From Mumbai, allow roughly 10–14 hours of flying time; from London, about 13–18 hours, depending on the route and layover. After landing at Incheon International Airport, budget extra time for immigration and baggage, then take the AREX train toward Seoul Station—about 45 minutes on the express service or around an hour on the all-stop train. From there, continue by subway or taxi to your hotel; a prebooked transfer can be easier if you’re arriving tired or carrying large bags. Keep the evening loose in case either flight is delayed.
Once you’ve checked in, head to Myeongdong for an easy first wander and a chance to pick up essentials. The shopping streets are lively into the evening, with plenty of casual street-food stalls; prices vary, but budget roughly ₩5,000–₩10,000 for a snack or two. Then eat at Myeongdong Kyoja, a popular, no-fuss choice for kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings). Expect around ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person. It’s usually open into the evening, but check the day’s hours before setting out, as closing and last-order times can change.
If you still have energy, take a 30–45-minute stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream in Jongno. From Myeongdong, it’s roughly a 15–20-minute walk, or a short taxi ride; the stream is an easy, atmospheric way to stretch your legs without committing to another big sight. If jet lag is catching up, skip the walk and call it an early night—tomorrow will feel better for it.
Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace when it opens at 9am; Sundays are a good day to visit, though the palace can be busy. Allow about two hours for the courtyards and halls. Admission is around ₩3,000, and you can catch the changing of the guard at 10am if the ceremony is running. From the palace grounds, walk to the National Folk Museum of Korea for an hour of exhibits on everyday Korean life; entry is free. Check the museum’s current hours before you go, as schedules can change.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Bukchon Hanok Village and spend an hour or so among its traditional lanes. This is a lived-in residential area, not an open-air museum: keep voices low, don’t peer into homes, and stick to the marked visitor routes. Visitor access is restricted to daytime hours—currently 10am–5pm—so check the rules again closer to your trip. The lanes are hilly, so comfortable shoes will help.
Continue on foot to Insadong to browse its craft shops and small galleries; allow about 1.5 hours, and leave time to poke into the side streets rather than just following the main strip. Settle in nearby for a traditional Korean meal—budget roughly ₩15,000–₩30,000 per person. If you’ve had a full day of walking, take a taxi between stops rather than doubling back uphill.
Start around Hongik University Station and spend about 90 minutes browsing Hongik University Street. The independent shops and small boutiques are good for an unhurried wander; Monday is generally quieter than the weekend, and street performances are less predictable in the daytime, so think of them as a bonus rather than a guarantee. From central Seoul, take subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station; the street is right outside. Set aside roughly ₩10,000–₩25,000 if you’re likely to shop or pick up a snack.
Walk north toward Gyeongui Line Forest Park, the former railway route turned long, leafy promenade, and follow it into Yeonnam-dong. It’s an easy, pleasant stroll—allow about an hour, with time to pause on a bench or browse the side streets. Then settle in at Cafe Layered Yeonnam for tea and a cake; plan on about ₩8,000–₩18,000 per person. It can get busy, so be prepared to wait for a table, and check the day’s opening hours before setting out.
Head to Mapo Jeong Daepo for Korean barbecue in Mapo. From Yeonnam, a taxi is the simplest option—roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic—or use the subway and allow extra time for the walk from your stop. Budget about ₩20,000–₩35,000 per person; barbecue is best enjoyed at an easy pace, so leave around 90 minutes. Check the restaurant’s current hours and whether it accepts reservations before you go.
Head to Seoul Forest for an easy 1½-hour stroll among tree-lined paths, open lawns and the deer enclosure. The park is free and the grounds are open around the clock, though individual facilities keep their own hours. From central Seoul, take the subway to Seoul Forest Station on the Suin–Bundang Line or Ttukseom Station on Line 2, then walk in. Late March can still feel chilly, so bring a light layer; the first spring blossoms may be appearing, but aren’t guaranteed.
