How do I book a tour?

Simple and easy, just book directly online on our website: You choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and the number of participants. Several options are available.Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount online and confirm your booking.You receive an e-mail confirmation of your booking.You book your plane ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the times required for your tour to run smoothly).You pay the balance of your invoice up to one month before departure.For more information about our tours or your booking, don 't hesitate to contact our advisers on + 44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com. You can also visit us in our London office.

Which payment methods are accepted?

You can pay online by credit card. In our agency, you can pay by credit card, cash (under €1.500) or cheque with proof of identity (France only).

Is there app or translator support during the trip?

Fluent English speaking is not as widespread in Japan compared to other countries, even in the tourism sector, with the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities. Your guide is fluent in English and Japanese and will help you during the tour. During your free days we recommend using applications such as "Google Translate” to scan menus and to communicate as best as possible.

What is the cancellation policy for Self Guided Tours?

If you need to cancel your trip after signing the registration form, you must notify Japan Experience as soon as possible. This notification can be sent either by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or by email. The date of sending will be considered the official cancellation date. In such cases, cancellation fees will apply, calculated as a percentage of the total cost of the trip, according to the following terms: More than 35 days before departure: 35% of the total costBetween 35 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the total costBetween 20 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total costLess than 7 days before departure or on the day of departure: no refund will be made

All Self-guided tours

Seoul, Tokyo & Kyoto

10 days
Seoul, Tokyo, Kyoto

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Seoul, Tokyo, and Kyoto : three legendary Asian capitals that make the continent’s heart beat to the rhythm of their contrasts.

In Seoul, immerse yourself in an electric city where royal palaces, hanok houses, and intoxicating street food rub shoulders with neon lights and K-culture. The energy is everywhere; vibrant, creative, unforgettable.

Then, head to Tokyo, the fascinating global city, where ancient traditions and futuristic modernity meet at every street corner. From peaceful shrines to dizzying panoramas, from iconic neighborhoods to unique experiences, every day is a visual and cultural feast.

Finally, Kyoto envelops you in an elegant and timeless atmosphere. Majestic temples, Zen gardens, preserved alleyways, and ancestral rituals offer you a more intimate, more spiritual, and deeply moving Japan.

Three cities, three atmospheres, one promise: an intense, contrasting, and unforgettable journey, where every moment brings you a little closer to the soul of Asia.

Product highlight

Discover the contrast between modern and traditional Asia on our journey through Seoul, Tokyo, and Kyoto!

Savor the true essence of Japan with an authentic tea ceremony in Kyoto and a nighttime tour of Shinjuku!

Why choose Japan Experience ?

On-site assistance 7 days a week

Internet access included

Authentic experiences guaranteed

What's included in this tour?

Airport Transfers

3* Hotels & Ryokan

Pocket Wi-Fi

Tea ceremony

1 guided tour in Shinjuku

Tokyo Metro Pass

Public transportation card

Flight from Seoul to Tokyo

T-money Pass

What's not included

Personal expenses, non included meals

Public transport card recharge

Optional Insurances

From

$2,007 / pers - 10 days

Contact an advisor

Your trip in detail

Step 1 - Days 1 to 3

Seoul

Head to Seoul for a stopover that’s as intense as it is fascinating.

Between majestic palaces and traditional alleyways, this stop immerses you in the heart of Korean history while letting you savor the capital’s vibrant energy. Stroll among preserved hanok houses and revitalized neighborhoods, take a breath along a reinvented urban river, then let the city reveal its most electric side as night falls.

A journey rich in contrasts, where centuries-old traditions and bold modernity meet at every turn.

Hotel Nafore

4.2

(or similar 3* categories hotel)

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 1 -

Waking up in the Land of Morning Calm

You will be greeted at customs by our airport assistant, who will provide you with all the necessary documents for a smooth stay in Seoul, as well as your e-SIM, before transferring you by bus to your accommodation.

You’ll have time to freshen up and rest before beginning your exploration of Seoul by following your travel itinerary.

On this first day, you’ll explore the heart of Seoul and the immediate surroundings of your accommodation, starting with Gwanghwamun Square.

