Highlights
- Visit an omakase sushi restaurant and learn how to grill Wagyu beef
- Explore Kyoto's iconic shrines, temples, castles, and food markets
- Go on an Osaka food and culture tour in Shinsekai and Dotonbori
- Sample different street foods on Seoul's Myeongdong Shopping Street
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Half-Day City Tour, Shinjuku Food Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Fuji Five Lakes Tour, Whisky Tasting at Fuji Gotemba Distillery | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Train to Kyoto, Partake in a Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Ninja Museum | Kyoto |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Tour of Kyoto, Sample Local Dishes at Nishiki Market | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Train to Osaka, Local Foor Tour in Shinsekai & Dotonbori | Osaka |
| Day 6 | Visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum & Himeji Castle | Osaka |
| Day 7 | Take a Sushi Making Class, Fly to Seoul (South Korea) | Seoul |
| Day 8 | Full-Day Tour of Seoul's Iconic Landmarks, Explore Myeongdong | Seoul |
| Day 9 | Market Visit & Cooking Class, Learn About Korean Herbal Medicine | Seoul |
| Day 10 | Depart Seoul |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Half-Day City Tour, Shinjuku Food Tour
Welcome to the vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo! Your driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then, meet your guide in the lobby for a half-day tour of the city, starting at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the complex that's open to the public. Stroll along the paths and look out at the traditional tea houses, scenic ponds, and picturesque stone bridges. Continue to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, built in 645 CE. Enter at the iconic Thunder Gate, adorned with a colossal red lantern, where you'll be welcomed by Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street.
Browse the stalls full of souvenirs, crafts, and street food, like freshly grilled senbei, a Japanese rice cracker that comes in different savory or sweet flavors, or ningyo-yaki, a small sponge cake filled with red bean paste then shaped like a doll. When you're done shopping and eating, enter the temple's main hall, dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Kannon. Partake in a cleaning ritual at the chozuya (water pavilion), then ascend the stairs to offer prayers and wishes. On your way out, pick up an omikuji to read your fortune.
Day 2: Fuji Five Lakes Tour, Whisky Tasting at Fuji Gotemba Distillery
Trade the city for the countryside this morning as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes region to see Mount Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park. Ascend to the Chureito Pagoda perched on the hillside for panoramic views of the snowcapped mountain against the backdrop of seasonal foliage (like pink cherry blossoms if you visit in spring). In the afternoon, jump on a boat and cruise across Lake Kawaguchi to appreciate Mount Fuji from the glassy waters. If you're not a fan of boats, you can take a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway instead.
As the cable car gracefully ascends, enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the lush greenery, and the picturesque villages. When you reach the observation deck, look out at the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji. After thoroughly appreciating the mountain's beauty, start the drive back to Tokyo, stopping at Fuji Gotemba Distillery on the way. Step inside and learn about the meticulous whisky-making process, from the malting to the fermentation and distillation stages. Sample the different malt and grain whiskies before returning to your hotel in the city.
Day 3: Train to Kyoto, Partake in a Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Ninja Museum
Say goodbye to Tokyo as you head to the station this morning to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Make your way to the hotel, where you can refresh before the tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya. When you arrive, change into a kimono and learn about the ceremony, called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami, a type of straw mat, and join in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master.
After the ceremony, walk five minutes to the Samurai Ninja Museum. Browse the collection of authentic samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts, all showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of these revered warriors. Watch the multimedia presentations to gain a deeper insight into the lives and philosophies of the samurai and ninja. Before you leave, try on a full samurai armor and choose from a selection of replica swords to take a commemorative picture.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Full-Day Tour of Kyoto, Sample Local Dishes at Nishiki Market
Although Kyoto is no longer the capital of Japan, it's considered the country's cultural capital, as it's home to numerous shrines, temples, palaces, and gardens. Spend half the day exploring some of these sites, starting at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion, as it's covered entirely in gold leaf. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and look out at the golden structure reflected in the surrounding ponds. Since you can't enter the temple, continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle, home to the first shogun (military leader) of the Edo period.
Enter the main palace to see the walls adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from nature and Japanese folklore. Head outside to stroll through the expansive gardens, looking out at the serene reflecting ponds. After taking in the peaceful atmosphere, visit Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine with over 10,000 red torii gates, all donated by individuals or businesses and inscribed with their names and wishes. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest.
In the evening, visit the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto's Kitchen," to browse the hundreds of stalls offering an array of fresh produce, Kyoto specialties, and handmade goods. Sample pickled vegetables, yuba (tofu skin), Kyoto-style sushi, and other regional delights before ending the night with a sweet matcha-flavored treat, such as mochi, ice cream, or dorayaki, a pancake filled with matcha paste. Before you leave and return to the hotel, check out the Japanese kitchen knives, ceramics, and tableware to admire the artisans' attention to detail.
Day 5: Train to Osaka, Local Foor Tour in Shinsekai & Dotonbori
Make your way to the station this morning to catch a 30-minute bullet train to Osaka, the perfect place for food lovers as it's often called the "Kitchen of Japan." After settling into your hotel, you can explore on your own before this evening's food tour. A good place to start is Osaka Castle, a grand structure that served as both a castle and fortress in the 16th century. Cross over the moat to get to the main tower, adorned with gilded embellishments and imposing stone walls. Ascend to the upper floors for panoramic views of the city's modern skyline and discover the museum within.
