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South Korea and Japan 7-Day Itinerary

Discover the Best of South Korea and Japan: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, March 1: Arrival in Seoul, South Korea

Begin your adventure in Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea. In the morning, explore the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Afternoon can be spent at Lotte World, a massive theme park offering thrilling rides, indoor ice skating, and a sprawling shopping mall. In the evening, head to Myeongdong, a vibrant shopping district, for delicious street food and souvenir shopping.

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: Entrance fee: $5 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Lotte World: Entrance fee: $45 per person, Time spent: Half day
  • Myeongdong: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Evening
Saturday, March 2: Seoul

Start your day at Namsan Park, where you can take a cable car ride to the top of N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Insadong, known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and unique shops. Wrap up the day by exploring the trendy district of Gangnam, where you can enjoy upscale shopping and delicious dining options.

  • Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower: Cable car ride fee: $10 per person, Time spent: Half day
  • Insadong: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Gangnam: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Evening
Sunday, March 3: Seoul to Busan

Take a high-speed train to Busan, a vibrant coastal city. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Haeundae Beach, known for its soft sands and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Gamcheon Culture Village, a colorful hillside village filled with unique street art and charming cafes. In the evening, head to Gukje Market, one of Busan's largest traditional markets, for authentic street food and shopping.

  • Haeundae Beach: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: Morning
  • Gamcheon Culture Village: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Gukje Market: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Evening
Monday, March 4: Busan to Osaka, Japan

Fly from Busan to Osaka, the lively city in Japan's Kansai region. Start your day at Universal Studios Japan, where you can enjoy thrilling rides and meet your favorite movie characters. In the afternoon, visit Osaka Castle, a historic fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens. Finish the day at Dotonbori, a bustling street filled with neon lights, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife.

  • Universal Studios Japan: Entrance fee: $75 per person, Time spent: Full day
  • Osaka Castle: Entrance fee: $7 per person, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Dotonbori: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Evening
Tuesday, March 5: Kyoto

Take a day trip to Kyoto, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. Start your morning by visiting the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of Higashiyama district, where you can find traditional wooden machiya houses, quaint shops, and charming tea houses. End the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates.

  • Kinkaku-ji Temple: Entrance fee: $5 per person, Time spent: Morning
  • Higashiyama District: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: Evening
Wednesday, March 6: Osaka

Discover more of Osaka's attractions, starting with the picturesque Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant district of Shinsekai, known for its retro charm and delicious street food. For a unique experience, visit the Umeda Sky Building and enjoy incredible views from its observatory deck. End your day with shopping and dining at Shinsaibashi, a bustling shopping street.

  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Entrance fee: $25 per person, Time spent: Morning
  • Shinsekai: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Umeda Sky Building: Entrance fee: $10 per person, Time spent: Evening
  • Shinsaibashi: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: Evening
Thursday, March 7: Departure

Take your final morning in Osaka to relax or do any last-minute shopping. Depart from Osaka for your journey back home, cherishing the unforgettable memories created during your South Korea and Japan adventure.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Seoul, don't miss the charming neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can experience traditional Korean architecture and immerse yourself in the local culture. In Japan, be sure to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a somber but important site commemorating the victims of the atomic bomb. Another hidden gem in Japan is the enchanting bamboo forest of Arashiyama in Kyoto, offering a serene and picturesque setting for a peaceful stroll.

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