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14-Day Budget Adventure: South Korea & Japan Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

9:00AM

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Begin your adventure by exploring South Korea's largest palace, complete with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
Take subway line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bukchon Hanok Village

Enjoy a tasty bibimbap at a local restaurant in the charming Hanok Village, surrounded by traditional houses.
Walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village.
CURRENCY10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Insadong Street

Stroll through Insadong Street, browsing for souvenirs and trying street food such as hotteok.
Walk to Insadong from Bukchon Hanok Village.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gogung

For dinner, try the famous Jeonju bibimbap at Gogung, a popular spot for delicious Korean food.
Head back to Insadong for dinner.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Seoul

Day 2: Explore More of Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

9:00AM

N Seoul Tower

Take a morning hike up to Namsan Park and visit the iconic N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Take bus 02 from your accommodation to Namsan.
CURRENCY10, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Myeongdong Street Food

Indulge in various street foods like tteokbokki and mandu from the bustling Myeongdong market.
Take the subway to Myeongdong Station.
CURRENCY5, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Explore this architectural marvel with art installations and shops in the vibrant Dongdaemun area.
Walk from Myeongdong to Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Dongdaemun Grilled Fish

Try delicious grilled mackerel and side dishes for an authentic local dining experience.
Dine in Dongdaemun area.
CURRENCY12, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Seoul

Day 3: Journey to Busan

Busan, South Korea

8:00AM

Travel to Busan

Take the KTX train from Seoul to Busan, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Walk to Seoul Station for the KTX.
CURRENCY50, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Haeundae Beach

Relax at the beautiful Haeundae Beach, perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun.
Take the subway to Haeundae Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Haeundae Market

Enjoy fresh seafood at Haeundae Market for a true taste of Busan.
Walk to Haeundae Market from the beach.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Jagalchi Fish Market

Explore Korea's largest seafood market, where you can witness the bustling fish trade and enjoy additional local reverse cuisine.
Take the subway to Jagalchi Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Jagalchi Fish Market

Taste grilled fish and seafood served fresh at the market's eateries.
Stay in Jagalchi area for dinner.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Busan

Day 4: Culture & History in Busan

Busan, South Korea

9:00AM

Gamcheon Culture Village

Take a morning walk through the charming streets of Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful houses and artistic vibe.
Take bus 2 from Busan Station to Gamcheon Village.
CURRENCY2, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Savor traditional Korean dishes at a quaint eatery inside the village.
Dine in Gamcheon Culture Village.
CURRENCY10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Beomeosa Temple

Visit the serene Beomeosa Temple, nestled in the mountains, showcasing beautiful architecture and heritage.
Take bus 90 from the village to Beomeosa.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Yongdusan Park

Wander through Yongdusan Park and check out Busan Tower for some stunning city views.
Take subway line 1 to Nampo Station.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local BBQ Spot

Wrap up the day with a Korean barbeque at a local spot known for marinated meats.
Dine in the Nampo area.
CURRENCY20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Busan

Day 5: Cross to Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka, Japan

8:00AM

Ferry to Fukuoka

Take the ferry from Busan to Fukuoka, enjoying the short journey across the Tsushima Strait.
Head to Busan International Ferry Terminal.
CURRENCY30, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Ohori Park

Arrive in Fukuoka and relax at Ohori Park, a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll.
Take subway to Ohori Park Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yatai Stalls

Enjoy local ramen and snacks at one of the famous Yatai street food stalls.
Walk to the nearest Yatai stalls.
CURRENCY12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Fukuoka Tower

Climb up Fukuoka Tower for an incredible view of the city and harbor.
Take the subway to Nishijin Station.
CURRENCY8, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hakata Ramen Restaurant

Savor the renowned Hakata ramen known for its rich pork-based broth.
Find a nearby ramen restaurant in Fukuoka.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Fukuoka

Day 6: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto and enjoy the efficient ride filled with scenic views.
From Hakata Station to Kyoto Station.
CURRENCY50, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by enchanting gardens.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
CURRENCY400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch at a local restaurant nearby.
Dine within a walking distance from Kinkaku-ji.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, admiring the towering bamboo stalks.
Take the train from Kyoto to Arashiyama Station.
CURRENCY8, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tokusen Ramen

Conclude your day with delicious ramen at Tokusen Ramen, known for its hearty bowls.
Walk to the nearby restaurant in Arashiyama.
CURRENCY12, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Culture & Heritage in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Start the day with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine surrounded by thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Fushimi Inari Station.
CURRENCY0, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby cafe with beautiful temple views.
Walk from Fushimi Inari toward a nearby cafe.
CURRENCY10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Nijo Castle

