How to Plan Your Japan and South Korea Trip

Dreaming of neon lights in Tokyo, serene temples in Kyoto, and indulging in delicious Korean BBQ? A trip to Japan and South Korea is an unforgettable adventure that blends modern marvels with ancient traditions. This guide will help you in navigating how to plan your dream Japan and South Korea trip, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor. However, if compiling a two-country itinerary sounds like too much work, our expertly designed tour packages will come to the rescue and do it all for you!

Map of Japan and South Korea

How to Get From Japan to South Korea (or Vice Versa)

While geographically close, Japan and South Korea are two separate countries. There are two main options for traveling between them.

Fast & Easy: A Japan to South Korea flight is the quickest option, taking 1.5-3 hours between major cities. Choose from major airports like Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Osaka (Kansai International), Fukuoka, and Seoul (Incheon). Expect to pay $100-$500 USD (round-trip) depending on the airline and season.
Scenic & Budget-Friendly: A Japan to South Korea ferry offers a slower journey with ocean views. The main route runs between Fukuoka’s Hakata Port and Busan’s Port in South Korea. For this route, there is an overnight (average 9 hours) ferry run by Camellia line. The average adult ticket price is 100 USD (one-way).

Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak seasons. In addition, check baggage allowances and visa requirements for both Japan and South Korea.

Japan and South Korea Itinerary

The beauty of a Japan and South Korea trip certainly lies in its diversity. Deciding how much time to specifically spend in each country depends on your interests as well as your budget. For example, do you crave the bustling energy of Tokyo or the serene tranquility of Kyoto’s temples? Alternatively, are you a history buff drawn to South Korea’s ancient palaces or a foodie eager to try the latest Korean street food trends?

Here are two sample itineraries to inspire your planning:

10-Day Japan and South Korea Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul. Afterward, explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and get a taste of local street food.
Day 2: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and spend the evening enjoying more of Seoul’s culinary delights.

Day 3: DMZ Cheorwon, South Korea

Day 3: Take a day trip to DMZ Cheorwon to learn about the Korean War and the history of the Korean peninsula.

Day 4-7: Tokyo, Japan

Day 4: Fly from Seoul to Tokyo.
Day 5: Spend the day exploring iconic shrines and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 6: Be amazed by the majestic landmarks such as Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Day 7: Explore the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and sample the freshest seafood in town.

Day 8-10: Kyoto, Japan

Day 8: Take the famous bullet train to Kyoto. Then, visit the historic geisha district, Gion.
Day 9: Visit the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and other cultural landmarks.
Day 10: Explore the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy the serene beauty of Kyoto.

11-Day Japan and South Korea Itinerary:

Day 1-3: Seoul, South Korea

Day 1: Arrive in Seoul. Later, explore the city’s neighborhoods and get a taste of local street food.
Day 2: Visit Jogyesa Temple and the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace before spending the evening enjoying more of Seoul’s culinary delights.
Day 3: Take a day trip to DMZ Cheorwon to learn about the Korean War and the history of the Korean peninsula.

Day 4: Suwon, South Korea

Day 4: Travel to Suwon to visit the Korean Folk Village, an open-air museum that offers a glimpse into life during the Joseon era.

Day 5-8: Tokyo, Japan

Day 5: Fly from Seoul to Tokyo.
Day 6: Spend the day exploring iconic sites and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 7: Visit Mount Fuji and take in the scenic views. Afterward, head to Lake Kawaguchi for a relaxing break surrounded by nature.
Day 8: Discover hidden gems and later, savor Tokyo’s amazing seafood.

Day 9-11: Kyoto, Japan

Day 9: Travel to Kyoto. Begin your exploration with a visit to the historic geisha district.
Day 10: Explore the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy the serene beauty of Kyoto.
Day 11: Finally, wrap up your journey with any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before departing.

Stress-Free Travels: The Benefits of a Tour Package

Planning a multi-country trip can be undeniably overwhelming. With our Japan and South Korea Tour Packages, available in 10-d ay, 11-day, 13-day, and 14-day options, you can ditch the stress and focus on enjoying the adventure. Also, for those who want something a little more intimate, our 14-day Private South Korea and Japan Tour Package offers just that. Additionally, if you’re eager to discover even more of East Asia, our seamless Japan, China, & South Korea Package Tours, provided in 19-day, 20-day, and 24-day durations, promise an enriching and memorable adventure across all three phenomenal countries.

Our expertly curated itineraries follow the respective routes mentioned above, taking care of everything from tours and guides to entrance fees for major attractions. Comfortable hotel stays and some meals are also included, along with convenient train transfers between cities, allowing you to relax and soak up the experience.

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Don’t Be a Korea-ious Tourist, Book Your Tour Today!

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cultures of Japan and South Korea? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Book your stress-free Japan and South Korea Tour Package today and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime! If you prefer to join us for just one of the countries, we offer separate South Korea Package Tours and Japan Package tours. Fly from Tokyo to Seoul independently and embark on a 4-day, 5-day, or 6-day journey across South Korea. Another fantastic multi-country vacation we highly recommend is a trip to Japan and China. You can also book a bunch of individual Japan day tours to fill the days however you want. Tourist Japan is here to help, so contact our team of travel experts and get one step closer to the trip of a lifetime!

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