Best of JAPAN & KOREA
PLEASE NOTE: This tour combines our previous SEOUL Plus and Best of JAPAN itineraries into one seamless trip. If you’ve ever wanted to explore both countries in a single, well-paced trip—without the stress of coordinating the logistics yourself—this is the tour for you!
This tour is designated as a TravelMaven Walking Tour. For a typical day, guests should be able to handle 10,000 steps, ten or more flights of stairs, and lots of ups and downs on uneven terrain. The good news is: we won’t be in a race, so the pace will be relaxed!
This tour includes both Korea and Japan, beginning in Seoul on Sun Oct 18. We’ll spend 7 nights in Seoul, followed by 6 nights in Kyoto, and ending with 4 nights in Tokyo. This Land Package also includes the flight from Korea to Japan.
We begin in Seoul, one of Asia’s most exciting mega-cities. It’s a place where centuries-old palaces sit just blocks from futuristic malls, and where traditional tea houses coexist with K-pop cafes and cat lounges. We'll visit royal landmarks, stroll through hanok villages, and take in sweeping views from the top of Korea’s tallest tower. There’s also a full-day trip to Seoraksan National Park, Korea’s most famous mountain destination.
Then we fly to Japan, where we'll soak in the calm elegance of Kyoto and the energy of modern Tokyo, with a bit of Osaka and Hiroshima in between. Along the way, we’ll explore iconic sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the Golden Pavilion, and the Tokyo Imperial Palace, and take a day trip to Mount Fuji.
As with all our tours, we keep hotel changes to a minimum—just three throughout the trip—so you can spend less time repacking and more time enjoying the experience.
This 17-night tour brings together the highlights of Korea and Japan in one well-paced, thoughtfully planned itinerary. From the liveliness of Seoul to the calm of Kyoto and the buzz of Tokyo, you’ll experience a range of landscapes, histories, and cultures without feeling rushed. So, if you've always wanted to see Japan and Korea like that, we hope you will join us!
TOUR DETAILS
2026:
LAND PACKAGE: $9,980
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3,250
Departs Toronto: Sat Oct 17, 2026
Begins in Seoul: Sun Oct 18, 2026
Ends in Tokyo: Thu Nov 5, 2026
TYPE: Active Sightseeing (lots of walking)
HOTELS: 3 star & 4 star
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 18 days (17 hotel nights)
DAILY AGENDA (2026)
Day 0 (Sat Oct 17) Depart Toronto
You'll depart from Toronto a day before tour officially starts in Seoul. The recommended flight plan is direct with Air Canada's AC61 which departs Pearson Airport at 13:35, but there are other options available.
Day 1 (Sun Oct 18) Arrive in Seoul
Welcome to Korea! After landing at Incheon International Airport, Barry will be there to meet you and bring you to our hotel downtown. Depending on flight arrival times, there may be time for a light dinner nearby.
Han River, Seoul
DAY 2 (Mon Oct 19) Royal Palace & Hanok Village (B,D)
After breakfast and a quick overview of our 18 days together, we’ll walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, originally built in 1395. Here, we’ll tour the palace grounds and learn about its role in Korea’s history. From there, we’ll visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood once home to aristocrats and high-ranking officials, where many traditional Korean houses offer a glimpse into traditional Korean life.
DAY 3 (Tue Oct 20) Namsan & City Hall (B)
This morning we head to Namsan Park for a walk to Seoul Tower, where sweeping city views will help orient you in the city. The peaceful forest setting offer a refreshing start to the day. In the afternoon, we explore the Seoul City Hall area, including the modern plaza and nearby historic buildings, before returning to Insadong for free time.
Hanok Village
DAY 4 (Wed Oct 21) Seoraksan Day Trip (B,L,D)
We’ll set out early for a full-day tour of Seoraksan National Park, Korea’s most famous mountain destination. Towering peaks, dense forests, and clear mountain streams make this a favorite destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. We’ll take a cable car up the mountain for sweeping views, visit a Buddhist temple dating back to the Silla Dynasty, and walk along the mountain stream.
DAY 5 (Thu Oct 22) Dongdaemun Markets & Cheonggyechun (B)
This morning we dive into the buzz of Dongdaemun Markets, a lively maze of fashion, fabrics, and street snacks that’s full of local color. In the afternoon, we trade the bustle for a peaceful walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream, a quiet escape in the heart of the city where flowing water, shaded paths, and gentle breezes offer a relaxing break from the urban energy.
Seoraksan National Park
DAY 6 (Fri Oct 23) Gangnam & Lotte Tower (B)
Today we head south to explore Gangnam (yes, just like that song), one of Seoul’s most stylish districts, known for its sleek streets, upscale shops, and pop culture landmarks. To cap off the day, we’ll head up Lotte Tower, Korea’s tallest skyscraper - 555m, just in time for a twilight view over this expansive city.
