Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll land at the airport and exchange your voucher for the Japan Rail Pass right away. From there, take the train to your hotel and settle in. Tokyo hits you immediately with its energy, neon lights reflecting off massive buildings, and temples tucked into unexpected corners. The city's pace is something you feel as soon as you step outside.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Half-day tour of Tokyo
- Tokyo Kintsugi Experience
- Tsukiji Fish Market Tour
- Sumo Experience in Tokyo
- Day 2
Tokyo
Start this morning at Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of people move through the intersection all at once. After watching the organized chaos, head to Harajuku to walk through the fashion and pop culture shops. Later, you'll find quiet at Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine before heading into Shinjuku for the evening. Try some yakitori at one of the izakayas and soak in the neon-lit streets.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Cen), Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Shibuya Crossing
- Explore Harajuku
- Visit Yoyogi Park
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Experience Shinjuku's entertainment district
Landmarks Shibuya Crossing Harajuku Yoyogi Park Meiji Shrine Shinjuku - Day 3
Tokyo
Start your Tokyo adventure at Tsukiji market where you'll find over 400 restaurants and fresh seafood to sample. From there, head to the Imperial Palace gardens for a quiet break in the middle of the city. After that, make your way to Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most recognizable landmarks. Finish the day by heading up to Tokyo Skytree at 236 meters high for views across the entire city as evening sets in.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Cen), Hotel
Optional Activities
- Tsukiji market exploration and dining
- Walking tour of Imperial Palace grounds
- Visit Senso-ji (Kannon Temple) in Asakusa
- Tokyo Skytree observation deck visit (ticket purchase on site)
- Half-day tour of Tokyo
Landmarks Tsukiji Market Imperial Palace Senso-ji Temple (Kannon Temple) Tokyo Skytree Nihonbashi - Day 4
Tokyo
Spend your day exploring Akihabara, Tokyo's Electric Town filled with neon signs and bustling energy. Walk through streets packed with cosplay cafés, manga shops, game halls, and electronics stores. For food, you'll have choices ranging from ramen and tempura to sushi, or just grab quick bites from convenience stores scattered throughout the neighborhood. There's enough here to keep you busy all day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Cen), Hotel
Optional Activities
- Explore Akihabara (Electric Town)
- Visit cosplay cafés
- Browse manga stores and game halls
- Dine at local restaurants in Akihabara
- Visit convenience store (konbini) for snacks
Landmarks Akihabara (Electric Town) - Day 5
Tokyo to Kyoto
Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, which gets you there quickly. Once you settle into your accommodation, check out Nishiki market where food lovers find countless street food stalls and souvenirs to browse. Later in the evening, take a stroll through the historic streets and find your way to Pontocho alley, where traditional wooden buildings create a cozy atmosphere and restaurants line the narrow passageways.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo), Hotel
Included Activities
- Travel on Shinkansen (Japanese high-speed train)
Optional Activities
- Nishiki market exploration and food shopping
- Walking tour through historic Kyoto
- Evening exploration of Pontocho alley restaurants and bars
- Half day tour of Kyoto
Landmarks Nishiki Market Kamo River Pontocho Alley 
- Day 6
Kyoto
Get to Arashiyama early so you can walk through the bamboo forest while it's less crowded, surrounded by towering green stalks. Continue to Tenryu-ji Temple and its Zen garden afterward. Then you'll have a choice, either visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji or head to the quieter Silver Pavilion at Ginkaku-ji if crowds aren't appealing.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Walk through Arashiyama bamboo forest
Optional Activities
- Visit Tenryu-ji Temple
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Tour of Arashiyama
- Half day tour of Kyoto
Landmarks Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji - Day 7
Kyoto
Start your morning at Maruyama Park surrounded by cherry blossoms if you're visiting in spring. Then walk along Philosopher's Path, which follows a canal lined with sakura trees and offers a calm setting. After that, head to Yokai Street where old tools are represented as cute monster figures. You'll find quirky souvenirs here, from yokai masks to items with a more mystical feel to them.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Maruyama Park among cherry blossoms
- Walk the Philosopher's Path
- Explore Yokai Street and shops
- Purchase yokai masks and mystical souvenirs
