Essence of Japan with South Korea

Essence of Japan with South Korea

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19 Days From

$9772

Essence of Japan with South Korea

19 Days

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTJAK

Physical rating:

Moderate

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

History

From:
$9772 (USD) including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Combine two incredible Asian destinations for an experience-rich trip you’ll never forget. To start, we’ll follow the route of our bestselling Essence of Japan tour. Tokyo’s skyscrapers, Kyoto’s teahouses, snow-tipped mountains, steamy hot springs - we’ll see them all as we journey between cities, hill towns and riverside hamlets by coach and bullet train. Then, it’s time for South Korea. Visit Seoul and Busan, explore palaces and shrines, browse antique stores and art galleries, and tour the DMZ separating north and south. We’ll also tap into Korea’s foodie heritage with a cooking masterclass and a traditional barbecue. Our Japan and South Korea tours depart in spring and autumn, to make the most of the cherry blossom and leaf-peeping seasons in both countries.

Highlights

  • VIP door-to-door travel service

Places You'll See

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Essence Of Japan With South Korea

Itinerary

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Day 1

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Tokyo.

Day 2

On our Japan tours, we stay in Shinjuku, the futuristic, neon-lit neighbourhood in the heart of Tokyo. On arrival the rest of the day is free.

Day 3

Prepare for a fantastic day of Tokyo sightseeing as our tour guide helps us to embrace this dazzling city. As we walk out amidst skyscrapers and the world’s tallest self-supporting tower (the Tokyo Skytree), we find Tokyo’s traditional side. Learn the stories behind legendary landmarks like the moated Imperial Palace, Tokyo’s oldest temple - Sensō-ji, and Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine set on a tree-lined avenue.

Day 4

It's time for a Mount Fuji visit this morning. Standing out from its surroundings at 3,776m high, Japan’s tallest mountain has inspired countless artists and photographers. Clouds often linger around this active volcano, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed to catch a sight of the iconic snow-capped peak as we travel from Tokyo to Matsumoto. If the weather is clear, you’ll see the volcano’s image reflected on the placid waters of Lake Jawaguchi.

Day 5

Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Japan, Matsumoto is a striking timber and stone structure with a unique moon-viewing turret. In the spring, take your time to stroll among the cherry blossoms in the spacious castle gardens.
Stop to sample sake (Japanese rice wine) in a traditional brewery, before we take the breathtaking journey through thick pine forests and snow-tipped peaks of the Japanese Alps to the hill town of Takayama. We’ll call in at the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum with a collection of antique houses from the region and displays highlighting crafts and ancient traditions.

Day 6

Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines and a pretty riverside setting - the hamlet of Takayama is traditional Japan at its finest. Soak in the local character on our walking tour, when we’ll see highlights such as the open-air flower and fruit market and government house.

Day 7

Next on our Japan itinerary, we transfer by coach to Kanazawa, visiting the World Heritage Shirakawago Village en route. Kanazawa is a historic castle town, boasting beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts. Our sightseeing tour includes Omicho market and Higashi Chayagai (the ‘teahouse district’).

Day 8

We pack overnight bags whilst our luggage is transferred to Kyoto. We’ll have another sweep of the city, stopping at the gorgeous Kenroku-en Garden and BukeYashiki (Samurai’s house).
Located outside the gates of Kanazawa Castle and covering an area of 11.4 hectares, the Kenroku-en Garden was created in the 1620s and opened to the public in 1874. It’s the epitome of a traditional Japanese garden with plum and cherry blossoms, artificial ponds, hills and buildings.
From the quaint, quiet streets of Kanazawa, we’ll go full throttle into one of Japan’s other passions. The Shinkansen (bullet train) will hurtle us from Kanazawa to Hiroshima in perfect comfort.

Day 9

Leafy Hiroshima, with its wide boulevards and friendly locals, might not be what you expected. It’s a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of peace with a devastating history. Today we’ll catch a ferry over to Miyajima Island to admire the ancient Itsukushima Shrine and its torii gate. We'll spend some time strolling through the park. In autumn, the maples here are ablaze with rich reds and oranges.
Back in Hiroshima, we’ll take a walking tour around the Peace Memorial Park and take some time for reflection at the Atomic Bomb Museum.

Day 10

Another bullet train takes us to Osaka, where we’ll board our coach for the onward journey to Nara, a former capital of Japan. The 8th-century Todaiji temple - supposedly the oldest wooden structure in the world - is wondrous, but the real highlight here are the adorable deer roaming through Nara Park. You can buy a packet of crackers to feed them - they’ll even bow to you before you feed them.
We arrive in Kyoto this afternoon. With its wealth of shrines and temples, colourful gardens and variety of arts and crafts shops, it's a real highlight of our Japan tour package. We’ll uncover geisha culture with some time in the Gion area - Japan’s most famous geisha district.

