15-Day Japan & South Korea Cultural Experience Tour
15 Days
ABOUT THE TOUR
Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty on this 15-day adventure through Japan and South Korea. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and the serene shrines of Nikko to the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Kyoto’s timeless charm, immerse yourself in Japan’s rich heritage. Explore the lively markets of Osaka before crossing into South Korea, where Seoul’s royal palaces, Jeonju’s traditional hanok village, and Busan’s coastal wonders await. Wander through ancient temples in Gyeongju, admire the stunning peaks of Mt. Seorak, and take a profound journey to the DMZ. This journey offers a captivating mix of iconic landmarks, vibrant cityscapes, and cultural treasures for an unforgettable experience.
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What’s Included |
What’s Not Included |
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Itinerary
Upon arrival in Tokyo, a tour representative will greet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel by bus or public transport for check-in. Feel the exhilarating pulse of Japan’s capital city as you settle in. Please note the hotel check-in time in Japan is after 3 pm. Enjoy leisure time exploring vibrant neighborhoods, sampling local cuisine, or simply relaxing before your exciting adventure begins.
Included Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Tokyo Dome Hotel or similar
Embark on a scenic journey to Nikko National Park, where history and nature intertwine beautifully. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before indulging in an authentic Japanese lunch. Later, soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Chuzenji and be mesmerized by the stunning 97-meter-high Kegon Falls. This immersive experience in Japan’s cultural and natural beauty is made effortless with round-trip transportation from Tokyo.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Tokyo Dome Hotel or similar
Start your day by exploring the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s royal family, and take in the beauty of Nijubashi Bridge. Wander through the lively Asakusa district, where Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-Dori Street capture the essence of traditional Tokyo. Gaze upon the towering Tokyo Skytree before journeying to the foothills of Mount Fuji. Unwind at a hot spring hotel, experiencing Japan’s renowned onsens and delightful local cuisine.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tokyo Dome Hotel or Shinjuku Granbell Hotel or similar
Optional Activieities:
Chidorigafuchi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden:
(Spring: 18 Mar–22 Apr)
Experience Tokyo's iconic spring season with a visit to Chidorigafuchi Park, renowned for its breathtaking display of cherry blossoms. Here, stroll along picturesque paths by the water, beneath a dreamy canopy of delicate pink petals that captivate locals and travelers alike. Next, explore the tranquil oasis of Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, offering lush greenery, expansive lawns, peaceful ponds, and vibrant floral gardens that blossom vividly, creating an idyllic springtime escape.
Yoyogi Park, Rikugien Garden:
(Fall: 21 Oct–18 Nov)
Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s stunning autumn foliage starting at Yoyogi Park, a beloved urban retreat where trees turn brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red, providing perfect scenes for leisurely walks and capturing memorable photographs. Afterwards, experience the poetic beauty of Rikugien Garden, celebrated for its carefully crafted landscape gardens illuminated by vibrant autumn leaves. As the sun sets, witness a mesmerizing evening illumination, highlighting the maple trees in glowing hues and creating an enchanting seasonal atmosphere.
Ascend to the famous 5th Station of Mount Fuji for breathtaking panoramic views, or visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center if weather conditions prevent access. Stroll through the charming Oshino Hakkai, an ancient village with pristine spring water ponds. Continue to Bussharito Heiwa Park before heading to Nagoya, where the lively Osu Shopping District awaits with its unique blend of modern and traditional stores. Enjoy an evening of independent exploration in this dynamic city.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Nagoya or similar
Step into history at Nagoya Castle, a magnificent fortress with deep samurai roots. Then, travel to Kyoto, where the awe-inspiring Kiyomizu-Dera Temple offers sweeping city views. Meander through the nostalgic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannezaka before exploring the famous Gion district, home to Kyoto’s geisha culture. Visit the revered Yasaka Shrine and take a serene stroll along Hanamachi Street, where history whispers through every wooden facade.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Shijo Karasuma or similar
Visit the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermillion torii gates create a striking path. In Nara, encounter friendly deer at Nara Deer Park before admiring the beauty of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Arriving in Osaka, shop to your heart’s content at Shinsaibashi before diving into the electric atmosphere of Dotonbori, a district famous for its neon lights, entertainment, and delicious street food.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako or New Hankyu or similar
Bid farewell to Japan as you board a flight to Seoul. Upon arrival, a seamless transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can relax or set out to explore the vibrant city streets of Myeongdong. Enjoy an evening at your own pace in this lively capital.
