Welcome to South Korea & Japan: Beautiful Asia

Itinerary: 

Day 1: San Francisco to Seoul, South Korea

Day 2: Seoul

Day 3: Seoul to Gyeonggi, Gapyeong - Alpaca World, Nami Island, Pettie France

Day 4: Gyeonggi to Seoul - Ginseng Center, Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong Street

Day 5: Seoul - Demilitarized Zone, Insadong Antique, Namsan Tower

Day 6: Seoul to Tokyo, Japan

Day 7: Tokyo, Asakusa Distrinct, Sensoji Temple, Ueno Park, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Street

Day 8: Tokyo to Yamanashi, Kawaguchiko Lake, Mt. Fuji Ropeway

Day 9: Yamanashi to Kyoto, Kinkakuji, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Gion District

Day 10: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

Day 11: Osaka back 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 to Seoul.

Fly from San Francisco to Seoul

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

Upon arriving in Seoul, you will head to your hotel to check in and settle in. Afterward, you’ll have a free day to explore the city. You can take a leisurely walk around the area, go shopping, or visit some of the local attractions at your own pace.

Day 3: Seoul to Gyeonggi, Gapyeong / Alpaca World, Nami Island, Pettie France. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will be visiting Gyeonggi Province, where our main tour will focus on the beautiful and unique attractions that located in Gapyeong.

The first place of the day is Alpaca World. This is a popular theme park in South Korea that is dedicated to alpacas. Alpaca World offers visitors the chance to interact with alpacas and other animals in a relaxed and fun environment. We can feed, pet, and even walk the alpacas. The park allows for close interactions with these friendly animals, which is the main attraction. The park is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and forests.

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.The island is also home to art galleries, museums, and outdoor sculptures, making it a cultural hub. Many local and international artists display their work here, and there are often special exhibitions and events.

After leaving Nami Island, we will visit Petite France. This place features a beautiful, French-inspired village with colorful buildings, quaint streets, and traditional French-style cottages. The village is designed to resemble a small French town, creating a whimsical and charming atmosphere. The entire village is designed to transport visitors to a part of France, with French flags, murals, and architectural elements that reflect the elegance of France’s cultural heritage.

Day 4: Gangwon to Seoul / Ginseng Center, Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong Street. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

The next day will start with a little visiting and shopping at the Ginseng Center. Here, you can buy the most famous and high-quality ginseng products, which are known for their health benefits. The center offers a wide variety of ginseng-based items, including teas, extracts, capsules, and other wellness products. It's a great opportunity to explore the world of traditional Korean medicine and bring home some authentic Korean ginseng as a souvenir or a health supplement.

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 through the expansive palace grounds and admire the traditional Korean architecture. Furthore more, you can try immerse in the traditional Korean culture by trying on their colorful traditional Hanbok.

At night, we can visit Myeongdong Street, a vibrant shopping district in Seoul, known for its trendy boutiques, cosmetics shops, and delicious street food stalls. It's a great place to shop for K-beauty products and fashion, with many stores staying open late. As you wander, you can enjoy popular Korean street foods while soaking in the lively atmosphere. The area is also home to cozy cafes and dessert shops, perfect for a sweet treat. With its energetic vibe, Myeongdong is a must-visit spot for both shopping and sampling local flavors.

Day 5: Seoul / Demilitarized Zone, Insadong Antique, Namsan Tower. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

As for today, we will be visiting the The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Korea. It serves as both a physical and symbolic boundary between the two countries, representing the division that resulted from the Korean War (1950–1953). This is a highly significant and heavily guarded region that separates North Korea and South Korea. Despite its military presence, the DMZ has become a popular tourist destination.

Next, we will go and enjoy the beauty of Insadong Antique. The area is home to a variety of antique stores that sell traditional Korean furniture, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, brassware, and other vintage and collectible items. It's an excellent place to find unique, historical items with a story behind them. Many of the antique shops offer pieces that date back centuries, representing Korea’s Joseon Dynasty and other historical periods. In addition to antiques, Insadong is also a cultural hub with teahouses, art galleries, craft shops, and street vendors, making it a great place for those interested in Korean history, art, and handmade crafts. If you're in Seoul, Insadong is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in exploring Korea's cultural heritage and purchasing unique, handcrafted items.

Another famous spot we will be visit is Namsan Tower, also known as N-Seoul Tower. This one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul, South Korea. Located on Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city, it stands at a height of 236 meters (774 feet) and offers stunning panoramic views of Seoul and its surrounding areas. A famous feature of Namsan Tower is the "Love Locks" tradition, where couples attach padlocks to the fences around the tower as a symbol of their love and commitment. This has become a popular photo spot for visitors.