Walk over to Seongsu-dong Cafe Street and give yourself about two hours to poke around its converted warehouses, small boutiques and coffee shops. It’s a good area for an unhurried lunch, too: choose something that catches your eye rather than queueing for a famous spot. Finish at Onion Seongsu, the warehouse bakery-cafe known for its industrial interior and pastries. Allow around 45 minutes and budget ₩8,000–₩16,000 per person; popular items can sell out, and queues are common, so be flexible about what you order.
From Seongsu, take Line 2 from Seongsu Station to Konkuk University Station—about 10 minutes on the train—then browse Common Ground, the bright-blue shipping-container retail complex. Shops generally open around midday and close in the evening, but check individual listings closer to your visit. Spend about 1½ hours looking through the stores, then get an early dinner nearby; the streets around Konkuk University have plenty of casual Korean restaurants and budget ₩15,000–₩30,000 per person. A T-money or other compatible transit card makes the short subway hops easiest.
Start at Namsan Park around 9:30 for a 90-minute walk on the wooded paths; late March can still feel chilly, so bring a light layer. If you’d rather save your legs for the summit, take the Namsan Cable Car instead—check its operating hours before setting out, as they can change. From the park paths or cable-car station, continue up to N Seoul Tower for the city views. Allow about 1½ hours, including time for the observatory; admission is roughly ₩26,000 for an adult, and haze can soften the views, so keep expectations flexible.
Head down to Namdaemun Market for a relaxed browse and snack stop. It’s a short taxi ride from the tower area, or you can walk downhill toward the market; allow extra time if you take the cable car back. The market’s many stalls and food counters have varying hours, but daytime is liveliest—try hotteok or dumplings as you wander, and bring cash for small purchases. After about 1½ hours, walk roughly 10–15 minutes to Jinju Hoegwan near City Hall for an early dinner. Budget around ₩12,000–₩25,000 per person; its kongguksu (chilled soy-milk noodles) is a seasonal specialty, so ask whether it’s available in March, or choose another Korean dish.
Take a morning KTX from Seoul Station and aim to reach Busan Station around lunchtime, leaving time to drop your bags before heading out. From the station, take subway Line 1 to Jagalchi Station—about 10 minutes—then walk to Jagalchi Market. Give yourself around 1½ hours to soak up the lively seafood-hall atmosphere; the market generally runs from morning into the evening, though individual stalls keep their own hours. If you want to eat there, check the price before ordering seafood.
Walk about 10 minutes to BIFF Square for a relaxed browse through its film-themed lanes and street-food stalls. Try a 씨앗호떡 (seed-stuffed hotteok) if you spot a stand with a short queue; it’s a Busan favorite. Continue on foot to Busan Gukje Market, where roughly an hour is enough for a wander among the clothing, household-goods and snack stalls. Many shops wind down by early evening, so don’t leave this stop too late.
For dinner, head to Dongnae Halmae Pajeon in Dongnae and order the namesake scallion pancake to share; budget around ₩15,000–₩30,000 per person. From the market area, take subway Line 1 toward Dongnae Station, then walk to the restaurant—allow roughly 30–40 minutes door to door. Check current opening hours before setting off, as restaurant schedules can change, and keep the evening unhurried after your travel day.
Take a taxi to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Gijang for the quietest visit; from central Haeundae, allow about 25–35 minutes, while public transport can take closer to an hour and involve a bus connection. The temple grounds are generally open from early morning, admission is free, and the steep steps and rocky paths call for shoes with a good grip. Give yourself about 1½ hours for the sea-facing shrines and viewpoints, then head back toward Haeundae.
Stretch your legs with an easy hour-long walk along Haeundae Beach, then continue east along the waterfront to Haeundae Blueline Park at Mipo. Book the Sky Capsule ahead if you want one of its small, colorful cars; it runs between Mipo and Cheongsapo, and the popular seats can sell out. For a more budget-friendly ride, take the Beach Train instead. Allow 1½–2 hours for the ride and views, checking the day’s timetable before you go. Then make your way back to Haeundae Market for a casual meal—try eomuk (fish cake), noodles or seafood dishes, budgeting around ₩10,000–₩25,000 per person.
Finish at The Bay 101 in Marine City, about a 10–15-minute taxi ride from the market or roughly 20 minutes on foot. Come after dark for the high-rise reflections across the water; it’s a good spot for a drink or a relaxed look around rather than a full dinner. March evenings by the waterfront can be chilly, so bring an extra layer.
