South Korea: Seoul | Japan: Tokyo, Toba, Kyoto
Small groups of no more than 16 travelers, guaranteed
Discover the ancient kingdoms and modern cities of Japan and South Korea-now with an extra night in Tokyo. From Seoul, where the "Miracle of the Han" buzzes with life, to Kyoto with its serene temples and shrines, exploring these two empires offers an experience like no other. Along the way, we'll engage with local culture, like meeting Japan's ama, or "sea women", who brave frigid waters to dive for pearls in Toba. Plus, we'll experience A Day in the Life of rural South Korea.
16 days starting from $7,495
including international airfare from San Francisco
Single Supplement: FREE
Departure Dates: Mar-Jun; Aug-Nov
Activity Level: 120 Moderately Easy
2025 & 2026 DEPARTURES AVAILABLE
See all departure dates at www.oattravel.com/jko2025pricing
IT'S INCLUDED
- 14 nights accommodation
- International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges unless you choose to make your own air arrangements
- All land transportation, including bullet train, ferries, and 1 internal flight
- 31 meals-14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 7 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Lunch)
- 20 small group activities
- Gratuities for local guides and drivers
- 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next O.A.T. trip
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U.S.
Depart today on an overnight flight from the U.S. to Seoul, South Korea.
DAY 2 • Arrive in Seoul, South Korea
Arrive in Seoul, where you'll meet your fellow travelers, including those who took our Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar & the Gobi Desert or Vietnam: Hanoi & Halong Bay Cruise pre-trip extension.
Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Gyeongbok Palace • National Museum of Korea
Visit the 14th-century palace of Gyeongbokgung, also known as the Northern Palace. Later, we'll visit the National Museum of Korea to witness centuries of Korean art. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B,L,D | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 4 • Seoul • Grand Circle Foundation visit: The Baby Box Center Home-Hosted Lunch
Visit the Baby Box Center-supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. During our visit, we'll learn about the "baby box" program, where mothers can safely leave their children with no questions asked. Then, visit a local family for a Home-Hosted Lunch in Seoul.
Meals: B,L | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 5 • Seoul • A Day in the Life of Oeam Folk village
Today, experience our A Day in the Life experience of Oeam Folk village, where we'll visit ancient family homes and help locals prepare a traditional lunch. After returning to Seoul, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B,L,D | Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 6 • Seoul • Visit the DMZ Controversial Topic: Life in North Korea and the second-class status of defectors
Drive into the Demilitarized Zone (or "DMZ") between North and South Korea, and visit an exhibition hall detailing the Korean War. Then, meet a North Korean defector who will discuss the Controversial Topic of what life was like in one of the world's most isolated and repressive regimes, and the challenges they faced when they escaped.
Meals: B,L Pacific Hotel or similar
DAY 7 • Seoul • Fly to Haneda, Japan • Transfer to Tokyo
Fly to Haneda, Japan. Then transfer to Tokyo, and enjoy time on your own to get acquainted with the city.
Meals: B Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 8 • Meet a former sumo wrestler • Learn from a Bonsai master
Today, we'll meet with a former sumo wrestler and learn about this unique sport. Then, we set off for a local Bonsai garden, where a Bonsai master will talk to us about about this Japanese cultivation technique.
Meals: B,L,D Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 9 • Tokyo • Taiko drumming experience • Explore Asakusa
Visit a taiko (traditional Japanese drums) studio, and learn about these instruments with a drum master. Then, explore the Asakusa area, and stroll down streets lined with shops, as well as visit the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Meals: B,L Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 5, experience A Day in the Life of the UNESCO-listed Oeam folk village, a historic community in rural South Korea.
DAY 10 • Tokyo • NEW Optional Mount Fuji Discoveries tour
Take advantage of this additional day in Tokyo to explore at your own pace. Or, you may choose to join our NEW full-day optional excursion, Mount Fuji Discoveries, and explore the artistic and natural wonders of Japan's Kawaguchiko region, including a stop to view iconic Mount Fuji.
Meals: B Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 11 • Tokyo • Bullet train to Nagoya • Train ride to Ise • Toba
Board the shinkansen, or bullet train, to Nagoya, followed by a ride on the express train to Ujiyamada Station. Then, visit the Ise Shrine complex, with structures dating back 2,000 years. Dinner is at our hotel, styled after a traditional ryokan-typically an elaborate, multi-course meal.
Meals: B,D Hotel Todaya or similar
DAY 12 • Toba • Meet local ama
Visit a pearl farming family for a hands-on experience harvesting pearls. Then, have lunch with the local ama, “sea women” who free dive without a breathing apparatus, and learn about their profession and lifestyle.
Meals: B,L,D Hotel Todaya or similar
DAY 13 • Toba • Train ride to Kyoto • Excursion to Nara • Todaiji Temple
Depart for Kyoto by train. Along the way, stop to visit Nara's eighth-century Todaiji Temple. As we explore, we'll likely notice another charming feature of its park area: its tame, free-roaming deer. Then, enjoy free time in Kyoto.
Meals: B,L,D Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae or similar
DAY 14 • Kyoto • Traditional maiko demonstration • Kinkakuji Temple • Nishiki Market
Take part in a tour of Kyoto including the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Then, enjoy a traditional maiko performance during lunch, followed by a visit to Kinkakuji Temple. Afterwards, we'll head to explore Nishiki Market.
Meals: B,L Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae or similar
DAY 15 • Kyoto • Tenryuji Garden • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Witness the scenic beauty of the Arashiyama district, including Tenryuji Garden, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the sprawling Nijo Castle Complex. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Meals: B,L,D Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae or similar
DAY 16 • Return to U.S.
Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your flight home, or on to Hiroshima: City of Peace if you're taking our post- trip extension.
Meals: B