Day 6: Seoul to Tokyo, Japan.

After breakfast, we will be flying from Seoul to Tokyo, Japan. Once arrived, you will head to the hotel to check in and settle in. Afterward, you’ll have a free day to explore the city. You can take a leisurely walk around the area, go shopping, or visit some of the local attractions at your own pace.

Day 7: Tokyo / Asakusa Distrinct, Sensoji Temple, Ueno Park, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Street. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Today, we will spend the entire day exploring the city of Tokyo. First, we'll go to Asakusa District, one of the most famous and historically significant districts in Tokyo, known for its traditional atmosphere and key landmarks. Here, we will visit the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 628 AD, making it over 1,300 years old. It is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion. As you approach the temple, you will see the Kaminarimon, the outer gate of the temple, which is also a symbol of Asakusa.

Our next stop is Ueno Park. This is one of Tokyo’s most famous and largest public parks, located in the Taito Ward of the city. It is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history, offering a variety of attractions such as museums, temples, and beautiful nature. It is especially popular during the cherry blossom season in spring when the park is covered in blooming sakura (cherry trees), attracting both locals and tourists alike.

The next stop is Tokyo Tower, where you can take a moment to snap some photos of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond. Inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower, it stands as a symbol of Japan's post-war modernization and is one of the most recognized structures in Tokyo.

After that. we will go to Shibuya to shop and wonder around the busy atmosphere of this place. Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and trendy districts, known for its bustling streets, youthful energy, and as a global hub for fashion, shopping, and entertainment. It’s an area that truly captures the modern spirit of Tokyo while blending with cultural traditions. Shibuya is a major commercial and business center, offering something for everyone, whether you're into fashion, food, nightlife, or just experiencing the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most dynamic urban spaces.

Day 8: Tokyo to Yamanashi / Kawaguchiko Lake, Mt. Fuji Ropeway. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Today, depart from Tokyo and head to Yamanashi. You will experience a beautiful prefecture located in the Chubu region of Japan, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and lakes. Yamanashi offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. It’s a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, while also offering exciting adventures and rich history.

At Yamanashi, we will enjoy a scenic boat ride around Lake Kawaguchi. Lake Kawaguchi is one of the five lakes at the base of Mount Fuji, and it offers some of the best views of the iconic peak. The lake is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including lush forests and mountains, making it an ideal location for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The peaceful boat ride allows you to enjoy the serenity of the area, away from the crowds, while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The cool breeze and scenic vistas provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience

To further immerse in the beauty of Mount Fuji, we will enjoy a joyride on the Mt. Fuji Ropeway. This scenic ride will take us up to Kachi Kachi Yama, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the surrounding landscapes. The cable car journey is a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs and experience the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective.

Day 9: Yamanashi to Kyoto / Kinkakuji, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Gion District. (Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner).

In the morning, we 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.

We will experience the historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. These charming, traditional streets are located in the heart of Kyoto. The cobbled lanes, lined with old wooden houses, quaint shops, and teahouses, offer a glimpse into the past, preserving the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto. Walking along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka feels like stepping back in time, as these streets are beautifully preserved, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the city. It's a perfect place to explore, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Kyoto’s historic charm.

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

Today, we have an exciting and packed schedule as we visit three amazing cities. We’ll start our journey in the historic city of Kyoto, then head to the cultural gem of Nara, and finally, wrap up our day in the vibrant and dynamic city of Osaka.

The first stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, a must-visit destination known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up the mountain. This iconic Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and agriculture, and is surrounded by a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. As you explore, you’ll encounter numerous fox statues, believed to be the messengers of Inari, holding keys in their mouths. Fushimi Inari Shrine is not only a stunning visual experience but also a deeply spiritual and cultural site, offering both beauty and significance at every turn.

The second stop is Nara Deer Park, a serene and picturesque park located in the heart of Nara. Known for its free-roaming sika deer, which are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto beliefs, the park offers a unique experience where visitors can interact with the friendly deer. The park is also home to several significant cultural landmarks, including the Todai-ji Temple, 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.

Our third stop is Shinsaibashi in Osaka, one of the city's most vibrant and lively shopping districts. Known for its long, covered shopping arcades, Shinsaibashi offers a mix of high-end retail stores, trendy boutiques, and traditional shops. It’s a bustling hub for both locals and tourists, providing an exciting atmosphere for shopping, dining, and entertainment. As you stroll through the area, you can explore a wide range of shops, from luxury brands to quirky local stores. This is 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 11: Osaka to Home. (Meal: Breakfast).