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Majestic Japan with Seoul & Osaka
Operated by Globus
Tripcode: OGY
Overview
Destination:
Japan,
South Korea,
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Travel Period
April 2027 - October 2027
16 Day Tour from Seoul to Osaka
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Japan and South Korea. First find your zen in Seoul, where you’ll explore grand palaces, traditional Hanok houses, and serene temples that offer a perfect moment of meditation on an adventure like no other in South Korea. Then, from its heaven-piercing skyscrapers to its heavenly gardens down below, Japan is a feast for mind, body, and soul. From the lush man-made forest surrounding the magnificent Shinto monuments to vibrant nightlife, vintage teahouses, and venerable temples, Tokyo comes to life with spring’s first cherry blossoms and the first catch of the day in its sushi houses. Be whisked away by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya for more adventure, including a traditional sake tasting. Continue to captivating Kyoto where thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates welcome you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Step into ancient bliss of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and (“Zen” some!) with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Glide into tranquility on the serene waters lapping the shores of Amanohashidate sandbar and ponder the power of nature in Koraku-en Garden. Nature abounds again in Matsue, nicknamed the “City of Water,” where you’ll discover the beauty of the Adachi Museum’s world-renowned gardens and art. Your tour of Japan takes you to the hallowed grounds of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Memorial, preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945. End your exploration of Japan with the thrill of the famous bullet train as you ride from Hiroshima to Osaka, where you’ll visit the Osaka Castle and Minami, the city’s most famous entertainment district. So much history, mystery, and magnificent beauty awaits you on this fascinating Small Group Discovery tour of Japan and South Korea.
All This. Included
Special features included in this tour:
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Japan and South Korea. First find your zen in Seoul, where you’ll explore grand palaces, traditional Hanok houses, and serene temples that offer a perfect moment of meditation on an adventure like no other in South Korea. Then, from its heaven-piercing skyscrapers to its heavenly gardens down below, Japan is a feast for mind, body, and soul. From the lush man-made forest surrounding the magnificent Shinto monuments to vibrant nightlife, vintage teahouses, and venerable temples, Tokyo comes to life with spring’s first cherry blossoms and the first catch of the day in its sushi houses. Be whisked away by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya for more adventure, including a traditional sake tasting. Continue to captivating Kyoto where thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates welcome you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Step into ancient bliss of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and (“Zen” some!) with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Glide into tranquility on the serene waters lapping the shores of Amanohashidate sandbar and ponder the power of nature in Koraku-en Garden. Nature abounds again in Matsue, nicknamed the “City of Water,” where you’ll discover the beauty of the Adachi Museum’s world-renowned gardens and art. Your tour of Japan takes you to the hallowed grounds of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Memorial, preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945. End your exploration of Japan with the thrill of the famous bullet train as you ride from Hiroshima to Osaka, where you’ll visit the Osaka Castle and Minami, the city’s most famous entertainment district. So much history, mystery, and magnificent beauty awaits you on this fascinating Small Group Discovery tour of Japan and South Korea.
All This. Included
Special features included in this tour:
- Guided city sightseeing of Seoul including admission to Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Ihwa Mural Village
- Walking tour of Gwangjang Market with street food sampling
- Guided tour of Tokyo by subway with visits to Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Temple
- Bullet train ride from Tokyo to Nagoya
- Visit to Nagoya Castle and sake tasting
- Cruise on the Amanohashidate Bay
- Guided sightseeing in Kyoto with visits to Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Golden Pavilion
- [LF] Traditional tea ceremony
- Visit to Himeji Castle
- Hands-on pottery experience in Bizen
- Visits to Koraku-en Garden and Bikan Historical Quarter
- Visits to Matsue Castle and Adachi Museum of Art
- Guided sightseeing in Hiroshima with visits to Shukkei-en Garden and Peace Memorial Park
- Ferry to Miyajima Island with visit to Itsukushima Shrine and cable-car ride on Mount Misen
- Japanese cooking class featuring sushi and miso soup
- [LF] Lunch featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
- Bullet train ride from Hiroshima to Osaka
- Guided sightseeing in Osaka with visit to Osaka Castle and walking tour of Dotonbori
- Intra-vacation flight from Seoul to Tokyo
Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1 - ARRIVE IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!
Welcome to South Korea’s capital city. With its rich history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience tradition and popular culture. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Welcome to South Korea’s capital city. With its rich history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience tradition and popular culture. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 - SEOUL
Palace Gates & Plentiful Plates
Sightseeing with your Local Guide begins with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang Traditional Market, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses), and Ihwa Mural Village, a hillside neighborhood adorned with colorful murals and creative public art. (B,L)Please note: Local Host services are provided in Seoul as noted. You will meet your Tour Director in Tokyo on day 5.