Browse the collection of artifacts, armor, and artwork before continuing to the Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street to explore the kaleidoscope of fashion, entertainment, and gastronomic delights. Pop in and out of shops, ranging from international brands to quirky boutiques, to shop for clothing or traditional Japanese crafts. Visit one of the street food stalls to try some of the dishes the city is known for, like takoyaki, a savory octopus ball drizzled with sauce and bonito flakes, or yakitori, grilled chicken skewers.
In the evening, meet your guide for a three-hour food and culture tour, starting with a visit to the Shinsekai Inari Shrine to learn about Shinto, Japan's native belief system. Continue to the heart of the Shinsekai district to sample kushikatsu, deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Move on to the Namba Yasaka Shrine to see the iconic lion head statue and admire the main hall's vibrant colors and architectural details. End the tour at a local restaurant in Dotonbori to try okonomiyaki, a grilled pancake topped with your choice of protein and tasty toppings, like scallions or cabbage.
Day 6: Visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum & Himeji Castle
After breakfast, transfer 30 minutes along Osaka Bay to Kobe, Japan's seventh-largest city. Head to the Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum to learn about the rich history of this traditional Japanese rice wine. Discover the saké-making process, from rice polishing to fermentation and bottling, and sample one of the premium sake varieties before continuing to Kobe Harborland, nestled along the city's scenic port area. Explore the sprawling shopping complexes or just take a walk along the waterfront promenade. When you get hungry, sit down for lunch at one of the many local and international restaurants.
Day 7: Take a Sushi Making Class, Fly to Seoul (South Korea)
Today, you'll get to learn how to make traditional dishes from an experienced chef. Start with the art of sushi-making and discover the delicate techniques required to create nigiri, a type of sushi consisting of a small ball of seasoned rice topped with raw fish. Oshizushi, a style of pressed sushi, is also on the menu, showcasing the meticulous layering of fresh ingredients. At the end of the class, indulge in your creations paired with wasabi and soy sauce before heading to the airport for a two-hour flight to Seoul, South Korea's capital.
Day 8: Full-Day Tour of Seoul's Iconic Landmarks, Explore Myeongdong
Spend a full day exploring Seoul's highlights, starting at Gyeongbokgung, a palace built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty. Enter at the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate to discover the intricate architecture, traditional courtyards, and lush gardens. Before you leave, watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate. Continue to the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood full of well-preserved hanoks (traditional Korean houses.) Walk along the narrow, winding alleyways to admire the intricate wooden structures housing cultural centers, art galleries, and tea houses.
For lunch, head to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in the country. Browse the stalls brimming with handmade goods and Korean street food, like bindaetteok, mung bean pancakes, and bibimbap, rice topped with marinated meat and sautéed vegetables. Once you're full, take a stroll through Namsan Park, sitting at the base of Namsan Mountain. Follow the well-maintained trails up the mountain, or take a cable car to the top to get to N Seoul Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city to end the tour.
In the evening, head to Myeongdong Shopping Street on your own, a pedestrian-friendly district full of local and international brands. Browse the trendy boutiques and beauty shops or visit one of the many street food stalls to try local delights, like tteokbokki, sweet and spicy rice cakes, or odeng, fish cake skewers served with a hot broth. While you eat, watch the streets of Myeongdong come alive with neon lights and the sounds of K-pop music as performers line the streets. End the night with a sweet treat of bingsu, a shaved ice dessert that comes in a variety of flavors, such as red bean, matcha, or chocolate.
Day 9: Market Visit & Cooking Class, Learn About Korean Herbal Medicine
Delve into Korean cuisine and cooking this morning as you meet an experienced chef at a local market to gather the necessary ingredients for your dishes. Follow the chef through the alleys and watch as they teach you how to pick the freshest produce, spices, and proteins that define Korean cuisine. Then, head to the kitchen to prepare some typical Korean dishes like bulgogi, thinly sliced grilled beef, or bibimbap, rice topped with marinated meat and sautéed vegetables. When it's ready, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, along with additional dishes and desserts prepared by your host.
After lunch, head to Seoul K-Medi Center in Yangnyeongsi Market to learn about Korean herbal medicine. Step into the Seoul Yangnyeongsi Oriental Medicine Museum on the second floor to browse its collection of medicinal herbs, artifacts, and ancient texts that chronicle the profound impact traditional medicine has had on Korean culture. You can then enjoy a massage at your own expense or take part in another cooking class to learn how to make medicinal dishes believed to have plenty of health benefits.
Day 10: Depart Seoul
After 10 days of eating your way through Japan and South Korea, your adventure comes to an end today. Spend your last few hours in Seoul exploring more of the city on your own. Return to Myeongdong Shopping Street to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a stroll through Seoul Forest, an expansive public park that blends nature, art, and recreational spaces. Discover the butterfly conservatory, deer enclosure, and botanical gardens within the park before returning to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great Japan Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other Japan itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Japan and South Korea, or discover the best time to visit Japan.
A note on diacritical and retroflex markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.
Map
