South Korea & Japan Adventure

Annyeonghaseyo and welcome to Seoul! You're about to dive into the lively capital of South Korea, where modern skyscrapers meet classic palaces. After settling into your accommodation, get ready to meet your travel crew and gear up for some exciting adventures ahead!

Today, let's dive into the traditional side of Seoul! First, we'll swing by Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the country's biggest and most impressive.

After that, we'll roam around a traditonal Hanok village, checking out those classic Korean houses. Then, it's off to Insadong Street for some laid-back shopping and street eats.

This morning we are venturing north, as far as we can go in fact, to the border with North Korea. The DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) is a heavily fortified border that keeps the two-countries apart. Learn why north and south are split, and peer over the border to catch a glimpse into life in the hermit kingdom. Once back in Seoul, we will head to Gwangjang Market, made famous in the Netflix series “Street Food Asia”, where you can try and find the Netflix stars and fill on their delicious dishes.

After breakfast we wave goodbye to Seoul (for now) and take the KTX (Korea's answer to Japan's bullet trains) down to Jeonju, a city that has maintained it's famous Hanok village. Have time to explore the traditional buildings and feel of the town, check out what all the fuss is about with Korean Rice Wine and Soju, before we get hands-on cooking famous Korean dishes like bibimbap – and yes, we get to eat our creations!

Today, we're heading to Busan, a gorgeous beachside city! The afternoon is yours to wander through charming cafes before taking a ride on the iconic Haeundae Sky Capsule for some unbeatable coastal views. And of course, no South Korean trip is complete without an epic Korean BBQ feast! We'll dive into a traditional KBBQ before venturing out to experience Busan's lively nightlife – who knows, maybe a round of karaoke is in the cards!

Stretch out and limber up – today you'll be put through your paces in a Taekwondo class. If you think you have already mastered a flying spinning high kick we can't wait to see what you've got! For those of us who've only ever seen these impressive moves on the TV, we will stick to learning the basics for kicks and blocks. At the end of the class, you can show off the new kicks you've learnt – time to smash some wooden planks!

Today is a truly unique experience as we learn the Buddhist way of life – we will have a guided tour of the temple, stay overnight in traditional accommodation, watch and join in with the monks' prayer services, and be served the traditional vegan meals that the monks enjoy for dinner and breakfast. It is the perfect change of pace with from the modern city life, and a great opportunity to reflect in peaceful surrounds.

Known as the “Museum without Walls”, Gyeongju was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for over 1000 years, and it is our final stop before heading back to Seoul. With more UNESCO World Heritage sites than you can count, we will take you on a bike tour of the tombs, pagodas, bridges and palace ruins so you can truly experience the rich historical and cultural heritage of this town.

And to make you feel fully immersed in ancient life, we will even be staying in a beautiful Hanok, sleeping the traditional way with mattresses on the floor, which are comfier than you might think, and are a real delight in the winter when the “ondol” under-floor heating is turned on. We can even rock some traditional Hanbok gear for the full experience!

It's time to head back to Seoul, but we still have time to squeeze in one more experience – arguably what has put Korea on the map – K-Pop. Practice your moves guided by a professional instructor, before we take you to Seoul's HiKR ground where you can gather your squad and become the next big K-Pop superstars and make your own dance video!

Kon'nichiwa and welcome to Tokyo! Today you'll take a short included flight to one of the world's buzziest, most forward thinking cities. Checking in to your hostel, you'll then meet up with your new travel crew and get excited for more adventures to come.

Today is all about discovering all that Tokyo has in store.

First up, we'll pay a visit to one of the country's oldest temples, Senso-ji Temple, before checking out the Meiji Shrine. Colourful, eclectic and fashion forward Harajuku is up next, before we brave the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection. After dinner this evening, we'll then squeeze in to one of the hilariously tiny bars in the district of Shinjuku.

First up today we're meeting with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling. With full bellies we'll have some free time to explore Tokyo before venturing over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara. Known locally as the ‘Electric City', it's famous for its arcades, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths and game centres.

Now's your chance to experience Japan's famous bullet train for real. Shooting out of Tokyo at over 200mph, we'll reach Nagano just in time to try out the ancient art of origami, followed by a relaxing dip in an Onsen, aka a volcanic hot spring.

