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Japan vacation idea
South Korea & Japan by Rail: Seoul to Tokyo
A 16-day small-group journey through South Korea and Japan with high-speed rail, temple stays, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo.
Japan
South Korea
Moderate
Rail
Small Group
Culture
Food & Wine
Length16 days / 15 nights
FormatSmall-group rail journey through South Korea and Japan
ActivityModerate to active; extensive walking and luggage handling
Route
Seoul • Gyeongju • Busan • Seoul • Osaka • Mount Kōya • Hiroshima • Miyajima • Kyoto • Tokyo
Two countries, one rail-focused trip
This sixteen-day route starts in Seoul and finishes in Tokyo, combining South Korea and Japan in one small-group itinerary. At least half of the journey is by train, which makes the transportation part of the experience instead of spending the whole trip on buses and airplanes.
I like this for travelers who want the energy of Seoul and Tokyo but do not want the trip to be only big cities. There is a Korean temple stay, a night in a Japanese mountain temple, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Kyoto and a traditional Japanese inn along the way.
Highlights
- Seoul and Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Gyeongju and a Korean temple stay
- Busan
- DMZ visit
- Osaka and Mount Kōya
- Hiroshima and Miyajima
- Kyoto and Fushimi Inari
- Tokyo
This is an active sightseeing trip. Expect lots of walking, busy train stations and carrying your own luggage between transportation. For the right traveler, that is part of what makes it such a good way to experience both countries.
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What You Get
What’s Included
- Fifteen nights across hotels and traditional temple/monastery accommodations
- 10 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- High-speed and local rail transportation across much of the itinerary
- Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan sightseeing
- DMZ visit
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Miyajima excursion
- Kyoto sightseeing including Gion and Fushimi Inari
- Transportation between included destinations and activities
Your Stay
Where You’ll Stay
The trip includes standard hotels plus traditional overnight stays that are simpler and more cultural than a conventional hotel night.
Getting Around
Transportation
Rail: High-speed and local rail; at least half of the itinerary by train
Rail is a defining part of the trip, with high-speed trains and local public transportation used extensively in both countries.
Food & Dining
Meals & Dining
Ten breakfasts and three dinners are included, leaving plenty of meals open for street food, markets and local restaurants.
More to Add
Optional Experiences
Free time in several cities allows for additional food, nightlife, museums and local sightseeing.
Stay a Little Longer
Extensions Available
Extra nights in Seoul, Tokyo, Kyoto or elsewhere in Japan and South Korea can be added before or after the group tour.
Make It Yours
Ways to Customize It
The small-group route is fixed, but I can coordinate international flights and additional hotel nights around the itinerary.
Group Details
How the Group Works
This is a small-group itinerary with a maximum of 16 travelers and an average group size around 12.
A Good Match?
Who This Trip Is Best For
Travelers who want both South Korea and Japan in one trip, enjoy train travel and are comfortable with a faster pace, cultural stays and plenty of walking.
Before You Choose It
A Few Things to Know
Expect around 15,000 steps on many Japan touring days and be prepared to carry your own luggage through stations. Japan bullet trains have luggage-size restrictions. Minimum age is 12.
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Pricing & availability: Prices shown are starting prices from the applicable tour operator and were available when last verified. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is per person based on the occupancy shown above. Availability, taxes, fees, supplements, promotions, and supplier terms can change. Your exact price and availability will be confirmed before booking. Nothing is confirmed until payment is applied.
