Osaka, Tokyo & Seoul – 11 Days in Japan and South Korea

A full-day guided tour that takes in two of Japan's old capitals. You start in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari-taisha, walking up through the tunnels of bright orange torii gates that climb the hillside, then move on to the Gion district, Kyoto's old geisha quarter, with its wooden teahouses, shops and lanes. With luck you may spot a geiko or maiko on her way to an appointment.

After a quick stop at Yumekaze Plaza, the afternoon is in Nara. In Nara Park, hundreds of free-roaming deer bow for crackers, and the walk through the great Nandaimon Gate leads to Todai-ji, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, which houses a huge bronze Buddha. Tickets for Todai-ji are included. You return to Osaka in the evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs sightseeing · Travel: ~3 hrs by tour coach · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning: Meet your guide in Osaka and drive to Kyoto.

• Morning: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, walking through the torii gates, about 1 hr.

• Late morning / Noon: Gion district for traditional streets and shopping, about 1.5 hrs. Lunch own cost.

• Afternoon: Yumekaze Plaza, about 20 min, then Nara Park and the deer, about 1 hr.

• Late afternoon: Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate, about 45 min, and Todai-ji Temple with the Great Buddha, about 1 hr 20 min (tickets included).

• Evening: Return to Osaka.

Travel for the day

• Osaka → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka by tour transport, about 3 hrs of driving in total.

Tips & what to carry

• Deer crackers (shika senbei) are sold in Nara Park. Feed them quickly and keep paper and maps away; the deer will try to eat them.

• Shoes come off in some temple halls, so wear socks and easy shoes.

• In Gion, do not stop or photograph geiko and maiko without permission.

• Fushimi Inari has steps. You only walk the lower section on this tour, but go at your own pace.

Included today

• Todai-ji Temple – Home to the Great Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Tickets Included)

Overnight: Osaka

Today is for Universal Studios Japan, one of the busiest theme parks in the world. Go early: gates usually open around 8:30 to 9:00 AM, and the first hour is the best time for the big rides before the queues build.

Super Nintendo World is the park's biggest draw, with Mario Kart and Yoshi's Adventure, and entry to that area is often by timed ticket, so check the park app as soon as you arrive. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has Hogsmeade village and the Forbidden Journey ride, and Jurassic Park, the Minions area and the roller coasters keep the rest of the day busy. Stay for the evening if you can, when the park lights up.

At a glance: Time needed: ~10 hrs in the park · Travel: ~30 min each way by train (own arrangement) · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Travel to Universal City Station by JR train, about 15–30 min from central Osaka.

• Morning (gates open, usually 8:30–9:00 AM): Head first to Super Nintendo World or your top-priority ride, and book the timed-entry ticket in the app if needed.

• Noon: Lunch inside the park (own cost).

• Afternoon: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minion Park and the coasters, at your pace.

• Evening: Parade or night lights if running on your date, then train back to the hotel.

Travel for the day

• Hotel → Universal City Station → hotel by JR train, own arrangement. Transfers can be added on request.

Tips & what to carry

• No transfers are included today; guests arrange their own transport to and from the park.

• Park hours vary by date. Check the official website for your day's timings.

• Express Passes for select rides are sold separately and sell out on busy days.

• Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the park.

• Download the official park app before you go for wait times and timed-entry tickets.

Overnight: Osaka

Today you ride the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train, from Osaka to Tokyo in about two and a half hours. The ride is smooth and fast, and on a clear day the right-hand side of the train, in seats marked E, gives you a view of Mt. Fuji as you pass Shizuoka.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. No tours are scheduled today, so you can rest or start exploring Tokyo at your own pace, perhaps the lights and shops of Shinjuku or Ginza, a few stops away. Pick up a bento at the station before you board; eating on the Shinkansen is part of the fun.

At a glance: Time needed: Free · Travel: ~2.5 hrs train plus transfers · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and check out. Transfer to the station.

• Late morning: Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo, about 2.5 hrs.

• Afternoon: Arrive at Tokyo Station and transfer to your hotel, about 30 min. Check in.

• Evening: Free — Shinjuku, Ginza or the area near your hotel.

• Night: Dinner own cost.

Travel for the day

• Hotel → Shin-Osaka → Shinkansen to Tokyo → Tokyo Station → hotel.

Tips & what to carry

• Train tickets are covered. You can choose the exact train time based on how long you wish to spend in each city.

• Oversized luggage (total dimensions over 160 cm) needs a reserved space on the Shinkansen. Tell us your bag sizes in advance.

• Ask for an E seat on the Tokyo-bound train for the best chance of seeing Mt. Fuji.

• Tokyo Station is huge. Follow the signs for your exit and allow time.

Included today

• Train Tickets are Covered

Overnight: Tokyo

A full-day coach tour to Japan's most iconic mountain. Weather permitting, you drive up to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station, at around 2,300 m, where the road ends and the climbing trails begin. On a clear day the summit rises right above you, and the views back down over the lakes are wide and open.

