo (via Seoul). We’re flying back to Seoul today and onto Tokyo in
Japan for the next leg of your trip. Head into the city on the provided airport bus. After you’ve
checked into your hostel, either kick back and relax ready for a full tomorrow, or head into the city.

Day 13: Tokyo. This morning we’ll master the Japanese art of sushi-making with a lesson from
an experienced sushi chef, before tucking into your creations for lunch! Next, we’ll head to
Akihabara district, Japan’s ‘Electric Town’ and Mecca for manga, J-Pop and anime enthusiasts.
Play some classic arcade games with your mates, shop for electronics, take some tea in one of
the area’s kawaii (cute culture) maid cafes and spend some time taking the best group selfies in
the world in a high-tech Japanese photo booth. If you’re up for something a bit different, join an
optional MariCar activity, where you don a costume and bring your favourite video game to life by
racing through the streets of Tokyo!

Day 14: Tokyo. We’ll start our day with a visit to the majestic Tokyo Imperial Palace. Set in
beautifully manicured gardens and parkland, the palace is a tranquil getaway from the busy city
streets. Wander the galleries and gardens and learn all about Japan’s Imperial Family. This
afternoon we’re immersing ourselves in modern Tokyo again, in the Harajuku area. Home to
Japan’s most extreme youth cultures, you’ll come across French maids, goths, technicolour hair
and cosplay enthusiasts – it’s a world of its own! Then we’re off to Shibuya to visit the Meiji
Shrine. Set in lushly forested grounds, Meiji is a Shinto monument, dedicated to the spirits of
Emperor Meiji and his wife. Then we’ll check out the iconic Shibuya Crossing – the world’s largest
intersection. At the change of the light, up to 3,000 people cross at once, coming from all
directions! Why not stop at the Cat Cafe? MoCHA for some tea, cake and furry friends afterwards?

Day 15: Tokyo. We’re off to Odaiba today, to Japan's largest indoor amusement theme park!
With virtual reality attractions, manga styling and theme park rides including a rollercoaster, it's a
totally Tokyo attraction. This afternoon, we'll meet infront of the 'Love Sign' for some serious selfie
action then walk down to see the life-size Gundam statue from the series Mobile Suit Gundam
Unicorn, before heading back to the hostel for a free afternoon.

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Day 16: Tokyo to Kamakura. We’ll have brunch in Tokyo before saying sayonara to Tokyo
and hopping on a train to Japan’s medieval capital. Kamakura is a charming seaside town full of
Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, including the 13m high bronze Great Buddha statue. Our
hostel is just minutes from the sea, so after check-in, you might like to rent a surfboard and head
to the beach to catch some waves. You can also visit some of the town’s many shrines, including
the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, where visitors wash their money in the shrine’s spring.

Day 17: Kamakura to Hakone. Leave Kamakura behind as we take a series of buses and trains
to Hakone Station. We’ll enjoy a tasty lunch near Moto-Hakone before exploring the area. Hakone
used to be a significant checkpoint on the highway that linked Tokyo with Kyoto during the feudal
Edo Period. We’ll take a sightseeing cruise with a difference today – on a pirate ship! We’ll cross
the clear blue waters of Lake Ashi with spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Then we’ll board a cable
car on the Hakone Ropeway, which takes us to Owakudani, an active volcanic zone where you
can sample the local delicacy - black eggs, coloured by sulphuric water! We’ll spend the evening
soaking ourselves in sulphuric water in a Japanese outdoor bath, or ‘onsen’. Then change into
your kimono after a long soak and learn all about Japanese rice wine during a sake tasting
session.

Day 18: Hakone to Kyoto. We’ll travel to Japan’s ancient cultural heart on one of the most
modern forms of transport – the bullet train. We’ll zip through the countryside, covering around
440km in just over two hours! We’ll have the afternoon and evening to experience this fascinating
city. Famed for shrines, temples and of course geisha, Kyoto is a very special place. We’ll start
with the Kiyomizu Dera Temple, surrounded by cherry and maple trees and with a brightly painted
pagoda. Then you’ll have the option to book extra activities such a live geisha performance,
featuring a tea ceremony, puppet show and traditional music. If you’re making your own way this
evening, wander the streets of Kyoto past teahouses lit up with colourful lanterns, tiny bars and
traditional wooden shops – keep your eyes peeled for geisha!

Day 19: Arashiyama, Kyoto. We’ll start our day with a two-hour boat trip down the Hozugawa
River in a traditional wooden raft. Take in your rocky surroundings and hold tight as we rush
through the rapids into the Arashiyama hills. Later we’ll pay a visit to the Arashiyama Monkey
Park. It’s a steep climb to the top but it’s worth it for the views of Kyoto and the new furry friends
you’ll make at the top! Then we’ll discover Tenryu-Ji Temple, one of the most significant Zen
temples in Japan, followed by a hike through the graceful Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama. Stare
up at the towering bamboo stalks as they whisper in the wind – it’s a surreal and memorable
experience. You’ll also have the option to sing your heart out with some Japanese karaoke (with
unlimited drinks!)

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Day 20: Kyoto. Today’s yours to spend as you choose in this atmospheric city. You might like to
just chill a bit after your packed schedule, but if you’d like to see more of what Kyoto has to offer,
we’d recommend checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Surrounded by endless bright orangeTorii
gates, the shrine is a photographer’s dream!

Day 21: Kyoto to Hiroshima. Explore Kyoto like a local this morning with a bike ride to a
Zen temple where you’ll join a group meditation guided by one of the Buddhist monks. Then pay a
visit to the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-Ji. An impressive temple which has been coated in gold
leaf, the Pavilion is reflected by the lake it sits on and is incredibly picturesque. We’ll grab some
lunch and then hop back on our bikes to cycle round the Imperial Palace, before saying goodbye
to Kyoto and taking another bullet train to the infamous city of Hiroshima.

