10 Days in Japan & South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Japan & South Korea: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Seoul

This 10-day highlights itinerary is perfect for first-time travelers to Japan and South Korea eager to delve into city, culinary, and historic highlights. Between fascinating tours that reveal each city's storied history, you'll sample regional specialties at buzzing markets and enjoy time to wander futuristic shopping streets independently. In addition, get a glimpse of Japan's pristine landscapes during side trips to the Fuji Five Lakes Region and Nara.

Welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins with three days in Tokyo, the first of which is yours to meander through the Shibuya Shopping District and pop into local cafés. Then, enlist the help of a local guide for a full-day city tour, hitting highlights like Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and the historic temple of Senso-ji, before embarking on a delightful side trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region. Your next destination, reachable by a thrilling bullet train ride, is Kyoto. Over two days here, you'll attend a fascinating tea ceremony, explore temples alongside a guide, and sample regional delights at Nishiki Market.

From Kyoto, detour to Nara, an enchanting town home to friendly free-roaming deer, and spend the afternoon visiting historic temples before continuing to Osaka. Wake early to squeeze in visits to Osaka Castle and the Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, as that evening, you'll board a flight bound for Seoul, South Korea. Spend your first full day here checking out key sights independently, including Gwangjang Market and N Seoul Tower. Then, wrap up your adventure with a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone and a flavor-packed food tour along Myeongdong Shopping Street. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culinary Discovery of Japan & South Korea: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Seoul

Japan is renowned for its freshly prepared sushi and inventive desserts, while South Korean cuisine features daringly spicy kimchi and heart-healthy soups—and this food-focused tour ensures you sample the best of them all. Throughout, you'll hop between bustling markets, learn local techniques through cooking classes, and delve into tea, whisky, and saké culture. In between, walk off your indulgences through city tours and visits to historic castles and temples.

Your adventure begins in Tokyo, where you'll delve right into Japan's culinary prowess through a Shinjuku food tour. Spend the following morning taking in panoramic Mount Fuji views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, and top off the day with a whisky-tasting session at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Then, transfer by bullet train to Kyoto and experience deep-rooted traditions through an authentic tea ceremony and a visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum. While in Kyoto, you'll also have time to check out cultural highlights, such as Nijo Castle and Fushimi Inari-taisha, and meander through Nishiki Market's colorful stalls.

The second half of your culinary journey brings you to Osaka, nicknamed the "kitchen of Japan," for a two-day stay. Here, you'll sample expertly prepared street food in Dotonbori, visit Kobe's Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum, and learn the secrets of sushi-making alongside an experienced chef. Then, bid farewell to Japan and fly to Seoul, where two days of uncovering the city's best eateries and iconic landmarks await. Meander through the lush gardens of Gyeongbokgung, indulge in Myeongdong's street food, and prepare typical Korean dishes before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Japanese & Korean Culture: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Seoul

Discover time-tested traditions, intricate temples, and insightful museums on this cultural journey through Japan and South Korea. Crafted especially for travelers eager to uncover the stories behind iconic landmarks, you can look forward to a mix of guided tours, unique performances, and free time to slowly roam. Notable destinations include Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, Kyoto's Gion district, Tokyo's peaceful gardens, and a UNESCO-listed palace in Seoul.

Tokyo is filled with a remarkable mix of historic and modern wonders, and it's here you'll spend the first three days of your adventure. Devote your first evening to a food tour through the Yanaka district, then explore Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and the Imperial Palace's gardens the following day. From Tokyo, you'll also embark on side excursions to Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Lake Chuzenji before continuing to Kyoto. As the former capital and current cultural hotspot of Japan, numerous insightful activities await here, including a geisha performance and a walk through Fushimi Inari-taisha's 1,000 red torii gates.

Next, speed to Hiroshima in a bullet train, and upon arrival, discover the harrowing history of this resilient city while visiting the Peace Memorial Park. The following morning, bid farewell to Hiroshima and fly to Seoul, which will be your base for your remaining three nights. Spend your first evening strolling Myeongdong Shopping Street independently, then enlist the help of a local guide to uncover the stories behind Gyeongbokgung palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market. Lastly, partake in a stamp-making workshop and enjoy an end-of-adventure dinner near Jagalchi Fish Market. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Japan & South Korea Tour: Hike the Nakasendo Trail & Explore Seoul

Outside of Japan's sprawling cities, a network of idyllic post towns and dreamy bamboo forests await exploration, and this gentle trekking adventure gifts you the opportunity to explore them on foot. Through a four-day hike along the ancient Nakasendo Trail, time ceases to have meaning as you immerse yourself in castle ruins, overnight in welcoming inns, and make your way past endless stretches of scenic rice fields. Moreover, time spent exploring Seoul's peaceful parks and nearby Bukhansan National Park makes this itinerary ideal for active travelers.

Upon arriving in Tokyo, shrug off any travel fatigue while on a delightful food and walking tour through the Yanaka district, as the following day, you'll prep your four-day hike along the Nakasendo Trail. This trail begins from the historic post town of Magome and follows the route of ancient travelers making their way to Kyoto. Throughout the trek, you'll meander through quaint villages, picturesque rice fields, and bamboo forests and rejuvenate during restful nights at traditional inns. In addition, pause to explore Tsumago Castle's ruins and admire Ontake Shrine, which is dedicated to Mount Ontake volcano.

After four days of hiking, you'll reach the town of Kiso-Hirasawa and continue by train to Matsumoto. An overnight here allows you to explore its 16th-century Matsumoto Castle and tuck into one of the city's cozy eateries; then, zip back to Tokyo onboard a train and board a flight bound for South Korea. Your destination is Seoul, and upon arriving, you'll get right back to the activities with a full-day tour on the agenda, followed by a hike in Bukhansan National Park. Lastly, delight in a leisurely stroll through Seoul Forest and shop for any souvenirs in preparation for your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Japan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other 10-day Japan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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