14-Day City Experience Itinerary in Japan and South Korea

  1. Day 1: Tokyo, Japan
    Estimated 2hrs flight and 1h travel from the airport

    Explore Sensoji Temple for a traditional Japanese experience followed by experiencing modern technology at Teamlab's Borderless Digital Art Museum.

  2. Day 2: Tokyo, Japan
    Estimated 50min from Day 1's location

    Experience Japanese pop culture in Harajuku at Takeshita Street and then visit the world's busiest pedestrian crossing at Shibuya Crossing.

  3. Day 3: Kyoto, Japan
    Estimated 2hrs 15min from Day 2's location

    Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple's famous Golden Pavilion and experience the traditional Japanese architecture and lush gardens at Gion.

  4. Day 4: Kyoto, Japan
    Estimated 1hr 15min from Day 3's location

    Explore the impressive and peaceful Fushimi Inari Shrine and indulge in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Uji's Taihoan Tea House.

  5. Day 5: Osaka, Japan
    Estimated 40min from Day 4's location

    Visit the entertainment district of Dotonbori to enjoy a variety of street food and see the iconic Glico Running Man sign. Then, head to Osaka Castle for a cultural experience and great panoramic views of the city.

  6. Day 6: Busan, South Korea
    Estimated 2hrs flight and 1h travel from the airport

    Enjoy a stunning view of the city at the Busan Tower and explore the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, nicknamed the "Santorini of Korea."

  7. Day 7: Busan, South Korea
    Estimated 20mins from Day 6's location

    Visit the unique Taejongdae Park, with its breathtaking cliffs, and explore the bustling and vibrant Nampodong district for shopping and street food.

  8. Day 8: Jeju, South Korea
    Estimated 1hr flight from Day 7's location

    Experience natural wonders and visit the volcanic crater and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and marvel at the impressive views of Hallasan National Park.

  9. Day 9: Seoul, South Korea
    Estimated 2hrs flight and 50mins travel from Day 8's location

    Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most prominent royal palace in Korea, then explore the district of Myeong-dong for shopping and Korean street food.

  10. Day 10: Seoul, South Korea
    Estimated 25mins from Day 9's location

    Discover Korean history at the DMZ area and visit the unique Third Tunnel. End the day at the famous Namsan Tower for great views of the city.

  11. Day 11: Jeonju, South Korea
    Estimated 2hrs 30mins from Day 10's location

    Experience Korea's traditional architecture at Hanok Village and try the famous Jeonju Bibimbap at one of the many restaurants in the village.

  12. Day 12: Gyeongju, South Korea
    Estimated 3hrs 30mins from Day 11's location

    Immerse yourself in Korean history at Gyeongju National Museum and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto.

  13. Day 13: Incheon, South Korea
    Estimated 3hrs from Day 12's location

    Experience Korean contemporary art at Incheon Art Platform and go shopping at the massive Triple Street mall.

  14. Day 14: Seoul, South Korea
    Estimated 1hr 20mins from Day 13's location

    Visit the traditional Korean village of Bukchon Hanok Village and the trendy district of Hongdae for an art and street food experience before departing from Korea.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sensoji Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Teamlab's Borderless Digital Art Museum (2-3 hours, 3,200¥)
  • Harajuku Takeshita Street (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Shibuya Crossing (30 min-1 hour, Free)
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple (1-2 hours, 400¥)
  • Gion (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Uji's Taihoan Tea House (1-1.5 hours, 1,500¥)
  • Dotonbori (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Osaka Castle (1-2 hours, 600¥)
  • Busan Tower (1 hour, 8,000₩)
  • Gamcheon Culture Village (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Taejongdae Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Nampodong (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (2-3 hours, 2,000₩)
  • Hallasan National Park (2-4 hours, Free)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (2-3 hours, 3,000₩)
  • Myeong-dong (2-3 hours, Free)
  • DMZ area and Third Tunnel (4-5 hours, 135,000₩)
  • Hanok Village (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto (3 hours, 5,000₩)
  • Incheon Art Platform (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Triple Street (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Bukchon Hanok Village (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Hongdae (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 22,838¥ (excluding flights and accommodations) and 159,000₩

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to Hiroshima, the Japanese Alps, and the Gyeonggi Province. If you have less time, shorten the itinerary by spending less time in some of the listed cities or removing certain destinations. Make sure to book tickets in advance and check opening and closing times before visiting any destinations.

0