Duration
16 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Tokyo
Available
April 2025 / October 2025
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
We’ll begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple , where you’ll capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower . The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.
Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing , often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine , dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We’ll then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge .
As we proceed, we’ll pass through the vibrant Akihabara district , also known as the “Electric Town,” a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We’ll also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.
We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.
Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel.
At 6:30 p.m. , we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district . Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.
Important Note: For groups with fewer than five passengers, the city tour will be conducted using a “Hop-On Hop-Off” tourist bus. These buses follow routes covering Tokyo’s most iconic attractions, allowing you to disembark, explore points of interest, and reboard the next bus at your convenience.
07:00 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll transfer to Tokyo Station to board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
Note: You’ll be accompanied to the station, but during the train journey, a guide will not travel with you if the group for this section of the trip has fewer than 15 people. Upon your arrival at Kyoto Station, our guide will be waiting to continue the tour.
10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll meet our main guide and begin exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and hosted the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Kyoto is also known as the site where the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was signed, a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
07:00 p.m. - After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and Geishas.
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.
08:00 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. We’ll continue our journey through the tranquil natural landscapes, walking through a cedar forest to the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the foot of a sacred mountain.
07:15 p.m. – Arrival in Kanazawa in the late afternoon.
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.
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.
Scenery: We’ll cross the Japanese Alps, with stunning snowy mountain landscapes for much of the year.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Takayama.
08:30 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.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Hida Furukawa.
12:45 p.m. – We’ll continue our journey, crossing the Japanese Alps. 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 p.m. – Tokyo.
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.
Scenery: We’ll travel through beautiful forests.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
10:00 a.m. – Seokguram. We’ll visit this artificial Buddhist grotto, carved into the rock in the 8th century, located on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan. Inside, you’ll find a monumental stone statue of Buddha gazing out over the sea.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Seokguram.
11:30 a.m. – Bulguksa Temple. We’ll visit this temple, considered one of the most beautiful in the country, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple houses seven of Korea’s national treasures and is a masterpiece from the golden age of Buddhism during the ancient Silla Kingdom.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Bulguksa Temple.
01:00 p.m. – 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 opportunity to photograph the stunning wooden Woljeonggyo Bridge on the banks of the Namcheon River. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll head to Tumuli Park, where the royal tombs of the ancient Silla kings, dating back over 1,500 years, are located. We’ll visit one of these tombs, then walk to Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest astronomical observatory in East Asia, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Gyeongju.
05:30 p.m. – 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.
07:00 p.m. – Approximate arrival at the hotel. Overnight stay.
Scenery: We’ll pass through beautiful forests, valleys, rice paddies, and ginseng fields.
08:45 a.m. – We’ll begin our tour of Daegu, where we’ll explore the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, renowned for its history of medicinal herbs. Afterward, we’ll stroll through the surrounding streets, known as the Herbal Medicine Market, famous for its numerous shops and high-quality products, especially ginseng.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Daegu.
12:00 p.m. – Andong. We’ll visit the outskirts of the traditional Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to walk through the streets of this rural village, which feels frozen in time. We’ll also visit the fascinating Hahoe Mask Museum, showcasing masks from around the world used in traditional dances, medical rituals, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Hahoe Village (Andong).
03:45 p.m. – Arrival at the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, founded in the 16th century. We’ll visit this serene site located by a river, surrounded by idyllic landscapes, filled with peace and tranquility.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Byeongsan Seowon.
08:15 p.m. – Seoul. Weather permitting, we’ll stop at the Banpo Bridge over the Han River, famous for its fountain that creates a rainbow of water and lights along the bridge’s path. Overnight stay.
Important note: Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required. The DMZ is a military zone and could be closed unexpectedly without prior notice. If this happens, an alternative route will be provided.
07:30 a.m. – Early departure to the Cheorwon region and its section of the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone marking the separation between the two Koreas.