Included

Airport Transfers

Day 2 -

An Amazing Capital

It’s the second day of your stay in Seoul. After breakfast, you have a free day today with the following recommendations:

Gyeongbokgung Palace, which served as the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty for several centuries. Note that Changdeokgung Palace may also be an alternative depending on its opening days;
A stroll through the Bukchon neighborhood to admire its traditional houses. Discover the unique Ikseondong neighborhood, where old houses slated for demolition were saved thanks to vintage renovations and the opening of small neighborhood shops;
The small Cheonggyecheon Stream, the capital’s green artery. This stream has undergone a remarkable transformation, having once been a slum, then an expressway, before becoming a river again.

Included

Breakfast

Highlight(s)

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Bukchon neighborhood

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Options

Guided tour during the day

Day 3 -

A Past That’s Still Very Much Present

Why not take advantage of your third day in Seoul to explore the capital’s surroundings?

Hwaseong Fortress and its unique architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
Bukhansan National Park, home to the region’s most beautiful hiking trails, as well as several temples and a fortress;
Jeonju Hanok Village and its traditional houses that will take you back in time.

Optionally, take a half-day guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone ( DMZ) near the border between North and South Korea, located near Dorasan subway station, wherethe Korean War Armistice was signed.

In the evening, explore the city’s nightlife in the lively neighborhoods of Gangnam, Itaewon, or Hongdae.

Included

Breakfast

Highlight(s)

Hwaseong Fortress

Bukhansan National Park

Jeonju Hanok Village

Options

Half-day guided tour of the Korean War Demilitarized Zone

Step 2 - Days 4 to 6

Tokyo

This 4-day itinerary explores Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods, combining modern spots with cultural sites: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree.

On the last day, you’re free to choose from a variety of optional activities based on your interests (museums, theme parks, themed tours, and more)!

OMO3 Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts

4.2

or similar category 3* hotel

≃ 172 sq ft

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 4 -

Departure for Tokyo

Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRTor Haneda HND).

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Meet our airport assistantatthe customs exit, who will provide you with all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo.

This transfer is via a shared shuttle with other guests heading to the same hotel or a hotel near yours. These shuttles depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight’s scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before reaching your hotel.

If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and immediately after your flight lands, please select the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

Included

Breakfast

Flight from Seoul to Tokyo

Airport Transfers

Options

Private taxi from the airport

Included transfer

Seoul

Flight (2h30)

Tokyo

Day 5 -

First steps in the capital

For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend exploring:

Harajuku, the trendy neighborhood for young people
Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
Takeshita-dori, Tokyo’s must-see street
Omotesando, Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées”
Shibuyaand its famous intersection

End your day on a high note with an evening stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most important neighborhoods. Meet your guide in the early eveningfor a unique walk lasting about an hour and a half, during which you’ll explore Kabukicho and Golden Gai, among other areas.

Included

1 guided tour in Shinjuku

Highlight(s)

Shinjuku

Options

Guided tour of Tokyo during the day

Day 6 -

The Big Loop

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

Ginza, the upscale district
Tsukiji, the food market
Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled among the skyscrapers
Asakusa, the capital’s traditional district
TheSenso-ji Buddhist Temple

End the day by visiting the Tokyo Skytree, the observation tower where the sunset reveals the city’s full splendor.

Highlight(s)

Ginza

Senso-ji

Tokyo Sky Tree

Step 3 - Days 7 to 10

Kyoto

Between historical landmarks, iconic temples, traditional neighborhoods, and a side trip to Nara, immerse yourself in the heart of spiritual and cultural Japan. Three intense days to savor all the poetry of Kyoto before continuing your journey filled with discoveries.

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

4.3

(or similar category 3* hotel)

18-24m²

Free Wifi

Private bathroom

Day 7 -

The former capital

Board the Shinkansen train to Kyoto.

Start your visit with:

Kiyomizu-Dera, the Great Water Temple;
The historic Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zakaalleys;
Kôdai-ji, Kyoto’s temple of maple trees and bamboo
The Gion district.

Informations

Please note that photography is strictly prohibited in the Gion district.

Included

Shinkansen tickets

Highlight(s)

Kiyomizu-dera

Kôdai-ji

Gion

Transfer included

Tokyo

Shinkansen (2h)

Kyoto

Day 8 -

Gold and silver treasures

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:

The Zen garden at Ryôan-ji;
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
The enchantingPhilosopher’s Path;
Nanzen-ji Temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9 AM to 5 PM).

