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1. Japan and South Korea Itinerary 10 Days: Hitting the Highlights of Japan & South Korea
Hello everyone, my name is Liam, and I'm from London. I've been fascinated by the rich history of East Asia for years, so this trip with Asia Odyssey Travel has been a long-time dream!
This 10-day South Korea and Japan itinerary is a whirlwind, which is perfect for first-timers to both countries.
My journey takes me through the highlights of two incredible cultures in just 10 days. I start my adventure by spending 3.5 days in South Korea, exploring the vibrant city of Seoul.
From there, I fly to Japan for the remaining 6.5 days, completing the classic "Golden Triangle" by visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with wonderful day trips to Mt. Fuji and Nara.
Here's the day-by-day breakdown of my Japan and South Korea Itinerary in 10 Days:
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul, South Korea arrival | Seoul |
| 2 | Full day tour of Seoul, the cultural traditions and local life | Seoul |
| 3 | Full day tour of Seoul, a balance of serious history and energetic city vibe | Seoul |
| 4 | Seoul flight to Tokyo | Tokyo |
| 5 | Full day tour of Tokyo, a mixture of old and new | Tokyo |
| 6 | Day trip to Mt. Fuji to explore the Lake Kawaguchi area | Tokyo |
| 7 | Ride the Shinkansen to transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto; half day tour of Kyoto | Kyoto |
| 8 | Full day tour of Kyoto, the ancient city of Japan | Kyoto |
| 9 | Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka, with a side trip to Nara | Osaka |
| 10 | Osaka departure | / |
My First Stop: Seoul, South Korea (3.5 Days)
My trip starts with a warm welcome in Seoul. It's a city that feels both ancient and futuristic at the same time.
On our second day, we dive into history at Gyeongbokgung Palace and then wander through the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village. The real highlight for me is the Gwangjang Food Market.
The smells, the sounds, the sights—it is a feast for the senses, and I am trying some of the most delicious street food I've ever had!
On the third day, our adventure takes a more serious turn as we visit the DMZ. Standing at the border between North and South Korea is a powerful and humbling experience. The history and the gravity of the situation are palpable.
To balance that out, we spend the evening in the vibrant Hongdae shopping area, soaking in the youthful, energetic atmosphere of the city!
The Next 6.5 Days: Japan's Golden Triangle (Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka)
After a quick flight, we arrive in Tokyo, a city that immediately grabs you with its mix of organized chaos and peaceful traditions.
We see the famous Shibuya Crossing and the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine all in the same day. The energy is electric!
My favorite day in the Tokyo area, though, is our day trip to Mt. Fuji. Seeing that iconic mountain in person is breathtaking, and the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi is the perfect escape from the city.
The next leg of our journey is on the lightning-fast Shinkansen. I love watching the scenery blur past on our way to Kyoto. As soon as we arrive, we are immersed in tradition. The stunning Kinkakuji Temple and majestic Nijo Castle feel like stepping into a different era.
My full day in Kyoto is equally magical, with the famous red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and the charming streets of Gion, where we hope to catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Our last full day takes us to Nara Park to hang out with the lovely deer before heading to our final destination, Osaka. The deer are surprisingly polite!
We end our journey in Osaka, exploring the lively Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street, a perfect final taste of Japan's bustling urban life before my departure.
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2. 2-Week South Korea and Japan Itinerary: A Deep Dive into Japan and South Korea
G'day! I'm Chloe, from Sydney, Australia. I'm a huge fan of K-pop and Japanese culture, and I'm thrilled to finally be here on this trip with Asia Odyssey Travel. Thanks, Hiroshi!
This 2-Week South Korea and Japan itinerary takes me far beyond just the highlights, allowing me to fully immerse myself in two incredible cultures over 14 unforgettable days.
I start by spending 6 days on South Korea's golden route before heading to Japan for the remaining 8.
