Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.

IMPORTANT:
- Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at around 03:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.

- The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Tokyo

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about five hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.

We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.

Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.

We’ll continue our tour by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue, explore the most scenic part of the Imperial Palace and its gardens, and stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge.

We’ll drive through Akihabara, the “Electric City,” known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture. Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.

We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel.

6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.

Tokyo - Hiroshima - Itsukushima - Hiroshima

Total distance covered: 860 km (800 km by high-speed train).

07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel. We’ll transfer to Tokyo Station and board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take just over four hours.

Notes:
-You’ll be accompanied to the station, but a guide will not join you on the train if the group size for this part of the trip is fewer than 15 people. Our guide will meet you upon arrival at Hiroshima Station to continue the tour.
-The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary, but you’ll experience everything as planned.

12:30 p.m. –Hiroshima. This city is somberly remembered for the atomic bombing it endured in 1945. We’ll walk through the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the powerful Peace Memorial Museum. Afterward, you’ll have free time for lunch.

Following lunch, we’ll head to the outskirts of Hiroshima to board a ferry for a short 15-minute journey to Miyajima, the “the island where gods and men live together.” We’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and stroll through the island’s charming center.

06:00 p.m. – Departure from Miyajima. We’ll board the ferry and continue to our hotel. Dinner will be included.

Hiroshima - Matsuyama

Total distance covered: This stage will be completed by ferry, covering approximately 50 km.

Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.

Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.

Today, we’ll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).

12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We’ll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan’s Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.

Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe

Total distance covered: 345 km

Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. We’ll visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a pilgrimage site located on Mount Zozu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. For those who prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers a lively tourist area and a small sake museum (Japan’s traditional distilled beverage).

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We’ll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we’ll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.

05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.

Kobe - Osaka - Mount Koya

Total distance covered: 140 km.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to remembering the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its remarkable reconstruction.

10:30 a.m. - Departure from Kobe and continuation toward Osaka.
11:15 a.m. – Osaka, Japan´s second-largest city. We’ll make a brief technical stop in Osaka only if required for the start or end of a tour for any passenger.

11:30 p.m. - Departure from the city toward the sacred mountain of Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. We’ll stop for lunch along the way. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature, with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593.

We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. The monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.

Notes:
-On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
-Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
-We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).

Mount Koya - Kyoto

Total distance covered: 130 km.

We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.

07:15 a.m. - Departure for Kyoto.
10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.

Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
Note: If you have already visited Kyoto as part of your circuit, our guide will offer personalized advice and information for exploring other parts of the city on your own.

Kyoto - Eihei-ji – Katsuyama - Kanazawa

Total distance covered: 302 km.

Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, starting with a large lake and ending at a sanctuary nestled in a cedar forest.

Notes: We’ll visit an active Zen Buddhist monastery, so we recommend wearing modest clothing. Comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes are also suggested for the visit to the monastery.

07:30 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. Following one of Japan’s largest lakes, we’ll make a brief stop at a small lakeside shrine called Shirahige Ginra.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival at Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet.

12:30 p.m. – Departure from Eihei-ji.
01:15 p.m. – Katsuyama. We’ll visit three main attractions: the Dinosaur Museum, located at Japan’s largest dinosaur fossil site, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits, featuring over 40 skeletons of various dinosaurs. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy the view.

05:30 p.m. – Departure from Katsuyama.
07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.

Kanazawa

Total distance covered: 10 km.

08:30 a.m. – Full day in Kanazawa. In the morning, we’ll include a city tour. Throughout history, Kanazawa rivaled both Kyoto and Tokyo, and during World War II, it was spared from destruction during the air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and stroll through the historic Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families once resided. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We’ll finish the tour in Omicho, a traditional market brimming with life and many places to have lunch. Free afternoon.

Kanazawa – Ainokura – Shirakawa-go – Takayama

Total distance covered: 138 km.

Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, vast forests, and picturesque villages along the route.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Kanazawa. We’ll journey through stunning mountain scenery, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses with steeply sloped roofs are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls.
09:15 a.m. – Arrival in Ainokura, a charming small village.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Ainokura.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, the largest village in the area, showcasing rural Japan with houses that are masterpieces of carpentry. You’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.

01:30 p.m. – Departure from Shirakawa-go.
02:15 p.m. – Arrival in Hida Folk Village Museum, a peaceful open-air museum displaying over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868). These buildings were relocated from their original sites to create this museum in 1971, offering a glimpse into everyday life from the past through the tools and utensils exhibited. We’ll then have time to explore the old town, known for its wooden houses and traditional shops.

