South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies

Seoul is a phoenix; all but destroyed in the Korean War, it is now a towering, electric capital, glinting with bright lights and brimming with self-confidence. Fascinating cuisine, trendy neighborhoods and a delicate sense of balance between past and present are just a few of the reasons Seoul has become one of the hottest destinations in Asia. Settle into your hotel, nestled in the heart of the bustling capital, and relax.

Your exploration of this vibrant city starts with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Commissioned in the 14th century, the palace has risen from the ashes of conquest several times throughout its storied past. Today, the palace endures as the largest of Seoul's five historic palaces, its compound housing a wealth of museums, gardens and architectural wonders. Next, browse the revealing cultural exhibits of the National Folk Museum, and then visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, a collection of hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the 14th century.

After a traditional Korean barbecue lunch, stop at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional street markets in South Korea, and home to over 5,000 shops.

Tonight, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Head north to join a shared tour at the edge of the demilitarized zone (DMZ), a hotly contested border region that has divided the Korean Peninsula since 1953. Delve deeper with foray into the Third Tunnel, a highly secured, mile-long corridor linking the two countries. At Dora Observatory, look out across the DMZ line toward North Korea. After lunch, return to Seoul with time free to explore the city on your own or just relax.

This evening, embark on a street food tour in Seoul's exciting Myeongdong neighborhood, sampling everything from Korean egg toast to hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes).

Board a high-speed train to Gyeongju, former capital of a dynasty that ruled Korea from 668 to 935. Like a rich silk screen painting, Gyeongju is a timeless, intricate “museum without walls;” a city of ghosts, where palaces stand over quiet lily ponds and royal tombs have yielded ancient, gilded treasures. Begin your exploration with a visit to Tumuligongwon, a large park with 23 tombs of Silla monarchs and family members.

After lunch, visit photogenic Anapji Pond before continuing to the nearby Gyeongju National Museum and its exhibits showcasing treasures discovered within the tombs themselves. Proceed to Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea's most iconic structures. Perched atop a series of stone terraces, the temple's 33 steps represent Buddhism's 33 stages to enlightenment. Continue to Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and one of the world's busiest ports.

The home of a proud filmmaking culture, Busan promises seaside temples and jade-green mountains, color-splashed cafés and bustling markets. Come hungry, for Busan offers you a true taste of Korea. Start your day at the United Nations Cemetery, a solemn memorial that is the final resting place of more than 2,000 Korean War veterans. Afterward, browse the Jagalchi Fish Market, taking in a vast array of exotic seafood. Here, the finest catches are brought, sold and eaten fresh each morning. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then stroll the narrow lanes of charming Gamcheon Culture Village. Cap off your day with a refreshing cocktail as you gaze out over Busan Bay.

Fly to Osaka, Japan's undisputed culinary capital. Delve into Dotonbori, the bustling heart of this foodie enclave — where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki, a battered and grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed — and eat lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to historic, temple-filled Kyoto, where you settle into your hotel.

As Japan's former imperial capital for more than a thousand years, a place of shrines, bamboo groves and treasures, Kyoto has long been an incubator and preserver of high-art forms, from calligraphy and ceramics to tea ceremonies and refined geisha entertainments. Discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), covered with gold leaf, its mirror image shimmering in a reflecting pond.

Explore the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Forest, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through the towering bamboo shoots. After lunch, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, including its garden, a secluded oasis of tranquility.

This morning, head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its visually striking tunnel comprised of thousands of vermilion torii gates, which line a network of trails leading into the wooded forest of Mount Inari. Visit a sake brewery to gain a deeper appreciation of this national spirit and indulge in a tasting. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own before a traditional Japanese dinner, complete with a geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha) who dance, sing, pour sake and chat about life in Kyoto.

Board a high-speed train, hurtling along in excess of 170 miles per hour past Mount Fuji's iconic profile, bound for Tokyo, Japan's scintillating capital, and a one-of-a-kind blend of heightened refinement with sense-scrambling extremes.

Upon arrival, eat lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine and see the city's famed Shibuya Crossing, witnessing firsthand how the city juxtaposes timeless tradition with cutting-edge trends. Settle into your hotel and relax.

Later, dine at a local restaurant.

Set out on a private walking tour — accompanied by a retired sumo wrestler — for an insider's view into the world of Japan's most beloved sport. This unique experience includes two historic areas long associated with sumo. First explore the Ryogoku District, ancestral heartland of professional sumo competition. Most of Tokyo's heya (sumo stables) are based here, as is the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the sport's first professional stadium. Finish your walk in the historic Asakusa area, where the sacred Sensoji Temple and busy Nakamise shopping street draw visitors from around the world. Explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which enshrines the last 400 years of this venerable city's history.

Tonight, gather for cocktails and a farewell dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.