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Our Essence of South Korea & Japan tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Reflect in this city which needs no introduction
Explore the staggering number of tombs, temples, statues and ruins
Stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets
Where tradition and culture meets a modern city
Choose from our specially selected airline partners flying non-stop to Asia.
Embark on an informative and unusual adventure to the DMZ, the buffer zone between the Koreas. Your visit will include the Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel.
Visit a bonsai museum in Tokyo and see a demonstration before trying your hand in the art of cultivating these miniaturised trees and shrubs that sit within a pot.
The Japan Inland Sea provides most of the nation's kaki (oysters). Visit an oyster farm whilst at Miyajima Island and learn first-hand how the fishermen breed and take care of this marine delicacy.
South Korea’s train network is extensive, linking all major towns and cities fast and efficiently. Thanks to the high-speed train service KTX, which goes at up to 305 kilometres an hour, you can travel anywhere in the country in under three hours. These state-of-the-art trains rival Japan’s shinkansen for their smooth ride, comfort, convenience, and onboard amenities.
Regular trains also run everywhere at around 90 kilometres an hour; perhaps better for admiring the countryside you’re passing through they don’t offer the thrill of speed that the KTX does! Korean train stations are usually large, inter-modal hubs serving trains, buses, metros etc, but are always well-signed, modern, and clean. They are also buzzy, full of shops and restaurants, so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to picking up train snacks.
South Korea’s high-speed line, called KTX, was built around French TGV technology, the bullet trains currently able to travel up to 305 kilometres an hour though planned upgrades may allow trains to zoom to up to 420 kilometres an hour in the near future.
Onboard, the standard class carriages are in a 2+2 layout, the seats spacious with plenty of leg room and a slight recline. Each has a folding table and power outlets at the seat and high-speed internet available. There are also toilets throughout the train.
Eating on trains is permitted though there is no café car – some trains may have vending machines with a selection of drinks and snacks, but it may be a better idea to pick them up at the station. There is train etiquette in South Korea to note, everyone should be quiet and respectful to those around them.
You can experience KTX trains on our Essence of South Korea & Japan tour.
There are several types of train that serve South Korea that could be classed as standard. These include:
ITX-Saemaeul express trains, which run on a higher-speed line, travel up to 165 kilometres an hour and are commonly used for inter-city travel. With a striking black and red colour scheme on the exterior, inside they are spacious and comfortable with panoramic windows and free high-speed internet available.
Mugunghwa-ho trains are stopping services that run the suburban lines. With plenty of legroom and even vending machines from which to buy snacks and drinks, these trains may be slower (up to 90 kilometres an hour), but they are certainly comfortable.
This two-week South Korea and Japan adventure gives a fascinating insight into two of Asia's most intriguing countries. Close in proximity yet culturally distinct, this tour offers the perfect way to experience the diversity of the Far East.
Fly overnight to South Korea's dazzling capital, Seoul. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
In Seoul's urban landscape of skyscrapers and nightlife, an immersion of culture and tradition awaits. Start your full-day tour at Gyeongbok Palace for the captivating 'Changing of the Guards' ceremony and a palace exploration. Then, indulge in a Korean cooking class to create and enjoy the flavors of Bibimbap for lunch. Experience the city's beauty from N Seoul Tower for panoramic views over the city.
Created as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea at the end of the Korean War, the DMZ is part of the most heavily militarised border in the world. An early start is needed today as tickets the DMZ are limited. See the DMZ Theatre & Exhibition Hall and walk along the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, visit Dora Observatory & Station and see the Bridge of Freedom. (Should tickets not be available, take a ride on the DMZ gondola and visit the Odusan Unification Observatory). Return to Seoul explore the huge Gwangjang Market.
Embark on a train journey from Seoul to the captivating city of Gyeongju, known as 'the museum without walls' for its abundant cultural relics. Former capital of the Silla Kingdom for over 1,000 years, Gyeongju boasts an astonishing array of tombs, temples, statues, and ruins to explore. In the afternoon, marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bulguksa Temple, an architectural gem of Silla heritage, and the awe-inspiring Seokguram Grotto. End your day with a serene stroll along the enchanting Anapji Pond, where echoes of the city's illustrious history resonate amidst the tranquil waters.
Begin the day with a visit to Tumuli Park's royal tombs and Gyeongju National Museum. Then, journey by road to Busan, a city brimming with character, traditional charm, and scenic wonders like mountains, beaches, temples, and delectable seafood. Find tranquility on Dongbaekseom Island before relishing the sandy shores of Haeundae Beach. In the afternoon, experience the lively atmosphere of Jagalchi Fish Market and Gukje Market's bustling stalls before heading to Busan Tower for panoramic views.
It's time to say goodbye to South Korea and hello to Japan! Fly 1 hour to Fukuoka on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Upon arrival, your Japanese guide will meet you at Fukuoka Airport and welcome you to Japan.
Discover the allure of Fukuoka, Kyushu Island's largest city, nestled on the northern shores of Japan. Begin your day with a visit to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto Shrine, followed by an exploration of the National Museum, unveiling the city's vibrant past. After lunch, board the bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that resonates with historical significance, symbolizing resilience and peace.
Start the day at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which pays homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb, followed by a visit to an oyster farm by boat. In the afternoon, hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site, located on the edge of the waters of the Seto Island Sea.
Transfer by bullet train to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter, where the streets along the banks of the Kurashiki River are lined with white-walled kominka (traditional houses). Next, head to Okayama and visit Koraku-en Garden, one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan'. Later, board the bullet train to the vibrant city of Osaka.
Travel to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple before returning to Osaka. Enjoy lunch at Dotonbori Street, famous for its eye-catching signage and billboards and then visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
Journey by road to Kyoto – an enchanting city, Kyoto was Japan's capital city for 1,000 years; today it is a testament to ancient Japan, packed with tranquil temples and sublime gardens. Visit Ryoan-ji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon' and the famous Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Later immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.
Visit the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets before trying your hand at the art of fan painting. Next you'll have the opportunity to have lunch with a Maiko – an apprentice Geisha. In the afternoon, visit to one of Kyoto's most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates, and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way.
Take the bullet train to Odawara. Upon arrival, visit the Hakone shrine, situated on the shores of Lake Ashi and enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji in the background. After lunch, take part in a Yosegi marquetry craft experience, before continuing by road to Tokyo – Japan's capital city.
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech neon-lit frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and ancient temples. Wander through the old district of Asakusa to soak up the atmosphere at Senso-ji, Tokyo's most famous and beloved temple. After lunch, visit a bonsai museum and observe a demonstration before trying your hand at pruning your own. Go on to drive past the famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a dinner cruise on the beautiful Tokyo Bay.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
Places Visited: Seoul - Gyeongju - Busan - Fukuoka - Hiroshima - Miyajima - Kurashiki - Okayama - Osaka - Kyoto - Hakone - Tokyo
Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.
If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
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