Japan & South Korea Explorer
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Seoul
Explore four unforgettable cities across two countries—ride the Shinkansen between Japan's highlights, then take a short flight to dynamic Seoul. Iconic culture, incredible food and easy routing with no wasted backtracking.
What’s included
- Flights
- Rail
- Hotels
- Meals
- Experiences
- Excursion Tickets
- Support
Why this trip works
Four iconic cities
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Seoul each bring a different side of East Asia.
No wasted backtracking
High-speed rail plus one short flight keeps the route moving forward.
Designed around you
Adjust pace, hotels and activities to fit the traveler.
Trip at a glance
- STARTING FROM
- $3,499 pp
- LENGTH
- 10 nights
- ROUTE
- 4 cities / 2 countries
- BEST TIME
- Mar–May & Oct–Nov
- STYLE
- Culture, city & food
Your journey
Tokyo 3 nights
Neon energy, food, historic temples and modern neighborhoods.
- City views
- Food
- Temples
Kyoto 3 nights
Tradition, temples, geisha districts and gardens.
- Temples
- Gardens
- Old streets
Osaka 2 nights
Street food, Dotonbori and upbeat city energy.
- Food
- Nightlife
- Markets
Seoul 2 nights
Palaces, shopping, design and Korean culture.
- Palaces
- Shopping
- K-culture
Day by day
See the full 11-day itinerary
JFK → Tokyo Int'l Flight
Depart JFK. Arrive Tokyo (HND/NRT). Efficient transfer via Skyliner / Keikyu Airport Express to central hotel. Hotel check-in. Evening at leisure in vibrant district.
Tokyo West & East City
Morning visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine & Harajuku Takeshita Street. Experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue. Afternoon transfer to historic Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise- dori). Evening panoramic city viewpoint.
Tokyo Culture & Future
Morning exploration of Tsukiji Outer Market for street food breakfast. Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens. Afternoon immerse in modern pop- culture & electronics hub Akihabara or optional teamLab Planets digital art experience.
Tokyo → Kyoto Shinkansen Rail
Breakfast & checkout. Board Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto (reserved seat, 2h 40m). Check-in hotel. Afternoon walking tour of historic Higashiyama District, Yasaka Shrine, and evening stroll through atmospheric Gion & Pontocho Alley.
Kyoto Cultural Highlights
Early morning visit to iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 torii gates) before peak crowds. Continue to hillside Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Afternoon transit to scenic Arashiyama to walk through the famous Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge. Optimized zero-backtracking routing.
Kyoto → Osaka JR Rapid Rail
Breakfast & checkout. Board JR Special Rapid Service directly to Osaka (29 min, cost-effective intercity transit). Check into Namba/Umeda hotel. Afternoon & evening immersed in Dotonbori Neon District, Shinsaibashi-Suji shopping, and street food exploration (Takoyaki/ Okonomiyaki).
Osaka Castle & Markets
Morning tour of landmark Osaka Castle Park & Main Keep. Afternoon visit to Kuromon Ichiba Gourmet Market. Evening at leisure in Umeda Sky Building district or optional Universal Studios Japan day pass.
Osaka → Seoul Regional Flight
Breakfast & checkout. Transfer via Nankai Airport Express to Kansai Int'l (KIX). Flight to Seoul Incheon (ICN) (1h 50m). AREX Express train transfer to central Seoul. Hotel check-in. Evening street food walk in lively Myeongdong Night Market.
Seoul Heritage & Views
Morning visit to grand Gyeongbokgung Palace (including Royal Guard Changing Ceremony & traditional Hanbok experience). Stroll picturesque alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village and traditional craft shops of Insadong. Late afternoon ascent to N Seoul Tower (Namsan Park) for 360° skyline views.
Seoul Modern Pulse
Morning exploration of trendy youth culture & indie boutiques in Hongdae or optional half-day DMZ Peace Tour. Afternoon visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and Cheonggyecheon Stream walk. Farewell authentic Korean BBQ dinner tasting.
Seoul → JFK Int'l Return Flight
Breakfast & checkout. AREX Express train transfer to Incheon International Airport (ICN). Board return flight to New York JFK. Arrive same-day (crossing International Date Line).
Hotels are selected 3-star or equivalent, subject to seasonal availability. Every day here can be lengthened, shortened or swapped — this is a starting point.