Included Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Metro Hotel or similar
Witness the grand Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, followed by a visit to the National Folk Museum and Korean Ginseng Center. After lunch, take a scenic drive to the Korean Folk Village, where authentic hanok houses transport you back to the Joseon Dynasty. Discover Korea’s rich cultural heritage in this immersive, open-air museum.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Metro Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we'll depart from Seoul to Gongju to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Tomb of King Muryeong, a remarkable royal tomb from the Baekje Dynasty discovered in 1971, and Gongsanseong Fortress, originally built during the Baekje Period and fortified with stone in the Joseon era. Later, we'll journey to Jeonju to wander through the charming Jeonju Hanok Village, home to around 700 traditional Korean houses known as Hanok.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Jeonju or similar
Pay homage to Korea’s modern history at the May 18th National Cemetery, a moving tribute to the country’s democratic struggle. Then, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Suncheon Bay Garden before visiting Yeosu, where you’ll follow the historic path of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel U-Castle or similar
Today after breakfast, we'll first visit Jinjuseong Fortress, historically significant for its role during the Japanese invasion of 1592, featuring impressive stone walls stretching approximately 1,760 meters and rising 5 to 8 meters high, including three wells and natural springs. Later, we'll board a train to Busan, located about 100 kilometers away, where we'll explore the vibrant Jagalchi Fishery Market, Busan's largest seafood market, followed by leisurely visits to the famous Haeundae Beach and scenic Dongbaek Park.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Commodore Hotel Gyeongju or similar
Explore the UNESCO-listed Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, home to stunning Buddhist sculptures. Later, visit Andong’s Hahoe Folk Village, a well-preserved town from the Joseon Dynasty. End the day in Wonju, once the capital of Gangwon Province.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we'll explore Seorak National Park, one of South Korea's most beloved natural destinations, currently a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site, recognized for its unique biodiversity since becoming a nature reserve in 1965 and a biosphere reserve in 1982. Enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Seoraksan Mountains and picturesque valleys. Optionally, you can enhance your experience with a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress after visiting Shinheungsa Temple (combined cable car and temple entrance fee: KRW 15,000 per person).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Travelodge Euljiro or similar
Today, after breakfast, we will explore the extraordinary Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. Our journey begins at Imjingak Park, built in 1972 as a symbol of hope for reunification, featuring over 400 photos and documents about North Korea, along with a display of 12 tanks and warcraft used during the Korean War. Next, we’ll visit the 3rd Tunnel, a 1,635-meter-long passage discovered in 1978, capable of moving 30,000 troops per hour. We’ll then head to Dora Observatory and Dorasan Station, both powerful symbols of the aspiration for reunification. The day concludes with a visit to the Ginseng Center, where you'll learn about Korea’s renowned medicinal crop known for boosting health, strengthening the body, and calming the mind.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Travelodge Euljiro or similar
Enjoy a seamless departure with an airport transfer four hours before your flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through Japan and Korea.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Important Notes
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Minimum: 2 individuals
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Maximum: 16 individuals
Voluntary Changes:
Please note that any changes or upgrades requested after the booking is confirmed will be subject to a fee of AUD220 per person per change, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. This fee covers modifications to flights, hotels, tour dates, or any other services included in your package. To ensure smooth processing, we kindly request that you provide us with a minimum of 72 hours notice for all voluntary changes.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Please note that in the event of tour cancellation, a cancellation fee of AUD550 per person will be charged, in addition to any relevant supplier costs. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and will take up to 6 weeks to process. It is important to note that no refunds can be issued once the tour has commenced (for the flight-inclusive package, no refunds can be issued once the flights have been ticketed).
Name Correction Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person applies to name corrections on documents, along with any supplier costs. Kindly note that name corrections must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Document Change Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person will be charged for any passport changes, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. Please note that train tickets and admission access must be linked to your travel passport details. Any changes to passport information must be requested at least 14 days before departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Supplier Fees:
In the event that the tour you have purchased is unable to proceed or a travel supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (such as a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our suppliers and is unrecoverable. This could be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins, or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. As your agent, Better Trip is committed to covering these costs and will make every effort to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your tour. However, please note that this may not be possible in every circumstance. If refunds are unavailable from our suppliers, we will strive to obtain a travel credit with the best possible terms and communicate these options to you. If Better Trip cannot obtain a refund, travel service credit, or only a partial refund, this cost will be passed on to the customer as a supplier fee. It is important to note that this fee is not intended to generate revenue but to cover the payments our suppliers withhold during the recovery process.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is imperative that you possess a valid passport and have obtained all necessary visas, permits, and certificates for the countries you plan to visit. Please note that assports are mandatory for all travellers when departing from Australia. For a permanent resident to travel on a foreign passport, you must also hold an Australian Re-entry Visa. Additionally, many countries require foreign nationals entering their borders to possess a passport with a minimum of six months validity. Remember, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of your documentation lies with you as the individual traveller. Any fines, penalties, or expenses incurred due to incorrect documentation will be solely your responsibility.
