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Land and Rail Tour

Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea

2025

Land Tour

Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea 

Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea 

Discover the fascinating history and traditions of Japan and South Korea on a 21-day luxury holiday from Seoul to Osaka. Take part in a tea ceremony, learn how to make traditional meals and ornaments, and share dinner with a maiko or geisha.

21 day Land Tour

Itinerary

Seoul to Osaka

21 days / 20 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, Depart Osaka

Coach/Vehicle
Rail

Trip Inclusions

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

Experiences in 19 destinations
Inclusions - Freedom of Choice inclusions in six locations

Freedom of Choice inclusions in six locations 

Locally inspired dining – a total of 43 meals
Try your hand at making traditional crafts at Bukchon Hanok Village
Enjoy a hands-on experience crafting your very own mini gayageum, a traditional stringed musical instrument
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

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.

Museum Kimchikan

Discover all things kimchi at the Museum Kimchikan and learn how to make the popular fermented dish during a hands-on class.

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.

A plate of handrolled sushi showcasing the beauty of vegetarian options. The rolls are filled with a medley of fresh and crunchy vegetables like vibrant bell peppers, crisp carrots, and
An anonymous Asian female chef preparing sushi on a bamboo mat at home.

Sushi-Making Class

Take part in a sushi-making class and learn how to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch.

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.

Japanese Maiko or geisha in red kimono coifed hair brooch with patterns of red and white plum blossoms
Traditional ramen with jerked pork or chicken.  With udon or ramen noodles. Served in classic bowls. Gyoza dumplings and mushrooms in the background.  Natural wooden background.

Dinner with a Maiko or Geisha

A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about the geisha and their daily life, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument.

Trip Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

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 and 16 

  • 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 

  • Explore More - Why not continue your holiday in Japan? Explore the wonders of Japan and combine the two tours into one on the Cultural Wonders of Japan and South Korea trip. Refer Tour Code: JAS26 

  • 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 12.00 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 shower over bath only

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

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