DAY 7 (Sat Oct 24) Seoul Free Day (B)
Today is a free day to explore Seoul your way. You might wander the tranquil grounds of Changdeokgung Palace, visit the historic Seodaemun Prison Museum, or explore the Bongeunsa Temple. For something different, try a cat or dog café, take a traditional Korean art or cooking class, or challenge yourself in an escape room or VR zone. You could bike along the Han River, explore the global vibe of Itaewon, enjoy a tea tasting, or catch the Nanta Show. Whatever your choice, we can help you plan your day.
Lotte Tower
DAY 8 (Sun Oct 25) Fly Seoul to Osaka & Train to Kyoto (B,D)
Today we say goodby to Korea and catch a midday flight from Seoul to Osaka, Japan. After landing, we'll head to the train station for a scenic ride to Kyoto, offering peaceful views of Japan’s countryside along the way. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our hotel and take some time to unwind before a group dinner on the town.
DAY 9 (Mon Oct 26) Royal Palace & Gion (B)
Today, we’ll start with a guided tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where you’ll step into the refined world of Japan’s former emperors and enjoy the peaceful beauty of its traditional gardens and architecture. Later, we’ll head to Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, for a walk through its charming streets lined with wooden teahouses. After Gion, guests can keep roaming or heat back to the hotel for a free evening.
Japanese women in traditional kimonos
DAY 10 (Tue Oct 27) Nara Day Trip (B)
After breakfast, we'll take a train to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Our main stop is at Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, housed inside the massive Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)—one of the largest wooden buildings ever built. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park, where hundreds of deer roam freely, bowing to visitors in exchange for treats. Guests can choose to return to Kyto with Barry in the early afternoon, or choose to explore more of Nara before making their way back on their own.
DAY 11 (Wed Oct 28) Hiroshima Day Trip (B,D)
Today, we’ll take a day trip to Hiroshima, beginning with a morning train ride through Japan’s scenic landscape. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum—a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. The museum offers a profound look into the city’s past, highlighting both the tragedy of the event and Hiroshima’s journey of resilience.
Atomic Remnant, Hiroshima
DAY 12 (Thu Oct 29) Bamboo Forest & Gold Pavillion (B)
Our day begins with a peaceful walk through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. Afterward, we’ll head to Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion, to take in its striking beauty and tranquil surroundings—a true highlight of Kyoto.
DAY 13 (Fri Oct 30) Fushimi Gates & Osaka Evening (B)
We start the day early with a visit to the Fushimi Shrine. It is best known for its thousands of vermillion Torii gates that form a winding path up Mount Inari, creating one of the most iconic sights in Japan. Arriving early allows us to take in the shrine’s serene atmosphere before the crowds, making our hike to the summit a more peaceful experience. After returning to the hotel, guests will have a free afternoon in Kyoto. In the evening, we’ll take a short train ride to Osaka, where we’ll explore the lively Minami District, full of vibrant neon lights, bustling streets, and famous local dishes. After an exciting evening, we’ll return to our hotel in Kyoto for the night.
Fushimi Gates
DAY 14 (Sat Oct 31) Kyoto or Osaka Free Day (B)
Today is a free day for guests to explore at their own pace. You can choose to stay in Kyoto, diving deeper into its temples, gardens, and cultural districts, or take a short train ride to Osaka, known for its vibrant energy, street food, and modern attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this is a great opportunity to customize your experience. Barry will be available to offer recommendations and assist with planning to help make the most of your day.
DAY 15 (Sun Nov 1) Train Kyoto to Tokyo & Ginza Evening (B,D)
Today, we’ll make our way to Tokyo by train, watching the landscape shift from Kyoto’s timeless charm to the dynamic energy of Japan’s capital. After settling into our hotel, we’ll spend the evening exploring Ginza—Tokyo’s stylish shopping and dining district—known for its bright lights, upscale boutiques, and lively atmosphere.
Ginza District
DAY 16 (Mon Nov 2) Royal Palace (B)
Today, we’ll begin with a visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. We’ll explore the palace grounds and learn about its historical and cultural significance. In the afternoon, guests will have free time to explore Tokyo at their own pace—whether it’s discovering a new neighborhood, visiting a museum, or enjoying some shopping and local cuisine.
DAY 17 (Tue Nov 3) Day Trip to Mount Fuji OR Day Trip to Nikko (B)
Today, guests can choose between two exciting day trips.
Option 1: A full-day bus tour to Mount Fuji, offering breathtaking views and plenty of photo opportunities of Japan’s most iconic peak.
Option 2: A visit to Nikko, home to the stunning Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its elaborate carvings and deep historical roots.
Mount Fuji
DAY 18 (Wed Nov 4) Tokyo Free Day (B,D)
Today is a free day for you to explore Tokyo however you like. Whether you’re in the mood to wander through a new neighborhood, visit a museum, hunt for souvenirs, or just relax and enjoy the city’s energy, the day is yours to enjoy. The day will end with our Farewell Dinner.
DAY 19 (Thu Nov 5) Depart Tokyo; End of Tour (B)
After a relaxed morning, we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the hotel. From there, we’ll head to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Those heading home to Toronto will catch their 18:10 flight. Guests who are continuing their travels in Japan can head off to their next destination and carry on with their plans.
Tokyo Street