SEOUL -1ºC - -1ºC

Welcome to Korea! You’ll be transferred to your hotel and have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour.

SEOUL -1ºC - -1ºC - BUSAN 4ºC - 4ºC

Today, we’ll embark on an extensive tour of Seoul, which will last approximately five hours. We’ll begin by visiting the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located within a large park and home to a series of royal palaces. Afterward, we’ll stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood filled with small houses. Next, we’ll visit the War Memorial, an impressive museum that illustrates Korea’s many historical conflicts, with a particular focus on the Korean War, in which soldiers from numerous countries participated alongside the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll continue to the Gangnam District, one of the most popular areas in the city, with many shopping and entertainment centers. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at the Lotte World Tower, a stunning 550-meter-tall building, where you’ll have free time to either ascend the tower (admission not included) or explore its park and luxury shopping centers. Later, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to board a high-speed train (ticket included) bound for Busan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

BUSAN 4ºC - 4ºC

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple beautifully located by the sea. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan to explore the UN Memorial Cemetery, the resting place for people from many nations. Next, we’ll visit the country’s largest fish market, located by Nampo Port, followed by an included lunch. We’ll then stroll to Yongdusan Park, home to the towering 120-meter pagoda. Later, we’ll head to Songdo Beach, where you can ride the country’s first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views of the bay. Our journey will continue to the Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its vibrant, colorful buildings, maze-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and beautiful cafes. Afterward, we’ll return to Busan for an overnight stay.

BUSAN 4ºC - 4ºC - SEOKGURAM - BULGUKSA - GYEONGJU -2ºC - -2ºC - DAEGU 3ºC - 3ºC

We’ll depart for the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto, an 8th-century site nestled on the slopes of the Tohamsan. Afterward, we’ll visit the Bulguksa Temple, considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country. Next, we’ll arrive in Gyeongju, the Korean capital that endured the longest in the nation’s history, with a reign of 992 years under 56 kings. You’ll have the chance to photograph the stunning wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge along the banks of the Namcheon River. Lunch will be included. We’ll then head to Tumuli Park, home to the burial mounds of kings from the ancient Silla Kingdom, which are over 1,500 years old. We’ll visit one of their tombs before walking to the Cheomsongdae Astronomical Observatory, the oldest in East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey will continue with our arrival in Daegu, the fourth most populous city in Korea. Before heading to the hotel, we’ll see Dongsan Cheongna Hill, a historic area once home to Christian missionaries, and the commercial street of Dongseong-ro, the city’s liveliest street, with its trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. Overnight stay in Daegu.

DAEGU 3ºC - 3ºC - ANDONG -3ºC - -3ºC - HAHOE - SEOUL -1ºC - -1ºC

We will visit DAEGU, where we will explore the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine, famous for its history of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine. Afterwards, we’ll take a stroll through the surrounding streets, known as the Herbal Medicine Market, renowned for its many shops and the high quality of their products—especially ginseng.

We’ll then head north to ANDONG, where we’ll visit the traditional VILLAGE OF HAHOE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just outside the city. You’ll have time to wander through the streets of this rural village that seems frozen in time. While there, we’ll also visit the Hahoe Mask Museum, home to an impressive collection of masks from around the world, used in dances, medical rituals, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances.

Lunch included at a local restaurant.

We’ll continue our journey to visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, founded in the 16th century and beautifully set by a peaceful river. Arrival in SEOUL in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at the hotel.

SEOUL -1ºC - -1ºC - TOKYO 8ºC - 10ºC

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the flight to Tokyo (included).

Welcome to Japan! After completing border procedures, an assistant (usually Spanish-speaking, though sometimes English-speaking) will be waiting for you. You’ll then be transferred by shared shuttle bus to the hotel. Free time.

TOKYO 8ºC - 10ºC

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 8ºC - 10ºC - KYOTO 7ºC - 8ºC

We’ll travel by bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we’ll cover nearly 500 km separating Tokyo and Kyoto.

