10-Day Japan and South Korea Cultural & Culinary Rail Trip

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrival and Check-in

Upon your arrival at Narita International Airport, head directly to your hotel in Shinjuku to freshen up and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Narita Express (N'EX) Train to Shinjuku Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy the freshest sushi at Sushi Dai, where the chefs serve breakfast sushi all day, providing a true taste of Tokyo.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into Tokyo's electronic town and otaku culture, visiting shops filled with anime, manga, and video games.
Take Yamanote Line from Tsukiji to Akihabara Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Kyoto-Style Izakaya

Savor local dishes at Kushi Shabu, known for its delightful skewers and a warm atmosphere.
Return to Shinjuku via the Yamanote Line.
JPY4000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Relax at Omoide Yokocho

Stroll through the narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Walk to Omoide Yokocho from Shinjuku.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Indulge in freshly baked melon bread and coffee at Bakery Tokyo in Harajuku.
Take the train to Harajuku Station.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, located in Asakusa, and immerse yourself in its rich history.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ueno Park

Have a picnic set with bento boxes from a local shop while strolling through the beautiful Ueno Park.
Take the train to Ueno Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Meiji Shrine

Take a serene walk through the forested grounds of Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis amidst the city.
Walk from Ueno to Meiji Shrine (about 30 mins).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tofu Shambala

Enjoy a unique dining experience focused on premium tofu dishes in an ambient setting.
Take the train back to Harajuku Station.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kyoto.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and enjoy the stunning views of the countryside.
Board the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
JPY14000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste your way through the numerous street food stalls, offering everything from yuba to matcha desserts.
Walk from Kyoto Station to Nishiki Market.
JPY1500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by lush gardens.
Take a local bus from Nishiki Market.
JPY400, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Experience a kaiseki meal at Gion Karyo, featuring seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation.
Take a taxi from Kinkaku-ji.
JPY8000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a warm bowl of matcha porridge at Inoda Coffee, a local favorite.
N/A
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic torii gate paths and feel the tranquility of this sacred shrine.
Take the train to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Tempura Restaurant

Enjoy exquisite tempura made with the freshest seasonal ingredients at Tempura Matsu.
Take a taxi from Fushimi Inari.
JPY3500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo grove and take a moment to appreciate this natural wonder.
Take the train to Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor warm yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a serene setting, situated near the stunning bamboo grove.
Walk to Yudofu Sagano from Arashiyama.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Kyoto to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before setting out on your journey to Hiroshima.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima, appreciating the scenic views along the way.
Board at Kyoto Station.
JPY11000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Experience Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki in a vibrant market setting at Okonomimura.
Walk from Hiroshima Station.
JPY1500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history as you walk through this poignant park and visit the Peace Memorial Museum.
Walk from Okonomimura.
JPY200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Enjoy delicious okonomiyaki again at this popular local hangout known for its unique flavor combinations.
Walk back to Nagata-ya from the memorial park.
JPY2000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Hiroshima to Busan

Busan, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before traveling to South Korea.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Busan

Take a ferry from Hiroshima to Busan, experiencing the beautiful waters of the Tsushima Strait.
Ferry Terminal in Hiroshima.
JPY8000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market

Relish fresh seafood served right from the ocean at this lively market, famous for its fish restaurants.
Walk from Busan Ferry Terminal.
KRW15000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Gamcheon Culture Village

Explore this colorful hillside village known for its artsy vibe, murals, and quaint architecture.
Take bus or taxi from Jagalchi Market.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Hanok Restaurant

Dine on traditional Korean fare at a Hanok-structured restaurant, enjoying an authentic experience.
Return to the city via taxi.
KRW20000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Busan to Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a Korean-style breakfast featuring rice, soup, and side dishes.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Seoul

Board the KTX train for a smooth ride to Seoul, enhancing your travel experience in South Korea.
Board at Busan Station.
KRW60000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Sample an array of street foods like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap at Gwangjang Market.
Take the subway to Jongno 5-ga Station.
KRW10000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Admire the magnificent architecture and learn about the history of the Joseon Dynasty at this iconic palace.
Walk from Gwangjang Market.
KRW3000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at bukchon Hanok Village

Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant in Bukchon Hanok Village, with panoramic views of the palace.
Walk to Bukchon Hanok Village from Gyeongbokgung.
KRW25000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Seoul

Seoul, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Mamas

Start your day with their famous ricotta cheese salad and freshly brewed coffee.
N/A
KRW10000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Insadong

Browse art galleries and shops featuring traditional crafts, tea houses, and souvenirs in this cultural district.
Take the subway to Anguk Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tosokchon

Relish a hearty serving of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at this popular restaurant.
Walk from Insadong.
KRW15000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Discover the stunning architecture and design exhibitions at this cultural hub of Seoul.
Take the subway to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at NTN Food Market

Explore the vibrant atmosphere and try various Korean dishes at this popular night market, from tteokbokki to fried chicken.
Take the subway to Chungmuro Station.
KRW20000, 2 hours
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Day 9: Seoul to Gyeongju

Gyeongju, South Korea

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Seoul before departing for the historic city of Gyeongju.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Gyeongju

Take the KTX train to Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered for its cultural significance.
Board at Seoul Station.
KRW60000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Traditional Hanok

Savor traditional Korean cuisine in a hanok-style restaurant, providing an immersive experience.
Local transportation via bus or taxi.
KRW20000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Bulguksa Temple

Wander through this stunning temple complex and enjoy its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
Take a bus to Bulguksa.
KRW3000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at A Twosome Place

End your day with a delightful meal at this cozy café, known for its chimaek (chicken and beer) offerings.
Return to Gyeongju city center via taxi.
KRW15000, 2 hours
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Day 10: Gyeongju to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a breakfast at your Gyeongju hotel before your final journey to Osaka.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the KTX train back to Busan, then switch to the Shinkansen to Osaka, enjoying the seamless travel process.
Board at Gyeongju Station.
KRW60000 + JPY8000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Experiencing the vibrant street food scene, try takoyaki and okonomiyaki while watching the iconic Glico Man sign.
Walk from Namba Station to Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the stunning Osaka Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and learn about its rich history.
Take the subway to Osaka Castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Namba

Cap off your trip with a dinner at a stylish yakiniku restaurant, enjoying grilled meats in a lively atmosphere.
Return to Namba district from Osaka Castle.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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