Spring 2026 South Korea, Japan & Hawaii Multi-City Travel Itinerary from Chicago

Day 1: Arrival & Seoul Highlights

Seoul, South Korea on April 1, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang

Start your day with a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup at this famous spot near Gyeongbokgung Palace, open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
KRW15000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore the grandest royal palace in Seoul, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Witness the changing of the guards ceremony for iconic photos.
KRW3000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu

Try handmade Korean dumplings at this local favorite in the Bukchon Hanok Village area, serving from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
KRW8000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk around Bukchon Hanok Village

Stroll through this preserved traditional Korean village showcasing beautiful hanok houses and craft shops, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Insadong Cultural Street

Browse art galleries, tea houses, and antique shops in a vibrant cultural district open until late evening.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Myeongdong Kyoja

Enjoy handmade knife-cut noodles and dumplings at one of Seoul’s most popular restaurants, open till 9:30pm.
KRW12000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Seoul to Tokyo Transit & Exploring Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan on April 2, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Grab a quick breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight to Tokyo.
Varies, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight from Seoul to Tokyo

Take a direct morning flight (about 2.5 hours) from Seoul Incheon Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport.
USD200 approx, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Sushi in Shibuya

Experience fun and affordable conveyor belt sushi in Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district, open 11:00am–11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and visit the famous Hachiko dog statue—iconic Tokyo experiences available all day.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping at Shibuya 109

Dive into Tokyo’s fashion trends by exploring this popular shopping mall, open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Savor specialized tonkotsu ramen in a unique solo dining experience, open 24 hours in some locations around Shibuya.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 3: Tokyo City Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on April 3, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood at various stalls around the lively Tsukiji market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Immerse yourself in a tranquil forest sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji, open 6:00am to 4:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Harajuku’s Takeshita Street

Sample trendy street food such as crepes and explore quirky boutiques in this vibrant teenage hotspot.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit teamLab Borderless Museum

Enjoy a world-renowned digital art museum in Odaiba, open 10:00am to 7:00pm (last admission 6:00pm).
JPY3200, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Odaiba Seaside Park

Take a relaxing walk near Tokyo Bay and enjoy scenic views and entertainment venues open all day.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill movie scene, serving Japanese dishes from 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 4, 2026

7:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Catch an early bullet train (approx. 2 hours) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto for a full day of historical exploration.
JPY14000 one way, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the famous thousands of red torii gates trail, open 24 hours with no entry fee.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste various Kyoto specialties like yuba and pickles at this bustling market with many options open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the iconic golden temple and its serene gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll through this famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen bullet train back to Tokyo for overnight stay.
JPY14000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Tokyo to Honolulu Flight & Arrival

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on April 5, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your long flight across the Pacific to Honolulu.
Varies, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight from Tokyo to Honolulu

Board your direct flight to Honolulu, approximately 7-8 hours crossing the International Date Line.
USD600 - 900 approx, 8h0m

8:00am (Arriving same day Hawaii time)

Check-in and relax at Waikiki Beach

Unwind at Waikiki’s famous beach, enjoy the sun and surf after your flight. The beach is open 24/7.
Free, Rest of day

12:00pm

Lunch at Duke’s Waikiki

Have a beachfront lunch with Hawaiian classics and fresh seafood, open 10:00am to 10:00pm daily.
USD25-40, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Alan Wong’s Honolulu

Enjoy elevated Hawaiian regional cuisine in a fine dining setting, open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.
USD80-120, 2h0m
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Day 6: Oahu Island Tour

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on April 6, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee

Start fresh with Hawaiian coffee and acai bowls near Waikiki, open from 6:30am.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and museums, open from 7:00am to 5:00pm. Reserve tickets online early.
Free (some tours paid), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Taste authentic Hawaiian plate lunches at this well-known spot open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
USD15-20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike Diamond Head State Monument

Enjoy a moderate hike with panoramic views of Honolulu, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
USD5, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Marukame Udon Waikiki

Enjoy freshly made udon noodles in a casual setting, open 10:00am to 10:00pm daily.
USD10-15, 1h0m
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Day 7: Relax & Departure

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA on April 7, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Leonard's Bakery

Try iconic Hawaiian malasadas (Portuguese donuts), open daily 6:30am to 8:00pm.
USD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Relax on the beach or casual shopping

Spend your last morning enjoying Waikiki Beach or visit local shops for souvenirs.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Barefoot Beach Cafe

A casual beachfront cafe perfect for a light lunch open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
USD15-20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Airport transfer and departure

Head to Honolulu International Airport for your flight back home to Chicago.
Varies, Varies
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