$6890—Save up to $3160 on 3-wk Korea & Japan tour w/flights
Discover the vibrant cities, fascinating history and stunning landscapes of South Korea and Japan
Why We Love This Deal
Striking the perfect balance of a great itinerary at an amazing price is not easy. We're thrilled to report that this 23-day tour managed to do just that and more. Among the South Korea and Japan offers we've researched this one stands out for its unique experiences. Visit the DMZ to learn about Korea's historical division. Experience a traditional mask dance at Andong Hahoe Village, a living museum of Korean culture. Walk in the steps of the samurai and see how their legendary swords were forged. You'll also sample Japan’s most iconic drinks—sake and green tea in Shizuoka. All these, in addition to the usual highlights, of course. Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nara, Mount Fuji and more. This epic two-country tour also includes all international flights and two high-speed bullet train journeys.
Starting at $6890 per person, our research has shown that compared to similar itineraries, this package saves up to 30%—$3160 per person. This includes the exclusive $100 Travelzoo members enjoy off My Cruises' regular prices.
What's included
- Return international flights to Seoul, returning from Tokyo
- One-way flight from Seoul to Osaka
- 22 nights' accommodation in hand-selected hotels
- Breakfast daily, four lunches and three dinners
- High-speed bullet train from Busan to Seoul and from Osaka to Hiroshima
- Return airport transfers in South Korea and arrival transfer in Osaka
- Private deluxe coach transportation
- Dedicated English-speaking tour guides in South Korea and Japan
- Sightseeing and admissions as specified:
- South Korea
- Discover Seoul- A mecca for fashion, beauty, and pop culture
- Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Travel to the DMZ- the historic borderland with the North
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Seoraksan National Park with a cable car ride
- Step back in time at the traditional Andong Hahoe Village and watch a traditional mask dance
- Unearth the Treasures of Gyeongju- once the ancient capital
- Enjoy Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful temple set right on the water’s edge
- Bask in the colourful beachside city of Busan
- Japan
- Explore the eccentric neighbourhoods of Osaka
- Learn about the history of Hiroshima
- Meander along the picturesque canals of Kurashiki and see one of Japan’s best traditional gardens in Okayama
- Feed the free-roaming deer of Nara and walk amongst the torii gates of Fushimi Inari
- Enjoy free time to explore charming Kyoto
- Visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum in Nagoya
- Experience traditional Japanese sword forging in Seki
- Walk in the steps of the samurai along the Nakasendo Trail
- Taste Japan’s most iconic drinks—sake and green tea in Shizuoka
- Admire the ethereal beauty of Mt Fuji
- Discover the buzz and energy of one of the world’s great cities- Tokyo
- South Korea
When
The featured $6890 per person price is valid for five departures—8 & 22 May; 21 August; 4 & 11 September 2025. The exclusive $100 off is also available for other departure dates in 2025 and 2026. From an extra $200, you can travel on eight other dates from 27 March 2025 to 7 May 2026.
Book by 31 October 2024.
To find out more, see our partner's website.
Holiday snapshot
Australia - Seoul - The DMZ - Sokcho - Seoraksan National Park - Sokcho - Andong - Gyeongju - Busan - Seoul - Osaka - Hiroshima - Kurashiki - Okayama - Osaka - Nara - Kyoto - Nagoya - The Nakasendo Trail - Nagoya - Shizuoka - Mount Fuji - Tokyo - Australia
About the itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Seoul! After arriving at Incheon International Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where check-in begins at 3:00 pm. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the vibrant city at your leisure.
Day 2: Experience a captivating day in Seoul by exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Stroll through Insadong's antique alleys, enjoy a welcome lunch, discover Bukchon Hanok Village, and conclude your day in the vibrant Myeong-dong neighbourhood.
Day 3: Enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant city of Seoul at your own pace, filled with high-end malls, cultural sites, beautiful parks, and delicious cuisine. Alternatively, enhance your experience with an optional Seoul Tour (at your own expense).
Day 4: Today, you leave Seoul and travel through the picturesque Korean countryside to Cheorwon, near the DMZ. Visit the Cheorwon Peace Observatory for views of North Korean territory and insights into the DMZ's history. Next, explore the 2nd Tunnel, an infiltration tunnel discovered in the 1970s, and learn about the tensions that have shaped the Korean Peninsula. Finally, you continue to Sokcho on the East Coast.
Day 5: Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour to Seoraksan National Park, home to stunning peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams. Depending on the weather, enjoy breathtaking views from the cable car, explore Gwengengseong Fortress, visit Sinheungsa Temple, and hike to Biryong Falls.