Travel insurance is a requirement for all our travellers and should be obtained at the time of booking. Your travel insurance should cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each category. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, luggage loss, and personal effects. On the first day of your trip, you must provide proof of your travel insurance. Please note that joining the trip will not be possible without it. If you would like our assistance obtaining travel insurance, please contact us via email at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Some of our packages include airport transfers in one or both directions for your arrival or departure from your destination. To determine if transfers are included, please refer to the “What’s included” section of your selected package.
If you arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations independently and the tour includes transfers, please note that these transfers will be forfeited. Transfers are provided only in conjunction with the tour dates and any pre- or post-tour accommodations booked through Better Trip, when available.
Additionally, our standard airport transfers operate on a group basis, which may involve waiting times of up to 2 hours. To avoid any potential delays, we recommend booking a private transfer for a more prompt and personalized service. For more information, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
The default flights included in this package have been predetermined by our product team in collaboration with the airline carriers. Please note the following conditions:
- The default flights cannot be changed or refunded at any time. If these flights are not used, any unused segments will be forfeited without a refund.
- Flight carriers and schedules will be available approximately three months before the tour date.
- For customised flight requests, including changes to flight times, airlines, or classes, a re-quote will be provided at the prevailing market price, and additional charges may apply.
- If you have booked a flight-inclusive package and choose not to use the default flights, please notify us at least 72 hours before departure. Failure to do so will be considered a no-show, and the entire tour will be cancelled without a refund
If you have any further questions or require assistance, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Fitness Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants in our tours should have a moderate level of fitness, including the ability to walk for extended periods and navigate varying terrains. The tour may involve physical activities such as hiking and walking tours, so we recommend being comfortable with exertion for several hours. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before booking. Regular physical activity leading up to the tour is encouraged to enhance your experience. Your safety is our top priority, so if you feel unwell during the tour, please inform your local guide.
Accommodation
Accommodations included in your tour package will be specified in your itinerary. While we strive to provide the listed accommodations, substitutions may be necessary due to availability. For bedding configurations, we offer double or twin options for travellers sharing a room, based on availability. Solo travellers who have purchased the single supplement will have the option of a single bed. Check-in is typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and check-out usually occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM; early or late check-in/out may be available upon request, but is not guaranteed. Standard amenities will be provided, although additional services may incur extra charges. We are not liable for any loss or damage to personal property during your stay, so we recommend securing travel insurance for unforeseen events. Lastly, guests are responsible for adhering to any health and safety guidelines set by the accommodation providers.
Underage Travellers
All travellers under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the tour and must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will ensure their safety and well-being. Accommodation arrangements must comply with the policies of the accommodation provider, which may have age restrictions regarding room occupancy. Parents or guardians are responsible for informing us of any medical conditions or special requirements for the minor, and we recommend that all minors have appropriate travel insurance. Some of our packages are exclusively available for adult travellers aged 18 and over. All travellers are expected to adhere to our code of conduct; inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the tour without a refund. Additionally, some activities may have age restrictions, and it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure all activities are suitable for the minor.
Tipping
Tipping is not included in your tour package and is expected to be paid during the tour. Unless otherwise specified in the itinerary. We recommend a gratuity of AUD 20 per day, per person for tour guides, drivers, and other service personnel to reflect the level of service provided. Tipping can be made in cash and given directly to the service personnel at your discretion. Please note that tipping customs may vary by country, so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with local practices. By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and accept this tipping policy.
Itinerary Modification
The itinerary presented in your tour package is subject to modification due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Better Trip, such as weather conditions and operational requirements. In the event of any changes, we will notify you via email with relevant advice or instructions as soon as possible. While we will strive to provide suitable alternative arrangements, we cannot guarantee that all aspects of the original itinerary will remain unchanged. It is the traveller’s responsibility to stay informed of updates prior to departure, and by booking with us, you acknowledge and accept that itinerary modifications may occur.
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