🌏

Cultural Exploration Tour of South Korea and Japan

May 7, 2025

South Korea and Japan Tour Overview

Introduction

  • Explore the blend of modern life and ancient customs in South Korea and Japan.
  • Experience cutting-edge technology and traditional art forms in cities like Seoul and Tokyo.
  • Enjoy tranquil environments in places like Busan and Kyoto.
  • Participate in interactive activities, such as a Korean cooking class.

Tour Features

  • Duration: 11 or 14 days, covering Seoul, Busan, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, with an extension to Sapporo City.
  • Tour Director: Full-time director accompanying the group.
  • Sightseeing Tours:
    • 2 led by licensed local guides.
    • 3 led by the Tour Director (5 with extension).
    • 1 walking tour.
  • Entrances Included: Various cultural and historical sites.

Included Experiences

  • Flights, motorcoach travel, and internal flights.
  • Hotel accommodations with private bathrooms.
  • Meals: Dinners and breakfasts included throughout the tour.
  • Bullet train rides and local transportation managed by the Tour Director.

Key Locations and Activities

South Korea

Seoul

  • Day 2-3:
    • Tour of Seoul including the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
    • Walking tour of Bukchon Hanok Village and Insa-dong neighborhood.
    • Optional Taekwondo class or personal exploration.
    • Visit to N Seoul Tower.

Busan

  • Day 4-5:
    • Interactive media experience at HiKR Ground.
    • Visits to Gamcheon Culture Village and Haeundae Beach.
    • Dongbaekseom Island and Nurimaru APEC House.
    • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and UN Memorial Cemetery.
    • Taejongdae Park and Songdo Beach cable car ride.

Return to Seoul

  • Day 6:
    • Odusan Unification Observatory tour.
    • Korean cooking class.

Japan

Kyoto and Osaka

  • Day 7-8:
    • Flight to Osaka, travel to Kyoto.
    • Tour of Nara including Todaiji Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.
    • Expert-led tour of Kyoto, visiting Nij Castle and Golden Pavilion.
    • Explore Arashiyama and its bamboo forest.

Tokyo

  • Day 9-10:
    • Travel to Tokyo.
    • Imperial Palace Plaza tour, Harajuku district, Meiji Shinto Shrine.
    • Asakusa Kannon Temple and surrounding attractions.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu Region

  • Day 10:
    • Mount Fuji sightseeing.
    • Lake Saiko and Iyashi no Sato Nenba visit.
    • Fugaku Fuketsu wind cave and Narusawa Hyoketsu ice cave exploration.

Sapporo City Extension (Optional)

  • Day 11-14:
    • Flight to Sapporo City.
    • Sightseeing including Asahiyama Observatory and Sapporo TV Tower.
    • Visits to Shikotsu Lake, Nijo Seafood Market, and Upopoy National Ainu Museum.
    • Tour of Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Oyunuma Pond.
    • Visit local dairy farm in Otaru.

Tour Reviews

  • Positive feedback from previous travelers and parents highlighting organization and leadership.

This comprehensive tour offers an enriching experience blending cultural, historical, and modern elements across South Korea and Japan, providing lifelong memories and educational opportunities.