Japan & Korea Winter Cultural Journey: 12-Day Ultimate Discovery

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Duration

12 Days & 11 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English, Espanol

Sobre este recorrido

Embark on a 12-day immersive journey through Japan and Korea, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge modernity. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Seoul’s royal palaces, experience the best of East Asian culture, cuisine, and history. Marvel at Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peak, wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forests, feast on Osaka’s street food, explore Busan’s coastal charms, and delve into Korea’s ancient capitals. With hands-on experiences like sushi-making, kimchi workshops, and hanbok wearing, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking cultural depth, culinary adventures, and unforgettable winter landscapes.

Imperdibles

  • Cultural Immersion: Join hands-on sushi and kimchi workshops, wear traditional hanbok, and sleep in authentic ryokans and hanoks.
  • Historic Wonders: Explore Kyoto’s golden temples and bamboo forests, Gyeongju’s ancient UNESCO sites, and Andong’s preserved folk village.
  • Culinary Adventures: Feast on Osaka’s street food, savor multi-course kaiseki and Korean BBQ, and enjoy fresh sushi and seafood markets.
  • Winter Magic: Admire snow-capped Mt. Fuji, experience illuminated historical ponds, and relax in cozy seaside cafes.
  • Scenic Efficiency: Glide between cities on Japan’s Shinkansen and Korea’s KTX with all transfers and expert guides included.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Urban Exploration & Neon Lights

  • Evening: Check into your hotel in central Tokyo, then dive into the iconic scramble of Shibuya Crossing—perfect for night photography with its giant screens and energetic crowd.

Local Secret:

Skip the long lines at popular ramen spots and ask your guide for a hidden local gem in the backstreets of Shibuya.

Photo Tip:

Capture the crossing from the second-floor Starbucks in Tsutaya for an iconic aerial perspective.

Day 2: Tokyo Discovery

Temples & Technology

  • Morning: Feel the atmosphere of Senso-ji Temple, then ascend Tokyo Skytree for 360° views of the sprawling metropolis.

  • Afternoon: Explore Akihabara’s multi-story electronics shops and anime culture.

  • Evening: Roll up your sleeves for a sushi-making class with a master chef—then enjoy your creations for dinner.

Travel Tip:

Use the Tokyo Metro Day Pass for flexible and efficient travel between sights.

Day 3: Fuji & Hakone

Volcanic Beauty & Hot Springs

  • Morning: Drive to Mt. Fuji 5th Station (subject to weather) for breathtaking winter views and photo opportunities.

  • Afternoon: Glide across Lake Ashi on a pirate-themed cruise with open-air decks for unobstructed Fuji shots.

  • Evening: Unwind in a traditional ryokan, indulge in a multi-course kaiseki dinner, and soak in an outdoor onsen.

 Local Secret:

Try the black eggs cooked in volcanic sulfur waters at Owakudani, which is said to add seven years to your life!

Day 4: Kyoto

Bamboo Forests & Golden Temples

  • Morning: Wander the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds, then visit the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Gion district, where you might spot geiko and maiko heading to evening appointments.

  • Evening: Free time to explore Pontocho Alley—a narrow lantern-lit lane packed with intimate restaurants.

Photo Tip:

For a unique view of Kinkaku-ji, capture the reflection of the temple in the surrounding pond.

Day 5: Osaka

Castles & Street Food

  • Morning: Learn about samurai history at Osaka Castle and enjoy panoramic views from the top floor.

  • Afternoon: Taste your way through Dotonbori and Kuromon Market. Don’t miss takoyaki and Osaka-style okonomiyaki.

  • Evening: Discover the retro vibe of Shinsekai and its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

Local Secret:

Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in Shinsekai, which is a Osaka specialty best enjoyed with a cold beer.

Day 6: Fly to Busan

Coastal Relaxation

  • Free Day: Unwind at Haeundae Beach, stroll along the shoreline, or relax at one of the trendy ocean-view cafés.

  • Evening: Warm up with a bowl of dwaeji-gukbap (Busan-style pork soup) - a local favorite.

Travel Tip:

Use the efficient Busan metro system to explore the city with ease.

Day 7: Busan Exploration

Colorful Villages & Coastal Cliffs

  • Morning: Get lost in the vibrant alleyways of Gamcheon Culture Village—a hillside community turned open-air art gallery.

  • Afternoon: Hike Taejongdae Cliffs for dramatic coastal views, then explore the lively Jagalchi Fish Market.

  • Evening: Join a kimchi-making workshop, learn about Korean fermentation traditions, and dress in hanbok for photos.

Photo Tip:

The “Little Prince” statue in Gamcheon Village is the most famous photo spot—get there early!

Day 8: Gyeongju

Ancient Capitals & Light Shows

  • Morning: Explore the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa Temple and the serene Seokguram Grotto.

  • Afternoon: Discover ancient artifacts at Gyeongju National Museum, then wander around Anapji Pond.

  • Evening: Experience the Anapji light show—the palace ruins illuminated against the night winter sky.

Local Secret:

Try Gyeongju’s famous “ppang” (red bean bread) from a traditional wood-fired oven.

Day 9: Andong

Traditional Villages & Cliff Hikes

  • Morning: Step back in time at Hahoe Village, a UNESCO site, and watch a traditional mask dance performance.

  • Afternoon: Climb Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of the village nestled in a winding river.

  • Evening: Sleep in a hanok (traditional house) with underfloor heating—a cozy Korean experience.

Food Tip:

Andong is known for its salted mackerel and traditional soy-marinated crab—be adventurous!

Day 10: Seoul

Palaces & Hanok Villages

  • Morning: Watch the royal guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, then explore its grand halls and gardens.

  • Afternoon Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village and browse traditional crafts in Insadong.

  • Evening: Shop for K-beauty and fashion in Myeongdong, and try street food like hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Photo Tip:

Capture the contrast of ancient palaces with modern Seoul skyscrapers in the background.

Day 11: Seoul

DMZ & Farewell Feast

  • Morning: Join a guided DMZ tour including the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory views into North Korea.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy free time or last-minute shopping at Namdaemun Market.

  • Evening: Gather for a festive Korean BBQ farewell dinner with soju and samgyeopsal.

Shopping Tip:

Namdaemun Market is great for souvenirs—remember to bargain gently!

Day 12: Departure

Last-Minute Shopping

  • Morning: Pick up final gifts at Namdaemun Market before transferring to Incheon Airport.

Travel Tip:

Leave extra space in your luggage for Korean snacks, beauty products, and handmade crafts.

Durations

Multi day

Languages

English
Espanol

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    4seasonholiday

    Member Since 2025