Seoul & Tokyo

A tour of South Korea and Japan : visit Seoul and Tokyo on this self-guided tour.

In the heart of Asia, these two modern capitals also have a traditional side to discover. Accommodation, internal transport and travel between South Korea and Japan are included.

Set off on this trip to Asia with peace of mind!


1 week itinerary in Seoul and Tokyo (9 days) 

  • Departure city/airport : Seoul (Incheon Airport : ICN)
  • Seoul (3 nights)
  • Tokyo (5 nights)
  • End Return airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length :8 nights / 9 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example : 

  • Departure from Europe : January 1st
  • Arrival Seoul (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking) : January 2nd
  • Return flight from Tokyo : January 10th

Why this trip to Japan ?

  1. Our team will welcome you at each airport (Seoul and Tokyo)
  2. Get settled in the heart of the 2 capitals in your 3* hotels chosen for their comfort and location
  3. Take advantage of the transportation included in the 2 Asian capitals
  4. Have a comfortable flight and airport transfers between the 2 cities
  5. With your tickets, climb to the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree, 634m high
  6. Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  7. If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
  8. Numerous guided days or other optional activities available
  9. Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan

 

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Wake up in the Land of the Morning Calm

    Arrival at Incheon Airport in Seoul.



    You will be met at the airport by an English-speaking specialist. They will give you your travel documents for Korea, including your transport pass, and accompany you to your hotel in the heart of Seoul.



    Check-in at the Nafore Hotel or same category hotel 3* in the center of the capital.

  • Day 2 : A stunning capital

    Self-guided tour of Seoul and its region.

    A few must-sees:

    - Cheonggye Square, from which you can see the city along the river. Total relaxation!

    - Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the largest in the country.

    - The impressive Jongmyo sanctuary, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



    Optional:

    - Let a city expert guide you for a day.

    - Discover Korean art on a tour of several galleries, private meetings and an introduction to the country's modern art.

  • Day 3 : The past so present

    Self-guided tour of Seoul and its region.



    Why not take the day to explore the area surrounding the capital?

    - Hwaseong Fortress and its unique architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

    - Bukhansan National Park, home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region, as well as several temples and a fortress

    - Jeonju Hanok Village and its traditional houses that will transport you back in time



    Optionally, take a half-day guided tour to the border between the two Koreas, to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) where the Korean War Armistice was signed.



    After dark, check out the city's nightlife in the lively districts of Gangnam, Itaewon or Hongdae.

  • Day 4 : Depart for Tokyo 東京

    Transfer to Seoul Incheon Airport by bus (included).



    Flight to Tokyo.

    Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).

    Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Our airport assistant will welcome you at the exit of the customs and will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

    Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

    Check-in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).

    You can pick up your pocket Wi-Fi at the hotel reception desk.

     

  • Day 5 : First steps in the capital

    What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?

    We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts:

    - Harajuku: the avant-garde district

    - Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine

    - Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan

    - Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées

    - Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

  • Day 6 : The big loop

    For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".



    Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then go to visit:

    - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district

    - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market

    - Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings

    - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River

    - Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city

    - Tokyo Sky Tree reaching a height of 643m and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset (ticket included in your tour)

    Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa.

     

  • Day 7 : Follow the guide

    There are still many places to discover according to your taste! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

    Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!



    Make the most of our many optional activities :

    - Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!

    - Do you prefer a themed activity? book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.

    - Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

  • Day 8 : On the way to visit the emblem of Japan: Mount Fuji!

    For this last day before your departure, we advise you to go to the area around Tokyo, for a day in the Mount Fuji region, in Hakone (transport optional).

    You will be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this spa resort, 1 hour 30 from Tokyo (not included), Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (in good weather!). Not forgetting the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

    If you wish to be accompanied for this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional, return trip from Tokyo).

    Also:

    - The temples and sanctuaries of Nikko, in the heart of the forest (about 2 hours one way trip).

    - The town of Kamakura and its Great Bronze Buddha (about 1 hour one way, if you didn't go the day before).

    - The Kawaguchiko and Five Lakes region, closest to Mount Fuji. Longer and more difficult to access than Hakone.

  • Day 9 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Transfer to Haneda or Narita airport (included but not accompanied).

    This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

    If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.

    Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

    Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Tokyo, or elsewhere... We will be able to advise you!

     

    Included in your self-guided tour

  • Accommodation

    - 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of the city of Seoul  

    - 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of the city of Tokyo

    The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

     

  • Transport

    - 12-ride Seoul Metro ticket

    - Flight Seoul -> Tokyo, economy class

    Transfer airport <> Seoul

    Transfer airport <> Tokyo

    - Prepaid public transport card

    - 3-day Tokyo Metro Pass

  • Experiences and meals

    Airport welcome Seoul

    Airport welcome Tokyo

    Entrance to Tokyo Sky Tree (combined ticket 350+450m)

    - Breakfasts in Seoul

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited Wi-Fi access in Seoul (public Wi-Fi everywhere), with pocket Wi-Fi in Tokyo

    - Complete e-travel diary sent before your departure

    - The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. It is valid for telephone calls and Whatsapp.

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Europe > Seoul and Tokyo > Europe Flights 

    - Optional insurance policies

    - Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)

    - Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)

    - Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. The order of visits may also be modified. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
  • Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen circuit. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows
    • Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, and other electronic documents (TokyoSkyTree e-voucher)
    • Korea paper documents (airport transfer tickets, transport card) when you arrive at Seoul airport by our airport assistant
    • Japan paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the Tokyo airport by our airport assistant.
  • In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. 
  • Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed.
  • Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants.
  • 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
  • In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close.
  • Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.

Your transport :

  • Europe -> Seoul et Tokyo -> Europe flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The departure and end dates of the tour presented on this page relate to your stay in Asia. You will arrive in Korea via Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) via Tokyo and depart from Tokyo (Narita NRT or Haneda HND). You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 6:30pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Seoul). The return flight from Tokyo is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
  • If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
  • Airport transfers in Seoul and Tokyo: The shared shuttle bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop located between 1 and 15 min walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant will drive you to the platform to take the airport transfer. Then this transfer to the hotel is done without assistance. 
  • For Japan : included in your tour is a pre-paid transport card with 1500¥ loaded in advance (about £10.30 / 14.54$) (Suica or Pasmo brand); and a 3 day metro pass. These 2 cards should cover a large amount of your journeys in Tokyo. Please note: The metro pass is valid for 72 hours after the first use, until the expiry date printed on the back of the pass on this first use. This pass allows you to use all 13 of Tokyo's underground lines (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway). The JR regional train lines are only accessible with the pre-payment card, where the journey is charged to you. When the 3-day metro pass and the 1,500¥ pre-paid transport card expire, you will have to pay for all your journeys by reloading your pre-paid transport card (in the ticket machines at all stations and metro stations. A metro ticket in Tokyo costs around £1.71 / 2.42$, depending on the length of the journey).
  • For Korea, the tour includes a Seoul public transport pass with 12 intra-city trips (given to you upon arrival in Seoul). Beyond that, all travel is at your expense.

Your trips :

  • Airport reception is in English (in Seoul and Tokyo). Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).

Your meals :

  • Except for breakfasts in Seoul, no meals are included in your package. Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option

Your additional services:

  • A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
  • It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
  • A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
  • A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex : 

Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :

Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

 

Frequently asked questions

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan

  • The guarantee of the first tour operator specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
  • A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
  • Competitive prices thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
  • Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
  • specialised team is available 7 days a week by phone or email
  • The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website

Seoul & Tokyo

From
1 290 € / pers - 9 days

Optional services

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