Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea

Land Tour

Itinerary Inclusions Highlights Extensions Stopovers Testimonials FAQs FAQs Trip Notes

Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea 

Discover the fascinating history and traditions of Japan and South Korea on a 21-day luxury holiday from Seoul to Osaka. Take part in a tea ceremony, learn how to make traditional meals and ornaments, and share dinner with a maiko or geisha.

Route

SeoulOsaka

Travel Information

21 Days Land Tour

Trip code JAS21

Itinerary

To view the itinerary in greater depth, simply click on your preferred day from the interactive list to unveil its details. Discover daily activities, immersive experiences and insider local tips that make your travel unforgettable.

Seoul to Osaka

21 days / 20 night Land Tour

Day 1

Arrive Seoul

Signature Experience

Day 2

Seoul

Signature Experience

Day 3

Seoul, Demilitarised Zone

Day 4

Seoul, Yongin, Jeonju

Signature Experience

Day 5

Jeonju, Gayasan National Park, Gyeongju

Signature Experience

Day 6

Gyeongju

Day 7

Gyeongju, Ulsan, Busan

Signature Experience

Day 8

Busan

Day 9

Busan, Seoul

Signature Experience

Day 10

Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan)

Day 11

Tokyo

Freedom of Choice

Day 12

Tokyo

Signature Experience

Day 13

Tokyo, Hakone

Day 14

Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama

Signature Experience

Day 15

Takayama

Signature Experience

Day 16

Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Freedom of Choice

Day 17

Kanazawa, Tsuruga, Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 18

Kyoto

Day 19

Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 20

Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 21

Kyoto, Depart Osaka

Coach/Vehicle

Flight (included)

Rail

Stay/Stop name (no. of nights)

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your all-inspiring tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

20 nights in luxury accommodation

Locally inspired dining – a total of 42 meals

Experiences in 17 destinations

Freedom of Choice inclusions in four locations

Services of an APT Tour Director

Return airport transfers, most porterage and gratuities

Private air-conditioned coach

KTX express train/bullet train between three destinations

International flight from Seoul to Tokyo

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following highlights are just a taste of what we have prepared, especially for you.

A plate of handrolled sushi showcasing the beauty of vegetarian options. The rolls are filled with a medley of fresh and crunchy vegetables like vibrant bell peppers, crisp carrots, and

An anonymous Asian female chef preparing sushi on a bamboo mat at home.

Sushi-Making Class

Take part in a sushi-making class and learn how to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch.

a japanese woman shows the tea ceremony during a public demonstration

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony and kimono-wearing experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan.

Busan marina with yachts, Marina city skyscrapers with reflection on sunset, South Korea

Dongbaek island with Nurimaru APEC House and Gwangan bridge at sunset in Busan,South Korea

Busan Yacht Cruise

Discover Busan's stunning skyline at sunset on a panoramic yacht cruise, departing from Haeundae Beach. Sail past iconic landmarks, including the Nurimaru APEC House, Busan Cinema Center, Marine City, and the majestic Gwangan Bridge.

Trip Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

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Trip Alternatives and Extensions

More days means more to discover - with trip alternatives encompassing exciting cities and different regions, to trip extensions you can add before your escorted tour.

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What our customers are saying

Our Tour Director was amazing! Her personality, organisation and professionalism made the experience outstanding. She made this trip for us.
Kevin - KA10

Midori was an excellent leader, knowledgeable and always happy to go the extra mile for us. We could not have asked for a better tour director.
Alexandra - JA17

Very pleased to see authentic Japanese food - too often on tours the food is "Westernised". Well designed and executed itinerary - tour director was great at optimising the schedule to meet local conditions (traffic, crowds, etc) to maximise the experience.
Graeme - JA17

Nobuko went about and beyond to ensure everyonein our group got the most out of our experience in Japan. Her knowledge, care & support are excellent, best tour guide we have had.
Gregory - JA17

This is the kind of APT tour that we have come to know and love. It is because of this wonderful Japan tour that we have now decided to book our next New Zealand holiday with APT next year.
Suzie - JAS26

Midori had an amazing knowledge of everything we saw along the way. They had a happy outlook, with nothing too much to ask.
Lesley - JAS26

We very much enjoyed learning more about Japan and its people who are very kind, helpful and honest.
Mary - JAS26

A most enjoyable tour where we made friends during the tour. Once again, Midori was great, thanks.
Trevor and Calnon - JAS26

Our tour director Nobu was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and informative about her country, with a good sense of humour. She was very caring and considerate, especially for people with mobility issues or illness.
Peter and Mary - JAS26

This was a truly outstanding trip in every way.
Henry and Megan - JAS26

Japan and South Korea Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

APT Asia Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
Cherry Blossom season in South Korea usually lasts from March to mid-April and in Japan from late March to May, however due to changeable weather, blooms cannot be guaranteed
Prices include airport transfers and gratuities. Luggage porterage is limited, as it is not commonly available in South Korea
Tickets to the DMZ are limited, and although every effort to secure these are made, should this not be possible then instead a ride on the DMZ gondola and a visit to the Odusan Unification Observatory are included
Flights should arrive in Seoul before 4pm on Day 1
Flight from Seoul to Tokyo is included
Prices are for land/rail only. International Flights are not included unless specified

Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea

Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea