Welcome to South Korea & Japan: Beautiful Asia

Itinerary: 

Day 1: San Francisco - Seoul

Day 2: Seoul – Gangwon

Day 3: Gangwon – Seoul

Day 4: Gangwon – Seoul

Day 5: Seoul – Tokyo, Japan

Day 6: Tokyo, Japan

Day 7: Tokyo, Japan

Day 8: Shizuoka – Kyoto

Day 9: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka

Day 10: Tokyo – Home

All times are estimated. 

Price: $4,000/person. Prices for limited time.

En route, when it is necessary we reserve the right to make any changes without prior notice.

Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the cherry blossoms in full bloom in the land famous for its cherry blossoms? Come to Japan now to fully enjoy the beauty when the flower season arrives. With the warm spring climate and a myriad of flowers in bloom, you will not find anywhere else the sight of travelers from all over the world flocking to Japan to capture the most beautiful pictures of the cherry blossoms in full bloom, showcasing their vibrant colors. In particular, young people who are fans of images and characters from Japanese films and manga will have the opportunity to visit this country. Do you also dream of visiting the temples, historical sites, and scenic spots of the Land of the Morning Calm? Combining a tour of both South Korea and Japan will provide you with unforgettable experiences. You will be amazed by the development of this country, which has risen to the top of Asia after the wars. Come to ThanhTravels to learn more details about the South Korea & Japan tour in March 2025.

Day 1: San Francisco - Seoul.

Hotel: Howard Johnson Incheon Airport Hotel: Standard check in time: 03:00pm (early check in will be at Hotel’s Discretion)

When you arrive at Seoul Incheon, after you exit the South Korean customs area, a local tour guide with a sign featuring the logo of the local travel company will assist you in taking the free shuttle bus to the hotel and checking in. Please present your passport at the hotel.

Day 2: Seoul – Gangwon. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Tour meeting time: Please meet at the hotel lobby at 08:00AM

Hotel: Hanwha Resort Seorak or similar

After breakfast, you will begin your journey to explore the capital city of Seoul, South Korea. First, visit Dae Jang Geum Park, named after the largest historical drama in Korean film history. This park is famous for being used as a filming location for popular Korean dramas, commercials, and programs by the national broadcaster MBC. It is also a park used by foreign television stations, including NHK, to shoot historical scenes about Korea.

Thời gian gặp mặt: Tập trung tại sảnh chờ khách sạn vào 08:00am

Continuing your journey, you will be taken to another famous filming location in South Korea, the filming site for the drama “Winter Sonata,” which is Nami Island. It’s a fantastic destination for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

After leaving Nami Island, you will head to one of the newest attractions in Seoul, the Soyanggang Skywalk. The Skywalk is designed as an observation deck set on Uiamho Lake. The walking path, with a transparent glass floor extending 7.5 meters over the river, creates the illusion of walking on water.

Next, continue to Seoraksan National Park. This park is one of the most beautiful and iconic parks in the entire Korean Peninsula. Recognized by UNESCO as an ecological protection site, it boasts uniquely shaped rock formations, dense forests, and rich wildlife. Following that, you will visit Sinheungsa Temple, located on the mountainside.

On the way to Sinheungsa, you will make a stop to take photos of the large bronze statue known as the Jwabul Bronze Statue, which stands over 10 meters tall.

Day 3: Gangwon – Seoul. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Hotel: Grand Hilton Seoul or similar

This morning, return to Seoul and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. It is one of the most impressive attractions in South Korea due to its long historical significance.

Take a stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village, a village with hundreds of traditional Korean houses dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, where you will have the opportunity to experience, learn, and immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture. You will capture many beautiful photos as you stop by Seoul’s famous market. This is also the oldest market in South Korea. The market stretches over several blocks and is a dense maze of stalls, products, and dining areas. Namdaemun Market offers a wide variety of Korean souvenirs for tourists looking to bring something unique and fun back home. End the day with a visit to the Trick Eye Museum, where you can immerse yourself in 3D paintings and take spectacular, unique, and eye-catching photos.

Day 4: Gangwon – Seoul. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Hotel: Grand Hilton Seoul or similar

Today, you will have the entire day to relax and unwind or explore whatever interests you in Seoul

Day 5: Seoul – Tokyo, Japan. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Hotel: Hilton Narita Hotel or similar. Standard check in time: 03:00pm (early check in will be at Hotel’s Discretion)

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Tokyo. The hotel’s free shuttle bus will transport you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and prepare for your journey in Tokyo.

