Essence of the East - Japan & Korea Highlights

DAY 1: Tokyo Arrival

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your 3 star hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your journey or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

Flight Details: TBC

Accommodation: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa (or similar) – Superior Twin Room

Meal: None

DAY 2: Tokyo – Shibuya Crossing & Hidden Streets Walking Tour (Small Group Tour)

Today, make your own way to SABON Shibuya Mark City, where you will meet your local English-speaking guide to begin the tour. Discover the vibrant Shibuya district, starting with the iconic Shibuya Crossing, then continue to Miyashita Park, Nonbei Yokocho, Shibuya Center Gai, and Maruyamacho, before ending at the Hachiko Statue.

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a more personal experience. After the tour, enjoy free time at your own leisure.

Tour Inclusion: Local expert English Speaking Guide

Tour Exclusion: Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off, Food & drinks, Personal expenses

Accommodation: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa (or similar) – Superior Twin Room

Meal: None

DAY 3: Tokyo – Mt. Fuji Day Excursion with Kawaguchiko Lake (Bus Tour)

Today, make your own way to the designated meeting point in Shinjuku or Tokyo, where you will meet your tour leader before departure. Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour to Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko area. Visit Oishi Park for beautiful lake and Mt. Fuji views, continue to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine with its iconic pagoda, and stop at Mt. Fuji 5th Station (or alternative site if closed). The tour also includes a visit to Oshino Hakkai, a traditional village known for its clear spring ponds.

After the tour, return to Tokyo and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. This is a guided coach tour with a maximum capacity as per bus arrangement (group tour).

Tour Inclusion: Coach transportation for the entire itinerary with an English/Chinese-speaking tour leader

Tour Exclusion: Food & drinks, Gratuities, Personal expenses

Accommodation: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa (or similar) – Superior Twin Room

Meal: None

DAY 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

After check-out from your hotel in Tokyo, proceed to Tokyo Station and board the JR train to Kyoto. Enjoy a comfortable journey as you travel from Tokyo to the cultural heart of Japan. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, continue to your 4 star hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Noku Kyoto (or similar) – House King

Meal: None

DAY 5: Kyoto – Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari-taisha & Nara Day Tour from Kyoto (Bus Tour)

Make your own way to the Kyoto VIP Lounge, where you will meet your English-speaking guide and board the coach for a full-day sightseeing tour. Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and admire its golden reflection over the pond, then continue to Arashiyama to explore the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and surrounding scenic area. Next, proceed to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, before heading to Nara Park, where you can see and feed the friendly deer and explore nearby cultural sites. After the tour, return to Kyoto in the evening and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Tour Inclusion: English Speaking Guide, Air Conditioned Coach, and Entrance Fee to Kinkakujij Temple

Tour Exclusion: Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off, Entrance fees in Nara, Gratuities, Personal expenses

Language Options: English and Japanese

Accommodation: Noku Kyoto (or similar) – House King

Meal: None

DAY 6: Kyoto – Free Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kyoto after breakfast at the hotel. You may relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore the city at your own pace. Kyoto offers many optional experiences such as visiting nearby temples, strolling through traditional streets, enjoying local cafés, or shopping for souvenirs in the city center.

Accommodation: Noku Kyoto (or similar) – House King

Meal: None

DAY 7: Kyoto to Osaka

After check-out from your hotel in Kyoto, proceed to Kyoto Station and board the JR train to Osaka. Upon arrival at Shin-Osaka Station, continue to your 4 star hotel for check-in and drop off your luggage.

Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka

In the late morning, make your own way to the meeting point for the Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour, where you will meet your local guide. Explore Osaka’s lively Kuromon Market, sample local specialties such as takoyaki, wagyu, and sushi, and continue to Hozenji Temple and the vibrant Dotonbori area. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Osaka.

Tour Inclusion: Expert local guide, 5-6 food samplings and Tour photos

Tour Exclusion: Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off, Transportation, Gratuities, Personal expenses

Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji (or similar) – Comfort Double Room

Meal: None

DAY 8: Osaka to Seoul

After check-out from your hotel in Osaka, proceed independently to Kansai International Airport for your international flight to Seoul. Leave Japan behind and begin your next journey to South Korea.

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, continue to your 4 star hotel in Seoul for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure to rest after your flight or explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace.

Accommodation: Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong (or similar) – Standard Latex Double

Meal: None

DAY 9: Seoul – Beyond Seoul: Starfield Library, Hwaseong Fortress & Cave Quest

Begin your day by heading to the designated meeting point in Myeongdong or Seoul City Hall to start your full-day guided tour. Escape the city and explore a mix of modern and historical attractions. Start at the stunning Starfield Library in Suwon, known for its towering bookshelves and futuristic design. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, where you can walk along ancient walls, gates, and pavilions while enjoying panoramic views. Then, visit Gwangmyeong Cave, a former gold mine transformed into a unique underground attraction featuring themed zones, art installations, and immersive experiences.

After the tour, return to Seoul and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take this time to relax or explore more of the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong (or similar) – Standard Latex Double

Meal: None

DAY 10: Seoul – Check-out Day

Enjoy your final day in Seoul at your own pace. Take this opportunity to explore more of the city, stroll through nearby shopping streets, visit attractions you may have missed, or simply relax and soak in the last moments of your journey. Whether you choose to discover hidden corners of the city or revisit your favorite spots, make the most of your remaining time before concluding your trip.

Afterward, proceed with check-out from your hotel, marking the end of your memorable journey through Japan and South Korea.

TRIP END.

Cancellation Policy

• Within 30 days before tour start date: 10% cancellation fee.
• Between 15 and 8 days before tour start date: 50% of the total tour cost will be charged.
• Within 7 days of the tour start date or no-show: 100% of the total tour cost will be charged.
• No refunds will be given for unused services, including transfers, accommodation, meals, or excursions once the tour has commenced.
• All cancellations must be made in writing and acknowledged by the tour operator to be valid.
• We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected changes, cancellations, or emergencies.

Free sale basis. Cut-off: 30 days prior to arrival.

Rates per person based on minimum 1 (one) pax:

1.1.2026 - 31.12.2026

• Single Room: from USD 1871 (Low season) to USD 2372 (High season)
• Double Room: from USD 1712 (Low season) to USD 1900 (High season)

1.1.2027 - 31.12.2027

• Single Room: from USD 2058 (Low season) to USD 2609 (High season)
• Double Room: from USD 1883 (Low season) to USD 2090 (High season)

**High season

• 1 Apr - 31 May 2026
• 1 Jul- 17 Dec 2026
• 1 Mar - 31 May 2027
• 1 July- 17 Dec 2027

**Low season

• 1 Jun - 30 Jun 2026
• 10 Jan - 28 Feb 2027
• 1 Jun - 30 Jun 2027

Blackout Dates

• 18 Dec 2026 - 5 Jan 2027
• 18 - 31 Dec 2027