Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

21‑Day Highlights of Japan, Korea & Thailand

Viewed by 85 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo & First Impressions

Morning: Land at Narita Airport, clear customs and take the Narita Express to central Tokyo. Check into your hotel and freshen up for a day of exploration.

Afternoon: Wander through historic Asakusa and admire the bright gates of Senso‑ji Temple. Grab a quick bite of street‑style tempura before heading to the bustling Shibuya Crossing.

Evening: Experience the neon glow of Shibuya while dining on ramen at a local izakaya. End the night with a stroll along the illuminated streets.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Tokyo – Markets, Shrines & Nightlife

Morning: Explore the lively stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling fresh sushi and seafood snacks. Take a short walk to the nearby Hamarikyu Gardens for a tranquil pause.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Meiji Shrine set within a forested oasis, then wander the fashion‑forward lanes of Harajuku for quirky boutiques.

Evening: Ascend to the observation deck of Roppongi Hills for sweeping city views, then enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Tokyo – Imperial History & Electric Town

Morning: Tour the serene East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, learning about Japan’s imperial heritage.

Afternoon: Dive into the tech haven of Akihabara, browsing electronics, anime merch, and themed cafés.

Evening: Stroll through upscale Ginza, admiring illuminated storefronts and stopping for a dessert at a patisserie.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

Morning: Take a bullet train to Nikko and arrive at the ornate Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Wander the lush forest trails around Lake Chuzenji and visit the impressive Kegon Falls.

Evening: Return to Tokyo, unwind with a hot spring bath at a local sento.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Hakone & Mt. Fuji Views

Morning: Travel to Hakone and ride the scenic Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views of Mount Fuji.

Afternoon: Explore the Hakone Open‑Air Museum, admiring contemporary sculptures set against mountain backdrops.

Evening: Relax in a traditional ryokan, enjoying a kaiseki dinner and private onsen.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Journey to Kyoto

Morning: Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, marveling at the countryside rolling past the windows.

Afternoon: Check into a machiya‑style guesthouse, then visit the golden pavilion of Kinkaku‑ji and its reflective pond.

Evening: Wander the historic Gion district, keeping an eye out for geisha en route to appointments.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Kyoto – Temples & Bamboo Groves

Morning: Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha, climbing partway up the mountain.

Afternoon: Stroll the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then visit the nearby Tenryū‑ji Temple garden.

Evening: Dine on kaiseki cuisine near the Pontocho alley, soaking up the lantern‑lit ambience.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Arrival in Seoul & First Glimpses

Morning: Fly to Seoul, settle into a hotel in the vibrant Myeongdong area.

Afternoon: Explore the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and catch the changing‑of‑the‑guard ceremony.

Evening: Wander the bustling streets of Insadong, sampling street‑food treats and browsing traditional crafts.

Find Hotels

Day 9: Seoul – Culture & Shopping

Morning: Visit the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, admiring well‑preserved traditional houses.

Afternoon: Ride the cable car up to N Seoul Tower for city‑wide vistas, then descend to explore the trendy boutiques of Hongdae.

Evening: Dive into the neon lights of Myeongdong, indulging in Korean BBQ and street snacks.

Find Hotels

Day 10: DMZ Insight Tour

Morning: Depart for a guided tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone, visiting the Imjingak Park and the Dora Observatory.

Afternoon: Step inside the Third Infiltration Tunnel and learn about the peninsula’s history.

Evening: Return to Seoul, relax with a soothing jjimjilbang (Korean spa) experience.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Travel to Busan – Coastal Vibes

Morning: Take a high‑speed KTX train to Busan, enjoying coastal scenery en route.

Afternoon: Sunbathe on the golden sands of Haeundae Beach, then wander the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market for fresh seafood.

Evening: Explore the colorful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, admiring murals and boutique cafés.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Gyeongju Day Trip

Morning: Travel to ancient Gyeongju, touring the majestic Bulguksa Temple and its stone lanterns.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Seokguram Grotto and the royal tombs of Daereungwon park.

Evening: Return to Busan, enjoy a night market feast at Gukje Market.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Return to Seoul & Gangnam Nightlife

Morning: Ride the KTX back to Seoul, check into a hotel near Gangnam.

Afternoon: Explore the upscale shopping malls of COEX and the nearby Bongeunsa Temple.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Gangnam, hopping between trendy bars and karaoke rooms.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Fly to Bangkok – City of Contrasts

Morning: Arrive in Bangkok, transfer to a riverfront hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the glittering Grand Palace and the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha.

Evening: Stroll down Khao San Road, sampling street pad thai and soaking up the backpacker vibe.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Bangkok – Markets & Culture

Morning: Wander the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market, hunting for souvenirs and local delicacies.