The tour then crosses to Hakone, a hot-spring area in the mountains. You cruise across Lake Ashi, where on calm days the mountain is reflected in the water, and ride the Hakone Ropeway over Owakudani, a volcanic valley of steaming vents and yellow sulphur rocks. Entry fees on the tour are included, and you are back in Tokyo in the evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~10 hrs tour · Travel: ~5 hrs by coach in total · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Meet the tour coach in central Tokyo.

• Late morning: Mt. Fuji 5th Station, about 45 min to 1 hr (weather and road conditions permitting).

• Noon: Lunch on the way (own cost).

• Afternoon: Lake Ashi cruise, about 30–40 min, and Hakone Ropeway over Owakudani, about 30 min.

• Evening: Coach back to Tokyo, arriving in the evening depending on traffic.

Travel for the day

• Hotel → meeting point; full-day coach tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone and back.

Tips & what to carry

• Fuji is often hidden by cloud, especially in summer. Winter mornings give the clearest views.

• The 5th Station road can close in snow or bad weather; the tour then stops at a lower point.

• It is about 10°C colder at the 5th Station than in Tokyo. Carry a jacket.

• Owakudani's black eggs are boiled in the hot springs and are a popular snack.

Overnight: Tokyo

Today has two of Tokyo's newest experiences, with entrance covered and the rest of the day free. SHIBUYA SKY is the open-air observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, about 229 m above the streets. From the rooftop you look straight down on the famous Shibuya Crossing and out across the whole city, to Mt. Fuji on clear days.

teamLab Planets in Toyosu is a museum of digital art where you walk barefoot through water and through a garden where you become one with the flowers. It has four large-scale artwork spaces and two gardens by the art collective teamLab. In between, walk around Shibuya and cross the Scramble yourself, then have dinner in the area.

At a glance: Time needed: ~5 hrs at the attractions · Travel: ~1.5 hrs by train in total (own arrangement) · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 10:00 AM–12:30 PM): teamLab Planets, Toyosu, allow about 2 hrs.

• Noon: Lunch near Toyosu or on the way to Shibuya (own cost).

• Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue, about 1 hr on foot.

• Evening (time slot as booked): SHIBUYA SKY, about 1–1.5 hrs. A sunset slot is the most popular.

• Night: Dinner in Shibuya (own cost) and train back to the hotel.

Travel for the day

• No transfers today; travel by train with your IC card. Hotel → Toyosu ~30–40 min; Toyosu → Shibuya ~40 min.

Tips & what to carry

• At teamLab Planets you walk through knee-deep water. Wear shorts or trousers that roll up above the knee.

• Mirrored floors: wear trousers or shorts rather than skirts.

• SHIBUYA SKY tickets are for a set time slot. Arrive 10–15 min early; bags go in lockers before the rooftop.

• Pack tonight for tomorrow's flight to Seoul.

Included today

• No Transfers but Entrance are Covered

Overnight: Tokyo

Today you swap countries on this two-part trip through Japan and Seoul. After breakfast you transfer to the airport in Tokyo for the flight to Seoul, about 2.5 hours in the air. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and some rest.

In the evening, start exploring on your own with Myeongdong, Seoul's busiest shopping district and a paradise for fashion and skincare, from global brands to Korean beauty products at every turn. Street-food carts line the lanes after dark, with tteokbokki, hotteok and grilled skewers, or sit down for Korean BBQ, bulgogi or bibimbap at a local restaurant. Take an optional evening stroll to see the city lit up.

At a glance: Time needed: ~2 hrs exploring · Travel: ~2.5 hrs flight plus ~3 hrs airport time and transfers · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport in Tokyo, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Flight from Tokyo to Seoul, about 2.5 hrs (flight tickets not included).

• Afternoon: Arrive in Seoul and transfer to your hotel, about 1 hr. Check in.

• Evening: Myeongdong Shopping District on your own, about 2–3 hrs.

• Night: Dinner at a local restaurant (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Tokyo hotel → airport ~1 hr; flight to Seoul ~2.5 hrs; Seoul airport → hotel ~1 hr, with airport transfers.

Tips & what to carry

• Indian passport holders need a South Korea visa as well as the Japan visa. Visa charges are included in this package; apply well ahead of your dates.

• Get a T-money card at the airport for the subway and buses.

• Many Korean skincare shops offer tax refunds on the spot with your passport.

• Restaurants in Korea often serve free side dishes (banchan) that are refilled on request.

Overnight: Seoul

Today you step into Korea's royal past with a shared guided tour. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the grandest of Seoul's five Joseon-era palaces, with wide courtyards and painted halls set against the mountains. Time your visit for the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at the main gate, a colourful parade of drums, flags and costumes.

Next you stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a hillside neighbourhood of traditional tiled-roof hanok houses where residents still live, with views of rooftops against the modern skyline. The tour continues to Insadong, a cultural street of antique shops, galleries, calligraphy and craft stores. End with a cup of traditional Korean tea in one of its old tea houses.

