Travel Type
Rail & Hotels
Duration
19 Days/18 Nights
Country
Japan
Embark on a unique journey that unveils the best of Japan and South Korea! Our “Explore Japan and South Korea by Rail” program lets you experience the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and breathtaking landscapes of these iconic destinations at your own pace. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and serene temples of Kyoto to Korea’s vibrant Seoul and historic Gyeongju, this comprehensive 18-night adventure blends guided city tours, traditional accommodations, and seamless rail travel across both nations. Make memories that last a lifetime as you enjoy the freedom to explore while savoring authentic local experiences!
Inclusions
Domestic flight in economy between Kyoto and Seoul
JAPAN
9-night accommodation
13 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Japan Rail Pass economy class
Baggage transport services from Tokyo to Nagoya on Day 3 and Nagoya to Kyoto on Day 6 (1 baggage per person)
Tokyo 1 day sightseeing with Audio Guide
Bus ticket Nakatsugawa – Magome
Bus ticket Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa (reserved seats)
Kyoto 1 day sightseeing with Audio Guide
SOUTH KOREA
9-night accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels
9 meals: 9 breakfasts
Arrival and departure train between Incheon airport and Seoul Station by Airport Railroad Express train (AREX)
T-Money card (public transport pass for METRO and bus in Korea) value of 70,000 South Korean Won
Local sim card
KTX high-speed train and Mugunghwaho train as indicated in the recommendable tour itinerary
– Day 4 Seoul / Busan, one-way ticket / KTX express train
– Day 5 Busan / Sin-gyeongju (Gyeongju), one-way ticket / KTX express train
– Day 6 Sin-Gyeongju / Andong, one-way ticket / Mugunghwaho train
– Day 8 Andong / Seoul (Cheongnyangni Station), one-way ticket / KTX express train
Half-day Demilitarized Zone tour shared group tour in English
Exclusions
International airfare and airport taxes – Suggested activities – Meals other than mentioned – Gratuities to guides and drivers and hotel staff, city tax and visa fees when applicable, and anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Additional Information
Note:
For all scheduled tours in both Japan and South Korea, travelers are required to make their own way to designated meeting points to join the tours. Detailed instructions and locations for each meeting point will be provided in your itinerary. Ensure you allocate sufficient time for transit to avoid delays.
1
DAY 1 TOKYO
Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport. After exchanging you voucher and activating your JR pass, make your way to your hotel.
Otherwise for a supplement ($100 per person) you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel by shared bus.
Otherwise for a supplement ($100 per person) you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel by shared bus.
Accommodation : Tokyo for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 TOKYO
Join a seat in coach city tour, with audio guide, of Tokyo. Meet at the “LOVE” statue at Shinjuku. Highlights will include:
- Meet & Check in at Love statue
- Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
- Imperial Palace
- Asakusa : Senso-ji temple, Nakamise Shopping avenue and Kaminari-mon Gate
- Unique Japanese experience at this Historical place, Asakusa: Authentic Uji Matcha Tea experience
- “IZAKAYA” Japanese Pub Lunch experience
- Tokyo Sky Tree & Sora-machi Shopping Mall
- Odaiba ( Tokyo Bay Side Area)
- Tokyo bay Cruise
Drop-off at Shinjuku Station.
※The tour audio guide is available on the following languages: (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian).
Make your way back to your hotel on your own.
- Meet & Check in at Love statue
- Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
- Imperial Palace
- Asakusa : Senso-ji temple, Nakamise Shopping avenue and Kaminari-mon Gate
- Unique Japanese experience at this Historical place, Asakusa: Authentic Uji Matcha Tea experience
- “IZAKAYA” Japanese Pub Lunch experience
- Tokyo Sky Tree & Sora-machi Shopping Mall
- Odaiba ( Tokyo Bay Side Area)
- Tokyo bay Cruise
Drop-off at Shinjuku Station.
※The tour audio guide is available on the following languages: (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian).
Make your way back to your hotel on your own.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
3
DAY 3 TOKYO – NAGANO
Your luggage will be delivered to Nagoya. Please pack an overnight bag for Days 3 and 4.
Travel by train with your JR Pass from Tokyo to either Nagano Station (for around 1.5h).
Enjoy your free time in Nagano on your own.
Travel by train with your JR Pass from Tokyo to either Nagano Station (for around 1.5h).
