12-Day Japan, South Korea & Taiwan Discovery Tour

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Take some time to settle in and get acquainted with the hotel’s facilities. If time permits, step out to explore the nearby neighborhood, where you’ll find a variety of local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (Standard Room)

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through Meiji Shrine, a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture set within a serene forested oasis in the heart of the city. Then, head to the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you can admire the immaculately maintained National Garden, once the private retreat of the Imperial Family. Enjoy views of the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, often regarded as the symbol of the Imperial Palace, along with glimpses of the palace itself. Next, cross the scenic Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, a lively waterfront district renowned for its shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Take in the sights, including the replica Statue of Liberty, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Asakusa, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most revered temple. You will be captivated by the vibrant Kaminarimon Gate, the majestic five-story pagoda, and the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, filled with traditional shops and local treats. Conclude our tour with a visit to the iconic TOKYO SKYTREE®, the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world at 2,080 feet. From its observation deck, take in sweeping 360-degree views of Tokyo's vast cityscape. The tour ends near Tokyo Station.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (Standard Room)

Embark on a full-day excursion to Mount Fuji and Hakone aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Fuji's Fifth Station, located 7,607 feet above sea level. After lunch, take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, where, on a clear day, you might see Mount Fuji rising in the distance. Continue with a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway, offering sweeping views of Lake Ashi and the stunning landscapes of Hakone National Park. At the summit, visit Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya, the original shrine peacefully nestled atop Mount Komagatake. The tour concludes at Odawara Station, where you'll board a bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital for over 1,000 years. When you arrive, take a short walk to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station (Guest Room)

Begin your cultural exploration with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Admire the elaborate carvings and refined interiors of the Ninomaru Palace, a highlight of this historic landmark. Next, continue to the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), another World Heritage Site. This magnificent wooden structure, adorned with layers of pure gold leaf and reflected in a serene pond, is one of Kyoto's most photogenic and revered sites. Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Imperial Family until the capital relocated to Tokyo more than 150 years ago. After lunch, travel to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, to visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a World Heritage Site famed for its thousands of lanterns and sacred atmosphere. A visit to the Main Sanctuary Area offers a closer look at the shrine's inner sanctum and a corridor lined with hanging lanterns. The surrounding Nara Park is home to friendly, free-roaming deer, believed to be messengers of the gods. Conclude your day at the grand Todai-ji Temple, another UNESCO-listed site and a symbol of the Nara Period. Explore the vast wooden hall, one of the largest of its kind in the world, and behold the awe-inspiring Great Buddha housed within. Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon. The tour concludes upon arrival at Kyoto Station.

Note: On days when the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors, the tour will instead visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning. The shrine's main hall is a designated national treasure and is especially scenic during the plum blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station (Guest Room)

After breakfast, transfer to Kansai International Airport for your flight to Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea. Upon arrival, meet your driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to unwind or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel The Botanik Sewoon Myeongdong (Standard Room)

Set out from your hotel for a full day of exploring Seoul. Start at the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, where you'll marvel at its intricate architecture and rich history. Next, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to delve into traditional Korean life through its extensive collection of artifacts. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses from the Joseon era. Wander its picturesque streets before heading to Insa-dong, a vibrant area known for its Korean art, crafts, and antiques, as well as galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest street markets, famous for its Mung-bean pancakes (Bindaetteok) and numerous food and clothing stalls. Conclude your day at the N Seoul Tower Observatory, where you'll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel The Botanik Sewoon Myeongdong (Standard Room)

After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board your high-speed train for a scenic and swift journey to Busan. Welcome to Busan, South Korea's vibrant coastal metropolis and a dynamic hub of culture, commerce, and natural beauty. As the country's second-largest city, Busan is renowned for its stunning beaches, bustling markets, and one of the world's busiest ports. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae (Standard Room)

Start your day at the Haeundae Blueline Park, where you will take a scenic ride on the Sky Capsule along Busan's stunning coastline, where the East Sea meets the South Sea. The journey offers breathtaking views and lasts approximately 30 minutes. Next, visit the Oryukdo Skywalk to marvel at the mysterious Oryukdo Islands. Take a short hike up Sunrise Park, perched on a coastal cliff, for panoramic views. Continue to Hinnyeoul Culture Village, a charming seaside community known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic local culture. Stroll through its narrow alleys and soak in the unique ambiance. Conclude the day at the iconic Gamcheon Culture Village, famously dubbed the "Machu Picchu of Busan." Admire its colorful houses, artistic murals, and picturesque streets—a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae (Standard Room)

Our driver will meet us at the hotel to take us to the airport for our flight to Taipei. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport and after clearing customs, your driver will greet you in the arrival hall. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure to unwind or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: HOTEL COZZI Minsheng Taipei (Standard Room)

Today, embark on a shared full-day tour to three of northern Taiwan's most iconic destinations. Begin at Yehliu Geopark, famous for its fascinating rock formations shaped by sea erosion, an impressive natural wonder along the coast. Continue to Jiufen Village, a charming hillside town that thrived during the gold rush era of the 1940s. Stroll through its nostalgic alleyways lined with teahouses, street food stalls, and local crafts. In the afternoon, visit Pingxi District, a former mining town now best known for its Sky Lantern Festival. Here, you'll have the chance to write your wishes on a lantern and release it into the sky, a symbolic and unforgettable experience. End your journey at the scenic Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan's Little Niagara, before returning to Taipei.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: HOTEL COZZI Minsheng Taipei (Standard Room)

This morning, discover the cultural and historical highlights of Taiwan's capital on a shared half-day Taipei City Tour. Highlights include a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an iconic symbol of Taiwan's history; a drive past the Presidential Office Building; a stop at the Martyrs' Shrine, known for its traditional architecture and ceremonial changing of the guard; and admission to the world-renowned National Palace Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Taipei at your own pace, consider visiting Taipei 101, shopping in Ximending, or relaxing in a local teahouse.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: HOTEL COZZI Minsheng Taipei (Standard Room)