Discover South Korea with Japan 2026 - 16 Day Tour from Seoul to Kyoto

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Discover South Korea with Japan 2026

16 Day Tour from Seoul to Kyoto



Tour Description:

This Small Group Discovery tour of South Korea and Japan reveals the ancient dynasties and authentic delicacies that are tempting your travel fantasies with a spectacular journey through the history, mystery, and modern discoveries. Did we mention the palaces, Hanok houses, and temples to meditate on an adventure like no other. Stroll or roll through Seoul on a rickshaw ride and glide aboard a high-speed train to the city of Gyeongju to peruse its pavilions, pagodas, and parks. Take aim and pull back with an archery lesson or lean into some sage advice at a local Confucius school. From the serenity of Buddhist monks to the savory seafood markets and stunning seascapes, this tour of South Korea will suit you to a tea!

Your adventure in Asia continues with a flight to Tokyo where the art of Japanese living is waiting to enchant you. From tales of master samurais and marvelous shrines, the history and legends of this colorful culture is yours for the discovering. Shining shrines and sumptuous dines are served in elegant style only as Japan can deliver.

You’ll also be enchanted by Kyoto’s shimmering golden temples, serene goddesses, and stylish geishas, mesmerized by the natural beauty of Japan’s landscapes passing by your bullet train window, and awed by the view of Mount Fuji from the city’s Skytree tower. A dizzying and dreamy experience in ancient secrets and modern marvels are yours to discover on this sensational Small Group Discovery tour of Japan and South Korea.

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Dates & Pricing

Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner

Wednesday 25 Mar 26 — Friday 10 Apr 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $9,461 Get a Quote
Wednesday 15 Apr 26 — Friday 01 May 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $9,541 Get a Quote
Wednesday 06 May 26 — Friday 22 May 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $9,021 Get a Quote
Wednesday 03 Jun 26 — Friday 19 Jun 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $8,601 Get a Quote
Wednesday 15 Jul 26 — Friday 31 Jul 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $8,601 Get a Quote
Wednesday 19 Aug 26 — Friday 04 Sep 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $8,601 Get a Quote
Wednesday 30 Sep 26 — Friday 16 Oct 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $9,191 Get a Quote
Wednesday 14 Oct 26 — Friday 30 Oct 26
Small Group Discovery
Starting at $9,191 Get a Quote


Destination & Sightseeing

Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 24 guests in Asia, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours.

We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

MEALS

ITINERARY

Day 1
Welcome to Seoul, the nation’s capital. With its ancient history and modern innovation, the city is full of opportunities to experience the traditional culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon

Day 2
Begin your vacation with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang traditional market, one of the oldest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses). This historic district has been restored to evoke the country’s timeless charm. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special welcome dinner featuring Korean BBQ!

Day 3
Journey to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for an unforgettable tour of the world’s most fortified border. Your Local Guide will explain the various sites and exhibitions including the Freedom Bridge, 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Imjingak Park, the DMZ Museum, and the Dora Observatory. Return to Seoul and enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. Consider an optional rickshaw ride through the city’s popular streets and alleyways

Day 4
Travel by high-speed train to Gyeongju, often called the “Museum without Walls” due to its rich cultural history and natural beauty. The capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, the city today is known for its relics, temples, and palaces. Upon arrival, visit Golgulsa Temple for a unique opportunity to [LF] experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks

Day 5
Your full day sightseeing tour of Gyeongju includes a visit to Bulguska Temple and Gyeongju National Museum. End your day with a walk to Woljeong Bridge and Wolji Pond

Day 6
This morning, visit Yangdong Folk Village, one of the best-preserved historic villages dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Then, continue to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, known for its stunning beaches and harbor views. Before dinner at local restaurant, join your Tour Director for a coastal walk on Dongbaekseom Island

Day 7
Sightseeing today starts with a walking tour of Gamcheon, originally founded by refugees of the Korean War and today transformed into an artistic center with galleries and cafés. Participate in a [LF] Korean cooking class for lunch, then proceed to Jagalchi fish market, Korea’s largest and most famous seafood market. This afternoon, take a cable-car ride across the ocean for panoramic views of Songdo Beach and rock cliffs. You’ll also experience stunning views from Songdo Yonggung Supension Bridge

Day 8
This morning, visit Un Cemetery which honors fallen soldiers from the Korean War. Later, enjoy a tea tasting. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure

Day 9
Fly to Seoul, then visit Insadong Arts and Craft Street, a vibrant hub for Korean traditional culture and craftsmanship. Walk along the Seoul City Wall, built more than 600 years ago. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Korea

Day 10
Today, fly to Tokyo, the capital of Japan

Day 11
Today, hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Reach new heights at Tokyo Skytree. Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era. Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo

Day 12
• Enjoy a full day at your leisure

Day 13
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, former capital of Japan

Day 14
Your guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf. Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses. Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple. Conclude your tour with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate

Day 15
Enjoy a full day at your leisure

Day 16
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

Accommodations

SeoulGyeongjuBusanTokyoKyoto
Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul
Superior First-Class



58, Sejong-daero Jung-gu Seoul South Korea

From the refined comfort of Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul, where elegance and convenience collide in the center of the city, take in the lively energy of Korea's capital. The rooms are designed to blend traditional Korean easthetics with a contemporary edge. The warm neutral hues permeate the expertly designed rooms, which are enhanced by modern amenities, unique artwork, and sleek wooden furnishings.