Afternoon: Tour the elegant Jim Thompson House, learning about Thai silk history.

Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, watching illuminated temples glide by.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Ayutthaya Historical Park

Morning: Take a short train ride to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, exploring the towering ruins of Wat Mahathat.

Afternoon: Cycle among the crumbling walls of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots.

Evening: Return to Bangkok, relax with a Thai massage before dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Fly to Phuket – Island Paradise

Morning: Land in Phuket, check into a beachfront resort on Patong Bay.

Afternoon: Unwind on Patong Beach, trying water sports or simply soaking up the sun.

Evening: Experience the lively Bangla Road nightlife, with bars, clubs, and street performances.

Find Hotels

Day 18: Phi Phi Islands Day Tour

Morning: Board a speedboat for a day trip to the famed Phi Phi Islands, snorkeling at Maya Bay.

Afternoon: Hike to the viewpoint on Phi Phi Don for sweeping sea vistas, then relax on Bamboo Island’s pristine sands.

Evening: Return to Phuket, enjoy a sunset dinner on the beach.

Find Hotels

Day 19: Phuket – Culture & Relaxation

Morning: Visit the historic Big Buddha perched on Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic island views.

Afternoon: Explore the colorful streets of Old Phuket Town, admiring Sino‑Portuguese architecture and boutique cafés.

Evening: Savor fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, then stroll along the quiet Karon Beach.

Find Hotels

Day 20: Final Day – Leisure & Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take a final dip in the pool, and pack souvenirs.

Afternoon: Transfer to Phuket International Airport for your outbound flight home, reflecting on three weeks of adventure.

Evening: Arrive back home, rested and inspired by the cultures of Japan, Korea, and Thailand.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Asakusa (Senso‑ji) – 2 hrs, $10 entry & transport
  • Shibuya Crossing – 1 hr, free
  • Tsukiji Outer Market – 2 hrs, $20 meals
  • Meiji Shrine – 1.5 hrs, free
  • Harajuku – 2 hrs, $15 shopping
  • Roppongi Hills Observation Deck – 1 hr, $18 ticket
  • Imperial Palace East Gardens – 1 hr, free
  • Akihabara – 2 hrs, $20 shopping
  • Ginza – 2 hrs, $25 dining
  • Toshogu Shrine (Nikko) – 3 hrs, $12 entry
  • Kegon Falls – 1 hr, $5 transport
  • Hakone Ropeway & Mt. Fuji View – 3 hrs, $30 ticket
  • Hakone Open‑Air Museum – 2 hrs, $16 entry
  • Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion) – 1 hr, $4 entry
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha – 2 hrs, free
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – 1.5 hrs, free
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace – 2 hrs, $3 entry
  • Insadong – 2 hrs, $20 shopping
  • Bukchon Hanok Village – 1.5 hrs, free
  • N Seoul Tower – 1 hr, $10 ticket
  • Hongdae – 2 hrs, $15 dining
  • DMZ Tour (Imjingak, Dora, Tunnel) – 5 hrs, $55 tour
  • Haeundae Beach – 3 hrs, free
  • Jagalchi Fish Market – 2 hrs, $25 meals
  • Gamcheon Culture Village – 2 hrs, free
  • Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju) – 2 hrs, $6 entry
  • Seokguram Grotto – 1 hr, $5 entry
  • Gangnam District – 3 hrs, $30 dining/entertainment
  • Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – 3 hrs, $15 entry
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) – 1.5 hrs, $5 entry
  • Khao San Road – 2 hrs, free (meals $10)
  • Chatuchak Market – 3 hrs, $30 shopping
  • Jim Thompson House – 1.5 hrs, $6 entry
  • Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise – 2 hrs, $55 ticket
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park – 5 hrs, $20 entry & bike
  • Patong Beach (Phuket) – 3 hrs, free
  • Phi Phi Islands Tour – 8 hrs, $85 boat & snorkel
  • Big Buddha (Phuket) – 1 hr, free
  • Old Phuket Town – 2 hrs, free (meals $20)
  • Accommodation (21 nights) – 21 nights, approx. $2,800
  • International & Regional Flights – 5 flights, approx. $2,000
  • Transportation (trains, subways, taxis) – 21 days, approx. $600
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – 21 days, approx. $500
  • Travel Insurance – 21 days, $150
  • Total Estimated Cost$6,500

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the day‑trip to Nikko and the Phi Phi Islands excursion, which will save both travel time and cost. To extend your adventure, add a couple of days in Osaka to taste its street food and in Chiang Mai for cultural immersion, or include a coastal cruise in Korea’s Jeju Island for a more relaxed finish.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version