Day 11

Highlights of this morning’s tour include the wonderful Ryoanji Temple (a Zen temple with a famous rock garden), and the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple, or ‘Golden Pavilion’, whose top two floors are completely bedecked in gold leaf.
We also visit Nijo, a fortified castle with unique ‘nightingale’ floors designed to replicate the sound of the nightingale song when stepped on.

Day 12

We’ll sit down for a cuppa before leaving Kyoto this morning - it is the birthplace of the traditional tea ceremony, after all. Learn the intricacies of this graceful discipline, considering simple details like holding the bowl so your friends can enjoy the beauty of its decoration. You can read about these rituals in any Japan travel guide, but there's nothing quite like experiencing it first hand. You’ll never drink tea at home the same again!
Another bullet train whisks us from Kyoto to Mishima. We’ll check into our hotel and if the weather is kind you’ll have views of Mount Fuji from your room.

Day 13

We drive to Hakone and embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi for stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. We’ll jump in a cable car all the way up to the Owakudani Valley and Hot Springs, in the crater of Mount Hakone. Later, we’ll head to our airport hotel, ready to jet off for our South Korea tour tomorrow.

Day 14

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Busan, Korea’s second city, ready to begin the next chapter of our adventure. This evening, we’ll be introduced to Korean barbecue - a traditional style of dining that’s been popular here for thousands of years. Expect sizzling meats, aromatic sauces, and heaps of delicious sides and veggies.

Day 15

Today’s guided tour of Busan will start at the cliffside Buddhist temple of Haedong Yongungsa, a place particularly lovely during the springtime, thanks to the surrounding cherry blossom trees. We’ll also take in the city views from Dongbaekson Island, see the white sands of Haeundae Beach, and soar above the ocean on the Busan Air Cruise cable car.

Day 16

This morning, we’ll explore some of the sites of Gyeongju Historic Area, noted by UNESCO for its incredible display of Korean Buddhist art and architecture. Wander through the hushed halls of 1,500-year-old Bulguksa Temple, see the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia, and learn more about the domed tombs of Daereungwon Tomb Complex. After lunch, we’ll board the KTX - South Korea’s bullet train - and speed north to the capital, Seoul.

Day 17

Seoul is an incredible fusion of cutting-edge and traditional. Sleek malls sell the latest skin care, cosmetics and fast fashion, narrow alleyways hide teahouses and craft workshops, and food markets thrum with activity as locals fill up on mandu dumplings and steaming hot pancakes.
Our guided tour of Seoul ticks off all the highlights, from the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace (where we’ll watch the royal changing of guards ceremony and pay a visit to the National Folk Museum) to the lost-in-time village of Bukchon Hanok, preserved to offer a glimpse of life in Seoul hundreds of years ago. A visit to Insadong takes us to Seoul’s cultural heart. We’ll see traditional wooden teahouses, stalls selling antiques, and numerous galleries displaying works from local artists.
In the evening, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a Korean cooking class. Prepare to get hands-on as we learn how to prepare and cook a traditional Korean meal - we’ll get to tuck into our creations for dinner.

Day 18

We’ll spend the morning at the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the strip of land which divides the Korean peninsula in two. Learn more about the Korean War and the families affected by the division, step inside one of the infiltration tunnels which run underneath the border, and reflect at Imjingak Park, dotted with statues and monuments remembering those affected. Your afternoon is at leisure back in Seoul.

Day 19

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • 17 nights in hotels and 1 in flight

  • International flights. Prices are based on return flights with Korean Air from London Heathrow (outbound via Seoul).

  • Titan tour manager and local guide

  • 21 meals: 17 breakfasts 2 lunches 2 dinnersundefined excursions and visits

  • City tours of Tokyo, Kanazawa (including Kenroku-en Garden), Kyoto, Busan and Seoul

  • Mount Fuji Visitor Centre

  • Visits to Matsumoto Castle, Shirakawago Village, Miyajima Island and Nara (including Todaiji Temple and Nara Park)

  • Sake tasting at a traditional brewery

  • Walking tours of Takayama and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

  • Three journeys on the bullet train

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Check out our Q&As

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Mrs Crompton  

Perfect Italian Holiday…

31-Oct-2022

Just returned from a lovely week in Sorrento at the Grand Hotel Hermitage, we had an excellent guide Peter Macchristopher. we loved the hotel the staff were very nice especially in the dining rooms, the food was good and the room we had was really nice with a wonderful view. Altogether very good value holiday.we felt the trip to Pompei was very good also boat trip to Amalfi. I would recommend a walk to the village of St Agatha and a three hour ride on the Little Blue Train. Great fun.this can be booked at reception.

Trustpilot
Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Saturday

Mar 18, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$9772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$9772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 15, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$9772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Sunday

Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$9772 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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