After breakfast, embark on a five-hour city tour. Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by lush gardens. Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, a quaint neighborhood with traditional Korean houses. Explore the War Memorial Museum, offering deep insights into Korea’s turbulent history and the Korean War. Next, visit the dynamic Gangnam District, famous for its shopping and entertainment. End the tour at the towering LOTTE World Tower (entrance optional) with time to relax in the adjacent park or luxury shops. Return to the city center and enjoy free time. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, catching the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony if scheduled. Head to Suwon, former Korean capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its impressive city walls. Visit the Samsung Innovation Museum or Samsung D’Light showroom (subject to availability). Explore Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung Summer Palace. Continue to Jeonju, famous for its charming Hanok Village filled with traditional houses, shops, and galleries. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel through scenic mountain forests to Haeinsa Temple, founded in 802, home to the Tripitaka Koreana—an invaluable collection of Buddhist scriptures carved into woodblocks. Visit the temple and the Tripitaka museum. Continue to Daegu to explore the traditional herbal medicine market and the Oriental Medicine Museum. I arrived in Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, with time to visit the bustling Doosan Haeundae complex. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning visit to Haedong Yonggung Temple, a striking sea-side Buddhist temple dating from the 14th century. Tour the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, honoring soldiers from across the globe. Explore Nampo Port’s vibrant fish market and stroll through Yongdusan Park, home to a towering pagoda. Afternoon at leisure before boarding the overnight ferry to Japan (departing around 9 PM). Accommodation in double cabins with private bathrooms. Note: On some departures, a fast ferry to Fukuoka may be used instead, including hotel stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Arrive early in Shimonoseki, cross into Japan, and head to Iwakuni to see the iconic Kintai-Kyo Bridge. Continue to Miyajima Island, famed for Itsukushima Shrine built over the sea. Explore the island’s charming center and enjoy lunch. Then, visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, reflecting on the city’s tragic history and resilience. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Dinner

Ferry to Shikoku Island, passing scenic islands along the way. In Matsuyama, ride the cable car to visit its historic castle, then explore Ishiteji Temple, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. End with a relaxing visit to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse dating back to the 19th century. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit Kotohira Shrine, a famous pilgrimage site requiring a climb of 785 steps. Head to Takamatsu to explore Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful. Cross the stunning Naruto Bridge with its glass walkway and spectacular sea views. Continue over scenic bridges connecting islands before arriving in Kobe for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Kobe’s Earthquake Memorial Museum, commemorating the 1995 disaster and reconstruction (alternative visits may include the Sake Museum or Kobe Tower). Travel to Mount Koya, a sacred site in Shingon Buddhism with over 120 temples. Visit Okuno Mausoleum and Kongobuji Temple. Spend the night in a Buddhist monastery, experiencing Zen meditation and a vegetarian dinner. Early morning religious ceremonies are optional. Rooms are traditional tatami style with communal bathrooms. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After a temple breakfast, depart for Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. Explore highlights including Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of iconic torii gates, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Later, stroll through Gion, the historic geisha district. Free time in the evening. Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the station for a high-speed bullet train journey to Tokyo. In the late afternoon, take a metro ride to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s bustling nightlife hubs, to experience the city’s vibrant energy. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a 5-hour guided tour of Tokyo, starting at Zojoji Temple with views of Tokyo Tower. Visit the Meiji Shrine and walk through Omotesando’s elegant avenue. See the Imperial Palace grounds and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Pass through Akihabara (the “electric town”) and visit Kokugikan Sumo Stadium. Explore Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest, and shop along Nakamise Street in Asakusa. Lunch included. Afternoon free for independent exploration. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Nikko, visiting the ornate Toshogu Shrine and Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum. Walk alongside the river lined with hundreds of Jizo statues. Enjoy free time before continuing to Sendai, a vibrant city where you can dine and explore independently. Meals: Breakfast

Visit Matsushima, known for its scenic bay dotted with islands. Enjoy traditional tea with views before a 50-minute boat cruise. In Hiraizumi, explore UNESCO-listed temples including Chusonji and the Zen gardens of Motsuiji, where you can participate in a Zen ceremony. Visit the rock-carved Takkoku no Iwaya site. Continue to Morioka for an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stop at Hirosaki Castle, set in a park famed for its cherry blossoms. Visit Aomori’s Nebuta Museum to learn about the vibrant local festival. Enjoy lunch locally before boarding a ferry to Hokkaido Island. Arrive in Hakodate and ascend Mount Hakodate for panoramic views via cable car. Explore the city’s culturally diverse center before overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit Hakodate’s bustling fish market and climb Goryokaku Tower to see the star-shaped fortress below. Explore the castle grounds, then head to scenic Onuma for free time. In the afternoon, visit the volcanic area of Noboribetsu to walk among geysers in Jigoku Valley and see hot springs. Continue to Sapporo, the capital of northern Japan, for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The morning city tour includes stops at the Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Hokkaido Jingu Shrine with a ceremonial prayer. Visit the avant-garde Hill of Buddha complex, featuring lavender fields and giant statues including Moai replicas. Later, explore the charming European-style town of Otaru with its canals and historic buildings. Return to Sapporo for free time. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, conclude your journey with transfers arranged as per your onward travel plans. Meals: Breakfast