Sightseeing with your Local Guide begins with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang Traditional Market, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses), and Ihwa Mural Village, a hillside neighborhood adorned with colorful murals and creative public art. (B,L)Please note: Local Host services are provided in Seoul as noted. You will meet your Tour Director in Tokyo on day 5.
Day 3 - SEOUL
Feed Your Seoul
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and local cuisine. (B)
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and local cuisine. (B)
Day 4 - SEOUL-TOKYO, JAPAN
So long, Seoul!
Today, fly to Tokyo. A Globus representative will arrange for your transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)TOKYO.jpg
Today, fly to Tokyo. A Globus representative will arrange for your transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)TOKYO.jpg
Day 5 - TOKYO
Monumental Metropolis
Hop on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city with guided sightseeing, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Exploring Tokyo on the metro starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Then, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Tokyo has something for everyone so visit one of the city’s unique neighborhoods like Ginza or Shibuya districts, dine at the street food markets, or catch a game at the Tokyo Dome.
Hop on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city with guided sightseeing, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Exploring Tokyo on the metro starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Then, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Tokyo has something for everyone so visit one of the city’s unique neighborhoods like Ginza or Shibuya districts, dine at the street food markets, or catch a game at the Tokyo Dome.
Day 6 - TOKYO-NAGOYA-KYOTO
Fourth with a Bullet
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city. Visit Nagoya Castle, a proud symbol of the city, then enjoy a [LF] sake tasting. Later, continue to Kyoto by motorcoach. (B)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Celebrate with your small group with a sake tasting in Nagoya’s yokocho, traditional Japanese alleyways, today hosting many small restaurants, pubs, and shops.
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city. Visit Nagoya Castle, a proud symbol of the city, then enjoy a [LF] sake tasting. Later, continue to Kyoto by motorcoach. (B)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Celebrate with your small group with a sake tasting in Nagoya’s yokocho, traditional Japanese alleyways, today hosting many small restaurants, pubs, and shops.
Day 7 - KYOTO-EXCURSION TO AMANOHASHIDATE
Cruise by Sand & Sea
Travel outside the city to the stunning coastal region of Amanohashidate. Cruise on the tranquil waters surrounding this picturesque pine-covered sandbar, home to one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Return to Kyoto where your evening is at your leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Gion this evening or venture out to savor delectable noodles at one of Kyoto’s many ramen houses.
Travel outside the city to the stunning coastal region of Amanohashidate. Cruise on the tranquil waters surrounding this picturesque pine-covered sandbar, home to one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Return to Kyoto where your evening is at your leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Gion this evening or venture out to savor delectable noodles at one of Kyoto’s many ramen houses.
Day 8 - KYOTO
A Golden Gift
This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates, and stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Later, partake in a [LF] tea ceremony. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEPLANNED TO A TEA Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.
This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates, and stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Later, partake in a [LF] tea ceremony. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITEPLANNED TO A TEA Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.
Day 9 - KYOTO-HIMEJI-BIZEN-OKAYAMA
Palace Aisles & Pottery Styles
Travel to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, then drive south to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Continue to Okayama. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SIGHTS Known as White Heron Castle, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle is a marvel in white, standing as it did centuries ago as a strategic fortification consisting of over 80 stunning structures connected by a series of gates and winding pathways. Explore this finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture—a national treasure of Japan.
Travel to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, then drive south to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Continue to Okayama. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SIGHTS Known as White Heron Castle, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle is a marvel in white, standing as it did centuries ago as a strategic fortification consisting of over 80 stunning structures connected by a series of gates and winding pathways. Explore this finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture—a national treasure of Japan.
Day 10 - OKAYAMA. EXCURSION TO KURASHIKI.
Garden Sights & City Whites
This morning, visit Koraku-en Garden. Journey to Kurashiki to visit the Ohara Museum and Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTHE POWER OF TRANQUILITY The 30-acre Koraku-en Garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields, earning its place as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and not a traditional feature of Japanese gardens.
This morning, visit Koraku-en Garden. Journey to Kurashiki to visit the Ohara Museum and Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTHE POWER OF TRANQUILITY The 30-acre Koraku-en Garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields, earning its place as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and not a traditional feature of Japanese gardens.
