Historic Cities of Japan and South Korea: A Journey From Seoul to Tokyo

Depart on an overnight flight to Seoul, crossing the international date line and arriving on Day 3. You’ll be met and assisted with your transfer to your hotel in the city center. Take the remainder of the day to relax and settle in.

After breakfast, gather for an introduction to South Korea’s history, culture, and contemporary issues by a local expert. Hear about the historical division of North and South Korea; learn Korean traditions of language, food, and festivals; and discuss the rapid economic growth of South Korea. Then set out for Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, which ruled Korea from the 1300s to the end of the 19th century. Originally built in 1395, the palace was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history. Meander among its lotus ponds and gardens, and stop in at the National Folk Museum on the palace grounds to view artifacts dating from prehistory to the 20th century.

Next, visit the 600-year-old neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village for a closer look at traditional Korean houses called hanok, built with natural materials using ancient principles of architecture and spirituality. After lunch at a local restaurant, stroll through the lively Namdaemun Market for a taste of everyday life. Meet in the evening for a welcome reception and dinner. (B,L,R,D)

Journey to the town of Paju, situated on the edge of the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, separating North and South Korea, a lasting legacy of the Korean War. Learn the history of this heavily fortified buffer zone, and look out toward North Korea from an observation point. Return to Seoul after lunch, and meet up in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for an informal discussion about the day’s discoveries with fellow travelers and your expert. During a free evening, explore Seoul’s famous street food scene or try one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. (B,L)

Venture to Hwaseong, a walled fortress in the nearby town of Suwon that was built by King Jeongjo at the end of the 18th century to house the tomb of the king’s father, Prince Sado. Explore this World Heritage site, where nearly four miles of imposing walls, observation towers and gates surround the town and its palace. Lunch independently before returning to Seoul, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

A morning flight brings you from Seoul to Osaka, Japan. Transfer to your hotel in Kyoto and enjoy free time to relax this afternoon. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a special Japanese dinner and geisha performance in the historic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya townhouses. (B,D)

Marvel at a massive torii gate as you approach Heian Jingu shrine, built on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as an imperial capital. Then visit Sanju-sangen-do temple, known for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy in Japanese Buddhism. Continue to the celebrated Kiyomizu Temple, founded in 780 next to a waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto. Watch a demonstration of Japanese sweet making before an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Depart by motorcoach for the one-hour drive to fabled Nara, Japan’s capital during the eighth century. Stroll through Nara Park, where more than a thousand deer roam free, regarded in the Shinto religion as sacred messengers. Pass through the massive wooden Nandaimon Gate on the way to Tōdai-ji, home to one of world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. Then walk through Kasuga Taisha, famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns that can be found hanging from the buildings along with the many stone lanterns that line the approach to the temple. Continue to Kōfuku-ji Temple, established in 710, the year Nara became the capital. Explore its five-storied pagoda before lunch together. Late in the day, return to Kyoto and enjoy a free evening. (B,L)

The balance of the day is yours to discover Kyoto as you wish. You might take a stroll through the iconic bamboo forests at Arashiyama or delve into local life at the bustling Nishiki Market. In the late afternoon, join fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for an informal discussion about your experiences in Kyoto. After free time for dinner, venture to Fushimi Inari, a temple known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that straddle trails along a wooded mountainside. Experience the magic atmosphere of the site after dark, when lanterns illuminate the tunnels. (B)

Board the famous bullet train, or Shinkansen, and travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour to the town of Hakone. If weather permits, embark on a cruise of Lake Ashi, taking in views of the conical peak of Mount Fuji. You’ll have free time for lunch in Hakone before continuing to Tokyo by motor coach. Check into your hotel in the upscale, urban Ebisu district and enjoy dinner at leisure. (B)

Begin the day with a visit to Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Senso-ji, which was built in 645 and is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Approach the shrine through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), and stroll along the shopping street of Nakamise to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Later, zoom to the top of Tokyo SkyTree, one of the world’s tallest structures, for spectacular views of the city. Tour guardhouses, moats, and gardens on the grounds of the Imperial Palace before lunch with the group. In the afternoon, join an instructor to learn the steps and symbols of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Dinner and the evening are on your own. (B,L)

Pay a morning visit to Meiji Jingu, an important Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, who are credited with creating the foundations for modern Japan during the Meiji Restoration. Meander along tranquil paths that wind through the trees, passing under a massive torii gate before reaching the main shrine complex. Then head into the nearby Harajuku neighborhood, an effervescent hub of street art and fashion. Take a walk along Takeshita-dori, soaking up the eclectic ambiance of its quirky boutiques and themed cafes. After a free afternoon, celebrate your journey at a farewell reception and dinner. (B,R,D)

After breakfast, depart for Narita International Airport for your flight home. Most flights to the U.S. arrive home the same day. (B)

Please note that the progression of this planned itinerary and/or its inclusions may be altered due to unforeseen operational considerations.