Day 6: Today, travel to Andong to visit Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Joseon-era architecture. Experience the vibrant Andong Mask Dance, a captivating performance showcasing Korea's folk traditions.
Day 7: After breakfast, visit the stunning Woryeonggyo Bridge for picturesque views along the Nakdong River. Then, stop by the Andong Soju Museum to learn about Korea's traditional distilled liquor. Travel to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, and explore the Gyeongju National Museum, home to exquisite relics and royal treasures.
Day 8: Gyeongju, known as "the museum without walls," offers numerous sites of historical significance. Today, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, explore Tumuli Park's royal tombs, and see Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Day 9: Today, travel to Korea's second-largest city, Busan, starting with a visit to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, perched on cliffs with stunning ocean views. Explore the vibrant Gamcheon Cultural Village, visit the U.N. Memorial Cemetery, and conclude your day at Dongbaek Island, enjoying scenic walking paths and the iconic Nurimaru APEC House.
Day 10: Discover the beautiful city of Busan at your leisure. Alternatively, enhance your experience with an optional Busan Tour (at your own expense).
Day 11: Enjoy the morning at leisure before your bullet train journey back to Seoul. The KTX covers 417 kilometres in under 2 hours and 15 minutes, allowing you to watch the scenery speed by.
Day 12: Today marks the end of the South Korea portion of your tour, with a flight to Osaka. Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for the next leg of your journey.
Day 13: In the morning, tour Osaka, visiting the striking Osaka Castle and the lively Dotonbori district for street food. Then, take the bullet train to Hiroshima, where you'll enjoy okonomiyaki pancakes for dinner. Remember to prepare an overnight bag, as suitcases will be stored at the hotel in Osaka.
Day 14: Enjoy a free day to explore Hiroshima's cultural wonders at your own pace. Alternatively, enhance your Japan experience with an optional Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour (at your own expense).
Day 15: Depart Hiroshima for Osaka, stopping in the picturesque town of Kurashiki, known as "The Venice of Japan," with its willow-lined river and traditional houses. Then, visit Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top landscape gardens, before returning to Osaka in the early evening.
Day 16: Today, travel from Osaka to Kyoto, stopping in Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha. Afterwards, encounter the tame deer of Nara Park, enjoy lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic orange torii gates, and spend the rest of the day at leisure in Kyoto.
Day 17: Enjoy a free day to explore the classical city of Kyoto, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful temples, and traditional tea houses. Alternatively, enhance your experience with an optional Kyoto tour (at your own expense).
Day 18: This morning, travel from Kyoto to Nagoya, a historic city known for samurai battles and as the birthplace of the first Shogun. Visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum for insights into automotive innovation, then head to Seki to witness a live sword forging demonstration at the Hamonoya SANSYU Museum, learning from master swordsmiths about this traditional craft.
Day 19: Explore the historic Nakasendo Trail, travelling through the charming post towns of Magome and Tsumago. Starting in Magome with its traditional wooden houses, journey along a scenic route to Tsumago, where authentic Edo-period ambience awaits, featuring old inns and tea houses amidst stunning natural beauty.
Day 20: Today's journey takes you from Nagoya to Shizuoka to explore Japan's iconic drinks—sake and green tea. Start at the historic Hananomai Sake Brewery, learning about traditional sake-making. Then, immerse yourself in brewing green tea at Kadode Ooigawa, sampling it in various forms. Finally, visit the Tea Museum in the Makinohara Tea Plantation for insights into tea production and stunning views of tea fields.
Day 21: Embark on a captivating journey around Mount Fuji, starting at the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre. After a local lunch, continue to Hakone for breathtaking views via the Hakone Ropeway, stopping at Owakudani Valley to witness geothermal wonders. Finally, conclude your tour in vibrant Tokyo with unforgettable memories of Japan's stunning landscapes.
Day 22: Explore Tokyo, beginning with panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Visit the serene Meiji Shrine, then head to Asakusa to see the iconic Sensoji Temple and shop along Nakamise Street before enjoying free time in the afternoon and gathering for a farewell dinner.
Day 23: Say Sayonara to Japan and make your way to the airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of your incredible journey.
Members only: We also secured an exclusive $100 off a seven-country Europe tour departing 16 June 2025. The tour starts in Rome and travels the Adriatic coastline to Athens. Over 18 days, you'll journey between the two iconic capitals through Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Comparable tours are 14 days long, so we love that this tour is leisurely paced.