Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul

Say “Konnichiwa!” to the incredible, eclectic city of Tokyo. Japan is a land of contrasts, and you're about to discover the thousand facets of culture, art, and life that make up its incredible spirit. From busy cities to quiet shrines filled only with silence, you'll come face-to-face with a culture thousands of years in the making. Storied history, artistic traditions, cutting-edge technology – it's all part of Japan's everyday life. You'll soon discover that you could explore Japan for a thousand years and only experience a part of what this country has to offer. Stay: Aloft Tokyo Ginza (3 Nights)

This morning, start your day in Tokyo like a true local – by hopping on the subway. Clean, efficient, fast, and easy to use, the Tokyo subway system is one of the best in the world. Set out on a walk to Zojoji Temple, standing in the shadow of Tokyo Tower and painting a powerful picture of Tokyo's ancient roots and modern culture. Zojoji is the center of Japanese Buddhism in the region, and the resting place of the royal Tokugawa family. Next, take in views of the city from the top of Tokyo Tower.

Later this afternoon, make your way back to your hotel located in the popular Ginza district of Tokyo, a perfect location for spending an afternoon at leisure before getting to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Feel the excitement start to build as you head to Asakusa, passing by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and seeing the Nijubashi Bridge. Next, witness the subtle art of preparing green tea in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Enjoy free time exploring the Nakamise shopping street, where you can stroll between the stalls leading to the Sensoji Temple to buy local souvenirs and sweets. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the city. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area.

This evening, you are free to explore on your own. (B)

Climb aboard the high-speed shinkansen, or bullet train. Sleek, modern, and comfortable, the bullet train will flash through the idyllic Japanese countryside at 200 miles per hour, but you'll barely feel or hear a thing. Keep an eye peeled for Mt. Fuji in the distance. Arrive at one of the most important shrines in Japan – Ise Shrine. This grand shrine is built to honor the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu. Wander among the thatched roofs and raw wood of buildings, taking in the serenity of this spiritual wonder.

Tonight, your meal will be a traditional and delicious Japanese kaiseki dinner, an artfully prepared and presented, multi-course meal using ingredients at the absolute peak of freshness. (B/D) Stay: Nemu Resort (2 Nights)

This morning, you'll head to the Mikimoto Pearl Museum. Explore the island and the legacy of the skilled ama pearl divers, women who defied conventional gender roles to dive in the sea to harvest oysters and their pearls. Watch divers take the plunge and learn about the history and science of pearl diving.

This evening, set out for Azurihama Beach, where you'll venture across the sands to an ama hut for an incredible dining experience. While local seafood is grilled in a charcoal fire right before your eyes, hear tales from the ama women about their lives and the sacred rights of their profession. (B/D)

Today, travel to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Venture inside the massive temple to take some time in this sacred place and find the huge bronze Buddha statue. Wander the grounds outside and discover the famous “bowing” deer of Nara. Then, you'll once again board the shinkansen bullet train and be whisked away to Hiroshima. Enjoy dinner at a local cooking studio, where you'll learn how to make the famous Japanese okonomiyaki, or savory pancake, a favorite of Hiroshima residents. (B/D) Stay: ANA Crowne Plaza (2 Nights)

A short walk from your hotel takes you to the Peace Memorial Park. Pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO), a sobering reminder of the devastation caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb during World War II. Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum before a powerful Impact Moment connects you with someone who experienced the devastating effects of the Atomic bomb firsthand. They'll talk about what it was like to live in Japan during that time, the aftermath of that terrible day, and how they preserve the memory of those who were lost.

After, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its mythic O-torii Gate standing proudly in the water. (B)

Kyoto awaits! Journey to Japan's former capital city via shinkansen bullet train. Your first stop takes you to Fushimi Inari Taisha for a glimpse into the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the rows of orange torii that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine.

Later this afternoon, head to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. As you walk through Gion's narrow cobblestone streets, if you're lucky, you may see a woman in full traditional geisha regalia headed to one of the hidden, exclusive tea houses.

Tonight is at leisure. (B) Stay: Hotel Monterey (3 Nights)

Enjoy a laid-back morning before visiting the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Set out among the towering bamboo stalks that shade the forest paths and gently sway in the breeze. Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple (UNESCO), known as the Golden Pavilion for its top two floors that are completely covered in gold leaf. Once the lavish retirement home of a shogun, it was converted to a Zen temple in the 1400s. It has survived wars, been rebuilt after fires, and still stands as an impressive piece of historic architecture.

Later, visit the Women's Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto town house. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese food items, fold intricate origami shapes, and speak to your hostess about Japan, its culture, and women's roles in this complex society. (B/D)

This morning, make your way to Nishiki Market with your Tour Manager, where colorful stalls are filled with fresh foods and local specialties, like pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore how you want. Perhaps you'll take another visit to the Gion district to wander among its temples, shrines, traditional shops, and charming cafés, visit a museum, or spend time in the park and grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. (B)

Today, jump on a flight and journey to your final destination: Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. An energetic and eclectic modern city with deep roots, Seoul has something for everyone. (B/D) Stay: Courtyard Marriott Namdaemun (4 Nights)

Head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or the DMZ, this morning. This conflict-ridden stretch of 150 miles between North and South Korea has been sealed tight for the last 68 years, and the struggles of the Korean War have yet to be resolved. Take an exclusive tour of this storied border, seeing Imjingak Park, the Bridge of Freedom, the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall, the Dora Observatory, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and more. This is a rare opportunity to see the “Hermit Kingdom” of North Korea up close, and the long cold war between the two countries.

Tonight, your evening is at leisure. (B/L)

This morning, learn about the struggles in North Korea firsthand when you gather for a private talk with a North Korean defector. During this Impact Moment, learn about their life in North Korea, how they escaped to the south and are adjusting to their new life, and the struggles they face in a new country. After, leave the city and sit down for a home-hosted traditional Korean lunch with a local family, and get insight into the daily lives of a South Korean family. (B/L)

Start your day by hopping on the subway and heading to the awe-inspiring Gyeongbok Palace. Take a tour of the sprawling grounds and watch the elaborate and ceremonial changing of the guard. Next, visit Insadong Street, Seoul's charming and colorful shopping area. Tour the narrow maze of alleys that hold tea shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes. You have the afternoon at leisure to explore the area, perhaps heading to the Museum of Contemporary History with its multimedia exhibitions, or the National Museum of Korea with its statues, paintings, and artifacts.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Say goodbye to the energy and splendor of Seoul as you depart for home. Return with countless memories of your journey through Japan and unforgettable moments from the South Korean capital. (B)