Day 6: Tokyo, Japan. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Tour meeting time: Please meet at the hotel lobby at 08:00AM

Hotel: Tokyo Prince Hotel or similar

Today, you will spend the entire day exploring the city of Tokyo. First, visit Meiji Shrine, the most famous shrine in Tokyo, surrounded by a lush green forest. Then, head to Sensoji Temple, one of the most colorful and photographed temples in Tokyo. As you approach the temple, you will see the Kaminarimon, the outer gate of the temple, which is also a symbol of Asakusa.

After lunch, stop by the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Like a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is surrounded by parks and gardens, making it an interesting destination for visitors escaping the busy city streets. You will also have the chance to view Nijubashi, one of Japan's most famous bridges. If you look at the bridge from the front, you will see two separate bridges appearing as a two-tiered bridge.

The next stop is Tokyo Tower, where you can take a moment to snap some photos before heading to Ginza, one of the busiest districts in Tokyo, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. You will have some free time here to explore this vibrant area on your own.

Day 7: Tokyo, Japan. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Hotel: Hamanako Royal Hotel or similar

Today, depart from Tokyo and head to Hakone. You will experience the exciting sensation of sailing on Lake Ashi. Today, the image of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background has become an iconic symbol of Hakone.

Next, visit Oshino-Hakkai, a peaceful natural area surrounding Mount Fuji. Oshino-Hakkai, meaning "Eight Seas of Oshino," consists of eight ponds that are scattered around the area, as the name suggests. These natural ponds have crystal-clear water, and each one has its own unique charm.

Continue to Shizuoka and check in at the resort for the night. Here, you will have the special opportunity to enjoy a hot spring bath at the resort. However, please be mindful of the rules and etiquette for bathing in hot springs in Japan.

*** Hot spring bath rules:

Hot spring baths are separated by gender: one for men and one for women.
Before entering the hot spring bath, you must first wash yourself thoroughly.
Clothing is not allowed (including swimsuits and underwear).
You are only allowed to bring a small towel into the bath.
Hot springs are a place for relaxation, so please be considerate of others and speak softly.
People with tattoos are generally not allowed in hot springs. If you have a small tattoo, the staff will provide a bandage to cover it. However, if your tattoo is large and covers most of your body, you are usually not permitted to enter the hot spring.

Day 8: Shizuoka – Kyoto. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Hotel: Crystal Hotel Kyoto III or similar

In the morning, you will depart for Kyoto. Upon arrival, you will visit Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, perhaps the most famous site in Kyoto. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of the former retirement complex of Yoshimitsu. Before you, you will see the stunning image of the temple adorned with golden leaves, beautifully reflecting in the Kyokochi pond like a mirror.

Next, continue to the Gion district. As Kabuki dramas became popular in the western areas of Gion, a variety of entertainment forms were developed for the theatergoers. Today, Gion is known as the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Hanamachi, the vibrant "flower town" of Japan, is a center of geisha entertainment. Each district has okiya (geisha households), ochaya (teahouses for entertainment), and kaburenjo (geisha performance halls).

Day 9: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Hotel: Sheraton Miyako Hotel or similar

This morning, visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous temples in Japan. The temple is renowned for its wooden stage, which is constructed using interlocking wooden joints without the need for nails. Enjoy the fresh, peaceful atmosphere as you stroll along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two of the most charming streets in Kyoto. You will see rows of beautifully restored traditional images throughout the city.

Next, continue your journey to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha. The breathtaking, seemingly endless landscape of over 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates winding through the hills behind the shrine makes it one of the most iconic places in Japan.

After lunch, depart from Kyoto to Osaka. Continue your journey with a stop in Nara to visit Todai-ji Temple. Todai-ji, a landmark of Nara and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most famous temples in Japanese history. Inside the main hall, where the massive bronze Buddha statue is housed, you will find the largest wooden building in the world. The next stop will be a duty-free shopping area.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to visit Shinsaibashi, the largest shopping district in Osaka. With a history of 380 years, Shinsaibashi is a shopping area that was established during the Edo period. A variety of shops for all ages line the streets, including a 600-meter-long covered arcade. Many people enjoy strolling around and sampling the street food along the way.

Day 10: Tokyo – Home. (Meal: Breakfast).