Wander through the historic Nijo Castle, famous for its gardens and traditional architecture.
Take the bus from Fushimi Inari to Nijo Castle.
CURRENCY600, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Gion District

Walk through Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, and enjoy the sights of traditional wooden machiya houses.
Take a bus from Nijo Castle to Gion.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Wrap up your day with a casual dinner at Gion Kappa, offering authentic izakaya dishes.
Dine in Gion district.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 8: Osaka Adventures

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride to Osaka, a city known for its vibrant street food scene.
Take the train from Kyoto to Osaka Station.
CURRENCY8, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore Osaka Castle and its magnificent gardens, learning about the history of the region.
Walk to Osaka Castle from the station.
CURRENCY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into vibrant Dotonbori and feast on takoyaki balls and okonomiyaki from street stalls.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
CURRENCY10, 2 hours

3:00PM

Shitennoji Temple

Visit the serene Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples, steeped in history.
Take the bus from Namba area to the temple.
CURRENCY300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

End your day with an unforgettable dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma, famous for their deep-fried skewers.
Return to Dotonbori area for dinner.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Visit Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Make an early start with a Shinkansen ride to Hiroshima, a city of resilience and history.
Depart from Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.
CURRENCY50, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the Peace Memorial Park, reflecting on the historical significance of the site.
Walk from the station to the park.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake dish, at Okonomimura.
Head to Okonomimura from the park.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore the historic Hiroshima Castle and its surrounding gardens.
Walk or take a tram to Hiroshima Castle.
CURRENCY600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Shukkeien Garden

Relax at Shukkeien Garden, known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional design.
Walk from Hiroshima Castle.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy a traditional izakaya dining experience while gorging on grilled fish and other local specialties.
Find a nearby izakaya for dinner.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 10: Explore Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Day trip to Miyajima

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating Torii gate and explore the island's beauty.
Catch the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station.
CURRENCY25, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on Miyajima

Savor delicious momiji manju (maple leaf pastries) and other local delicacies on Miyajima.
Dine at one of the island restaurants.
CURRENCY10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique construction over the water.
Walk to Itsukushima Shrine from the ferry terminal.
CURRENCY500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hiroshima Station

End your day with a light dinner at one of the stations’ eateries, sampling local ramen.
Return to Hiroshima by ferry and head to Hiroshima Station.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 11: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Tokyo

Ease into your journey with a Shinkansen ride to the bustling city of Tokyo.
Depart from Hiroshima Station to Tokyo Station.
CURRENCY100, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Akihabara

Discover Akihabara, the center for all things otaku, and grab lunch at a themed cafe.
Take the Yamanote line to Akihabara Station.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ueno Park

Wander through Ueno Park and visit its temples, museums, and the beautiful cherry blossoms if in season.
Take the train to Ueno Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ueno Ameyoko Market

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and grab some street food like yakitori
Stroll over to Ameyoko Market from Ueno Park.
CURRENCY12, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 12: Discover Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Visit the Meiji Shrine

Start your morning at the tranquil Meiji Shrine, enshrined in a beautiful forested area.
Take the train to Harajuku Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Harajuku

Explore Harajuku's fashionable streets, notably Takeshita Street, for unique shopping and crepes.
Walk from Meiji Shrine to Harajuku.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Grab a trendy lunch at one of the quirky themed cafes in Harajuku.
Dine near Takeshita Street.
CURRENCY12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.
Take the train to Shibuya Station.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Ichiran Ramen, known for its tasty tonkotsu ramen.
Dine at the Ichiran Ramen branch in Shibuya.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 13: Explore More of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Start the day in Asakusa, exploring Tokyo's oldest temple and enjoying the festival vibe.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Asakusa Street Food

Taste freshly made melon bread and other street food delicacies in the area.
Explore the Nakamise shopping street.
CURRENCY8, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Akihabara Experience

Revisit Akihabara for anime merchandise or immerse in a maid cafe experience.
Take the train back to Akihabara Station.
CURRENCY12, 3 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Find an izakaya near Akihabara for an array of small dishes.
Dine at a local izakaya.
CURRENCY20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 14: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Enjoy a scenic train ride to the picturesque town of Nikko, famous for its historical sites.
Take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Nikko.
CURRENCY40, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the famous Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, a masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
Walk from the Nikko station to the shrine.
CURRENCY1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nikko Local Restaurant

Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes, which Nikko is known for, at a local restaurant.
Dine at a nearby restaurant near Toshogu Shrine.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Enjoy Kegon Falls

Wrap up with a visit to Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, just a short bus ride away.
Take a local bus to Kegon Falls.
CURRENCY10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo in the evening, reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Japan.
Travel back to Nikko Station then take the train back to Tokyo.
CURRENCY40, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko
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