This evening we'll live like a local, settling in to our traditional Japanese Ryokan where we sleep on tatami mats and comfy futon bedding.

Rolling pins in hand, this morning we're diving deeper into Japanese cuisine by learning how to make our own soba noodles. We'll then be venturing out into the mountains today to spot the region's famous snow monkeys, or Japanese Macaques. These red-faced troublemakers play amongst the trees in the summer months & warm by bathing in the natural hot springs once winter hits. Enjoying the fresh mountain air, we'll then take our time exploring the gorgeous lakes and forests of Shiga Kogen National Park (summer).

It's back on board the bullet train this morning, this time bound for Hakone. Famed for hot springs, natural beauty and (of course) Mount Fuji, we'll check in to our trendy accom that comes complete with its very own onsen.

You might not be walking the plank, but you will be exploring Hakone by pirate ship (and cable car) this morning, keeping eyes peeled for views of snow-capped Mount Fuji. We'll then journey on to Osaka, also known as the Nation's Kitchen. To celebrate, a BBQ dinner will. be on us, where we fuel up for a night out - Osaka style! Karaoke, anyone?

This morning you'll have time to yourself to chill and maybe squeeze in a spot of shopping, before we head out as a group to visit the 400-year-old Osaka Castle. Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, you'll struggle not to get house envy as we explore the grounds and hear stories of Japanese history inside the castle museum, including of the country's most famous warriors - the Samurai. Then we'll head over to Dotonbori, the famous canal region home to the best food in the country! The evening is yours to eat away.

Ready for something extra special? Today we have just the thing - an overnight stay in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple. Leaving Osaka behind we'll travel to the mountains for the town of Koyasan, where we'll be welcomed into the temple by the monks who live there. They'll teach us meditation and serve us their traditional foods.

Later tonight we will explore Japan's most famous cemetery.

It's an early start today, but well worth it to watch the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayer ritual and fire ceremony. We'll then be served breakfast before travelling on to our next destination, Kyoto. After checking into our boutique hostel, you'll have time to yourself to explore Japan's ancient capital.

Tonight we'll learn about Japan's mysterious Geishas with a tour of the Gion district.

Green, lush and vibrant, the insta-famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama is our first stop today. Photos snapped, we'll head to the luxurious Golden Pavilion, so named for being covered entirely in gold leaf.

Tonight's a free evening to hit up a sushi restaurant, find an underground bar, or challenge your mates to a round of bowling at the arcades.

Today the endless Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari await! One of Japan’s most iconic shrines will blow you away as we explore the winding trails of the ancient mountain.

In the afternoon, we will be taught how to wield a traditional sword by a Samurai master who’s dedicated their life to the art of the sword. Experience the finesse of these weapons as you channel your inner warrior.

This morning, we're off to explore the beautiful neighbourhood of Sannenzaka, then throw ourselves deep into Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony experience. After savoring our cups of matcha tea, we'll catch a local train to spend the afternoon exporing the gardens and temples of Nara. Home of Japan's largest Buddha, Nara is most famous for its docile bowing deer. After making friends with the locals, this evening we'll head back to Kyoto to get ready for our next destination.

Today we're travelling further south down to Hiroshima via bullet train. Once we arrive, we'll pay a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the Atomic Bomb dome, which commemorate the tragic bombings of 1945. Wandering through the park we'll pause at memorials dedicated to the victims, and while the stories will be difficult to learn about, it's a necessary part of modern history that will enhance our appreciation for Japanese society today.

Famed as one of Japan's most scenic locations, we'll take the ferry over to Itsukushima - aka Miyajima Island - to see the famous floating Torii Gate in the bay. With temples, friendly deer and plenty of hiking trails, we'll explore the island at our own pace. This evening, let's head out to try Hiroshima's specialty okonomiyaki, then perhaps find a hidden whiskey bar.

We're off back to Osaka at the speed of light (okay, maybe not that fast), for a final day of last minute shopping and sightseeing.

This evening we're off to explore Shinsekai, the ‘New World' together, a retro neighborhood in downtown Osaka full of quirky restaurants and izakaya's where we'll eat our way through the streets and ‘kanpai' to the amazing time we've had together!

Your unforgettable 26 day adventure comes to an end today. Those flying home will make their way to the airport or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Osaka or Japan with our help and the new friends you've made.