Cultural Wonders of Japan & South Korea

Located on the southern tip of the island of Hokkaido, Hakodate was one of the first ports that opened to international trade. The international influence can be seen in the sophisticated architectural styles juxtaposed, against the city’s traditional temples. One of the most underrated Japanese cities, Hakodate is well-known for the panoramic views from Mount Hakodate that encompasses the city, harbour and mountains in the distance.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take the time to taste Hakodate’s signature salty Hakodate Ramen, rumoured to be the first ramen dish in Japan. Freechoice: Discover the history of Goryokaku, or view the city from above as you ride the cable car up Mount Hakodate. Explore Onuma Quasi-National Park, or walk around the Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market). Discovery: Hike up the active volcano Mt. Esan. (B/L/D)

Superb seafood, riveting modern art and the world's largest virgin beech forest, Aomori is a hidden gem that is starting to find its place on the map. This ultra-modern port was rebuilt after World War II, and filled with attractions that will reveal a different side of Japan. Just outside of Aomori, the archaeological dig site Sannai Maruyama, the largest and best preserved from the Jomon era (13,000-300 BC) provides a rare look into the nation’s ancient history.

Freechoice: Experience the charm of the Aomori Nebuta Festival at the Nebuta Warasse museum, or visit the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site one of the most complete and best preserved Jomon Period villages in Japan. Choose to explore the Hakkodamaru Memorial? , or learn about the Edo Period in Hirosaki. (B/L/D)

Sado is believed to have been inhabited for over 10,000 years, and even finds mention in Japanese creation stories. Sado Island is a miniature Japan, showcasing every kind of coastal landform seen in Japan and a blend of cultures introduced by previous exiles to the island. Explore the Geopark, where the gold and silver mines, the taraibune (tub boat) and the nurtured rice farms are all deeply entrenched in the landscapes.

While on the island, keep your eyes peeled for the crested ibis. Previously extinct in Japan, the Japanese Ibis (toki) was reintroduced to Sado Island through a successful breeding program, and several hundred now exist in the wild. Freechoice: Learn the history of the largest gold mine in Japan, Sado Kinzan, or explore the small town of Ogi. (B/L/D)

Exceptional historical sites, traditional cuisine, renowned art museums and refined craftwork. Throughout history Kanazawa, meaning ‘the golden marsh’, has been one of Japan's most important cities for culture and art. Supplying 99% of Japan's gold leaf, Kanazawa is also known to have one of the best and most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Spacious and secluded, it forms the green heart of this compact city.

Freechoice: Explore the famed Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle or learn the history of the Nagamachi Samurai District. Alternatively, see authentic Japan in this historic village Gokayama. Enrich: Enjoy a walk through the Higahsi Chaya District before having the opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality. (B/L/D)

With a Naval history from 1901, Maizuru was the main port in Japan to receive repatriated soldiers after World War II. Home to the Japanese Navy Base, the closest to North Korea, local fisherman to this day report any suspicious boats who they believe may be North Korean spies. Taste the city's official dish nikujaga (meat-and-potato stew), dedicated to the legacy of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Fleet Admiral Togo, who became famous for destroying nearly two-thirds of Russia’s fleet in the Battle of Tsushima.

Freechoice: Explore Maizuru’s Amanohashidate sandbar and learn the naval history at Red Brick Park, or see traditional thatched roof farmhouses in Miyama. Alternatively, drive to Kyoto to see the Golden Temple, and choose to visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple or Nijo Castle. (B/L/D)

Located in Tottori Prefecture the city lies beneath the dominate feature in the sky to the east, Mt. Daisen also known as ‘mini-Fuji’. Throughout Sakaiminato you will see characters from one of Japan's most beloved manga comics, whose author comes from the town. Images of the main character, Kitaro and various monsters from the series form statue and whose images can be seen emblazoned on everything from trains and buses to vending machines and packaging.

Also well-known is the Sakaiminato’s bridge due to its steep ramps, which look almost impossible to climb when viewed from different angles. Freechoice: Visit the volcanic Mount Daisen or enjoy a city tour, learning of the history manga comics. Alternatively explore the samurai district of Matsue or the Grand Shrine of Izumo, one of Japan’s most important shrines. (B/L/D)

A tapestry of colours rolling across the magnificent natural setting, Busan is where the locals go for a relaxing getaway, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, urban beaches, and great street food culture. South Korea’s second largest city represents a harmonious relationship between the calm sea, snaking rivers and lush mountains. Disembark Scenic Eclipse and enjoy Scenic Freechoice activities.

Freechoice: Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village, once a modest mountainside community that has been transformed into an art hotspot, or visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1376. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner. (B/L/D)

Discover the treasures of Gyeongju that piece together the city’s long and tumultuous history. Visit temples and other historic sites while discovering what life was like during the Silla dynasty, and learn about how Buddhism, Confucianism and foreign influences have played their part in modern Korean society. Visit the National Museum, home to relics from the Silla Kingdom when Gyeongju was the capital, and view the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Tumuli Park, a collection of royal Silla tombs and Anapji Pond.

Lunch is a fun hands-on cooking class, where you will make unique culinary delights that recreate the cuisine served in the royal courts of the Silla Kingdom. Afterwards, visit World Heritage-listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, both dating from the 8th century under the Silla Dynasty. (B/L)

Discover ancient-stone artifacts, traditional embroideries, and modern Korean paintings at the Korean Stone Art Museum, a place where Korea's past and present coexist harmoniously. Then be immersed in traditional Korean design, architecture and lifestyle at the Korea Furniture Museum, displaying hundreds of pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Following a local lunch, explore one of the most iconic sights in all of South Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Arguably the most beautiful and the largest of the Five Palaces built in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, here you will gain an insight into South Korea’s cultural heritage during the dynasty’s 5-century reign. Continue onto Seoul, and check into your hotel for a two-night Special Stay. (B/L)

Depart early this morning to drive to the De-militarised Zone (DMZ) for a morning of exploration and views of North Korea. Here, you’ll gain an insight into the conflict that has spanned decades and continents. Visit the Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and Freedom Bridge and go underground by monorail to the third infiltration tunnel. Return to Seoul this afternoon and explore the largest traditional market in South Korea, Namdaemun Market, located next to the Great South Gate of the original old city.

Enrich: Immerse yourself into Korean culture at the Hyo Jae Cultural Hall where you can try on Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, or try your hand at Bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. Enjoy a meal of Bibimbap, a rice preparation with meat and vegetables, with your host Lee Hyo-Jae, known as Korea’s Martha Stuart. (B/L/D)