Day 11 - OKAYAMA–MATSUE-YONAGO
Picturing Japan
Drive northwest to Matsue and visit Matsue Castle on the shores of Lake Shinji. After lunch, continue to the Adachi Museum of Art to view the renowned work of artist, Yokoyama Taikan. Your hotel tonight is in the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARTISTRY Revel in the Japanese-style gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art and admire the revolutionary style of painter Yokoyama Taikan. Considered one of Japan’s greatest painters, this major figure in pre-WWII Japanese painting helped create the stunning technique of Nihonga—ink and mineral pigments on silk or paper canvas.
Drive northwest to Matsue and visit Matsue Castle on the shores of Lake Shinji. After lunch, continue to the Adachi Museum of Art to view the renowned work of artist, Yokoyama Taikan. Your hotel tonight is in the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARTISTRY Revel in the Japanese-style gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art and admire the revolutionary style of painter Yokoyama Taikan. Considered one of Japan’s greatest painters, this major figure in pre-WWII Japanese painting helped create the stunning technique of Nihonga—ink and mineral pigments on silk or paper canvas.
Day 12 - YONAGO-HIROSHIMA
Serenity & Solemnity
Drive south to Hiroshima this morning. Upon arrival, visit the 400-year-old Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Also visit the moving Peace Memorial Park. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTMONUMENTS & MEMORIALS Peace Memorial Park is home to the Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the devastating bombing. You will also visit the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost that day.
Drive south to Hiroshima this morning. Upon arrival, visit the 400-year-old Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Also visit the moving Peace Memorial Park. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTMONUMENTS & MEMORIALS Peace Memorial Park is home to the Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the devastating bombing. You will also visit the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost that day.
Day 13 - HIROSHIMA
Sacred Spaces & Sea Views
Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and take cable-car ride to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Island Sea, and on a clear day, Hiroshima city. Participate in a [LF] Japanese cooking class for lunch. Return to Hiroshima for some time on your own. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Learn how to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, delicious savory pancake layered with ingredients as you choose. This legendary dish of Japan comes from the words okonomi (as you like it) and yaki (to grill).
Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and take cable-car ride to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Island Sea, and on a clear day, Hiroshima city. Participate in a [LF] Japanese cooking class for lunch. Return to Hiroshima for some time on your own. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Learn how to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, delicious savory pancake layered with ingredients as you choose. This legendary dish of Japan comes from the words okonomi (as you like it) and yaki (to grill).
Day 14 - HIROSHIMA–OSAKA
Big City, Bright Lights
Board one of Japan’s famous shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Osaka, known for its food and nightlife with some history mixed in. Start sightseeing with your Local Guide at Osaka Castle and the surrounding park. Visit Minami, the city’s most famous entertainment district. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL PLEASURES Explore Osaka’s popular Minami district, encompassing the districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba and the famed Dontonbori canal area. Start with lunch featuring okonomiyaki, a delicious pancake dish famous in Osaka. Then, explore this exciting area on foot with your guide. From museums and shopping to theater and dining, this is where the locals come for fun.
Board one of Japan’s famous shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Osaka, known for its food and nightlife with some history mixed in. Start sightseeing with your Local Guide at Osaka Castle and the surrounding park. Visit Minami, the city’s most famous entertainment district. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT LOCAL PLEASURES Explore Osaka’s popular Minami district, encompassing the districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba and the famed Dontonbori canal area. Start with lunch featuring okonomiyaki, a delicious pancake dish famous in Osaka. Then, explore this exciting area on foot with your guide. From museums and shopping to theater and dining, this is where the locals come for fun.
Day 15 - OSAKA
Osaka on Your Time
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Return to Minami for further exploration or perhaps visit the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Return to Minami for further exploration or perhaps visit the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses.
Day 16 - OSAKA
Say it Ain’t Sayonara
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
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Operator
Globus
At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way travel makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures you’ll want to re-live forever. Our story began more than 90 years ago, when a young Swiss Antonio Mantegazza began transporting tourists across Lake Lugano on his rowboat, sharing stories and revealing local secrets along the way. On that lake, Globus was born. Discovering a passion for tourism and a knack for business, Antonio’s services expanded beyond river transport to bus touring, from Switzerland to Europe and then, the world. After 90 years curating travel wonderment, our passion for curating the perfect trip remains. At Globus, we have the experience and local knowledge to craft immersive adventures that make you feel alive. Expect to see all the major sites, but then go deeper, to the beating heart of every new discovery. As they say, when you’re in the moment, it’s not what you know, but who you know, and you’ll quickly discover our Tour Directors know all the local secrets and insider tips. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination. It's time to tour with Globus.
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