Visiting the World Heritage of Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls (01.01.2024)

Experience the wonders of Nikko National Park on a full-day trip from Tokyo. With a knowledgeable guide, delve into the beautiful countryside, and visit sacred shrines and magnificent temples. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, Toshogu Shrine, and learn about its intriguing past.

Your tour to savor a delicious traditional Japanese lunch. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Enjoy the added convenience of round-trip transportation from Tokyo, making this a comprehensive and enriching excursion.

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch

Accommodation: Tokyo Dome Hotel or Shinjuku Granbell Hotel or similar

Tokyo Sightseeing – Mount Fuji

After breakfast, we will provide transportation to the Imperial Palace, the official residence of the royal family in Tokyo. You will have the opportunity to explore the Imperial Palace Out Gardens, which offer a stunning view of the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Afterward, we will proceed to the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple located in the historic Asakusa district. Along the way, you can explore Nakamise-Dori Street, which is lined with traditional shops selling souvenirs and snacks. We will then view the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest standing tower, from a distance. Finally, we will transfer to a hot spring hotel near the Mt. Fuji area where you can relax and enjoy Japanese-style hot springs and cuisine.

Special adding spots in Spring (Departure date 18th Mar-22nd Apr): Chidorigafuchi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.

Special adding spots in Fall (Departure date 21st Oct-18th Nov): Yoyogi Park, Rikugien Garden.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort Hotel or Fujimihana Resort or similar

Mount Fuji – Nagoya

After breakfast, we will travel to the foothills of Mt. Fuji to visit the 5th Station and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In case of inclement weather, we will instead visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center. Our next stop will be Oshino Hakkai, a historic natural attraction featuring eight ponds that are the remnants of a sixth lake that dried up centuries ago. We will then proceed to Bussharito Heiwa Park before transferring to Nagoya to explore the famous Osu Shopping District. Dinner will be at your own discretion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Nagoya or JAL City Nagoya Nishiki or similar

Nagoya – Kyoto

After breakfast, we will visit Nagoya Castle, which played a significant role in Japanese history as the center of a crucial castle town. Next, we will travel to Kyoto to visit the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 778 AD, and take a stroll along Ninenzaka and Sannezaka Streets. Our next stop will be Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and teahouses. We will then visit Yasaka Shrine, a bustling site where people come to seek blessings and good fortune. Finally, we will take a walk along Hanamachi Street, Japan’s most stylish geisha district from the Edo period. Dinner will be at your own discretion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Shijo Karasuma or Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi or similar

Kyoto – Nara – Osaka

Following breakfast, we will head to Fushimi-Inari Taisha, an essential Shinto shrine situated in southern Kyoto.

We will then proceed to Nara Deer Park, where you can enjoy interacting with the hundreds of deer who inhabit the area. After that, we will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which offers a stunning view. Our next stop will be Shinsaibashi in Osaka, where you can shop to your heart’s content. Dotonbori, which boasts theaters, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs, is also in close proximity, and you can enjoy your leisure time there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako or New Hankyu or Bellevue Garden Kansai or similar

Osaka – Seoul

After Checkout, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch a flight to Seoul. Once arrive at Seoul airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Accommodation: Metro Hotel or Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro or similar

Seoul

After breakfast, we will head to Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Deoksu Palace on Tuesdays) to witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, explore the National Folk Museum, and visit the Korean Ginseng Center. After lunch, we will take a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul to reach the Korean Folk Village, where you can immerse yourself in the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty. The village is extensive and showcases around 260 distinct types of houses from each province.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Metro Hotel or Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro or similar

Jeonju – Gwangju – Suncheon Yeosu

After breakfast, we will be visiting Gwangju, a city in the Honam region that was the birthplace of a modern democratic movement in Korea. The next stop is the May 18th National Cemetery, a symbol of freedom and democracy, which holds the graves of 764 victims of the May 18th Democratic Uprising in 1980, along with several structures and monuments. Afterward, the trip continues to Suncheon, where visitors can explore the Suncheon Bay Garden.

Finally, a visit to Yeosu, a port city, to see the Historic Site of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Path.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel U-Castle or similar

Yeosu – Busan – Gyeongju

Today after having breakfast, the first stop is Jinjuseong Fortress, which has a historical significance related to the Japanese invasion in 1592. The fortress has a stonewall with a circumference of about 1,760 meters, 5-8 meters high, and includes three wells and springs.

Next, take a train to Busan, which is about 100km away, and upon arrival, visit Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest seafood market in Busan. Then, explore Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar

Gyeongju – Andong – Wonju

After breakfast, visitors can visit the Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and hermitage that contains some of the world’s finest Buddhist sculptures. It is part of the larger Bulguksa temple complex, which is also a popular attraction in Korea and home to important relics from the Silla period.

Next, visitors can move on to Andong Hahoe Folk Village, which is a preserved village from the Joseon Dynasty and has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II. Finally, visitors can travel to Wonju, a city with a rich tradition and cultural relics that served as the capital of Gangwon Province for 500 years during the Joseon Dynasty.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: RAMADA Hotel & Suites Gangwon PyeongChang or similar

Wonju – Mt.Seorak – Seoul

After breakfast, we will be visiting Seorak National Park, which is a popular destination in South Korea and is currently listed as a tentative World Heritage site by the government and UNESCO. The park was designated as a nature reserve in 1965 and a biosphere reserve in 1982 due to its rare species. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Seoraksan Mountains and the flowing water in the valleys.

Optionally, visitors can take a cable car to Gwongeumseong fortress after visiting Shinheungsa temple (cable car and the temple entrance fee are KRW15,000 per person).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Travelodge Euljiro or similar

D.M.Z Imjingak Park – The Third Tunnel – Dora Observatory – Dorasan Station – Ginseng Center

Today we will be exploring the extraordinary Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea. After breakfast, we will be visiting Imjingak. Imjingak was constructed in 1972 as a symbol of hope for unification between North and South Korea. The site features over 400 photos and documents showcasing the reality of North Korea, as well as a display of 12 tanks and warcraft used in the war.

The nearby 3rd Tunnel, discovered in 1978, is 1,635m long and could transport 30,000 soldiers per hour.

After we will be heading to explore the Dora Observatory and Dorasan Station, which symbolizes the hope for reunification. Finally, a visit to the Ginseng Center, a representative medicinal crop of Korea, is widely used worldwide for its healing properties that help in recovering health, strengthening the body, and providing a calming effect on the mind.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Travelodge Euljiro or similar

Seoul Departure

After checkout at the hotel, you will be picked up at your hotel lobby 4 hours before the flight departure.