Enjoy your free time in Nagano on your own.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Nagano for 1 night
4
DAY 4 NAGANO/MATSUMOTO – MAGOME - TSUMAGO
Use your JR pass to take the train from Nagano Station to Nakatsugawa Station.
Bus Ticket: Nakatsugawa Station to Magome bus stop. Make your way to your hotel.
Suggested: hiking the Magome-Tsumago Trail for a beautiful 3-hour trek. Afterward, explore the charming Magome-Juku with its traditional inns.
Note: the bus ticket from Tsumago-Magome must be paid on spot (cash only).
Bus Ticket: Nakatsugawa Station to Magome bus stop. Make your way to your hotel.
Suggested: hiking the Magome-Tsumago Trail for a beautiful 3-hour trek. Afterward, explore the charming Magome-Juku with its traditional inns.
Note: the bus ticket from Tsumago-Magome must be paid on spot (cash only).
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Tsumago for 1 night
Accommodation in Ryokan (Tsumago or Magome) are subject to availability. If the room is not available, we will replace it with an overnight stay at a standard hotel category (breakfast only).For Minshuku in either Tsumago or Magome the room will most likely be without a private bath and toilet (shared bath and toilet basis).
5
DAY 5 TSUMAGO - NAGOYA
Today you will take the train from Tsumago to Nagoya station. Pick up your luggage at hotel in Nagoya.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Nagoya for 1 night
6
DAY 6 NAGOYA -TAKAYAMA
Your luggage will be delivered to Kyoto.
Please pack an overnight bag for Days 6 and 7.
With your JR pass, take the train from Nagoya Station - Takayama Station (around 2.5h). Make your way to your hotel.
Dinner included at the hotel.
Please pack an overnight bag for Days 6 and 7.
With your JR pass, take the train from Nagoya Station - Takayama Station (around 2.5h). Make your way to your hotel.
Dinner included at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Takayama for 1 night
7
DAY 7 TAKAYAMA – SHIRAKAWAGO – KANAZAWA
Take the day to visit Shirakawago on your own and continue to Kanazawa and overnight.
Nouhi bus tickets are included, schedule as follow:
Takayama (11:20) - Shirakawago (12:10)
Shirakawago (15:55) - Kanazawa (17:20)
The bus schedule might change depending on the season and various circumstances.
Nouhi bus tickets are included, schedule as follow:
Takayama (11:20) - Shirakawago (12:10)
Shirakawago (15:55) - Kanazawa (17:20)
The bus schedule might change depending on the season and various circumstances.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kanazawa for 1 night
8
DAY 8 KANAZAWA - KYOTO
This morning take the train using you JR pass from Kanazawa station to Kyoto station (2.5h). Pick up your luggage at hotel in Kyoto.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kyoto for 2 nights
9
DAY 9 KYOTO
Join a shared join-in city tour, with audio guide, of Kyoto.
- Meet the group at Kyoto Station
- Kiyomizu-dera temple
- Sanju-san-gen-do Temple
- Lunch: Buffet Lunch at Arashiyama
- Sagano & Arashiyama Walking : Togetsu-kyo Bridge and Sagano Bamboo Forest
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Temple)
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto Shrine
16:30 - Tour ends at Kyoto station.
※The tour audio guide is available on the fllowing languages: (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian).
Make your way back to your hotel on your own.
- Meet the group at Kyoto Station
- Kiyomizu-dera temple
- Sanju-san-gen-do Temple
- Lunch: Buffet Lunch at Arashiyama
- Sagano & Arashiyama Walking : Togetsu-kyo Bridge and Sagano Bamboo Forest
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Temple)
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto Shrine
16:30 - Tour ends at Kyoto station.
※The tour audio guide is available on the fllowing languages: (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian).
Make your way back to your hotel on your own.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
10
DAY 10 KYOTO - KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - ICN AIRPORT / SEOUL
Your journey in Japan comes to an end! Breakfast then use your JR pass to get to the airport for your flight onward to South Korea.
Upon your arrival at Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul city center (40 min). Then get to hotel on your own. Check-in at your hotel.
Upon your arrival at Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul city center (40 min). Then get to hotel on your own. Check-in at your hotel.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Seoul for 3 nights
11
DAY 11 SEOUL
Breakfast at hotel.
