Spring in Japan and South Korea

The most beautiful places of two neighboring countries during the most beautiful cherry blossom season! We will visit all the super cities - Seoul, Busan, Tokyo and Kyoto, admire nature on the islands of Jeju and Naoshima, walk in the mountains, climb the Hallasan volcano, enjoy the hot springs and discover old capitals. And of course - the temples! New and ancient, Buddhist and Shinto, in megacities and villages.

Day 1

Arrival in Osaka. We will check into a capsule hotel and explore a five-story samurai castle. We will walk along the Dotonbori area, known for restaurants and cafes and enjoy Japanese cuisine.
Day 2

We go to Kyoto (about 1 hour on the way). We check into a hotel and visit the city's famous temples - Fushimi Inari shrines, the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, Reanji, and the Taizo-in traditional stone garden. We will also visit several best spots for enjoying sakura blossom.
Day 3

Arashiyama Bamboo forest, the mountain with macaques, temples of Tenryuji with a magnificent garden and Otagi Nenbutsuji with thousands of statues of Arhats - we continue to explore the pearls of Kyoto! In the evening we attend a geisha performance.
Day 4

Free day in Kyoto. You can visit the famous temple of Kiyomizu-dera with a view of Kyoto, and take a trip to Himeji (40 min by train). This town boats the famous White Egret Castle which was featured in many world-famous films.
Day 5

In the morning we go to Nara (about 2 hours) to feed famous deers in parks. We will also visit Kasuga-taisha shrine, known since the year 768, and the biggest wooden structure in the world - the Buddhist temple of Todai-ji. On the way back, we will stop in the town of Uji, known as the home of Japanese matcha tea.
Day 6

We go to Arima-onsen, one of the most famous villages with hot springs in Japan, and spend the night in the traditional house.
Day 7

Train to Okayama (1 hour on the way). Okayama is the capital of the prefecture of the same name, known for one of the three most beautiful gardens of Japan is Korakuen. We will also visit the nearby town of Kurashiki to take a boat trip through the picturesque canals and view old houses and factories turned into galleries. Night at the hotel in Okayama.
Day 8

In the morning we go to Hiroshima (40 minutes by Shinkansen) and take a ferry to Miyajima Island, which is familiar to many from the photos of the torii (gates) in the water. Here we take the cable car to the top of the mountain and explore the Itsukushima shrine. In the evening we return to Hiroshima and go for a walk to the Peace Park, where the famous Genbaku Dome is located - almost the only building in the center that survived the atomic bomb. Night in Okayama.
Day 9

In the morning, we take the train and the ferry to the cozy island of Naosima (1.5 hours on the way), turned into an art object. Here we get acquainted with modern art in numerous museums and make memorable pictures with original sculptures located throughout the island. Night in Okayama.
Day 10

On Shinkansen (high-speed train) we leave for Tokyo (4.5 hours on the way). We check into a hotel and explore different areas of the capital: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Asakusa, visit the Meiji Dzinggoo shrine, and the Sensoji temple. We will also visit the park where locals come to enjoy views of the blooming sakura. In the evening we will enjoy the view of the city from the top of one of one of the skyscrapers.
Day 11

We leave for Kamakura, one of the oldest cities in Japan (1.5 hours on the way). Here we will see one of the symbols of the country - a 13th century bronze statue of the Buddha. We will also visit the famous shinto shrine of Tsurugaoka Hatimangu, built in the 11th century. If we have time, on the way back to Tokyo we'll look into the modern Yokohama to see the famous Port of the Future. Night in Tokyo hotel.
Day 12

Two hours drive from the capital - and we are in the wonderful resort town of Fujikavaguchiko. Here we will ride a retro bus and a cable car, as well as ride boats on the lake, admiring the views of the famous Mount Fuji. We will also visit the museum of traditional houses Iyashi no-sato. Back to Tokyo for the night.
Day 13

Free day in Tokyo.
Day 14

Flight to Seoul. Checking into a hotel. Walk in the historic center.
Day 15

We begin in 15th century Changdeokgung palace with a secret garden. Then visit Insa-dong neighbourhood, famous for galleries, art shops and tea shops. We will also observe the city from the 236 meters tall N Seoul Tower. In the evening we visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza - a major urban development landmark.
Day 16

