TOKYO 6ºC - 9ºC

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.

TOKYO 6ºC - 9ºC

In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about seven 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, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), 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 passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.

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 6ºC - 9ºC - KYOTO 9ºC - 9ºC

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 9ºC - 9ºC - NARA 7ºC - 7ºC - OSAKA 7ºC - 9ºC

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 7ºC - 9ºC - HIMEJI 9ºC - 9ºC - KORAKUEN GARDEN - OKAYAMA 6ºC - 8ºC

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 6ºC - 8ºC - KURASHIKI 6ºC - 8ºC - ITSUKUSHIMA - HIROSHIMA 9ºC - 9ºC

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 9ºC - 9ºC - FUKUOKA 11ºC - 11ºC

After breakfast, we’ll depart for the island of KYUSHU. Connected to Japan’s main island by bridges, Kyushu is the third-largest island in JAPAN. Known for its milder climate, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs, it offers a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation.

We’ll arrive around midday in FUKUOKA, the largest city on Kyushu. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Canal City Hakata, a vast shopping and entertainment complex built around an artificial canal that creates an urban oasis, featuring fountain shows every 30 minutes. You’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.

Next, we’ll visit Tocho-ji Temple, founded in 806, famous for its five-story pagoda, a large statue of Buddha, and the Senju Kannon, a depiction of the thousand-armed female deity of mercy. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace.

FUKUOKA 11ºC - 11ºC - DAZAIFU TENMANGU - NAGASAKI 12ºC - 12ºC

We’ll depart for DAZAIFU TENMANGU, located near FUKUOKA. This is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and ponds, it is especially famous for its more than 6,000 plum trees, which bloom spectacularly in late winter.

We’ll then continue to NAGASAKI, a city that, like Hiroshima, was devastated by an atomic bomb during World War II. We’ll visit Ōura Church, Japan’s oldest Christian church, dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki. This church beautifully combines Gothic architecture with local elements and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region". You’ll have free time for lunch in Chukagai, Japan’s most famous Chinatown, known for its lively pedestrian street lined with food stalls and restaurants.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Museum (admission included), followed by the Peace Park, where we’ll admire the powerful sculptures donated by various countries as symbols of hope and peace.

Finally, we’ll explore the Dejima area, a reconstructed historical district that was once an artificial island where Dutch merchants lived — for centuries, it served as Japan’s only point of contact with the outside world (admission included).

NAGASAKI 12ºC - 12ºC - UNZEN JIGOKU - KUMAMOTO 10ºC - 10ºC

We are traveling through volcanic lands. We will depart from NAGASAKI toward the Shimabara Peninsula, known for its volcanic origins and dominated by Mount Unzen. We will stop at UNZEN JIGOKU, a geothermal area with steam vents, bubbling pools of boiling mud, and a strong sulfur smell. We will walk “through the hells,” as this area is popularly known, which in the 17th century was the setting of Christian persecution.
We will then continue to SHIMABARA, where we will board a ferry for a crossing of approximately 45 minutes.

Upon arrival in KUMAMOTO, we will have free time in the shopping area around the castle to stroll and have lunch. Afterwards, we will visit Kumamoto Castle (admission included), considered one of the three great castles of Japan, famous for its black towers and massive stone walls, some of which are still under reconstruction following damage caused by the 2016 earthquake.

We will also visit Suizenji Jojuen (admission included), a landscaped garden featuring miniature recreations of mountains and lakes. Free time afterward in this modern city.

KUMAMOTO 10ºC - 10ºC - ASO VULCANO - YUFUIN - BEPPU 10ºC - 10ºC

We will set out to visit one of Japan’s most active and spectacular volcanoes: MOUNT ASO, famous for its vast caldera, one of the largest in the world, measuring approximately 25 km in diameter. Inside the caldera are several volcanic peaks, the most active being Mount Nakadake. We will reach the crater by shuttle from the base of the volcano, where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery and see the steaming sulfur lake.

