This tour starts in Japan’s capital Tokyo where we base ourselves in the dazzling Shinjuku district, the nightlife hub of the city famous for bizarre robot restaurants, giant Godzilla statues, fantastic cosplay parks and all-night karaoke parlours. 

After an 18H00 welcome meeting at our hotel we will continue to the Golden Gai labyrinth of rickety wooden bars which is a perfect place for you to meet your fellow travellers.

On our second day here you are invited to join us on a half day guided walking tour where you will get to familiarise yourself with the Tokyo metro system and visit some of the city's highlights before having the afternoon free to enjoy yourself at your leisure.

On our last day here we take a day trip to Mt Fuji to see one of Japan’s most iconic mountains.

Yudanaka Onsen is a hot spring resort which we visit not only to soak ourselves in these natural pools but also to visit the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park where you have the chance to see the wild Japanese Snow Monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

Matsumoto is a cosmopolitan town with great views of the Alps and pretty streets filled with cafes and galleries but the highlight here is Matsumoto-jo,  Japan’s oldest wooden castle dating back to 1595. The castle is a designated National Treasure so be sure to visit and climb the steep stairs all the way up to the top floor for great views of the surrounding area.

Takayama is a delightful 17th century town perched high in the Japanese Alps best explored on foot to appreciate the fine wooden architecture and friendly feel of the centre. The nearby Hida Folk Village is worth a few hours to see what rural Japanese life was like centuries ago and a drink at the atmospheric Desolation Row rock bar is a good way to end the day.

Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan, home to great masterpieces of religious architecture where robed monks still wander through Zen gardens and prayer chants float through air heavy with incense. Take the time to visit a traditional teahouse, wander the historic streets filled with artisans stores and be sure to try the delicate tempura as this is a town of culture and cuisine.

Osaka is a modern city of dazzling neon billboards, craft beer pubs, sushi restaurants and izakayas (informal pub eateries) but should you wish to take a step back in time you can visit the nearby ancient town of Nara, Japan’s first capital crammed full of Buddhist temples, shrines and museums with the highlight being the awe-inspiring Daibutsu, an 8th century statue of the Great Buddha made from 437 tonnes of bronze and 130 kg of gold!

We continue to Hiroshima, the target of the world’s first atomic bomb. Far from being a depressing place, present-day Hiroshima is a vibrant city and the Peace Memorial Park & Museum will definitely move you with its powerful message of peace.

Our last couple of nights in Japan are spent in Fukuoka, a welcoming city boasting the 234m tall Fukuoka Tower, Buddhist temples, castle ruins and art galleries, but the absolute must-do here is to enjoy a meal at one of the city’s ramen (noodle) restaurants for a taste sensation like no other!

From Fukuoka we now take a ferry to South Korea.

We arrive in South Korea by ferry from Japan and our first destination here is Busan, a bustling port city home to the country’s largest seafood market, scenic coastal walkways, magnificent inner-city temples and the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village.

Travelling north we reach the historic town of Gyeongju known locally as ‘the museum without walls’. Here we have 2 full days to explore a Korean gem packed with traditional architecture, tombs, temples, rock carvings and crumbling palaces.

A few hours away on the east coast we reach the waterfront city of Sokcho which is well-known for its fresh seafood restaurants. From here you also have a full day to explore the iconic Seoraksan National Park, probably the most beautiful park on the Korean peninsula, not only famous for its awesome peaks but also for its 2 stately Buddhist temples.

Our final destination on this tour is South Korea’s capital Seoul where we will have 3 days to explore this vibrant city’s highlights. By day you can visit the city’s 5 Palaces and witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, wander the alleys of the 600 year old Bukchon Hanok Village and explore the trails of Bukhansan National Park. By night you can feast on a traditional Korean BBQ and indulge in a few cocktails unique to Korea. From Seoul we will also take a half day trip to the DMZ where you can enjoy a view over North Korea from the viewing platform in South Korea.

On our final night of the tour you have the option to head over to the bright lights of Gangnam where you will find the country’s best nightlife, a perfect place for us to have our farewell dinner and say goodbye to your fellow adventurers who have travelled with you through Japan and South Korea!

This tour ends in Seoul after breakfast on the final morning of the trip.

After this tour ends we visit North Korea so if you would like to extend your tour to include North Korea please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to create a bespoke itinerary and price for you.

If you can’t do the whole tour it may be possible to book a shorter section of your choice. Please get in touch and if this option is available we will be happy to work out a bespoke itinerary and reduced price for you.