End the day with a traditional tea ceremony. Watch the meticulous preparation and presentation of matcha, a vibrant green tea, served in handcrafted pottery. Savor the delicate flavors of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, paired with the frothy tea. This enchanting experience offers a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture.

Included

Tea ceremony

Highlight(s)

Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

Philosopher’s Path

Ryôan-ji

Options

Guided tour

Day 9 -

Between temples and deer

For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend visiting Nara.

Tour of Nara,Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century.

Discover:

The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
Tōdai-ji, its great bronze Buddha, and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
Kofuku-ji Temple and its charming pagoda

Return to Kyoto for sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha,Kyoto’s immense shrine with10,000 torii gates.

If you’d like a guide for this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan’s first capital (optional, round-trip from Kyoto).

Highlight(s)

Kasuga-taisha

Todai-ji

Kofuku-ji

Options

Guided tour of Nara

Transfer

Kyoto

Train (50mins)

Nara

Day 10 -

Sayonara and see you next time!

Direct transfer via shared shuttle to Kansai International Airport(KIX).

If you prefer a private transfer, directly to the airport with no stops along the way, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.

Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we’d be happy to help!

Included

Airport Transfers

Options

Private taxi from the hotel to the airport

Stay extension

Product conditions

Acommodation

Meals

Find out more about the accommodation details and meals included in your tour.

Transports and other services

Activities

Activities included

Cancellation policy, terms and conditions, and accessibility

Tour conditions

Cancellation fees apply depending on when the cancellation is confirmed. Please read the following carefully, along with our travel conditions and required travel documents.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your trip after signing the registration form, please notify Japan Experience as soon as possible—by registered mail (with acknowledgment of receipt) or by email. The date the notice is sent will serve as the official cancellation date.

Cancellation fees are calculated as a percentage of the total trip cost, according to the following schedule:

More than 35 days before departure: 35% of the total cost
Between 35 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the total cost
Between 20 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total cost
Less than 7 days before departure or on the day of departure: no refund

Price Adjustments

Tour prices are subject to change depending on factors such as supply and demand, yen exchange rates, and supplier pricing.
No refund will be made after booking if a lower price becomes available. Similarly, no additional charges will apply in the event of a price increase after confirmation.

Program Modifications

The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
To ensure participant safety and comfort, Japan Experience may adjust the order of visits, the choice of cities, or other program details as needed — always with the goal of maintaining a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Accessibility

This tour is not suitable for travelers with reduced mobility.
Pets are not allowed.
Children and infants are welcome.
- A child rate (ages 3–11) includes a standard bed and seat.
- An infant rate (ages 0–2) includes a baby crib in most accommodations, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
Dietary requirements: Vegetarian or vegan options in Japan are limited, particularly on group tours. While Japan Experience cannot guarantee specific meals, your guide will help you find suitable dishes when possible. The same applies to travelers with food intolerances.
Luggage: Extra luggage transfers incur an additional charge (approx. £25 / $31 USD per person per bag). Please inform your guide in advance.

Travel Documents

A digital version of your travel booklet and related documents will be sent by email 3 weeks before departure.
Airport transfer tickets will be provided by your airport assistant upon arrival (if applicable).
Physical travel documents needed for the tour will be given by your tour guide at the hotel meeting at 7:00 PM on Day 1.
Booking and Payment
Choose your tour, departure date, and number of participants.
Pay a 35% deposit online to confirm your booking.
Receive your booking confirmation by email.
Book your flight (either through Japan Experience or independently, ensuring flight times fit your tour schedule).
Pay the remaining balance at least one month before departure. Payment in installments is available upon request.

For questions or assistance, contact our team at +44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com.

You can also visit our London office or request a quote online

Need Help?

Request a quote and let us know any questions you may have, as well as the best time for one of our travel experts to call you back.

Ask your questions

Peak season note

In very rare cases, mainly in peak season, the steps might be reversed. You will be informed of this in your travel diary should it happen. We appreciate your understanding.

Cover your trip, Insurance

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html. If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index.

Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

Simple and easy, just book directly online on our website:

You choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and the number of participants. Several options are available.
Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount online and confirm your booking.
You receive an e-mail confirmation of your booking.
You book your plane ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the times required for your tour to run smoothly).
You pay the balance of your invoice up to one month before departure.

For more information about our tours or your booking, don 't hesitate to contact our advisers on + 44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com.
You can also visit us in our London office.