Recommended places to visit: Seoul City Tour by Metro: Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing Korean Traditional Costume “Hanbok”, Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Museum Kimchigan (Kimchi Museum) and Bukchon Hanok Village.
All destinations are located near Anguk station (Line 3), and is about a 5-minute walk to eachother.
Back to hotel by metro.
*Tuesday: Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum are closed.
*Bukchon Hanok Village: Not allowed to visit on Sundays.
Accessible between 10am-5pm from Monday to Saturday.
Recommended places to visit: Seoul City Tour by Metro: Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing Korean Traditional Costume “Hanbok”, Palace Guard Changing Ceremony, Museum Kimchigan (Kimchi Museum) and Bukchon Hanok Village.
All destinations are located near Anguk station (Line 3), and is about a 5-minute walk to eachother.
Back to hotel by metro.
*Tuesday: Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum are closed.
*Bukchon Hanok Village: Not allowed to visit on Sundays.
Accessible between 10am-5pm from Monday to Saturday.
Meals : Breakfast
12
DAY 12 SEOUL
Breakfast at hotel.
Join the meeting point to start your Half-day DMZ shared group tour (08:00 – 14:00)
From hotel to Imjingak Park, The Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall, The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, pass by Unification Village. Drop off at City Hall.
DMZ tour: No tour on Monday and National Holiday.
Join the meeting point to start your Half-day DMZ shared group tour (08:00 – 14:00)
From hotel to Imjingak Park, The Bridge of Freedom, DMZ Theater & Exhibition Hall, The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, pass by Unification Village. Drop off at City Hall.
DMZ tour: No tour on Monday and National Holiday.
Meals : Breakfast
13
DAY 13 SEOUL / BUSAN
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Transfer to Seoul train station by metro.
Take KTX bullet train to Busan.
Arrive in Busan and transfer to hotel by own arrangement.
Recommended places to visit: UN memorial Cemetery, APEC Nurimaru Park, Haeundae Beach, Haedong Yonggungsa temple.
Transfer to Seoul train station by metro.
Take KTX bullet train to Busan.
Arrive in Busan and transfer to hotel by own arrangement.
Recommended places to visit: UN memorial Cemetery, APEC Nurimaru Park, Haeundae Beach, Haedong Yonggungsa temple.
Service provided and included: KTX express train ticket: Seoul/Busan (396.91km / 2h 50m)
KTX express train time schedule from Seoul to Busan:
08:57-11:15 / 09:27-12:16 / 09:32-12:52 / 09:57-12:45 / 10:11-13:34 / 10:27-13:13 / 10:57-13:42
Recommend KTX Time Schedule: 08:57-11:15.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Busan for 1 night
14
DAY 14 BUSAN / GYEONGJU
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Recommended places to visit : Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Kukje Market, BIFF Square and Busan Tower.
Transfer to Busan train station by own arrangement.
Take KTX express train to Gyeongju (Shingyeongju station).
Arrive in SinGyeongju station and transfer to hotel by own arrangement. Check-in at your hotel.
Recommended places to visit : Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Kukje Market, BIFF Square and Busan Tower.
Transfer to Busan train station by own arrangement.
Take KTX express train to Gyeongju (Shingyeongju station).
Arrive in SinGyeongju station and transfer to hotel by own arrangement. Check-in at your hotel.
Service provided and included: KTX express train ticket: Busan / Singyeongju (30m)
**All recommended places to visit in Busan are available by Busan Metro line 1 located near Jagalchi station except for Gamcheon Culture Village, located at Tosung station.
KTX express train time schedule from Busan to Singyeongju
14:20-14:47 / 15:14-15:41 / 16:16-16:50 / 16:56-17:23 / 17:20-17:53
Recommend KTX Time Schedule: 16:16-16:50 To get from Singyeongju to Gyeongju, you can take a local bus, which is quick and frequent.
The journey from Singyeongju to Gyeongju usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi is a convenient option and will also take about the same amount of time.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Gyeongju for 2 nights
15
DAY 15 GYEONGJU
Breakfast at hotel.
