South Korea and Japan Then and Now (2026/2027)
starting at 7.970 €

Kimchi, Koi, and Imperial Temples: A Scenic Train Journey Through South Korea and Japan

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15-Day Train Trip Through South Korea and Japan – From Seoul to Tokyo

Asia

Japan

South Korea

15 - 26 people

15 days

On this train adventure, you’ll visit two Asian countries that certainly have a lot in common, but are also just as different. These two deeply traditional cultures are incredibly open to everything new; everywhere, the ancient blends with the ultra-modern—skyscrapers stand alongside ancient temples and castles, and rides on vintage trains are just as popular as high-speed trains that are becoming increasingly futuristic. What may seem contradictory at first will turn out to be a harmonious blend on this journey.

Stephanie Gräf

A specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Select consultation appointment

HIGHLIGHTS

Comprehensive: Sightseeing Tours in Seoul and Tokyo
Pure Beauty: Gyeongbokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
At Breakneck Speed: On the High-Speed Ferry from Busan to Fukuoka
Perfect Panoramas: A Ride on the V-Zug Through the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range
Rides on the lightning-fast Shinkansen Express
Religious Sites: Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Historic Villages: A Trip to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

route

itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Seoul

Day 2: Welcome to South Korea!

After landing in Seoul and transferring to the hotel, you can first relax and take in your new surroundings. The South Korean capital is an exhilarating blend of tradition and innovation, with a vibrant cultural and arts scene. In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Namdaemun Market. You’ll get to know your fellow travelers over dinner together. You’ll be staying at a hotel in Seoul for the next two nights. (A)

Day 3: Seoul

Today is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Seoul. It begins at Gwanghwamun Square, where the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin stand guard. Afterward, you’ll visit Gyeongbok Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), among other sights, and watch the changing of the guard. Then you’ll head to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you’ll marvel at traditional Korean houses, some of which are still inhabited today. (B)

Day 4: To Gangneung

In the morning, you’ll take one of South Korea’s high-speed trains—known as the KTX—to Gangneung. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches, plenty of culture, and great coffee. You’ll visit Ojukheon House, the birthplace of Shin Saimdang, a 16th-century painter and poet, and her son Yulgok Yi I, a philosopher and disciple of Confucius—both key figures in Korean culture. After a stroll among the pine trees, you’ll head to your comfortable hotel for the night. (B)

Day 5: Through the Mountains

On the way to Gyeongju, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Baekdu-daegan mountain range from the train! You’ll arrive there in the afternoon and can spend the evening as you wish. You’ll stay at a hotel in Gyeongju for the next two nights. (B)

Day 6: History in Gyeongju—Your

Today’s sightseeing tour begins with the religious sites of Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, where you can admire historic architecture and art. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the National Museum and the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. Your day ends with a walk to Woljeong Bridge, where the palace of the former Silla King Munmu once stood. (B)

Day 7: Across the Sea

Today it’s time to say goodbye to South Korea. The high-speed ferry from Busan will take you to Fukuoka, Japan, and Hakata Port in three hours. Your tour guide will meet you at the port and accompany you to your hotel for the night. (B)

Day 8: Step by Step to Kyoto

Today, your main luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto so that you can enjoy your train journey through Japan without any worries. You’ll arrive in Kyoto in the early evening via the famous Shinkansen bullet train and other regional trains. The former capital enchants visitors with its gardens, temples, and castles. You’ll spend the next three nights in Kyoto at a comfortable hotel. (B)

Day 9: Imperial Kyoto

On your tour of Kyoto, you'll see Ryoanji Temple, Nijo Castle, and the Ninomaru-Goten Palace, and visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine. In the evening, you'll have time to stroll through the Gion geisha district. (B)

Day 10: Sagano Scenic Railway

This excursion takes you to the picturesque mountainous region north of Kyoto. You’ll ride a historic narrow-gauge railway along the Hozugawa River from Sagano to Arashiyama. Arashiyama enchants visitors with its numerous temples, shrines, and famous bamboo forest—a Zen meditation amidst the greenery. You’ll cap off the day with a visit to Kyoto’s impressive railway museum, a symbol of the Japanese passion for trains. (F)

Day 11: The Japanese Alps

Your main luggage will be sent ahead to Tokyo today. You will continue your train journey to Kanazawa. Here, you’ll experience the Japanese Alps in all their splendor. You’ll take a cable car up Mount Hiei, a setting for Japanese folk tales that offers a wonderful view of Lake Biwa. You’ll spend the next two nights in Kanazawa at a comfortable hotel. (B)

Day 12: Back to the Past

Kanazawa takes you back in time to Japan’s history: You’ll visit Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. You’ll also marvel at the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, with their ancient traditional houses. Amid rice paddies, unpaved paths connect the dwellings, which are bordered by forests—a true postcard scene! (F)

Day 13: Tokyo

Today you’ll zip over to Tokyo by train. You’ll arrive in the Japanese capital and megacity around early noon. The city has so much to offer that it’s hard to choose—your tour guide will give you the best tips. You’ll spend the last two nights of your trip in Tokyo at a mid-range hotel. (B)

Day 14: Tokyo

Much like Seoul, Japan’s capital city strikes a balance between the ultra-modern and ancient tradition. Today, you’ll explore Tokyo with your fellow travelers and see the Imperial Palace and its expansive gardens. The tour continues to Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. From the observation deck of City Hall, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view over the sea of buildings. Be sure to visit the bustling nightlife and shopping district of Shibuya and get to know the modern side of Tokyo! (FA)

Day 15: Transfer to the airport and return flight to Germany

After breakfast, we'll head back to Germany (F)

Information

Included services:

Flights from Frankfurt to Seoul and from Tokyo to Frankfurt in Economy Class
13 nights in mid-range and comfort-class hotels
2nd-class train rides as listed in the itinerary
Separate Luggage Transfer: Fukuoka – Kyoto and Kyoto – Tokyo
Train journeys according to itinerary
Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Welcome dinner in Seoul and farewell dinner in Tokyo
German-speaking tour guide from Seoul to Busan and from Hakata to Tokyo
Transfers and sightseeing tours, including admission fees, as listed in the itinerary

Not included in the price: