10 Days
from
$5,590 USD
/ person
Experience the best of South Korea on this private tour of its most popular destinations.
Ideal For
Heritage & Culture
Heritage & History
Itinerary Summary
Day
Place
Hotel Opts
1 - 5
Seoul
Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village, National Folk Museum of Korea, Korean Cuisine, Street Food & Night Markets, K-Pop in Seoul
Highlights: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village, National Folk Museum of Korea, Korean Cuisine, Street Food & Night Markets, K-Pop in Seoul
5 - 8
8 - 12
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - 5
International Arrival
Your English speaking guide will accompany you from Seoul airport to your hotel in a private vehicle
4 Nights
Seoul
Seoul, the fast-paced capital of South Korea, has plenty to offer. From historic palaces and traditional architecture, to vibrant markets, busy malls and interesting restaurants there is so much to see and do. The city is home to five Joseon-era palaces of which the Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest. The walled complex, with nearly 300 buildings inside, has been meticulously restored offering a peek into a bygone era. There are a plethora of markets in Seoul such as Gwangjang Market, which sells clothes, traditional crafts and delicious local treats. Myeongdong and Gangnam are two areas where you can find iconic Korean beauty products and the latest in fashion. There are also quieter spots in the city such as the peaceful Seoul Forest and the neighborhood of Insadong with its quaint alleys filled with stores selling handcrafted artisanal products. For insight into the country’s long military history, visit the War Memorial of Korea. In the evening, the N Seoul Tower is the place to take in a stunning sunset before exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife. Plenty of day trips are possible from Seoul as well, including to the DMZ, which is 34 miles north of the city and is the area that separates North and South Korea.
Included activities
Personalized Seoul City Tour
Explore the many attractions in Seoul by public transport, using a Korean transportation card. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Gwanghwamun Plaza. View the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, before continuing to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony and stroll between the tile-roofed buildings, which housed the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. Proceed to the throne room that is lined with tiny guardian figurines and features golden dragons on the ceiling. Located within the palace grounds, is the National Folk Museum of Korea that exhibits replicas of Korean folklife artifacts. Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village, traditionally a residential enclave of the nobility, showcasing around 900 heritage wooden structures, called hanok. Then, visit the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace, with its impressive throne room and a building that contains vintage cars used by King Sunjong. Stop at the Secret Garden, before making your way to the Insadong neighborhood. Spend time in this vibrant district filled with art galleries, boutiques, tearooms and restaurants to conclude your tour. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & public transport; All entry fees & T-Money Card for public transport is included; Changdeokgung Palace is closed on Mondays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays & Bukchon Hanok Village is closed on Sundays; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)
Personalized Tour of Suwon and Korean Folk Village
Discover the walled city of Suwon, followed by a visit to Korean Folk Village. In the morning, a private vehicle will take you to the largest city in the Gyeonggi-do province, Suwon. Once you reach, visit the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century by a Joseon king. Accompany your guide around the sprawling stone and brick complex comprising observation towers, command posts, and pavilions. Next, travel to Korean Folk Village, a living museum chronicling the country’s rich culture and heritage. Along the way, you will stop at a local restaurant where you can buy yourself lunch. At the village, walk around and see the restored traditional Korean houses, which have been relocated here from different parts of the country. Find out what life was like in the Joseon era as you check out a farming village, Confucian academy and various workshops. Watch seasonal folk music and dance performances, martial art demonstrations and maybe even a traditional wedding ceremony before it’s time to head back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1. 5 hrs each way; Entrance fees included; Please bring your own refillable/reusable water bottle)
Hotel options
Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun - Opt 1
Room
Superior Double room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Boutique
Crown Park Hotel Seoul - Opt 2
Room
Standard
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 5 - 8
You will be transferred from your hotel to Seoul airport in a private vehicle
Board your flight from Seoul (Gimpo) to Tokyo (Haneda) (Duration: 2.5 hrs)
Private Transfer from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Hotel (including airport assistance)
3 Nights
Tokyo
Tokyo is a city like no other! Defined by cutting-edge design, quirky creativity and its own unique ancient culture, the city defines the best of both worlds. This is an unusual part of the world where dreamy cherry blossoms and glitzy neon cityscapes of tall towers and austere Shinto shrines vie for equal attention. Tokyo’s iconic pop culture with its manga and anime have conquered the world, as has its quirky fashion and distinctive food. No other city has as many Michelin stars as Tokyo has. From a simple bowl of noodles to a gourmet sushi dish made with the freshest produce, you can feast on Tokyo’s cuisine that is marked by attention to detail and the finest fresh ingredients. It's no wonder that Japanese food has made it to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list! Tokyo will amaze you with its diversity, where an alleyway shanty bar and a chic luxurious eatery observe the same standards of quality and excellence—that is Tokyo in a nutshell!
Included activities
Traditional Tokyo by Day
For a day well spent, visit some of Tokyo’s best known landmarks with your local expert! Begin with a trip to the Asakusa locality, well-known for its “shitamachi” or old-world vibe. You can visit the Sensoji temple, a Buddhist temple believed to be Tokyo’s oldest. Adjacent to the temple you will find the Nakamise “dori” or street, where you can taste some traditional snacks if you like. Travel across town to Omotesando and after exploring the ritzy flagship stores and spectacular architecture on the main boulevard. Next, make your last stop at the famous Meiji shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Surrounded by a forested area with 365 species of trees, the shrine is also a popular wedding venue, so don’t be surprised if you come across a bride and groom all dressed up for their big day! (Half Day; Time of the day: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private Activity; Transfers by public transport; Fitness Level: Moderate)
Hotel options
Shiba Park Hotel - Opt 1
Room
Standard Twin
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku - Opt 2
Room
Plaza Superior South Queen
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Day 8 - 12
Private transfer from your hotel to Tokyo train station (including assistance from your hotel until you board your train)
Shinkansen Train from Tokyo to Kyoto (Duration: 2.5 hrs, Standard Class)
Private transfer from Kyoto train station to your hotel (including assistance from the station until you reach your hotel)
4 Nights
Kyoto
Kyoto is to be seen to be believed. With no less than 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city encapsulates traditional Japanese culture and tradition. Visit a plethora of ancient shrines, sip matcha at its sedate tearooms, relax at traditional inns (ryokan) with tatami mats spread out in minimally decorated rooms, or practice the art of conversation with a geisha. There is an unmistakable air of serenity around Kyoto! As Japan's former capital it also happens to be one of its best preserved cities, drawing thousands of travelers from around the world with its distinctive charm. Kyoto enjoyed a special status in the hearts of the Japanese as the royal seat of power and the residence of the Emperor - from the late 6th century to the 17th century!
Included activities
Personalized Tour of Kyoto Highlights
Explore the famous shrines of Kyoto, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. At the scheduled time, meet your guide and travel by public transport to the attractions on your itinerary. Begin with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen shrine known for its stunning gold leaf-covered façade. Overlooking a large pond and surrounded by lush vegetation, this temple makes for a picturesque sight. Next, stop by Ryoanji Temple, which is home to one of the most famous Zen rock gardens in the country. There is a pond, a network of walking trails, and a restaurant on the grounds. You will then visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, built to appease a vengeful spirit. Located in the Kamishichiken district, the oldest geisha neighborhood of the city, this temple is popular with students. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)
Japanese Cooking Class
Japanese cuisine has been declared a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage for good reason, cooked as it is with the freshest ingredients and masterful techniques. Get an overall idea about Japanese cooking styles from your chef in this cooking class designed for a small, intimate group. Learn how to prepare Bento style boxed meals under the expert guidance of your host chef. Cook Kyoto’s signature Shokado bento, a delicious spread that includes delectable bites of tempura, miso soup, egg roll, chicken teriyaki, sesame spinach salad and sushi. The greatest treat awaits you at the end of the class, when you get to taste your own Bento box! (Half Day, Shared Activity & No Transfers; Meal included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please inform about any dietary restrictions in advance).
Hotel options
Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto Nagomitei - Opt 1
Room
Superior Double room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel - Opt 2
Room
Concept King
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Private Transfer from Kyoto Hotel to Kansai Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
International Departure
Discover the unique cultures and highlights of the Far East on a private guided Japan and South Korea tour with our Enchanting experts.
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
What Our Guests Say
Enchanting Travels did an excellent job of planning, coordinating, and executing our trip. This was our first trip with Enchanting Travels and we would definitely recommend them and we will definitely use them again. They have an outstanding staff and listened to our needs and developed a trip within our budget. While I was skeptical about having a coordinator in another country, it worked; when we needed help addressing issues, which were minor, they were on it quickly and efficiently and effectively. This is a first rate operation.
Stephen Goldman
USA
We used Enchanting Travels for our honeymoon in Japan, and the entire experience was seamless from start to finish. They handled everything, making the planning completely stress-free, even down to details like the best seats on the train if you have luggage with you and timing train arrivals to match hotel check in times. Every activity they arranged was absolutely top-tier. The local guides they booked were standout—knowledgeable, flexible, and always ready to adjust or enhance our plans. We couldn’t help but feel fortunate compared to others on group tours, as we had private guides who made us feel like VIPs throughout the trip. The app they provided was also a great tool, keeping everything organized and easily accessible. Thanks to them, our honeymoon was even more memorable than we could have imagined. Highly recommend them for any trip!
Sean Fitzgerald
USA
What a beautiful time we had in Japan! Can’t wait to go back! Shannon created the most personalized trip for my husband and myself. Everything that was important for us to see or do in Japan she made it happen! Could not ask for a better trip or experience! Emma Silk was there for us the entire journey. She even left me a tea ceremony kit to keep in our first hotel. Enchanting Travels goes above and beyond on their trips and for their customers! We highly recommend. Love, Joel and Tracy Padgett. ♥️😊
Tracy Padgett
USA
Japan was incredible. Experiencing Tokyo and Kyoto was a great balance that showcased the true beauty of this country and its culture. My itinerary had great structure and I never had a worry. I left feeling like there's nothing more I could've seen or done to make my trip better and I think that's all anyone can ask for!
Darren Waller
USA
We are truly grateful to have come across Enchanting Travels. After my husband and I tried to plan our trip ourselves...we made the right choice paying for the package we did. It was truly a wonderful experience being able to not worry about transportation and having guides (Keiko & Taku were AMAZING) teach us about the culture, history, and much more. We signed up to have more of the private transfer in Japan than public - so worth it! Everyone was on time and very prompt for every activity we were doing. We just can't say enough and we will be going to Japan again. Thank you Enchanting Travels!
Lauren Morris
USA
Enchanting Travels did a wonderful job of curating our experience from start to finish. They took care of all the logistical headaches that come with planning a vacation. We were given the freedom to dream big, and our travel agent made those dreams a reality.
John Clark
USA
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