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Two-Week Cultural and Urban Exploration: South Korea, Tokyo & Shanghai from Riga

Viewed by 164 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Seoul, South Korea on April 23, 2025

10:00am

Flight Arrival at Incheon International Airport

Arrive in Seoul from Riga, clear customs, and transfer to your hotel in central Seoul to rest and freshen up.
Included in flight, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Enjoy traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup in a popular local restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace, perfect to start immersing in Korean cuisine.
KRW15000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore one of Seoul’s grandest palaces, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Witness traditional architecture and the changing of the guard ceremony.
KRW3000, 2h

5:00pm

Walk around Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through this traditional village with beautifully preserved hanok houses offering a glimpse of old Seoul.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Dine on hand-made knife-cut noodles and dumplings in one of Seoul’s iconic noodle houses.
KRW12000, 1h
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Day 2: Seoul Cultural Tour

Seoul, South Korea on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a combination of Western and Korean breakfast options to get ready for a full day of exploring.
Included or KRW8000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the National Museum of Korea

Explore Korea’s largest museum showcasing an extensive range of artifacts spanning Korean history and culture. Open 10:00am–6:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gwangjang Market

Sample traditional street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap at this famous market open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
KRW10000, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a peaceful urban renewal project with scenic waterway trails through the heart of Seoul.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Discover spectacular modern architecture and design exhibitions. Open daily 10:00am–7:00pm.
Variable, depends on exhibition, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jungsik

Experience innovative Korean fine dining with a contemporary twist in this Michelin-starred restaurant. Booking recommended.
KRW85000, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to DMZ

Seoul / DMZ, South Korea on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Depart for Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

Join an organised guided tour from Seoul to the DMZ, a region of historical significance and unique political interest. Tours typically last 6 hours and require advance booking.
KRW50000, 6h

1:30pm

Lunch near DMZ area

Enjoy a simple Korean meal nearby after the tour before returning to the city.
KRW12000, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Seoul and rest

Relax at your hotel or explore nearby cafés in Insadong.
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tosokchon or Korean BBQ at Maple Tree House

Choose between revisiting the famous samgyetang or enjoying a Korean barbecue with high-quality meats and lively ambiance.
KRW30000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Seoul / DMZ

Day 4: Explore Traditional Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Café Onion

Try fresh pastries and coffee in this trendy café known for its industrial architecture.
KRW7000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site and its famous secret garden. The garden tour is guided and needs advance booking. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
KRW8000 for palace, KRW12000 for Secret Garden, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch in Insadong

Enjoy traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap and jeon at a traditional Insadong restaurant.
KRW15000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Jogyesa Temple

Experience Seoul’s centre of Zen Buddhism with colourful lanterns and serene ambiance. Open daily 5:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Insadong antique shops and tea houses

Browse traditional crafts, antiques, and enjoy traditional tea at one of the many tea houses.
Varies, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Balwoo Gongyang

Dine on refined Korean Buddhist temple cuisine that is both healthy and artistic, located near Jogyesa Temple.
KRW40000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Day Trip to Nami Island and Petite France

Near Seoul, South Korea on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before a full-day excursion outside Seoul.
Included or KRW8000, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Nami Island

Catch a bus or arrange tour transport to Nami Island, known for scenic tree-lined roads and cultural events. Open from 7:30am to 9:00pm.
Round trip ferry KRW13000, 1h30m travel, 2h30m on island

12:30pm

Lunch on Nami Island

Try local Korean-style grilled fish or bento boxes at cafes on the island.
KRW15000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Petite France

Explore this charming French-style cultural village featuring museums, performances, and quaint architecture. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
KRW8000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Seoul

Head back to the city and rest before dinner.
Transport KRW15000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hanilkwan

Savour classic Korean dishes such as bulgogi and kimchi jjigae in a reputable restaurant popular among locals.
KRW30000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Seoul to Tokyo Flight

Seoul to Tokyo, Japan on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before airport transfer.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Incheon Airport

Take the airport express train or taxi to Incheon International for your flight to Tokyo.
KRW9000 by train, 1h

11:30am

Flight to Tokyo Haneda Airport

Fly approximately 2.5 hours from Seoul to Tokyo.
Approx ¥30000, 2h30m

2:30pm

Arrival and hotel check-in in Tokyo

Settle into your accommodation in Tokyo, resting briefly before exploring.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the world-famous Shibuya pedestrian scramble and visit the Hachiko dog statue nearby, a symbol of loyalty and beloved meeting spot.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Savour single-serve bowls of rich tonkotsu ramen in this renowned chain famous for its focus on flavour and atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h
Find Hotels in Seoul to Tokyo

Day 7: Tokyo City Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Indulge in fresh sushi or tamagoyaki at the lively market, open from early morning until early afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple with its iconic Kaminarimon gate and traditional shopping street, Nakamise. Open from dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Asakusa Rojiura Curry Samurai

Try Japanese-style curry, a comforting dish popular in Tokyo with various spice levels.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Ascend to the observation deck for spectacular city views. Open 8:00am to 10:00pm. Tickets required.
JPY2100, 2h

4:00pm

Walk through Ueno Park

Relax in this large park famous for museums, zoo, and cherry blossoms in season.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy a lively ambience and traditional Japanese dishes that inspired the famous Kill Bill scene.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Tokyo to Shanghai Flight

Tokyo to Shanghai, China on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely start with a breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Haneda Airport

Use public transport or taxi to reach the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
JPY1000 by train, 1h

12:00pm

Flight Tokyo to Shanghai Pudong Airport

Flight takes approximately 3 hours across East Asia.
Approx CNY1800, 3h

3:30pm

Check into hotel in Shanghai

Rest and refresh after arrival in this vibrant metropolis.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Visit The Bund

Walk along Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade with stunning views of the futuristic skyline and historical colonial architecture.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Taste exquisite Yunnan cuisine in an atmospheric setting overlooking the Huangpu River.
CNY200, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Tokyo to Shanghai

Day 9: Shanghai Classics

Shanghai, China on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local tea house

Enjoy traditional Chinese tea and dim sum or Western breakfast options.
CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Visit Yu Garden

Explore this classical Chinese garden known for its exquisite landscaping and historic architecture. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 2h

11:30am

Explore Yuyuan Bazaar

Shop for souvenirs, try street snacks, and experience traditional market bustle.
Free entry; purchases vary, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), this is a must-visit for authentic Shanghai street food.
CNY60, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shanghai Museum

See important collections of ancient Chinese art. Museum open 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through People's Square

Relax in the city centre park and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy refined Taiwanese cuisine with a focus on dumplings, located near People’s Square.
CNY150, 1.5h
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Day 10: Modern Shanghai & Departure

Shanghai, China on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in the city to energise for the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Shanghai Tower

Ascend to one of the world's tallest buildings for panoramic city views. Open 8:30am to 10:00pm.
CNY180, 2h

11:30am

Explore Xintiandi

Stroll through this stylish pedestrian area full of cafes, boutiques, and preserved shikumen houses.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Element Fresh Xintiandi

Delicious fusion of Western and Asian dishes in a bright, modern setting.
CNY120, 1h

2:30pm

Return to hotel & pack

Prepare for departure and arrange transport to the airport.
Varies, 1.5h

5:00pm

Transfer to Pudong Airport

Allow ample time for international check-in and security procedures.
CNY100, 1h

7:00pm

Flight back to Riga

Depart Shanghai for home, concluding your two-week Asian adventure.
Included, Approx 11h flight
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