15 Day Highlights of Japan & South Korea - AVG Travels Australia
Tour Code: AVGJK

15 Day Highlights of Japan & South Korea

Day by Day Itinerary

Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Osaka, Shizuoka, Seoul, Jeonju, Yeosu, Gyeongju, Pyeongchang

Highlights

  • Tour Tokyo’s incredible sites including the Meiji Shrine, the historic Asakusa, and the grounds of the Imperial Palace
  • Take in views of Mount Fuji and a boat cruise on Lake Ashi
  • Explore Nara on a guided tour to visit Todai-ji Temple – home to one of the largest bronze buddha statues in the world
  • Take a guided walking tour of the vibrant Dōtonbori area of Osaka
  • Tour historic Nagoya Castle, a stunning 17th-century landmark in Nagoya 
  • Guided tour of Seoul including the vibrant Itaewon Street, Hwaseong Fortress, and Myeongdong Street
  • Explore Gongju and reveal the history of the Baekje Dynasty home of UNESCO fortresses and sites
  • Visit Jeonju Hanok Village home to 700 traditional Korean houses
  • Tour Gwangju, birthplace of the modern democratic movement in Korea and the coastal city of Yeosu
  • Discover Jinjuseong Fortress – historically linked to Japanese invasion in 1592 in Jinju
  • Travel to Busan, Korea’s busting port city known for its beaches, mountains and temples
  • Visit the UNESCO temples and historic sites of Gyeongiu and Andong 
map-au-15-day-highlights-of-japan-south-korea
From pp twin/double share
$6,199
Typically $8,590 -28%
Single traveller
$1,499
Land tour only
$4,999

Konichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo – Japan!

On arrival, you will be met at the airport in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel.

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Meal:
 In-flight meals
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar

Please note: Depending on the time of your departure flight, the start date of your tour may be the day prior. If purchasing the land only option, please be advised transfers will not be included and you will need to make your own way to the hotel.  

After breakfast, you will travel to Mount Fuji, beginning with a visit to Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. This park is renowned for its tranquil, flower-lined pathways and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.

Next, head to Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village in the Fuji Five Lakes region, known for its eight clear ponds fed by melting snow from the nearby mountains. Here, you can admire traditional thatched-roof farmhouses set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji.

After exploring the Mount Fuji area, continue your journey to Hamamatsu. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure and settle in for an overnight stay in Hamamatsu.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Loisir Hotel Toyohashi 4* or similar

Today, we head to Nara, renowned for its historic temples and free-roaming deer. Begin with a visit to Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant and impressive temples. This massive structure houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu), a remarkable sight.

After exploring Todaiji, wander through Nara Park, where you can interact with the hundreds of friendly Sika deer that roam freely throughout the park.

Next, continue to Osaka for a walking tour of the vibrant Dōtonbori area. This popular district, running parallel to the Dōtonbori canal, is a bustling hub of shopping, street food, bars, and entertainment. At night, Dōtonbori lights up with colorful neon signs and animated billboards, including the iconic running Glico Man and the Kani Doraku crab sign.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring more of Osaka or relaxing at your own pace.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Inn & Suites Shin Osaka 3* or similar

Today, you have a full day of free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Discover historic sites like the Gion district or Kinkaku-ji, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. You can also enjoy shopping at Nishiki Market or the Kawaramachi area. This day is yours to experience Kyoto’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant local life as you wish.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Inn & Suites Shin Osaka 3* or similar

After breakfast, we depart from Osaka and head towards Shizuoka. En route, we’ll stop at the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, where you can explore a ninja trick house, learn about the history of ninjas, and enjoy a ninja show if time permits (additional costs apply).

Next, we visit the historic Nagoya Castle, a stunning 17th-century landmark that stands as one of Nagoya’s most iconic sights. After touring the castle, we continue our journey to Shizuoka.

Upon arrival in Shizuoka, you’ll have the evening free to relax and explore at your own pace.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Associa Shizuoka 4* or similar

After breakfast, we return to Tokyo to embark on a tour of this dynamic city. Our first stop is the charming Asakusa neighborhood, which offers a glimpse into older Tokyo. Here, we’ll visit Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, originally built in the 7th century during the Asuka era. Be prepared for crowds as you explore this historic site, particularly its impressive Kaminarimon, or ‘Thunder Gate,’ adorned with a grand red lantern.