Recommended places to visit: Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, Hwangryongsaji Temple site / Bulguksa Temple, Seokkuram Grotto (WCH)
Recommended places to visit: Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, Hwangryongsaji Temple site / Bulguksa Temple, Seokkuram Grotto (WCH)
** All destinations are located closely in Gyeongju Historical Areas, except for Bulguksa Temple and Seokkuram Grotto. You can take the bus or a taxi to go Bulguksa Temple, which takes 1 hour by bus no. 10 and 30 minutes by taxi. Also, you need to take a taxi or bus from Bulguksa to Seokkuram Grotto too, which takes 10 minutes by taxi, and 30 minutes by bus no. 12.
Meals : Breakfast
16
DAY 16 GYEONGJU / ANDONG
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Transfer to Sin-Gyeongju station by own arrangement (by taxi).
Take “Mugunghwago train” to Andong.
Arrive in Andong train station and transfer to hotel by own arrangement.
Transfer to Sin-Gyeongju station by own arrangement (by taxi).
Take “Mugunghwago train” to Andong.
Arrive in Andong train station and transfer to hotel by own arrangement.
Remarks: Andong Mask Dance Performance (schedule to be reconfirmed):
March – December: Every Tue-Sun at 2pm (1hour)
January – February: Every Sat, Sun at 2pm (1hour)
Service provided and included: Mugunghwaho train: Sin-Gyeongju/Andong (1hr 45m)
Mugunghwa train time schedule from Sin-Gyeongju to Andong:
08:59-10:45 / 10:44-12:18 / 16:26-18:15
Recommend train time schedule: 08:59-10:45 or 10:44-12:18
*Andong train station/hotel: Takes about 40 minutes by taxi; 1 hour by express bus No.1; 1.5hours by bus #211 or #212
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Andong for 1 night
17
DAY 17 ANDONG / SEOUL
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Transfer to Andong station by own arrangement.
Take KTX E-um to Seoul (Cheongnyang-ri)
Transfer to hotel by own arrangement.
Check-in at hotel.
Transfer to Andong station by own arrangement.
Take KTX E-um to Seoul (Cheongnyang-ri)
Transfer to hotel by own arrangement.
Check-in at hotel.
Service provided and included: KTX ticket: Andong / Seoul (2hr 03m)
KTX E-um train time schedule from Andong to Cheongnyangni-Seoul:
05:58-08:13 / 08:00-10:14 / 08:36-11:10 / 10:40-12:45 / 11:56-14:07 / 13:53-15:56 / 14:50-17:06 / 17:57-19:55 / 19:01-21:05 / 21:25-23:24
Recommended train time schedule: 10:40-12:45 or 13:53-15:56
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Seoul for 2 nights
18
DAY 18 SEOUL
Breakfast at hotel.
Meals : Breakfast
19
DAY 19 SEOUL / INCHEON AIRPORT
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Get to AREX station on your own.
Transfer out to Incheon Airport with the AREX (Direct 40min) and take your flight back to home.
Get to AREX station on your own.
Transfer out to Incheon Airport with the AREX (Direct 40min) and take your flight back to home.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
JAPAN
Tokyo: Shinjuku Waghington 3*
Nagano: JAL City Nagano 3*
Tsumago: Hanaya Tsumago (traditional Japanese inn, shared baths)
Nagoya: Ibis Styles Nagoya 3*
Takayama: Around Takayama 3*+
Kanazawa: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Eki Nishiguchi 3*+
Kyoto: MitsuiGarden Hotel Kyoto Shijo 4*
SOUTH KOREA
Seoul: Myplace 3* or Recenz 3*
Andong : Grand hotel 3, CM Park 3*, Richell hotel 3*
Gyeongju: Commodore Gyeongju 4* or Kolon hotel 4*
Busan: Asti Jeju, Crown Harbor 4*, Commodore Busan 4*
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package | |
| Daily departures 2025 | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| Arrivals in January, Febuary, May and June | 6290 | +1950 |
| Arrivals in March, April, July, August, September and October | 6555 | +1950 |
Balckout dates:
January 1–3, April 27–May 5, December 25–31.
Seasonal surcharges may apply:
– Lunar’s New Year’s Day: January 1– February 2
– Cherry Blossom seasons: March 20– April 13
– Korean and Asian holiday season: April 30 – May 06
– Summer Holidays: July 20 – August 25
– Chuseok Holiday (Korean Full-Moon Festival): October 1 – 12
– APEC Summit Gyeongju: end of October – 1st week of November
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Explore Japan and South Korea by rail – Detailed itinerary
Explore Japan and South Korea by rail – Detailed itinerary