Note: at times, due to volcanic activity and safety reasons, access to Mount Nakadake may be restricted.

Afterward, there will be free time in the area where the Aso Volcano Museum is located (optional visit, admission not included), as well as walking trails, restaurants, and shopping areas.

We will then continue to YUFUIN, a charming onsen town set in a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields. Time to enjoy a coffee and take a stroll.
Next, we will proceed to BEPPU, a city renowned for its remarkable geothermal activity, with more than 3,000 hot springs. We will visit the “Hells of Beppu,” including admission to Umi Jigoku, known for its striking blue water and beautiful gardens, and Kamado Jigoku, very popular with families for its ponds of varying colors and temperatures, decorated with demon figures.
After the visits, transfer to the hotel and free time.

BEPPU 10ºC - 10ºC - USA JINGU - FUKUOKA 11ºC - 11ºC - SEOUL 3ºC - 4ºC

We will depart for USA JINGU, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and the main one dedicated to the god Hachiman, the country’s protector deity. It is the head shrine of more than 40,000 Hachiman shrines across Japan. Founded in the 8th century, it blends traditional architecture with expansive gardens surrounded by nature. We’ll stroll across its red bridge and visit the main pavilions in a photogenic and deeply spiritual setting.

We’ll then continue on to FUKUOKA, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take a flight to Korea.

Arrival in SEOUL, where we’ll transfer to the hotel and have free time to rest or explore at leisure.

SEOUL 3ºC - 4ºC

Today we include an extensive visit of approximately five hours in SEOUL. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of palaces 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 war museum that explains the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We then continue to the Gangnam District, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues.

To conclude the day, we will stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the observation deck (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.

Return to the hotel and free time.

SEOUL 3ºC - 4ºC - SUWON 2ºC - 4ºC - JEONJU 7ºC - 7ºC

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included), a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south.

Our first stop will be SUWON, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace (entrance included). Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to JEONJU, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

JEONJU 7ºC - 7ºC - DAMYANG 6ºC - 6ºC - HAEINSA - BUSAN 7ºC - 7ºC

We’ll depart toward the SUNCHANG GOCHUJANG VILLAGE, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to DAMYANG to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum (entrance included). Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at HAEINSA, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples (entrance included) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to BUSAN, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

BUSAN 7ºC - 7ºC

In the morning, we will depart from BUSAN to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. We return to Busan and visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are laid to rest. We will then head to the country’s largest fish market, located next to the port of Nampo. Lunch is included.

We walk toward Yongdusan park, home to its impressive 120-meter pagoda. Afterwards, we depart for Songdo Beach, which features the country’s first maritime cable car (entrance included, subject to weather conditions), offering stunning views of the bay. We continue to one of Busan’s most picturesque neighborhoods, the Gamcheon Cultural Village, filled with brightly colored buildings, labyrinth-like alleyways, art galleries, pottery workshops, and charming cafés. Return to Busan. Overnight stay.

BUSAN 7ºC - 7ºC - SEOKGURAM - BULGUKSA - GYEONGJU 10ºC - 10ºC - DAEGU 6ºC - 6ºC

We’ll depart for the Seokguram Buddhist Grotto (entrance included), an 8th-century site nestled on the slopes of Tohamsan. Afterward, we’ll visit the Bulguksa Temple (entrance included), 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 (entrance included) 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 and the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Traditional Medicine (entrance included), famous for its history of medicinal herbs in Eastern medicine. Overnight stay in DAEGU.

DAEGU 6ºC - 6ºC - ANDONG 6ºC - 6ºC - HAHOE - SEOUL 3ºC - 4ºC

Departure northward and arrival in Andong, where 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 outstanding World Mask Museum, which displays masks used for dances, medical practices, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

We then depart to visit Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy founded in the 16th century, set in an idyllic landscape beside a peaceful river. Arrival in Seoul in the mid-afternoon.

SEOUL 3ºC - 4ºC

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