Look at the table for the day-day-day 2-week itinerary in South Korea and Japan:
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul, South Korea arrival | Seoul |
| 2 | Full day tour of Seoul, a glimpse of the KR's heritages and traditions | Seoul |
| 3 | Seoul to Gyeongju by KTX train to dive into the local history and culture | Gyeongju |
| 4 | Transfer from Gyeongju to Bushan, another full day tour of UNESCO world heritages | Bushan |
| 5 | Full day tour of Bushan's iconic sights | Bushan |
| 6 | Free day tour of Busan | Bushan |
| 7 | Busan to Osaka (Japan) by flight | Osaka |
| 8 | Full day tour of Osaka | Osaka |
| 9 | Transfer from Osaka to Kyoto, with side trips to Nara and Uji | Kyoto |
| 10 | Full day tour of Kyoto | Kyoto |
| 11 | Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen | Tokyo |
| 12 | Full day tour of Tokyo | Tokyo |
| 13 | Day trip to Mt. Fuji | Tokyo |
| 14 | Tokyo departure | / |
South Korea (6 Days): My Journey Through Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan
My adventure begins in Seoul.
I spend my first couple of days immersed in its heritage, exploring the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and wandering the traditional alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village. The energy is a beautiful mix of history and modern life.
From Seoul, a high-speed KTX train takes me to Gyeongju, a place that feels like stepping into a living museum! I spend a full day exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the ancient burial mounds at Daereungwon to the serene beauty of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.
Then, it's off to the coast! I head to Busan, and the vibe immediately changes. This vibrant port city is full of color and life.
I love exploring the stunning seaside temple of Haedong Yonggungsa and getting lost in the narrow, artistic streets of Gamcheon Culture Village. My senses are overwhelmed by the lively chaos of the Jagalchi Fish Market, a must-see for any food lover.
We even have a free day to simply wander and soak it all in.
Japan (8 Days): From Culinary Hubs to Ancient Capitals
After a quick flight, we land in Osaka, the food capital of Japan!
I spend a whole day exploring the city's iconic landmarks, like Osaka Castle, but the real highlight is diving into the bustling energy of Shinsaibashi-suji & Dotombori.
The next day, we take a day trip from Osaka to Nara and Uji. It's a perfect break from the big city. I love feeding the friendly, bowing deer in Nara Park and visiting the incredible Todaiji Temple.
In Uji, I get to try the famous matcha, a quiet, peaceful break from the big cities before heading to Kyoto.
Once in Kyoto, I am fully immersed in tradition. Our time here is magical! I spend time at the famous red gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and feel a sense of calm walking through the Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka. These make Kyoto feel timeless!
Finally, I take the lightning-fast Shinkansen to our final stop: Tokyo. This city is a breathtaking combination of old and new.
We spend our days exploring the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, getting lost in the sensory overload of Tsukiji Fish Market, and experiencing the sheer energy of Shibuya Crossing.
Our final day trip to Mt. Fuji is a perfect climax to the entire adventure. Seeing that iconic mountain in person is the grand finale I'd always dreamed of!
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3. Japan and South Korea Itinerary in 3 Weeks: Our East Asia Odyssey Through Japan, KR & China
Hi, we're Michael and Emily, and we're from California. This is our anniversary trip, and we've always dreamed of visiting South Korea and Japan. We're so happy we chose Asia Odyssey Travel!
This Japan and South Korea itinerary 3 weeks is an odyssey through the heart of East Asia, and it's the most incredible journey we have ever taken!
Our adventure starts in Seoul, takes us across two other East Asia cultures, and concludes in Beijing.
We spend our first 6 days in South Korea exploring the vibrant cities of Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan. We then move on to Japan for 7 days, immersing ourselves in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, with side trips to Mt. Fuji and Nara.
Our last 8 days are dedicated to China's Golden Triangle of Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing.