03:30 p.m. – Departure from Hida Folk Village.
03:45 p.m. – Arrival in Takayama for accommodation.

Takayama - Hida Furukawa – Matsumoto – Tokyo

Total distance covered: 334 km.

Scenery: We’ll cross the Japanese Alps, with stunning snowy mountain landscapes for much of the year.

10:00 a.m. – Departure from Takayama.
10:30 a.m. – Hida Furukawa. We’ll stroll through the charming old town. This city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums.

12:00 p.m. – Departure from Hida Furukawa.We’ll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. Stop for lunch en route (lunch not included).
03:30 p.m. – Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town.

05:00 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
08:30/ 09:00 p.m. – Tokyo.

Tokyo - Busan

We’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the included flight to Busan.

Welcome to Korea! After completing border procedures, you’ll meet our assistant. We’ll provide a transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy at your leisure in one of the most vibrant cities in the country and the second-largest city in South Korea.

Later in the day, the group we’ll be joining will arrive, and we’ll meet our guide for the remainder of this trip.

Busan – Seokguram Buddhist Grotto - Bulguksa Temple – Gyeongju - Daegu

Total distance covered: 225 km
Scenery: We travel through beautiful forest landscapes.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
10:00 a.m. – Arrival at Seokguram. Visit to this Buddhist Grotto (entrance included), an artificial cave carved into the rock in the 8th century and located on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan. It houses a monumental stone statue of Buddha facing the sea.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Seokguram.
11:30 a.m. – Arrival at Bulguksa Temple (entrance included). Visit to this temple, considered one of the most beautiful in the country and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The temple houses seven National Treasures of Korea and is a masterpiece from the height of Buddhism during the ancient Silla Kingdom.

12:15 p.m. – Departure from Bulguksa Temple.
01:00 p.m. – Arrival in Gyeongju. Visit to this coastal city, the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, which lasted longer than any other dynasty in Korean history, for a total of 992 years under the rule of 56 kings. We will have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the Namcheon River. Lunch included. We then continue to the Tumuli Park, where the tombs of the kings of the ancient Silla Kingdom, more than 1,500 years old, are located. We will visit one of these tombs (entrance included). Walking, we will reach Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

04:00 p.m. – Departure from Gyeongju.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Daegu, the fourth-largest city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we will visit Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic site where Christian missionaries once lived, and Dongseong-ro Shopping Street, the city’s liveliest area, with fashion shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine (entrance included), famous for its history of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine.

08:00 p.m. – Approximate arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.

Daegu – Andong – Hahoe Village - Byeongsan Seowon – Seoul

Total distance covered: 287 km
Scenery: We travel through beautiful forests, valleys, and fields of rice and ginseng.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Daegu.
09:30 a.m. – Arrival in Andong. We will visit the traditional village of Hahoe Village (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the outskirts of the city. Free time to stroll through the streets of this rural village that seems frozen in time. We will also visit the excellent World Mask Museum, featuring masks used for dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

01:30 p.m. – Departure from Hahoe Village (Andong).
01:45 p.m. – Arrival at Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy founded in the 16th century. We visit this site, located beside a river in an idyllic setting full of peace and tranquility.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Byeongsan Seowon.
06:30 p.m. – Arrival in Seoul in the late afternoon. Overnight stay.

Note: The order of visits may be modified without affecting the planned content of the itinerary.

Seoul - DMZ - Seoul

Total distance covered: 150 km

Important Note: Please remember to bring your passport; it is mandatory. The DMZ is a military area and may be closed without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative tour will be provided.

08:30 am – Seoul. Departure.

09:30 am – Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo)
Arrival at this symbolic space created to bring together peace, ecology, history, and culture, while promoting the values of Korean unification and collective memory. Observatory visit: From this viewpoint, it is possible to see North Korean territory at a very short distance across the river. This is a truly unique experience.

11:30 am – Aegibong Peace Ecological Park (Gimpo). Departure.

12:30 pm – Local restaurant. Arrival. Lunch included.

01:30 pm – Local restaurant. Departure.