After your flight lands at Kansai International Airport, follow signs for the Nankai Railway and take the Airport Express or the faster Rapi:t to Namba; allow roughly 40–50 minutes, with fares around ¥970 for the Airport Express or from about ¥1,450 for the Rapi:t, depending on seat and ticket. Check in, drop your bags, and keep the rest of the day flexible—airport formalities and transfers can easily use up much of the afternoon.
Walk about 10 minutes from Namba to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a first taste of Osaka: browse the seafood, fruit and snack stalls, and pick up a few small bites rather than committing to one big meal. Budget around ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person. The market is liveliest earlier in the day, and many stalls wind down by late afternoon, so if you arrive late, check what’s still open and treat this as a snack stop rather than a guaranteed full lunch.
From the market, it’s an easy walk of about 10–15 minutes to Dotonbori. Take a relaxed loop along the canal and neon-lit streets, pausing for takoyaki or another casual dinner when something catches your eye; there’s no need to plan a long route after a travel day. The area gets busy in the evening, so keep valuables secure and expect queues at the most famous food counters.
Start at Osaka Castle when the main tower opens, usually at 9am; allow 2–2½ hours for the museum inside and the surrounding grounds. The tower admission is about ¥1,200, while the park is free. From central Osaka, take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station or Morinomiya Station and walk into the grounds. Late March can bring early cherry blossoms, but timing varies year to year—enjoy the park even if the trees are still bare.
Walk about 15 minutes to the Osaka Museum of History, next to Tanimachi 4-chome Station. Give its exhibits around 1½ hours: the floors trace Osaka from ancient times to the modern city, and the upper-level windows offer a particularly good view back toward the castle. Admission is typically around ¥600; check the museum’s current hours before you go, as it is generally closed on Tuesdays.
Head to Mizuno in Dotonbori for Osaka-style okonomiyaki—budget ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person and expect a possible queue at this popular spot. From the museum, the subway from Tanimachi 4-chome toward Namba takes roughly 10–15 minutes, followed by a short walk. After lunch, wander to Hozenji Yokocho, a compact, stone-paved lane just off the busy shopping streets. Allow about 45 minutes to soak up the quieter atmosphere and visit Hozenji Temple, where visitors gently splash water over the moss-covered Fudō Myōō statue. Both stops are free to explore; take your time rather than rushing straight back into the Dotonbori crowds.
Head to Umeda Sky Building for the Floating Garden Observatory; it usually opens at 9:30am, and an hour or so is enough for the open-air views and indoor galleries. Admission is around ¥2,000 per adult, but check the current price and opening details closer to your trip. From there, walk about 10 minutes to Grand Front Osaka. Its shops generally open around 11am, so browse before or after lunch; the dining floors have plenty of easy choices, with a meal typically costing ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person.
Take the subway or a taxi to National Museum of Art, Osaka on Nakanoshima; allow roughly 1½–2 hours for its underground galleries. One important wrinkle: March 29, 2027 is a Monday, and the museum is normally closed on Mondays (except when a holiday changes the schedule). Check its official calendar before building your day around an interior visit; if it is closed, you’ll need to rearrange the museum visit to another open day rather than arrive expecting to see the galleries.
Make your way to Fukushima for dinner, a short ride from Umeda by JR or taxi. The streets around Fukushima Station are packed with casual izakaya—look for a spot with a handwritten menu and settle in for small plates and drinks; budget about ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It’s a lively neighborhood, so arriving a little before the main dinner rush makes it easier to find a table.
After the morning train from Osaka, leave your bags at your lodging or in a station locker, then head downtown to Nishiki Market. Most stalls open around 10am and wind down by 5–6pm, though individual hours vary; arriving before the lunchtime crush makes it easier to browse. Allow about 1½ hours to sample a few small bites—budget roughly ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person—and remember that many stalls prefer you eat right beside them rather than walk while eating.