Next, we’ll stroll along Nakamise Street, the bustling shopping avenue that connects the temple’s front gate with the main hall. This vibrant street is lined with food stalls and souvenir shops, perfect for picking up traditional Japanese crafts and unique souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for stunning panoramic views of the city. Afterward, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or Similar

After breakfast, you have the morning at your leisure before we drive to the airport for your flight to Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel located in the vibrant city center.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing you to settle in and begin exploring this dynamic city.

Meal: In-flight meals.
Accommodation: Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun 3* or similar

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel around 08:30-09:00 am for a full day of sightseeing in Seoul. The day’s itinerary includes a visit to Jogyesa Temple, a serene Buddhist site known for its traditional architecture and colorful lanterns. We will then explore Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Deoksu Palace on Tuesdays), where you can witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Next, we’ll head to the National Folk Museum to learn about Korea’s cultural heritage. You will also visit a Korean Ginseng Center or an Amethyst shop. Following this, we will transfer to the Korean Folk Village, located about an hour and a half from Seoul, where you can experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty through its collection of 260 traditional houses. In the late afternoon, we will return to Seoul, allowing you some time to rest and relax.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun 3* or similar

After breakfast we travel by road to Gongju. Here, we explore the rich history of the Baekje Dynasty, including a visit to the Tomb of King Muryeong (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Gongsanseong Fortress (another UNESCO site), a mountain castle established during the Baekje Period (234-678 AD).

Following our visit to Gongju, we will continue to Jeonju and visit the Jeonju Hanok Village, home to approximately 700 traditional Korean houses known as Hanok. After checking in to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day free to explore or relax at your leisure.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: RAMADA Jeonju Hotel 3* or similar

Today we travel to Gwangju, the leading city of the Honam region and is renowned as the birthplace of Korea’s modern democratic movement. Here, visit the May 18th National Cemetery, a site commemorating the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, which is also referenced in BTS member J-Hope’s song “Ma City.”

From Gwangju, continue to Suncheon and explore the Suncheon Bay National Garden, a beautiful and expansive garden area. Following this, proceed to Yeosu, a charming coastal city located 38 km from Suncheon, about a 40-minute drive. In Yeosu, visit Yi Sun-shin Plaza, known for its picturesque setting and historical significance.

After a day of exploration, check in to your hotel in Yeosu and enjoy an overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Yeosu 3* or similar

After breakfast, you will visit Jinjuseong Fortress, a site historically significant for its connections to the Japanese invasion in 1592. Following your visit, travel to Busan and visit Jagalchi Market and BIFF Square, Busan’s vibrant old downtown area known for its seafood and lively atmosphere. Explore Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park, both popular destinations offering scenic views and relaxation.

Afterward, proceed to Gyeongju, located about 100 km from Busan, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Gyeongju.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju 4* or similar

This morning, we will visit Seokguram Grotto (a UNESCO World Heritage site), constructed by Kim Dae-Seong during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom. Next, we’ll explore Bulguksa Temple (also a UNESCO site), renowned for its stunning architecture and the exquisite artistry of its stone relics, which attract praise from visitors worldwide.

Following these visits, we will travel to Andong and discover Hahoe Village, a historic site that preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty. The village, still inhabited by local residents, gained international fame following a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

From Andong, we will continue to Pyeongchang, known for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang offers a scenic and serene environment. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: RAMADA Hotel PyeongChang 3* or similar

After breakfast, we will drive to explore the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, with a stop in Sokcho, located 100 km away, about a 1.5-hour drive. In Sokcho, we will visit Gangneung Hangho Beach, known for its scenic beauty and BTS album cover.

Next, we will head to Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is renowned for its dramatic mountain peaks that pierce the clouds and the clear, jade-colored streams flowing through its valleys, offering some of Korea’s most breathtaking landscapes. Due to its rich biodiversity, it was designated as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO in 1982.

After exploring the park, we will return to Seoul.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun 3* or similar

Please note: During the peak season in October access to Seoraksan National Park may be restricted for operational reasons and may not be included. 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time to explore or relax until it’s time to head to the airport for your flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast

Arrive home today.

We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan trip with AVG Travels.