09:30 a.m. – Arrival in Cheorwon. We’ll explore the Second Tunnel, secretly dug by the North Korean army and discovered in 1975. Next, we’ll head to the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the DMZ and the first villages of North Korea. Inside, there is a small museum detailing the Korean War. Our route will continue with a visit to the disused Woljeong-ri train station. We’ll also visit the Baek Ma Battle Memorial, commemorating the intervention of a French UN battalion during the fighting. Lastly, we’ll visit a local distillery that produces Korea’s traditional rice liquor, Makgeolli .
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Cheorwon. Return to Seoul.
04:00 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel in Seoul and free time.
06:00 p.m. – With our guide, we go to City Hall, to see this impressive tsunami-looking building. Across from City Hall, we’ll see Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, allowing us to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity in this country. From there, we’ll walk to the Myeongdong district, South Korea’s largest shopping and entertainment area, whose name means “bright town.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant. To return to hotel we’ll take the modern and efficient metro (ticket included). Overnight accommodation.
01:00 p.m. – Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
02:00 p.m. – We’ll continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest areas in the city, home to numerous shopping and entertainment centers. Finally, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you’ll have free time to either go up the tower (ticket not included) or stroll through its park or luxury shopping malls.
04:30 p.m. – Return to the hotel and free time.
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, rolling hills, and vast cultivated areas.
08:00 a.m. – Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, an impressive palace with 600 years of history, where we’ll witness the changing of the guard ceremony, if it takes place.
10:00 a.m. – We’ll depart from Seoul and head south through Korea.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Suwon, the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls.
12:15 p.m. – Before leaving the city, we’ll take a scenic drive along the city walls and their fortifications, and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace.
01:30 p.m. – Lunch will be included.
02:30 p.m. – Departure for Jeonju.
04:30 p.m. – Arrival in Jeonju. With our guide, we’ll explore the fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), filled with little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries. After the tour, you’ll have free time.
Scenery: We’ll travel through high mountains, with beautiful landscapes around Haeinsa in the National Park.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walk to Haeinsa Temple.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from Seoul.
09:40 a.m. - Sunchang Gochujang Village. Nestled at the foot of Mount Amisan, where you’ll find traditional hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay jars called hang-a-ri, this town is home to master artisans who make gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll get a chance to see how this iconic sauce is made.
10:20 a.m. - Departure from Sunchang Gochujang Village.
10:40 a.m. - Damyang. We’ll explore the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, with scenic trails that are perfect for peaceful walks and meditation. You’ll also find various products made from bamboo, which are honored and studied in centers such as the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, featuring a local dish of rice steamed inside a bamboo stalk.
01:50 p.m. - Departure from Damyang.
04:00 p.m. - Arrival at Haeinsa. Surrounded by breathtaking forested mountains, we’ll visit one of the country’s most important Buddhist temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden blocks.
05:00 p.m. - Departure from Haeinsa.
07:45 p.m. - Busan. We’ll arrive in Korea’s second-largest city, famous for its lively atmosphere. Overnight stay.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walk to the Haedong Yonggung Temple and while exploring Gamcheon Culture Village.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
09:15 a.m. – Haedong Yonggung. We’ll visit this 14th-century Buddhist temple, set on the cliffs along the coast of Busan. On the main path leading to the temple, you´ll find a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, believed in Eastern philosophy to be guardian deities.
10:15 a.m. – Departure from Haedong Yonggung.
11:15 a.m. – Busan —the second-largest city in South Korea—. We’ll go on a city tour during which we’ll visit the United Nations Memorial, the resting place for people from many nations. Next, we’ll head to the largest fish market in the country, located near Nampo Port. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll walk to Yongdusan Park, with its towering 120-meter pagoda.
02:30 p.m. – We’ll depart for Songdo Beach, home to the country’s first marine cable car (ticket included, weather permitting), offering stunning views of the bay. Our journey will continue to Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its brightly colored buildings, maze-like alleys, art galleries, pottery workshops, and beautiful cafés.
06:45 p.m. – Departure from Gamcheon Culture Village. Return to Busan.
07:15 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel in Busan. Overnight stay.