From the market, it’s an easy walk to the Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades. Spend about an hour dipping into the covered lanes: you’ll find everything from souvenirs and stationery to cafés, with plenty of chances to pause if the day’s busy. Take a break before continuing to Gion; the walk takes around 20–25 minutes, or you can use a short bus or taxi ride to save your feet.
Give Gion about 1½ hours for a quiet wander through its historic lanes. Late March can bring blossom-season crowds, so keep to public streets, don’t block doorways, and avoid photographing residents or geiko without permission. Finish at Izuju, a long-established spot for Kyoto-style pressed sushi; set aside about an hour and ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Check its hours and booking policy before you go, as they can change, and have a nearby backup in mind if it’s full.
Get to Kiyomizu-dera close to its 6am opening to enjoy the wooden stage and sweeping city views before the lanes fill up. Admission is about ¥500; allow roughly two hours, including the uphill approach from the Gojozaka bus stop (around 10–15 minutes on foot). From there, follow the slope downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. The preserved streets are at their quietest early, but most shops open later in the morning, so treat this stretch as a scenic wander and leave time to browse on your way through.
Continue to Kodai-ji, which generally opens at 9am; admission is around ¥600, and an hour to 90 minutes gives you time for its gardens and historic buildings. Then settle in at Okutan Kiyomizu for a tofu-focused Kyoto meal in a traditional setting. Budget about ¥2,500–¥5,000 per person; check its hours before setting out, as restaurant schedules can change, and arrive early if you want to avoid a wait.
Walk west toward Yasaka Shrine—roughly 15–20 minutes from the temple area, with plenty of chances to pause around Gion. The shrine grounds are open around the clock and free to enter; allow about 45 minutes to take in the lanterns and main hall. If your legs need a break, local buses run toward central Kyoto, though traffic can be slow; a taxi is often the simpler option after a full day on Higashiyama’s sloping lanes.
Arrive at Tokyo Station around midday, then take a little time to admire the red-brick Marunouchi Building on the station’s west side. For a quick lunch, browse the cafés and casual counters in Marunouchi; allow about an hour and budget roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person. If you’re carrying luggage, use the station’s coin lockers or ask your hotel about dropping bags before exploring.
Walk about 10–15 minutes from the station to the Imperial Palace East Gardens via Otemon Gate. The gardens are free, but check the Imperial Household Agency’s calendar before setting out: they’re closed on some days, including Mondays and Fridays. On this Thursday, they’re usually open during daytime hours; allow around 1½ hours for the paths, former castle grounds and moat-side views. From the garden’s eastern edge, continue toward Ginza on foot (roughly 20 minutes) or take a short subway ride.
Spend about 1½ hours in Ginza, dipping into the grand department stores and quieter side streets; most shops stay open into the evening, though closing times vary. Finish at Ginza Kagari Honten for its rich chicken-based ramen—expect to pay about ¥1,500–¥2,500, and be ready for a queue at this popular spot.
Begin at Meiji Jingu, a peaceful contrast to the city streets. The forested grounds open from sunrise and are free to enter; allow about 1½ hours for the gravel paths and shrine precincts. From central Tokyo, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station and use the nearby shrine entrance. Keep voices low around the sanctuary, and wear comfortable shoes—the approach is a substantial walk.
Walk from the shrine toward Harajuku and Takeshita Street for about an hour of browsing. The narrow street gets busy quickly, so enjoy the shops and snack stalls without trying to see everything; crepes and other treats make an easy light lunch. Then continue to Omotesando, about a 10-minute walk away, for a slower stroll past its distinctive architecture and flagship shops. Pause for coffee—budget roughly ¥700–¥1,500 per person—and leave a little time to sit down before the airport run.
Check your ticket carefully: Haneda Airport and Narita Airport are in different directions, and the best route depends on your departure airport and where you’re staying. From the Omotesando area, allow around 40–60 minutes to Haneda by train or airport bus, and roughly 75–100 minutes to Narita by rail, plus time to reach the station and manage luggage. Leave early enough to be at the airport at least three hours before your international flight; for Narita, add extra buffer for the longer cross-city transfer. Confirm the latest service times and baggage rules with your airline, then travel to Mumbai or London.
No packing list attached yet.