02:00 pm – Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Arrival at the border area that divides South Korea and North Korea. We will visit the National Memorial and Mangbaedan Altar, the Imjingak Pavilion, a symbol of peace, and take a cable car ride (included) to observe from above the areas near the Military Demarcation Line. Finally, we will visit the Freedom Bridge, a former railway bridge over the Imjin River that, after the war, was used to return prisoners of war to South Korea. Today, it stands as a historic symbol of hope. This site allows us to understand Korean history from a human perspective: family separation, war, the hope for reunification, and the contrast between natural beauty and historical wounds.

04:00 pm – Paju Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Imjingang). Departure.

04:45 pm – Seoul. Arrival.

05:30 pm – Seoul City Hall area. With our guide, we will visit the City Hall building, known for its wave-like (tsunami-shaped) design. Across from City Hall is Deoksugung Palace, where we can appreciate the coexistence of tradition and modernity in Korea. We will then walk to the Myeongdong district, the country’s largest commercial and entertainment area; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway system (ticket included).

09:30 pm – Hotel. Arrival and overnight stay.

Seoul

08:30 am – Today we include an extensive sightseeing tour of approximately five hours in Seoul. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a palace complex set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses.
We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.

01:00 pm – Lunch included at a local restaurant.

12:00 pm – We continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of the city, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we stop at LOTTE WORLD TOWER, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.

04:30 pm – Return to the hotel and free time.

Important note regarding Bukchon Hanok Village: Due to regulations established to protect the residential environment, our vehicle may only park in designated areas, and we will complete an approximate 900-meter walk to reach this historic neighborhood. For operational reasons, this visit may be replaced by Namsangol Hanok Village, also featuring traditional Korean architecture, ensuring the cultural content of the itinerary is maintained.

Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

Total distance covered: 227 km
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive cultivated areas.

08:30 AM – Hotel. Departure from the hotel.

09:00 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included). Arrival at this impressive palace with over 600 years of history, where we will attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, if it is taking place.

10:30 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace. Departure from Seoul heading south toward South Korea.

11:30 AM – Suwon. Arrival in the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. We will visit the walls and their fortifications, as well as the Hwaseong Haenggung Summer Palace (entrance included), notable for its traditional architecture. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

01:40 PM – Suwon. Departure.

04:00 PM – Jeonju. Arrival. With our guide, we will explore its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its traditional houses, local shops, and art galleries. After the walk, free time.

Jeonju - Sunchang Gochujang Village - Damyang County – Haeinsa - Busan

Total distance covered: 415 km
Scenery: We travel through high mountains, enjoying especially beautiful landscapes in the Haeinsa area within the National Park.

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haeinsa Temple.

08:00 AM – Jeonju. Departure.

08:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Arrival. This traditional village is located at the foot of Amisan Mountain. With its hanok houses and courtyards filled with large earthenware jars known as hang-a-ri, it is home to expert gochujang (Korean chili paste) artisans who use traditional methods. We will enjoy a hands-on experience learning how this traditional sauce is prepared.

09:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Departure.

10:00 AM – Damyang. Arrival. Visit to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), whose paths are considered among the most beautiful in the country—ideal for peaceful walks and enjoying the cool breeze. We will find all kinds of bamboo-crafted products, and visit places such as the Bamboo Museum (entrance included), where this plant is studied and revered.
Lunch included, featuring the local specialty of rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.

12:30 PM – Damyang. Departure.

02:35 PM – Haeinsa Temple (entrance included). Amid impressive forest-covered mountain landscapes, we arrive at Haeinsa, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, carved onto 80,000 wooden printing blocks.

04:20 PM – Haeinsa. Departure.

07:00 PM – Busan. Arrival in Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay.

Busan – Haedong Yonggung – Songdo – Gamcheon Culture Village – Busan

Total distance covered: 85 km

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and for strolling through Gamcheon Cultural Village.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
09:15 a.m. – Arrival at Haedong Yonggungsa. Visit of this 14th-century Buddhist temple located on the coastal cliffs of Busan. Along the main access path to the temple, there is a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, which, according to Eastern philosophy, are considered guardian deities.

10:15 a.m. – Departure from Haedong Yonggungsa.
11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, and city tour. We will visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are buried. We will then head to the largest fish market in the country, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we walk to Yongdusan Park, home to its impressive 120-meter pagoda.

02:30 p.m. – Departure to Songdo Beach, which features the country’s first maritime cable car (included, subject to weather conditions), offering spectacular views of the bay. We then continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinth-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés.

06:45 p.m. – Departure from Gamcheon Cultural Village. Return to Busan.
07:15 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel in Busan. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.