Landmarks Maruyama Park Philosopher's Path Yokai Street - Day 8
Kyoto to Osaka
Take the train to Osaka and experience a city that blends modern energy with old traditions. Shop at Shinsaibashi, then visit the Umeda Sky Building if you want panoramic views from above (there's a fee). Later, walk through Dotonbori at night when the neon lights are on full display. You can also explore Amerika-mura for music shops, vintage stores, and bars with local character.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Travel to Osaka
Optional Activities
- Shopping at Shinsaibashi
- Umeda Sky Building visit with Floating Gardens (ticket costs)
- Explore Dotonbori district
- Photo opportunity with Spiderman on scallop shell in Dotonbori
- Visit Amerika-mura for shopping and bars
Landmarks Shinsaibashi Umeda Sky Building Dotonbori Amerika-mura Statue of Liberty (Amerika-mura) - Day 9
Osaka
Begin at Sumiyoshi Shrine, one of the most famous of Japan's over 2000 shrines and a place where Shinto gods are believed to protect travelers. Cross the bright red taiko bridge, which symbolically helps you leave behind negative energy. If you're interested, visit Nishinomaru Garden for an optional fee where you'll see Osaka Castle views and about 600 cherry trees ideal for spring visits.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine
Optional Activities
- Cross the red taiko bridge
- Visit Nishinomaru Garden (payable on site) with views of Osaka Castle
Landmarks Sumiyoshi Shrine Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Castle 
- Day 10
Osaka to Seoul
You'll fly from Osaka to Seoul and get views of the sprawling city below as you descend. Once you're settled at your accommodation, explore the city center or check out the Gangnam entertainment district. Keep this evening relaxed and scout for dinner options, since Seoul has so many different food styles to try.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (voco Seoul Gangnam, an IHG Hotel), Hotel
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Seoul
- Explore Gangnam entertainment district
- Full day tour to Mount Fuji
- Japanese Bento cooking class in Kyoto
- Petite France, Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm
- Hike to Bukhansan Peak
Landmarks Gangnam - Day 11
Osaka to Seoul
Fly to Seoul and make your way to Changdeokgung Palace, a location favored by many Joseon Dynasty kings. Consider renting a traditional hanbok for free admission and a more authentic experience walking through the palace. You'll pass through Donhwamun Gate to reach Injeongjeon Hall, then discover Huwon, the secret garden where rulers once came to relax among ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Scheduled flight from Osaka to Seoul
Optional Activities
- Rent traditional hanbok (payable on site; free admission with hanbok rental)
- Guided tour of Changdeokgung Palace
- Self-guided exploration of palace pavilions
- Visit Huwon (secret garden)
Landmarks Changdeokgung Palace Donhwamun Gate Injeongjeon Hall Huwon (Secret Garden) - Day 12
Seoul
Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village and see over 900 traditional hanok houses with their wooden gates and tiled roofs. Next, head to N Seoul Tower at 236 meters if you want to take in the city skyline from above (paid entry). In the evening, hunt for hidden speakeasies tucked behind bookshelves and cellar doors in Itaewon and Hongdae, or relax at a pocha eating spicy snacks with cold beer.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (voco Seoul Gangnam, an IHG Hotel), Hotel
Optional Activities
- Walking tour through Bukchon Hanok Village
- N Seoul Tower observation deck (for a fee) - 236 meters high
- Visit speakeasies or hidden bars in Itaewon
- Visit speakeasies or hidden bars in Hongdae
- Dine at pocha (street tent restaurants)
Landmarks Bukchon Hanok Village N Seoul Tower Itaewon Hongdae - Day 13
Seoul
Dive into Seoul's K-pop culture by starting at K-Star Road in Gangnam where colorful teddy statues represent different pop groups. Then head to Myeongdong district for shopping and exclusive fan merchandise. After that, go to Hongdae to watch fan dance performances featuring idol choreography, and you're welcome to join in if the energy feels right.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit K-Star Road in Gangnam
- Photo opportunities with K-pop group teddy statues
- Shopping at Myeongdong district
- Browse exclusive fan merchandise in Myeongdong
- Visit Hongdae for fan dance performances
- Participate in dance performances imitating idol choreography
Landmarks K-Star Road Myeongdong Hongdae - Day 14
Departure from Seoul
Your journey through Japan and South Korea comes to an end as you prepare to leave Seoul. Take some time to look out at the city one last time and reflect on everything you've seen, the memorable moments, and all the great food you've tried. Depart with memories that'll stay with you from this trip across both countries.