Day 22: Hiroshima. The modern city of Hiroshima was famously all but destroyed by an atom
bomb in World War II. Today the city has risen from the ashes to be the standard bearer for
peace. We’ll explore Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park today including the ruins of Genbaku
Dome, one of the few buildings that was left standing at ground zero. Then we’ll take a train ride
and ferry to Miyajimi Island, where we’ll see the Itsukushima Shrine, which sits on stilts just off the
island’s shore. At low tide it’s possible to walk out to the shrine to take a closer look. This evening
we’ll head back to Hiroshima where you can chill at our hostel or head out for dinner and drinks.

Day 23: Hiroshima to Osaka. We’ll take our last bullet train of the trip today, to Osaka, renowned
worldwide for its rich cultural heritage, food and brilliant nightlife. We’ll arrive just in time for lunch
in the Shinsaibashi area, before taking the subway to Osaka Castle. This impressive building is
one of Japan’s most famous monuments and is a beautiful symbol of the city’s rich past. Marvel at
the displays of original artefacts, explore the nine-storey dungeon and learn all about Japan's
ancient warriors, the Samurai. The afternoon is yours to explore Osaka at your own pace. Don’t
miss the shopping in Shinsaibashi – it’s next level! This evening make your way to the neon-lights
of the Dotonbori canal region. Dotonbori is full of brightly coloured shops, bars and eateries so
you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our home for the night is a capsule hotel – a quintessentially Japanese
experience.

Day 24: Osaka and trip end. The time has come to pack your bags and say your farewells
before heading to the airport or continuing your adventures. See you again soon!

Arrival Information

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You will need to arrive into Seoul, Korea on day 1 or earlier (there’s a welcome meeting at 2pm so
you’ll need to arrive before that). Incheon (ICN) is the nearest international airport. Make your way
to your starting accommodation in Hongdae district. You can take the AREX train, which is one of
the fastest and easiest ways to travel into the centre, airport bus or taxi. Taxi will take between 50
and 70 minutes and fare will vary depending on traffic.

Your flight from Korea to Japan is included.

On arrival in Tokyo you’ll need to transfer to your starting accommodation for Japan by bus. Your
guide will meet you at the accommodation. The airport bus transfer is not included in the trip price
but easy to get locally upon arrival.

Most trips end on day 24 in Osaka, Japan. You’ll need to make your way to the airport, or arrange
your onward travel yourself. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the nearest international terminal.
Your guide can help you with booking your return transfer.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a selection of hostels and guesthouses, and have a couple of unique stays, with a
night with the monks in a Korean temple and a night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Staying in
a ryokan is a really unique experience. They typically feature rooms with tatami flooring, futons
and sliding doors and communal areas where you can wear yukata (a summer kimono) and talk
to the owner. Ryokan also usually have a communal bathing area, fed by water from natural hot
springs (onsen).

Meals

1 breakfast and 2 dinners are included on this trip. This includes a sushi-making class in Tokyo
where you get to eat your own creations! You’ll have to buy all other meals, snacks and drinks
yourself. This means you’ve got total flexibility to eat where and when you want and to explore the
incredible local cuisine.

Minimum age & eligibility

You need to be a minimum of 18 years old to join this trip.

This trip mainly attracts ages 18-35, please note the maximum age to join this tour is 55.

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British citizens can enter South Korea and Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. However, you
must have an onward or return ticket. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 3 months
from your date of entry to South Korea and for the duration of your stay in Japan. It’s your
responsibility to obtain the necessary visas for your time away. Visa rules are subject to change
without prior notice, so please do check visa requirements at the time of your trip.

Group Size

Varies

What's Included

23 nights’ accommodation
1 breakfast, 2 dinners
Bilingual tour leaders
All in-country transport
Taekwondo class
Cable car up Namsan Mountain
Korean DMZ day trip
Meeting with a North Korean defector
K-Pop dance class
Gyeongbokgung Palace visit
Royal Guard changing ceremony
Seoraksan National Park visit
Traditional liquor tasting
BTS bus stop
Cycling tour of Gyeongju
Overnight stay at Golgulsa Temple,including meditation and martial arts lessons
Gamcheon village visit
Songdo Beach Marine Cable Car
BIFF Square entertainment and shopping area
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple visit
Seongsan Ilchulbong hike, Jeju
JejuOlle Trail hike
Jungbang Waterfall
Korean BBQ dinner
Return transfer to Jeju airport at trip end
Tsukiji Outer Market visit

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Sushi-making class
Akihabara visit
Tokyo Imperial Palace visit
Meiji Shrine visit
Shibuya Crossing visit
Joypolis visit
Love Sign by Aqua City
Gundam statue
Tokyo Samurai Museum visit
Kamakura Daibutsu Buddha visit
Zemiarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine visit
Hakone Old Tokaido hike
Hakone sightseeing cruise
Owakudani ropeway
Hakone Sake tasting session
Kiyomizu Dera temple visit
Kyoto Geisha show
Hozugawa River cruise
Iwatayama Monkey Park visit
Tenryuju Temple visit
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest visit
Kyoto cycling city tour
Daisen-in Temple meditation class
Golden Pavilion visit
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum visit
Day trip to Miyajima island
Osaka Castle visit
24-hour emergency support

What's not Included

Travel insurance
Visas
International flights
Airport transfer on arrival in Seoul
Airport transfer on departure from Osaka
Some meals, plus snacks and drinks
Optional activities and excursions

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Prices From
Prices shown are correct on the 14th May 2023 and are subject to change

Japan & Korea Discovery - £3,050

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