At a glance: Time needed: ~7 hrs tour · Travel: Short city drives and walks · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 9:00 AM): Pickup for the shared tour.

• Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, about 1.5–2 hrs.

• Noon: Bukchon Hanok Village, about 1 hr. Lunch own cost.

• Afternoon: Insadong for crafts, galleries and a tea house stop, about 1.5–2 hrs.

• Evening: Back at the hotel. Free evening, dinner own cost.

Travel for the day

• Hotel → palace → Bukchon → Insadong → hotel with the shared tour.

Tips & what to carry

• Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays. We plan your tour on another day.

• Visitors wearing hanbok (rented nearby) get free entry to the palace, and it makes for great photos.

• Bukchon is a living neighbourhood. Keep your voice down, and visit within the posted hours.

• Wear comfortable shoes; Bukchon's lanes are steep.

Included today

• Tour is on Shared Basis

Overnight: Seoul

Escape the city for a day in the Gapyeong countryside, about 1.5 hours from Seoul on a shared tour. Your first stop is Nami Island, reached by a short ferry, with its famous tree-lined avenues, riverside paths and lakeside views. It is a favourite with nature lovers and K-drama fans, and it changes colour beautifully through the seasons.

Next is Petite France, a French-inspired hillside village of colourful buildings, small galleries and puppet shows. Then, depending on the option you choose for the day, either pedal a rail bike along an old railway track through the countryside, or walk the Garden of Morning Calm, a large botanical garden of landscaped trails and seasonal flower displays. You return to Seoul in the evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs sightseeing · Travel: ~3.5 hrs by tour coach · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Pickup for the shared tour and drive to Gapyeong, about 1.5 hrs.

• Late morning: Ferry to Nami Island and a walk around the island, about 2 hrs.

• Noon: Lunch on Nami Island or nearby (own cost).

• Afternoon: Petite France, about 1 hr.

• Late afternoon: Gangchon Rail Bike, about 1 hr, or the Garden of Morning Calm, about 1.5 hrs, as per the option chosen.

• Evening: Drive back to Seoul.

Travel for the day

• Seoul → Gapyeong ~1.5 hrs each way by shared tour transport; short ferry to Nami Island.

Tips & what to carry

• Nami Island is busiest at weekends. A weekday visit is calmer.

• The Garden of Morning Calm is lit up with lights in winter; check whether your tour includes the evening display.

• Rail bikes seat two or four people. Tell us your group size in advance.

• Dress in layers; Gapyeong is a few degrees colder than Seoul.

Included today

• Tour is on Shared Basis

Overnight: Seoul

A half-day guided tour to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin, south of Seoul, an open-air museum where life in the Joseon Dynasty comes alive. Walk through authentic hanok homes from different regions of Korea, peek into artisan workshops for pottery, weaving and blacksmithing, and catch the live performances of farmers' dances, martial arts and tightrope walking.

Your guide explains the customs, houses and festivals as you go, which makes the village much more than a photo stop. After the tour you have free time for shopping on your own: traditional crafts, souvenirs and local snacks, or head to Dongdaemun or Hongdae later in the day, before you return to your hotel.

At a glance: Time needed: ~5 hrs tour · Travel: ~2 hrs by tour coach · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning (around 9:00 AM): Pickup for the shared tour and drive to Yongin, about 1 hr.

• Late morning / Noon: Korean Folk Village with your guide, about 3 hrs, including live performances.

• Afternoon: Return to Seoul. Free time for shopping on your own.

• Evening: Free. Dinner own cost.

Travel for the day

• Seoul → Korean Folk Village → Seoul by shared tour transport, about 1 hr each way.

Tips & what to carry

• Check the performance timetable at the entrance and plan your walk around it.

• Wear comfortable shoes; the village is large and mostly on foot.

• For K-beauty and fashion at lower prices, try the underground malls and Hongdae in the evening.

• Pack tonight for tomorrow's departure.

Included today

• Tour is on Shared Basis

Overnight: Seoul

Enjoy your final morning in Seoul. Depending on your flight time, there may be room for a slow breakfast, some last-minute shopping or a short walk near your hotel.

After check-out you are transferred to Incheon International Airport, about an hour away, for your flight home. You leave with two countries behind you, from Japan's bullet trains, temples and Mt. Fuji to Seoul's palaces, hanok lanes and street food.

At a glance: Time needed: Free until departure · Travel: ~1 hr to the airport · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and check out.

• Late morning: Free for last-minute shopping near the hotel, if your flight allows.

• Then: Transfer to Incheon International Airport, reaching about 3 hrs before your flight.

Travel for the day

• Hotel → Incheon International Airport, about 1 hr.

Tips & what to carry

• Claim tax refunds at the airport kiosks before security if you did not get them in the shop.

• Incheon is large; allow extra time for check-in and immigration.

• Keep some won for snacks at the airport.