We’ll have the entire day to explore Kyoto, the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its rich artistic heritage. Kyoto is also renowned as the site where the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was signed in 1997.

Our visit will include the city’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll admire the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by magnificent gardens.

Afterward, enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, celebrated for its geishas and lively atmosphere. Free time will follow.

KYOTO 7ºC - 8ºC - NARA 9ºC - 10ºC - OSAKA 8ºC - 10ºC

We’ll depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you’ll also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included.

Afterward, we’ll visit the Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship.

Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we’ll arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife.

OSAKA 8ºC - 10ºC - HIMEJI 8ºC - 8ºC - KORAKUEN GARDEN - OKAYAMA 8ºC - 10ºC

We’ll depart for Himeji, where admission to its immense complex, showcasing the architecture of Japanese castles, will be included. After lunch at a local restaurant (included), we’ll continue to Okayama, where we’ll visit Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. By crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (visit inside the castle not included). Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city, an active provincial capital with just over 700,000 inhabitants.

Note: On some dates, we may stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki. The visit to Kurashiki may take place on the same day in the afternoon.

OKAYAMA 8ºC - 10ºC - KURASHIKI 8ºC - 11ºC - ITSUKUSHIMA - HIROSHIMA 5ºC - 5ºC

We’ll set out for Kurashiki, a city renowned for its beautifully preserved historic center. You’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through its charming streets, where the atmosphere of the past is still alive.

Our journey will then take us to Hiroshima, a city forever marked by the atomic bomb that devastated it in 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the moving Peace Memorial Museum, where the history and resilience of this city are powerfully remembered.

Seeking serenity after these reflections, we’ll take a ferry to the island known as the place “where men and gods live together.” Here, we’ll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas, and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch.

Afterward, we’ll return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner will be included.

Note: The order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without altering the overall tiinerary.

HIROSHIMA 5ºC - 5ºC - MATSUYAMA 9ºC - 9ºC

Today, we’ll take a ferry to Shikoku Island; a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour journey that will help us understand Japan, a country made up of numerous islands. In Matsuyama, we’ll ride the cable car to visit its impressive castle. After that, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a beautiful Buddhist temple and a popular pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

MATSUYAMA 9ºC - 9ºC - KOTOHIRA 5ºC - 7ºC - TAKAMATSU 6ºC - 8ºC - NARUTO 9ºC - 9ºC - KOBE 9ºC - 11ºC

We’ll head to Kotohira, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site built on Mount Zosu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. Next, in Takamatsu, we’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Afterward, in Naruto, we’ll stop at an impressive bridge that spans the sea. Here, we’ll explore its remarkable construction and walk along its glass floor to observe the powerful sea whirlpools from 45 meters above. Our scenic route will then take us across stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. Finally, we’ll arrive in Kobe for accommodation.

KOBE 9ºC - 11ºC - OSAKA 8ºC - 10ºC - MOUNT KOYA

In KOBE, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which serves to honor the memory of the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and its remarkable reconstruction.

We’ll then continue to OSAKA, before heading to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in JAPAN. 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, originally built in 1593.

We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will lead us in 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 7ºC - 8ºC

We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple. At first light, we’ll depart for Kyoto, where you’ll have a full day of free time to explore. Our guide will provide recommendations to help you make the most of your day and visit the most captivating sights in this stunning city.

KYOTO 7ºC - 8ºC - TSUMAGO - MATSUMOTO 1ºC - 1ºC - TOKYO 8ºC - 10ºC

We’ll travel through beautiful rural landscapes to Tsumago, a charming wooden village considered one of the most picturesque in Japan. You’ll have free time to stroll around and soak in its traditional atmosphere. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll continue to Matsumoto, a popular tourist city where we’ll visit its impressive 16th-century castle, known as the "The Crow" due to its black color. Following the visit, there will be free time to explore the town. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Tokyo, arriving by the end of the day.

TOKYO 8ºC - 10ºC

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