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Land and Rail Tour

Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea

2025

Land Tour

Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea

Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea

Embark on a comprehensive 26-day discovery of Japan and South Korea. Delve into the diverse culture of the region, from the buzzing capital cities of Tokyo and Seoul to quaint rural villages and spiritual temples. Visit Naoshima Island, make bibimbap in Jeonju, and visit Korea’s DMZ.

26 day Land Tour

Itinerary

26 days / 25 night Land Tour

Day 1

Arrive Seoul

Signature Experience

Day 2

Seoul

Signature Experience

Day 3

Seoul, Demilitarised Zone

Day 4

Seoul, Yongin, Jeonju

Signature Experience

Day 5

Jeonju, Gayasan National Park, Gyeongju

Signature Experience

Day 6

Gyeongju

Day 7

Gyeongju, Ulsan, Busan

Signature Experience

Day 8

Busan

Day 9

Busan, Seoul

Freedom of Choice

Day 10

Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan)

Day 11

Tokyo

Freedom of Choice

Day 12

Tokyo

Signature Experience

Day 13

Tokyo, Hakone

Day 14

Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama

Signature Experience

Day 15

Takayama

Signature Experience

Day 16

Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Freedom of Choice

Day 17

Kanazawa, Tsuruga, Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 18

Kyoto

Day 19

Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 20

Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 21

Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama

Signature Experience

Day 22

Okayama, Naoshima Island, Okayama

Signature Experience

Day 23

Okayama, Hiroshima

Day 24

Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

Freedom of Choice

Day 25

Hiroshima, Fukuoka

Day 26

Depart Fukuoka

Coach/Vehicle
Rail

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

Experiences in 23 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in eight locations
Locally inspired dining – a total of 52 meals
Savour a special welcome dinner where you’ll experience traditional Korean royal cuisine, and try local drinks including soju and rice wine
Learn how to make bibimbap, South Korea’s most popular dish, and enjoy your creation for dinner
Discover all things kimchi at the Museum Kimchikan and learn how to make the popular fermented dish with a hands-on class
Delight in a private performance of traditional music and try your hand at playing the unique instruments under the guidance of expert musicians
Take a crafting class, learning how to create the traditional, multi-purpose hanji paper including imprinting patterns and the drying process

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique events are designed to deepen your experience, taking you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following experiences are just a taste of what we have prepared especially for you.

Farm equipment and jangdokdae(jars) and flower pot in front of Korean old house

Korean Folk Village Workshop

Spend time at Yongin’s Korean Folk Village, the largest of its kind in Korea, and take part in a hands-on workshop. Perhaps you’ll learn about traditional dyeing and dye your own handkerchief, or learn how to create traditional straw shoes.

The scene of boiled the paper mulberry making Hanji, Hanji is a Korean traditional paper.
korean handmade paper  Hanji

Hanji Paper Crafting Experience

Enjoy a visit to the Hanji Culture and Industry Center, dedicated to the hanji paper which has been produced in Jeonju for more than 1000 years. Delight in a crafting class, learning how to create the traditional, multi-purpose paper including imprinting patterns and the drying process.

Busan marina with yachts, Marina city skyscrapers with reflection on sunset, South Korea
Dongbaek island with Nurimaru APEC House and Gwangan bridge at sunset in Busan,South Korea

Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

Embark on a private, scenic cruise from Haeundae Beach, soaking in the sights at sunset including the Nurimaru APEC House, Busan Cinema Center, Marine City and Gwangan Bridge.

South Korea Farewell Dinner with a View

Savour delectable European fine dining with a magnificent farewell dinner at Walking on the Cloud, which boasts sensational views of the city from its vantage point atop a skyscraper.

a japanese woman shows the tea ceremony during a public demonstration

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan.

APT Asia Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change 

  • An overnight bag will be required to be packed for Days 13, 16 and 21-23 

  • Cherry blossom season in South Korea usually lasts from March to mid-April and in Japan from late March to May, however due to changeable weather, blooms cannot be guaranteed 

  • Prices include airport transfers and gratuities. Luggage porterage is limited, as it is not commonly available in South Korea 

  • Tickets to the DMZ are limited, and although every effort to secure these are made, should this not be possible then instead a ride on the DMZ gondola and a visit to the Odusan Unification Observatory are included 

  • Flights should arrive in Seoul before 12 noon on Day 1

  • Flight from Seoul to Tokyo is included 

  • Double beds are limited within hotels in Japan and are on a request basis 

  • Some hotels provide a shower over bath only

  • Prices are for land/rail only. International Flights are not included unless specified 

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