11 DAY SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN
International Flights Included
Small Group
Bullet Train
7-Day Change of Mind
Day by Day Itinerary
Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo
Highlights
- Guided tour of Seoul including the vibrant Itaewon Street, Hwaseong Fortress, and Myeongdong Street
- Travel to the North & South Korean border and the along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Explore Osaka and its main sites including Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Observatory
- Tour Kyoto’s ancient sites including the “Golden Temple”
- Visit Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park home to hundreds of wild deer in Nara
- Bullet Train (Shinkansen) from Osaka to Tokyo
- Full day tour of Tokyo and its main sites
- Enjoy incredible views of Mt. Fuji and a cruise on Ashi Lake
Itinerary
Home Seoul
Annyeong! Welcome to South Korea.
Upon landing at Incheon International Airport, you will be met by a local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred to your accommodation.
Take this first day and evening to unwind. Whether you choose to kick back and relax or venture out to explore Seoul – the epicenter of South Korea’s politics, economy, and culture – the choice is yours.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: President Seoul 4* or similar
Seoul
Your day begins with a bus transfer to Paju for an intriguing DMZ tour, offering insights into the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea along the Demilitarized Zone. Explore key sites such as Imjingak Park, The Bridge of Freedom, The 3rd Tunnel, and the Dora Observatory, each providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and conflict.
After the tour, head to Itaewon Street, a vibrant and internationally known area in the heart of Seoul. Itaewon is famous for its diverse array of bars, restaurants, shopping options, and entertainment venues, making it a perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere.
Conclude your day with a transfer back to the hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: President Seoul 4* or similar
Seoul
Embark on your day with a journey to Suwon, where you’ll explore Hwaseong Fortress – a historical fortification encircling the centre of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Upon returning to Seoul, stroll through the enchanting Bukchon Hanok Village, showcasing the unique architecture and lifestyle of the Joseon dynasty.
In the afternoon, marvel at the beauty of North Seoul Tower and then venture to Myeongdong Street, renowned as one of Seoul’s prime shopping destinations. Your day concludes with a transfer back to the hotel, leaving the evening for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:President Seoul 4* or similar
Seoul Osaka
Make the most of your final day in Seoul by commencing the morning with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace – a visual delight with its imposing gates, monumental halls, and the enchanting Secret Garden. Following this, explore the Invading Arts and Crafts Street, renowned for its historical arts and crafts.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Osaka. Upon arrival in Osaka, a transfer will take you to your hotel. Whether you choose to unwind and relax or wander the streets of Osaka, celebrated as Japan’s food capital, the choice is yours to make the most of your time.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Osaka 4* or similar
Osaka Kyoto Osaka
Begin your day with a journey to Kyoto, where you’ll be captivated by the beauty of Kiyomizudera Temple, renowned for its iconic wooden terrace. Next on the itinerary is a visit to Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Shogun.
You will then explore the “Golden Temple” (Kinkakuji), a zen temple adorned with the top two floors coated in gold leaf. Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, another Zen temple celebrated for its tranquil rock garden.
Conclude your day with a transfer back to Osaka, where you’ll be dropped off at the hotel, allowing you to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Osaka 4* or similar
Osaka Nara Osaka
Commence your day with a journey to Nara, where you will first explore Todaiji Temple, a significant Buddhist temple and the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. The next stop is Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s renowned Shinto shrine. Following this, experience Nara Deer Park, a central city park inhabited by hundreds of wild deer, often considered messengers of the gods and a national treasure.
After that you will dwelve into the charm of Naramachi, a former merchant district featuring old-style Japanese housing, creating a truly spectacular sight. Then you will venture to Kuromon Market in Osaka, a bustling produce market spanning 600 metres. Continue your exploration to Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori, the liveliest and most colourful part of Osaka, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, shopping, and dining options.
The day concludes with a transfer back to the hotel, leaving your last night in Osaka for you to decide how you want to spend it.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Osaka 4* or similar
Osaka Tokyo
Begin your day by visiting Osaka Castle, hailed as one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country. Following this, head to the Umeda Sky Observatory to soak in breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, make your way to Shin Osaka Station for your bullet train (shinkansen) journey to Tokyo. We would recommend you go for a window seat so that you can admire the natural beauty of Japan’s countryside during the trip. Upon reaching Tokyo, you will make your own way to your hotel, whether by metro, taxi, or a leisurely walk, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Once reunited with your luggage and checked into the hotel, the evening is yours to either rest or explore Tokyo’s lively streets.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince 4* or similar
Please note: Your luggage will be transported separately Tokyo by courier and will be waiting for you at our hotel on arrival.
Tokyo
Following breakfast, you will be picked up and transported to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the most popular of the mountain’s five stations, situated at 2300m above sea level. Here, you can marvel at the sheer beauty of Mt. Fuji. Following this, enjoy a cruise on Ashi Lake, offering spectacular views. Your next destination is Hakone Oishi Park, a beautiful park with even more breathtaking vistas of Mt. Fuji. Conclude your day by being transferred back to Tokyo, where your last evening in Japan is yours to explore at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince 4* or similar
Tokyo Mt. Fuji Tokyo
Following breakfast, you will be picked up and transported to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the most popular of the mountain’s five stations, situated at 2300m above sea level. Here, you can marvel at the sheer beauty of Mt. Fuji. Following this, enjoy a cruise on Ashi Lake, offering spectacular views. Your next destination is Hakone Oishi Park, a beautiful park with even more breathtaking vistas of Mt. Fuji. Conclude your day by being transferred back to Tokyo, where your last evening in Japan is yours to explore at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince 4* or similar
Tokyo
Commence your last day in Japan with a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the divine spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Following this, indulge in a shopping excursion to Harajuku and Omotesando, vibrant hubs of Japan’s fashion world. Proceed to Shibuya Crossing, immersing yourself in the lively intersection that epitomizes Tokyo.
Next, explore the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese emperors. Make your way to Akihabara, renowned for Japanese electronics and recognized as the heart of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. Conclude your day at Ameyoko in the Ueno Area, an atmospheric open-air market offering a diverse range of products, from fashion and cosmetics to medicines and fresh food, all at remarkably affordable prices.
Your journey concludes with a transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your memorable trip.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: In-flight
Please note: If purchasing the land only option, please be advised airport transfers will not be included and you will need to make your own way to the airport.
Home Arrival
Arrive home today.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan trip with Asia Vacation Group.
Included
- Return International Flights
- Small group – no more 20 travelers
- Flight from Seoul to Osaka
- Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo
- 9-nights in central 4-star hotels
- Daily breakfasts and 2 lunches
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program.
- Bottled water during tours
- Transportation by air-conditioning vehicles.
- Escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides in each city
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Airport transfers
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “3 Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour
- First payment: You will be required to settle $200 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to settle second payment at $1,300 per person after 7 days deposit.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected at 120 days before your travel and you will only pay when you receive our company invoice.
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.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharge of $450 for departures from Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Qantas Airlines, Malaysia Airllines or similar airlines (20kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage).
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Asia Vacation Group change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Asia Vacation Group name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Asia Vacation Group. Asia Vacation Group reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Asia Vacation Group will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
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.
Important Information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is $10/person per day. Tipping is collected by agent before travelling or the day of your arrival.
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 $1,295 in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Group Size
10-20 people
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 traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the travelerʼs 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.
Kiwi passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Kiwi passport holders can visit South Korea as tourists for stays of up to 90 days without applying for a visa.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
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.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
– $290 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
Post Tour Accommodation
– $290 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW
Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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