In the morning we take off to the city of Sokcho (2,5 hours on the way). Here we will do an easy trek in Seoraksan National Park. It is also possible to use a ropeway instead.
Day 17

Morning bus ride to Danyang, a town near the lovely Sobaeksan national park (4,5 hours on the way). We will enjoy tranquil nature, visit carst caves.
Day 18

We explore huge Buddhist Guinsa temple situated in the middle of national park. Here we will learn about Korean Buddhism and enjoy traditional food. Then we visit Gosu Cave - so large and lovely it is known as an underground palace. Train to Andong.
Day 19

Andong is known for it`s open-air heritage museums. In one of traditional villages we will visit a face mask festival. Evening train to Gyeongju (1.5 hours on the way)
Day 20

Just one hour from Andong - and we are in the former capital of ancient Silla kingdom, Gyeongju. We will check into a traditional Korean hotel - hanok, visit Bulguksa temple of 6th century and Seokguram grotto.
Day 21

One hour bus ride to Busan-megapolis on the bank of Korea Strait. This city boasts ultra modern architecture, rich cultural life, parks and beaches. We will visit the famous Jagalchi Fish Market and enjoy fresh seafood. Next, we will explore the local beach and park.
Day 22

We will visit Gamcheon culture village, ropeway in Geumgang park, a fort and Seokbulsa temple, known for it`s amazing stone carvings.
Day 23

Morning flight to Jeju island. After checking into a hotel we will explore the local parks and visit the only beach waterfall in Asia!
Day 24

We will get acquainted with the culture of Haenyeo - traditional female divers by visiting their museum and watching them work from the beach. Then we will climb the Seongsan Ilchulbong volcano. We will also sail to the island of Udo - a paradise for wildlife lovers away from civilizations. This little piece of land has only a few fishing villages. We will explore the beaches, see the black volcanic cliffs, enjoy the silence and clean air.
Day 25

We hike to the highest point of South Korea - Hallasan volcano 1950 meters above sea level. This hike will take us 8-9 hours.
Day 26

Morning flight to Seoul ( 1 hour) where we will visit Itaewon district known for restaurants and shopping. In the evening we will relax in Korea's largest spa complex Dragon Hill Spa.
Day 27

Free day. Those interested can travel to Korean demilitarized zone - the border between South and North Korea.
Day 28

Flight back home.

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Trip code: SJSK

At a Glance

Traditional Tea Ceremony and geisha performance, Golden Temple, Ancient capital Gyeongju, Hiroshima Atomic Dome, Mount Fuji, Buddha Kamakura, Watching female divers Haenyeo, Himeji Castle, Naoshima Island, Hot Springs

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Dates	Availability
2020
31.03 - 27.04	Available for booking

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Departures	Availability	Price	Deposit	This group speaks	Book
2020
31 March - 27 April	Available for booking	$4063	$1563	Rus.	Book

Departures	31.03.2020 - 27.04.2020
Availability	Available for booking
Price	$4063
Deposit	$1563
This group speaks	Rus.
Book	Book

Group size 12 persons.

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Is this trip for you?

This trip is of light level of physical grade. It includes walks in cities and parks and short (up to 4.5 hours) trips by trains, buses and ferries. We will also walk in national parks and hike up the 1950 meters tall mountaint for 8-9 hours. (It will be possible to change this hike for one of the easier ones in the same area). We will also travel by cable car and take short boat trips. This trip also includes three short flights. Accommodation in twin/double rooms of tourist class hotels. All will have wi fi internet. One night will be spent in the capsule hotel.

The price of the trip includes:

Two domestic flights in Korea;
All transportation, including trains, metro, buses, ferries, boats and cable cars;
Accommodation throughout the trip;
Professional guiding services.

To be paid separately:

Flight to Seoul and from Tokyo back home;
Flight from Seoul to Osaka (abt. $150);
Insurance (mandatory);
Entrance tickets to parks, museums and other attractions along the route (from $200);
Visa;
Food (approximately $20-50 per person per day).

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At a Glance

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