Two-Month Autumn to Early Winter Exploration of East Asia: Japan, South Korea, and Southern China Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan on October 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Yanagibashi Rengo Market

Enjoy fresh local seafood and Japanese breakfast delights at this vibrant market, a great introduction to Kyushu's food culture.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Stroll through lush grounds and explore this historical site for a peaceful start and scenic views of the city.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hakata Ippudo

Sample famous Hakata ramen, a must-try regional specialty with rich pork broth and thin noodles.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Kawabata Shopping Arcade

Discover local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs in this traditional shopping street.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yatai Food Stalls

Experience Fukuoka's unique outdoor street stalls offering various grilled and local specialties.
JPY2000, 2h
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Day 2: Mild Autumn in Nagasaki

Nagasaki, Japan on October 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Light breakfast before the train journey to Nagasaki, focusing on pastries and tea.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Train to Nagasaki

Take the scenic 2-hour train ride from Fukuoka to Nagasaki.
JPY4200, 2h

11:30am

Visit Glover Garden

Explore a beautiful garden with western-style mansions offering panoramic views of Nagasaki harbour.
JPY620, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shikairo

Dine at one of Japan's oldest Chinese restaurants known for champon and sara udon, Nagasaki delicacies.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum

Reflect at these sobering sites exploring Nagasaki’s history and aspirations for peace.
JPY200, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dejima Wharf Market

Enjoy fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere near the waterfront.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Explore Offbeat Shikoku

Matsuyama, Japan on October 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Matsuyama

Quick breakfast before taking a ferry and train to Shikoku island; enjoy natural scenery en route.
JPY5500, 4h

12:00pm

Dogo Onsen Visit

Relax in one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with stunning traditional architecture dating back over 100 years.
JPY410, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at local soba restaurant

Taste handmade soba noodles featuring local ingredients in a quiet setting.
JPY1200, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Matsuyama Castle

Wander up to this hilltop castle with panoramic views and fewer tourists than other major castles.
JPY510, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Iroha Sushi

Enjoy fresh, locally-caught seafood at an intimate sushi restaurant famed among locals.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cultural Kyoto Gems

Kyoto, Japan on October 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Sample street foods such as tamagoyaki and yuba, and pick up artisan snacks.
JPY1500, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up the mountain; an iconic and serene experience.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen

Savour hand-pulled udon noodles with seasonal vegetables in a cosy atmosphere near Gion.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Immerse in natural beauty and tranquil gardens inside a world heritage site.
JPY500, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience Kyoto’s traditional dining with options ranging from kaiseki to affordable Izakaya.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Busan, South Korea

Busan, South Korea on October 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light Japanese-style breakfast before the morning flight.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Flight from Osaka to Busan

Short flight to Korean port city known for seafood and beaches. Approx. 1.5 hours flight time.
KRW70000, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Jagalchi Fish Market

Sample fresh catches straight from the market with a variety of seafood prepared on the spot.
KRW20000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Gamcheon Culture Village

Explore colourful hillside houses, quirky art installations, and quaint cafes away from typical tourist crowds.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Haeundae Beach Walk & Dinner

Enjoy the mild autumn sea breeze at South Korea’s most famous beach, followed by dinner of grilled Korean BBQ.
KRW30000, 2h
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Day 6: Offbeat Busan & Gyeongju Day Trip

Busan - Gyeongju, South Korea on October 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at cafe near hotel

Enjoy Korean-style pastries and coffee before heading out.
KRW10000, 1h

8:30am

Train to Gyeongju

Travel 1.5 hours to the ancient capital with UNESCO heritage sites, avoiding cold northern trips.
KRW9000, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto

Explore stunning examples of Silla dynasty Buddhist architecture and art in peaceful countryside settings.
KRW5000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local hanjeongsik restaurant

Traditional full-course Korean meal showcasing regional ingredients and culinary artistry.
KRW25000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Tumuli Park and Anapji Pond

Relax in a park with royal tombs and visit the beautifully restored ancient pond with evening lights.
KRW3000, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Busan and Dinner

Try Busan’s speciality, milmyeon (wheat noodles), at a local eatery for a comforting end to the day.
KRW9000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Flight and Explore Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou, China on October 21, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Flight to Guangzhou

Start the day with a quick breakfast before flying south to one of China’s warmth-favored cities in autumn.
CNY50, 1h

8:00am

Flight from Busan to Guangzhou

Approximate 3-hour flight with direct connections available.
CNY700, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dim Sum Restaurant (Bingsheng Pinwei)

Enjoy authentic Cantonese dim sum in a well-regarded local eatery famed for fresh ingredients.
CNY150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Discover beautiful traditional Cantonese architecture with intricate woodcarving and artwork.
CNY10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Yuexiu Park

Explore Guangzhou’s largest urban park featuring lakes, pagodas, and historic statues.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Canton Tower Area

Dine with views at one of the restaurants by this modern landmark, enjoying Cantonese fusion dishes.
CNY250, 2h
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Day 8: Yangshuo & Guilin Exploration

Yangshuo, China on October 22, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and Travel to Yangshuo

Early breakfast followed by bus or train travel to Yangshuo for scenic limestone karst landscapes.
CNY150, 3h

10:00am

Biking Tour in Countryside

Rent bikes for a countryside ride through rice paddies, small villages, and rivers rarely crowded by tourists.
CNY50, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Viewpoint Cafe

Eat locally with views over the Li River and karst hills, focusing on organic produce and fresh fish.
CNY80, 1h

3:00pm

Li River Bamboo Raft Trip

Enjoy a gentle 2-hour raft ride on the serene river, perfect for couples seeking tranquil nature.
CNY120, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at West Street

Sample local specialties including beer fish and spicy dishes in the lively yet intimate main street.
CNY120, 1h30m
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