Ultimate 14-Day Tour: South Korea, Japan, and Hawaii Adventure

Day 1: Explore Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Start your morning with traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, a local favorite to energize your day.
KRW15000, 1h0m

9:30am

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Visit the grandest palace in Seoul to learn about Joseon Dynasty history and see the changing of the guard ceremony. Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm.
KRW3000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Enjoy handmade Korean dumplings and noodles in a charming traditional neighborhood setting.
KRW10000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Stroll through picturesque streets filled with traditional hanok houses, art galleries, and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shopping and Exploring Insadong

Browse unique shops, antique stores, and galleries featuring Korean crafts and souvenirs.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Taste their famous kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings), beloved by locals and tourists alike.
KRW12000, 1h0m

Day 2: Cultural Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Isaac Toast

Grab a quick and popular Korean-style breakfast sandwich with a variety of fillings.
KRW4000, 0h30m

9:30am

N Seoul Tower Visit

Take a cable car up to the tower for panoramic views of Seoul. The tower is open 10:00am to 11:00pm.
KRW10000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tosokchon

Return for another taste of Korean classics or try bibimbap, a well-known rice dish with vegetables and egg.
KRW15000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Explore avant-garde architecture, shops, and exhibitions at this iconic Seoul landmark.
Free entry, exhibitions vary, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Enjoy a peaceful walk along this urban stream with scenic lighting, perfect in early evening hours.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Korean BBQ in Hongdae

Experience interactive Korean BBQ with your choice of meats and a lively atmosphere in the youthful Hongdae district.
KRW20000, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Japan

Tokyo, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast at your Seoul accommodation before your flight to Tokyo.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

10:30am

Flight to Tokyo

Depart from Seoul Incheon International Airport to Tokyo Narita/Haneda Airport. Flight approximately 2h30m.
USD200 approx., 4h including airport formalities

3:00pm

Check-in and rest at Tokyo hotel

Settle into your accommodation in central Tokyo to prepare for exploring this vibrant metropolis.
Varies, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing & Center Gai

Witness the famous scramble crossing and browse lively shopping streets filled with fashion and food.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi

Experience conveyor belt sushi with a modern twist, affordable and popular among locals and tourists.
JPY2000-3000, 1h0m

Day 4: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi, tamago, and other street foods at this historic seafood market open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and lively Nakamise shopping street, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Try sukiyaki or shabu shabu, classic Japanese hot pot dishes in a traditional setting.
JPY3000-4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Walk through a serene forested park leading to this important Shinto shrine. Open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping in Harajuku Takeshita Street

Visit trendy boutiques, crepe stands, and pop culture hotspots before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy a unique solo dining experience specializing in flavorful tonkotsu ramen with customizable spiciness.
JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

Day 5: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto for a 2h15m scenic journey through Japan.
JPY14000 approx., 2h15m

10:00am

Breakfast near Kyoto Station

Have a quick Japanese or continental breakfast at a café near the station.
JPY1000, 0h45m

11:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through thousands of red torii gates at this iconic Shinto site, open all day with no fee.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Momoyama Minamiza Dining

Enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine, an elegant multi-course Japanese meal.
JPY3000-5000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for its wooden stage and city views; open 6:00am to 6:00pm daily.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk historic streets, spotting traditional teahouses and possibly geisha or maiko.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of many riverside restaurants offering local specialties with atmospheric views.
JPY2000-4000, 1h30m

Day 6: Kyoto and Return Tokyo

Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Enjoy a light breakfast with Japanese sweets or coffee before departing.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk amidst towering bamboo stalks and explore nearby temples like Tenryu-ji. Open 24 hours but best early to avoid crowds.
JPY500 for temples, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Savor specialty tofu dishes in a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant.
JPY2000-3000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Return by bullet train for about 2h15m journey.
JPY14000, 2h15m

3:30pm

Rest and shop at Ginza

Explore upscale shopping and cafes in Tokyo’s famous district.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo

Experience refined tempura dishes, highly regarded in Tokyo for quality and taste.
JPY8000, 1h30m

Day 7: Relax in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of relaxation and light exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s largest museum showcasing rich history and art, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at nearby Ueno area

Try casual Japanese fare at a local café near the museum.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Stroll through Ueno Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk through the park, visit shrines, and seasonal gardens.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Afternoon tea at a cafe in Akihabara

Relax in a themed café and explore nearby electronic shops.
JPY1000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a historic setting, inspiration for Kill Bill's ‘The House of Blue Leaves.’
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 8: Flight to Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tokyo hotel

Quick breakfast before your flight to Hawaii.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight to Honolulu

Depart Tokyo Haneda/Narita airport for direct flight to Honolulu, approx 7h duration.
USD700 approx., 7h0m

12:00pm (local time)

Arrival and hotel check-in

Arrive in Honolulu, check in and relax at your beachfront accommodation.
Varies, 1h0m

2:00pm

Beach time at Waikiki

Enjoy relaxing on the legendary Waikiki Beach, swimming, or trying surfing lessons.
Free (Surf lessons extra), 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Duke’s Waikiki

Sample Hawaiian specialties in a vibrant beachfront setting.
USD30-50, 1h30m

Day 9: Explore Oahu

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Leonard’s Bakery

Taste famous malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) to start your day sweetly.
USD5-10, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Explore historic WWII sites including the USS Arizona Memorial. Open daily 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Free entry but reserve tickets recommended, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Highway Inn

Enjoy traditional Hawaiian plate lunch and local favorites.
USD15-25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hike Diamond Head

Ascend the iconic volcanic crater for panoramic views of Honolulu. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
USD5 per vehicle, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Kapiolani Park

Enjoy green space near the beach for a casual walk or rest.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Alan Wong’s

Treat yourself to high-end Hawaiian regional cuisine, reservation recommended.
USD70-100, 2h0m

Day 10: Beach and Leisure

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely start with hotel breakfast and coffee.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Discover colorful marine life in this nature preserve; closed Tuesdays, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
USD25 entrance fee, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ono Seafood

Enjoy fresh poke bowls, a delicious Hawaiian specialty.
USD15-25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Downtown Honolulu

Visit Iolani Palace and historic landmarks in a walkable urban area.
JPY5 for palace tour, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Ala Moana Beach Park

Watch beautiful sunsets with local families and visitors at this relaxed beach park.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Final dinner at House Without A Key

Enjoy Hawaiian music, hula, and a tasty menu to celebrate your trip’s last night.
USD50-70, 1h30m

Day 11: Departure Day

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and pack up

Make sure to enjoy your last breakfast and prepare for your return flight.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Check out and head to airport

Travel to Honolulu International Airport with ample time for check-in.
Transport cost varies, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight back to Chicago

Depart for your journey home with wonderful memories from your trip.
Varies, 10h0m approx.