14‑Day Japan & Korea Adventure – Spring 2026 (Post‑April 5, Cherry‑Blossom & Shopping Focus)

Day 2: Fukuoka – Culture & Shopping

Morning: Visit Ohori Park for a relaxed lakeside walk and cherry‑blossom viewing in early April.

Afternoon: Browse the upscale boutiques of Tenjin Chikagai and stop for a coffee at a local café.

Evening: Dine at Yatai stalls near Nakasu River, sampling yakitori while watching the gentle river lights.

Day 3: Fukuoka → Hiroshima (Bullet Train)

Morning: Board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (≈1 hr 30 min); enjoy scenic views from the train.

Afternoon: Check in, then wander the peaceful Shukkeien Garden, where early‑season blossoms add colour.

Evening: Explore Hondori Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and have dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant.

Day 4: Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

Morning: Take a short ferry to Miyajima and visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, accessible via gentle paths.

Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed lunch of grilled oysters, then explore the Daisho-in Temple gardens (no steep climbs).

Evening: Return to Hiroshima and stroll the illuminated waterfront of Peace Memorial Park.

Day 5: Hiroshima → Kanazawa (Bullet Train + Transfer)

Morning: Travel to Kanazawa via Shinkansen (≈3 hrs); check into a central hotel.

Afternoon: Discover the historic Higashi Chaya District, where traditional tea houses double as boutique shops.

Evening: Browse the lively Omicho Market for fresh seafood snacks and local crafts.

Day 6: Kanazawa – Gardens & Shopping

Morning: Visit the UNESCO‑listed Kenrokuen Garden, famed for its early‑spring cherry blossoms and gentle walking routes.

Afternoon: Spend time at the modern Kanazawa Station Shopping Mall, featuring fashion, souvenirs, and a striking glass dome.

Evening: Relax with a kaiseki dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Asanogawa River.

Day 7: Kanazawa → Sapporo (Domestic Flight)

Morning: Fly to Sapporo (≈1 hr 45 min); transfer to a hotel near Sapporo Station.

Afternoon: Wander the spacious Odori Park, where late‑April cherry‑blossom trees begin to bloom.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Susukino, with easy‑access restaurants and department‑store shopping.

Day 8: Sapporo – Shopping & Culture

Morning: Explore the historic Former Hokkaido Government Office building and its surrounding garden.

Afternoon: Shop at the extensive Sapporo Station Underground Mall (Sapporo ESTA) for fashion and local foods.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at the lively Nijo Market and enjoy a gentle stroll along the nearby riverwalk.

Day 9: Sapporo → Seoul (International Flight)

Morning: Depart Sapporo for Seoul (≈2 hr 30 min); transfer to a centrally located hotel in Myeongdong.

Afternoon: Begin exploring the bustling Myeongdong Shopping Street, perfect for cosmetics and street food.

Evening: Relax at a traditional tea house in Insadong, soaking in the gentle evening atmosphere.

Day 10: Seoul – Historic Sites & Shopping

Morning: Visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, using the wheelchair‑friendly routes and guard‑change ceremony.

Afternoon: Wander the artisan lanes of Insadong for ceramics, hanboks, and teas.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Korean BBQ in the lively Hongdae district, with plenty of seating options.

Day 11: Seoul → Busan (KTX High‑Speed Train)

Morning: Take the KTX to Busan (≈2 hr 40 min); check into a hotel near Haeundae Beach.

Afternoon: Stroll the scenic Haeundae Beach promenade and visit the nearby Shinsegae Centum City—the world’s largest department store.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, where seating is easily accessible.

Day 12: Busan – Culture & Relaxation

Morning: Explore the tranquil Beomeosa Temple on gentle slopes, offering cultural insight without strenuous walking.

Afternoon: Shop for Korean fashion at the stylish Gukje Market and nearby boutiques.

Evening: Take a leisurely night cruise along the illuminated Busan harbor, providing comfortable seating for all.

Day 13: Busan → Jeju Island (Domestic Flight)

Morning: Fly to Jeju (≈1 hr); transfer to a resort near Jeju City.

Afternoon: Visit the picturesque Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum, offering indoor exhibits with wheelchair access.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner of black pork at a local restaurant, followed by a gentle walk through the night‑lit Dongmun Market.

Day 14: Jeju – Leisure & Departure

Morning: Take a comfortable bus tour to the stunning Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)—the short, paved path is easy for seniors.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel for packing and a final stroll through the hotel’s garden shop for last‑minute gifts.

Evening: Transfer to Jeju Airport for your flight home, concluding the two‑week spring adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall – 2 hrs – $20 per person
• Hakata Machiya Folk Museum – 1.5 hrs – $10 per person
• Canal City Hakata – 2 hrs – $0 (shopping)
• Ohori Park – 2 hrs – $0
• Tenjin Chikagai – 2 hrs – $0
• Yatai stalls (Nakasu) – 1.5 hrs – $25 per person
• Shinkansen (Fukuoka‑Hiroshima) – 1.5 hrs – $120 per person
• Shukkeien Garden – 1.5 hrs – $8 per person
• Hondori Shopping Arcade – 2 hrs – $0
• Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) – 2 hrs – $12 per person (ferry included)
• Daisho‑in Temple – 1 hr – $5 per person
• Peace Memorial Park (evening) – 1 hr – $0
• Shinkansen (Hiroshima‑Kanazawa) – 3 hrs – $150 per person
• Higashi Chaya District – 2 hrs – $0
• Omicho Market – 2 hrs – $0
• Kenrokuen Garden – 2 hrs – $10 per person
• Kanazawa Station Shopping Mall – 2 hrs – $0
• Domestic Flight (Kanazawa‑Sapporo) – 2 hrs – $130 per person
• Odori Park (cherry blossom) – 2 hrs – $0
• Susukino Area – 2 hrs – $0
• Former Hokkaido Government Office – 1 hr – $5 per person
• Sapporo Station Underground Mall – 2 hrs – $0
• Nijo Market – 1.5 hrs – $30 per person (meal)
• International Flight (Sapporo‑Seoul) – 2.5 hrs – $300 per person
• Myeongdong Shopping Street – 3 hrs – $0
• Insadong – 2 hrs – $0
• Gyeongbokgung Palace – 2 hrs – $10 per person
• Hongdae Dinner – 2 hrs – $35 per person
• KTX (Seoul‑Busan) – 2.7 hrs – $80 per person
• Shinsegae Centum City – 2 hrs – $0
• Jagalchi Fish Market – 2 hrs – $25 per person (meal)
• Beomeosa Temple – 1.5 hrs – $7 per person
• Gukje Market – 2 hrs – $0
• Busan Harbor Night Cruise – 1 hr – $40 per person
• Domestic Flight (Busan‑Jeju) – 1 hr – $110 per person
• Jeju Folklore Museum – 2 hrs – $8 per person
• Dongmun Market – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Seongsan Ilchulbong Tour – 3 hrs – $30 per person (transport)
• Accommodation (14 nights, mid‑range) – – $1,800 total
• Meals (average $40 per person/day) – – $2,240 total
• Local Transport Passes & Taxis – – $500 total
Total Estimated Cost: $9,985

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, consider dropping a day in Sapporo or Jeju and using the extra time for leisurely shopping in Tokyo‑adjacent Yokohama (easy day‑trip from Fukuoka via Shinkansen) or adding a spa day in Busan’s Spa Land. Conversely, if you wish to shorten the trip, you can combine Kanazawa and Hiroshima into a single “Western Japan” hub and fly directly from Osaka’s Kansai Airport to Seoul, reducing travel days while still enjoying the key cherry‑blossom and shopping highlights.