Check out the 3-week Japan and South Korea itinerary layout here:
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul, South Korea arrival | Seoul |
| 2 | Full day tour of Seoul, a glimpse of the KR's heritages and traditions | Seoul |
| 3 | Seoul to Gyeongju by KTX train to dive into the local history and culture | Gyeongju |
| 4 | Transfer from Gyeongju to Bushan, another full day tour of UNESCO world heritages | Bushan |
| 5 | Full day tour of Bushan's iconic sights | Bushan |
| 6 | Free day tour of Busan | Bushan |
| 7 | Busan to Osaka (Japan) by flight | Osaka |
| 8 | Full day tour of Osaka | Osaka |
| 9 | Transfer from Osaka to Kyoto, with side trips to Nara and Uji | Kyoto |
| 10 | Full tour of Kyoto | Kyoto |
| 11 | Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen | Tokyo |
| 12 | Full day tour of Tokyo's classic sights | Tokyo |
| 13 | Day trip to Mount Fuji | Tokyo |
| 14 | Tokyo flight to Shanghai | Shanghai |
| 15 | Full day tour of Shanghai, China's most internationalized and vibrant city | Shanghai |
| 16 | Fly from Shanghai to Xian | Xian |
| 17 | Full day tour of Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties | Xian |
| 18 | Ride the high-speed train from Xian to Beijing; half day tour of Beijing | Beijing |
| 19 | Full day Beijing city tour | Beijing |
| 20 | Conquer the Beijing Great Wall | Beijing |
| 21 | Beijing departure | / |
South Korea (6 Days): From Seoul's Buzz to a Historical Heartbeat
Our adventure begins in Seoul, and it feels like stepping into a vibrant, modern heartbeat! We spend our first two days completely immersed in the city's energy.
Our mornings are for tradition at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and our afternoons are for local life, wandering the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village. For dinner, our senses come alive at Gwangjang Food Market, a must-do experience.
From there, our journey takes us south by train, and the landscape shifts dramatically!
We are now in Gyeongju, a place that feels like stepping into a living museum. We explore ancient sites like the Daereungwon Tomb Complex and the picturesque Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, soaking in the deep history of this place.
Then, it's off to Busan, and the energy shifts again. This time, it's the sea that sets the tone.
We explore the stunning coastal temple of Haedong Yonggungsa and wander through the colorful streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, feeling the fresh ocean air as we experience the city's unique, laid-back vibe.
7 Days in Japan: The Golden Route of Wonders (Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka)
After a short flight, our adventure continues as we land in Osaka. The transition is thrilling—we go from the Korean coast to Japan's culinary capital.
We spend our first two days here, fully focused on the food and the lively nightlife that makes this city famous, and we make sure to visit iconic sights like Osaka Castle and the neon lights of Dotonbori.
From Osaka, we travel to Kyoto, and it's like stepping into a peaceful, living museum. This part of our journey is about immersing ourselves in Japan's most celebrated traditions.
We spend our time exploring the tranquil bamboo groves and walking through the thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The quiet moments of reflection here feel deeply meaningful.
The high-speed Shinkansen whisks us away to Tokyo. The ride itself is an experience, and the city that greets us is a jolt of pure energy.
Here, the focus is on Tokyo's futuristic side—the neon-lit streets, the towering skyscrapers, and the incredible, organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing.
We also make time for the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine and the historic Senso-ji Temple, finding a perfect balance. Our day trip to Mt. Fuji offers a breathtaking contrast, a moment of natural wonder that stands apart from the urban adventure!
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Our Final 8 Days in China: Shanghai, Xian and Beijing (China's Golden Triangle for Newbie)
Our odyssey continues with a flight from Tokyo to Shanghai.
The city immediately overwhelms us with its cyberpunk skyline and vibrant energy. The contrast between the internationalized Nanjing Road and the traditional Yu Garden is incredible.
From Shanghai, a flight takes us to Xi'an, the ancient heart of China. This is where we come face-to-face with history! We're completely awestruck by the sheer scale of the Terracotta Warriors. Walking the ancient city walls, we feel the weight of 13 dynasties beneath our feet.
Our final stop is Beijing. We take a high-speed train from Xian and arrive in the nation's capital.
We spend our days marveling at the sheer size of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. But the absolute highlight of our entire Japan and South Korea itinerary with China is conquering the Mutianyu Great Wall! The scale and history of it are simply beyond words.
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Your Best Trip to Japan and South Korea Starts with Asia Odyssey Travel, a Local Pal
At Asia Odyssey Travel, we're not just tour guides; we are your local pals on the ground!
As a proud local operator based in Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines, we have the insider knowledge and deep-rooted connections to craft an authentic and seamless journey for you.
Our expertise goes beyond a single country. We specialize in connecting destinations, offering unique Japan-China tours and comprehensive East Asia tours that allow you to explore the very best of the region IN ONE GO!
We handle every detail, so you can focus on the adventure.
No matter where you're from, we have you covered. We are specialists in crafting Japan Tours for travelers from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and beyond.
Trust your journey to someone who knows the way!
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