14-16 Day Japan and Korea Itinerary Featuring Major Cities, Anime, Food, and Cultural Highlights

Day 1: Fukuoka Arrival & Ramen

Fukuoka, Japan on October 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ichiran Ramen

Start your day with a classic Hakata-style ramen at Ichiran, famous for its rich tonkotsu broth and individualized booth seating perfect for first-time visitors.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Nakasu Shopping and Entertainment District

Stroll through Nakasu for street food, shops, and vibrant urban vibes, capturing a mix of modern city life and traditional flair.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Yatai Stalls

Experience local street food with a variety of small dishes like tempura, onigiri, and yakitori from the famous yatai outdoor food stalls lining the river.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Canal City Hakata

Discover shopping, entertainment, and a unique canal running through the mall for a fun urban center experience.
Free entry, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Hirao

Savor expertly fried tempura at this popular local spot known for fresh, crispy dishes using seasonal ingredients.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 2: Exploring Fukuoka & Train to Osaka

Fukuoka, Japan; Osaka, Japan on October 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kissa Tanto

Enjoy a Japanese-style coffee and light breakfast to energize your day.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Ohori Park for short nature walk

A beautiful urban park with a large pond, great for a quick relaxing stroll to enjoy nature without spending too much time.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Make Your Own Chopsticks Workshop

Engage in a unique cultural activity making your own personalized chopsticks, available in local craft centers in Fukuoka.
JPY3000, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hakata Issou Ramen

Taste another flavor of Hakata tonkotsu ramen to deepen your appreciation of Fukuoka’s ramen scene.
JPY1200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shinkansen to Osaka

Take the fast Shinkansen from Hakata station to Osaka for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
JPY14000, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Dotonbori

Explore Dotonbori’s lively atmosphere with famous street foods like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and katsu curry at one of the popular local eateries.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 3: Osaka City & Shopping

Osaka, Japan on October 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rikuro Ojisan no Mise

Try the famous fluffy Japanese cheesecake as a sweet start to the day.
JPY600, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Nipponbashi Den Den Town

Explore Osaka's anime, manga, and electronics district filled with shops dedicated to gaming, collectibles, and Pokemon Go hotspots.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Matsuzushi

Enjoy authentic Osaka-style sushi for a fresh and flavorful meal.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon shopping at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop at local boutiques, international brands, and souvenir shops in Osaka’s largest shopping district.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Indulge in Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers with a variety of meats and veggies in a lively setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 4: Day Trip to Kyoto & Uji

Kyoto & Uji, Japan on October 4, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation for a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Train to Kyoto

Travel from Osaka to Kyoto by train in about 30 minutes.
JPY560, 0h30m

9:45am

Visit Saihō-ji (Kokedera)

Book in advance to see the famous moss temple, a peaceful nature spot in Kyoto ideal for a short nature experience.
JPY3000 with reservation, 1h30m

11:30am

Train to Uji

Head to Uji for a 30-minute train ride to explore the tea culture.
JPY240, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsuen Tea House in Uji

Taste traditional matcha sweets and light meals at one of Japan’s oldest tea houses.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk to Byodo-in Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Phoenix Hall and scenic gardens.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto for shopping at Teramachi and Nishiki Market

Browse through traditional shops, specialty foods, and cute souvenirs in hectic Kyoto market areas.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Train back to Osaka

Return to Osaka for dinner and overnight stay.
JPY560, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Imanishi in Osaka

Enjoy katsu curry, a hearty dish perfect after a busy day of sightseeing.
JPY2500, 1h0m

Day 5: Osaka to Tokyo via Shinkansen

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on October 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with a light breakfast before your Shinkansen ride to Tokyo.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Take the bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo, approx 3 hours.
JPY14000, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Sample several famous ramen shops in one location inside Tokyo Station.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Akihabara

Explore the anime, manga, and gaming paradise, perfect for Pokemon Go and shopping collectibles.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo

Enjoy exquisite tempura dinner at a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant (reservation recommended).
JPY8000, 1h30m

Day 6: Tokyo Urban & Food Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and unique Japanese breakfast foods at the famous market.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

Shop exclusive Pokemon merchandise and try fun interactive experiences in Ikebukuro.
Free entry, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi

Enjoy onigiri and sushi in a casual standing sushi bar experience.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Shibuya and Harajuku

Visit shopping streets with a youthful vibe and assorted anime and manga stores, along with famous crossings and photo spots.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

End the day with a comforting bowl of your favorite ramen in a unique solo dining booth setting.
JPY1000, 1h0m

Day 7: Day Trips Near Tokyo

Yokohama & Kawasaki, Japan on October 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

Get ready for the day with a good breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Train to Yokohama

Short train ride to Yokohama for urban exploration in about 30 minutes.
JPY500, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Cup Noodles Museum

Create your own custom cup noodles, engaging and delicious experience for food enthusiasts.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yokohama Chinatown

Savor authentic Chinese food and street snacks in Japan’s largest Chinatown.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Train to Kawasaki

Travel to Kawasaki, just 20 minutes from Yokohama.
JPY300, 0h20m

2:30pm

Explore La Cittadella

Visit this Italian-style shopping and entertainment complex for shopping and casual strolls.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo for dinner and rest.
JPY500, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Tanaka in Tokyo

Enjoy Osaka-style deep fried skewers, a popular dish you’ll love to repeat.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 8: Fly to Seoul & Explore

Tokyo, Japan to Seoul, South Korea on October 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before your flight.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight from Tokyo to Seoul

Fly from Tokyo to Seoul, approximately 2.5 hours flight time.
USD100-150, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in Myeongdong

Try Korean street food and explore bustling shopping streets in downtown Seoul.
KRW15000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Lotte World Tower

Visit the tallest building in Korea with great city views and shopping options.
KRW27000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Korean BBQ restaurant

Experience authentic Korean BBQ with high-quality meats and local sides.
KRW30000, 1h30m

Day 9: DMZ Tour & Seoul

Seoul, South Korea on October 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to start your day early for the DMZ tour.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

DMZ Half-Day Tour

Join a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone including observation points, infiltration tunnels, and the Joint Security Area; book in advance.
KRW60000, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch back in Seoul

Return to Seoul for a casual Korean meal at a local restaurant.
KRW15000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Hongdae Shopping and Street Art

Enjoy youthful atmosphere, indie shops, anime merchandise, and lively street performances.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kimbap Cheonguk

Casual Korean diner serving kimbap, ramen, and comfort foods to wrap up the day.
KRW10000, 1h0m

Day 10: Seoul to Busan

Seoul to Busan, South Korea on October 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before heading to Busan by KTX train.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

KTX Train to Busan

Travel on Korea's high-speed train for about 2.5 hours.
KRW59000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market

Sample fresh seafood dishes at Korea’s largest fish market.
KRW20000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk through BIFF Square and Nampo-dong

Explore shopping streets, local snack vendors, and pop culture mural art.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Milmyeon Noodle House

Try Busan’s specialty cold wheat noodles, a refreshing and unique dish.
KRW8000, 1h0m