Included

  • Rerturn flights from Australia
  • Flight from Tokyo to Seoul
  • Selected 3 & 4-star centrally located hotels
  • Bottled water during touring
  • Breakfast daily
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
  • Experienced local English speaking tour guides

Excluded

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance 
  • Tipping
  • Airport transfers
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses

Fine Print

AVG Travels offers you a pay in “5 Instalment Payment Plan” as follows

  • First payment: $300 per person deposit due at time of booking
  • Second payment: $2,000 per person due 7 days after the initial booking.
  • Third payment: $1,000 per person due 40 days after the initial booking.
  • Fourth payment: $1,000 per person due 90 days after the initial booking.
  • Final payment: Balance due 120 days before your departure date.

Please note if you book within 120 days of departure, your final payment will be due within 7 days of booking.

AVG Travels offers a 7-day cooling off offer. Please refer to the “Flexible Cancellation” section.

Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.

Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.

This package includes return flights from Sydney/Melbourne.

Flights from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth attract a $400 surcharge. 

Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.    

Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits. 

Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.

Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or require the purchase of a new ticket.

Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.

Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.

Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same due to availability.

Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.

No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. AVG Travels charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.

Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

  • Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
  • Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
  • Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
  • Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
  • Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1499 per person in addition to the twin share price.

Land Only Packages
Transfers ARE NOT included for land only packages.

Please note that customers purchasing the land only option need to make their own way to the joining hotel and the airport at the end of the tour.  AVG Travels can assist with purchasing private transfers if choosing the land only option.

Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs, boarding and disembarking from the coach, and walking reasonable distances, typically around 2 km per day or more. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping, (whilst not compulsory) is not included in your package. If you would like to show appreciation for tour guides, drivers, and bellmen, a suggested tip of $10 per person per day is welcome and can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. Tipping will be collected on day 1 of your tour. This helps support local staff who work hard to make your experience memorable. Please note that tipping is not the norm in Japan.

Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.

Group size:
min  10
max 40 travellers

Triple Share
Upon request

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.

We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.

Visa & Passport information

It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages. Visa conditions are subject to change at short notice, so it is the responsibility of the traveller to consult with the relevant consulates to ensure they have the appropriate visa for entry to the countries being visited.

Australians are eligible for Japan’s visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel. You don’t need a visa if you’re visiting for less than 90 days.

Australian passport holders can visit South Korea as tourists for stays of up to 90 days without applying for a visa.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are priced at the same price as adults.

Japanese coach companies do not provide baby seats, we require customers to bring their own. We cannot guarantee the compatibility of these seats with the coach’s seating arrangements.

We generally recommend that children be over 2 years old, as some itineraries may involve 2-3 hours or even longer of coach travel at a time, which can be challenging for younger children.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Cherry Blossoms
Please note that Cherry Blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.

 

Available upon request. Please select number of night for pre or post tour and our travel consultant will get back to you.

Dates & Prices

Choose your departure month
Depart Date
Return Date
Price
Note
Saturday
15 Mar 2025
Saturday
29 Mar 2025
$7,699

Saturday
22 Mar 2025
Saturday
05 Apr 2025
$7,699

Saturday
29 Mar 2025
Saturday
12 Apr 2025
$7,699

Saturday
05 Apr 2025
Saturday
19 Apr 2025
$7,699

Saturday
19 Apr 2025
Saturday
03 May 2025
$7,198
Saturday
10 May 2025
Saturday
24 May 2025
$7,198
Saturday
24 May 2025
Saturday
07 Jun 2025
$6,198
Saturday
07 Jun 2025
Saturday
21 Jun 2025
$6,999
Saturday
21 Jun 2025
Saturday
05 Jul 2025
$6,999
Saturday
16 Aug 2025
Saturday
30 Aug 2025
$6,199
Saturday
30 Aug 2025
Saturday
13 Sep 2025
$6,199
Saturday
13 Sep 2025
Saturday
27 Sep 2025
$7,198
Saturday
27 Sep 2025
Saturday
11 Oct 2025
$7,998

Saturday
04 Oct 2025
Saturday
18 Oct 2025
$7,998

Saturday
18 Oct 2025
Saturday
01 Nov 2025
$7,599

Saturday
08 Nov 2025
Saturday
22 Nov 2025
$7,198

Saturday
22 Nov 2025
Saturday
06 Dec 2025
$6,799

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