South Korea + Japan Adventure, 22 Days

Arrive in Seoul and meet your group and INTRO leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

Today, let's dive into the traditional side of Seoul! First, we'll swing by Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the country's biggest and most impressive. After that, we'll roam around a traditonal Hanok village, checking out those classic Korean houses. Then, it's off to Insadong Street for some laid-back shopping and street eats before experiencing Seoul's nightlife in Hongdae! 🌱 Small Change: A locally guided tour of Seoul today helps directly support local guides and local small businesses.

This morning we are venturing north, as far as we can go in fact, to the border with North Korea. The DMZ (De-Militarized Zone) is a heavily fortified border that keeps the two-countries apart. Learn why north and south are split, and peer over the border to catch a glimpse into life in the hermit kingdom.

After breakfast we wave goodbye to Seoul (for now) and take the KTX (Korea's answer to Japan's bullet trains) down to Jeonju, a city that has maintained it's famous Hanok village. Have time to explore the traditional buildings and feel of the town. Tonight, get hands-on cooking famous Korean dishes like bibimbap - and yes, we get to eat our creations whilst washing them down with soju and rice wine! 🌱 Small Change: Support a family-run business by learning the art of Korean cooking.

A full day on the itinerary, your INTRO leader shares the detail and the best local options on the day.

Stretch out and limber up - today you'll be put through your paces in a Taekwondo class. If you think you have already mastered a flying spinning high kick we can't wait to see what you've got! For those of us who've only ever seen these impressive moves on the TV, we will stick to learning the basics for kicks and blocks. At the end of the class, you can show off the new kicks you've learnt - time to smash some wooden planks!

It is the perfect change of pace with from the modern city life, and a great opportunity to reflect in peaceful surrounds.

Known as the "Museum without Walls", Gyeongju was once the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for over 1000 years, and it is our final stop before heading back to Seoul. With more UNESCO World Heritage sites than you can count, we will take you on a bike tour of the tombs, pagodas, bridges and palace ruins so you can truly experience the rich historical and cultural heritage of this town.

It's time to head back to Seoul, but we still have time to squeeze in one more experience - arguably what has put Korea on the map - K-Pop. Learn a routine guided by a professional instructor, and don't forget to film it to show everyone back home!

Kon'nichiwa and welcome to Tokyo! Today you'll take a short included flight to one of the world's buzziest, most forward thinking cities. Checking in to your hostel, you'll then meet up with your new travel crew and get excited for more adventures to come.

Today is about discovering all that Tokyo has in store. First up, we'll pay a visit to one of the country's oldest temples, Senso-ji Temple, before checking out the Meiji Shrine. Colourful, eclectic and fashion forward Harajuku is up next, before we brave the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection. After dinner this evening, we'll then squeeze in to one of the hilariously tiny bars in the district of Shinjuku. 🌱 Small Change: Discover Japan's spiritual heritage with a guided visit to Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple and a revered Shinto shrine.\

First up we're meeting with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling. Followed by some free time in Tokyo this afternoon, we'll then venture over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara in the evening. Known locally as the 'Electric City', it's famous for its electronic shops, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths, game centres and all things modern.

Now's your chance to experience Japan's famous bullet train for real - shooting out of Tokyo at over 200mph. It's one to tick off the bucket list! We'll then reach Nagano in time to try out the ancient art of Origami, followed by a relaxing dip in an Onsen, aka a volcanic hot spring. Tonight we'll settle in to our Ryokan style hotel, where you'll be sleeping on traditional tatami mats and Japanese style futon bedding. 🌱 Small Change: Discover the art of origami in Nagano, where local artisans guide you through traditional paper-folding techniques rooted in Japanese culture.

This morning we'll learn how to make our own Soba noodles! 🌱 Small Change: Experience Nagano's culinary heritage by learning to craft soba noodles from buckwheat alongside skilled local makers. We'll then be venturing out into the mountains to spot the region's famous snow monkeys, or Japanese Macaques. These red faced trouble makers play amongst the trees in the summer months & warm by bathing in the natural hot springs once winter hits. Enjoying the fresh mountain air, we'll then take our time exploring the gorgeous lakes and forests of the Shiga Kogen National Park (summer only).

It's back on board the bullet train this morning, this time bound for Hakone. Famed for hot springs, natural beauty and (of course) Mount Fuji, we'll check in to our trendy hostel that comes with its very own onsen.

We'll then journey on to Osaka, also known as the nation's kitchen. To celebrate, a BBQ dinner will be on us, where we'll fuel up for a night out, Osaka style.

This morning you'll have time to yourself to chill and maybe squeeze in a spot of shopping, before we head out as a group to visit the 400 year old Osaka Castle. Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, you'll struggle not to get house envy as we explore the grounds and hear stories of Japanese history and legends, including the country's most famous warriors, the Samurai. We'll finish up by heading over to Dotonbori, Osaka's famous canal region and home to some of the best food in the country! The evening is yours to eat away.

Ready for something extra special? Today we have just the thing - an overnight stay in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple. Leaving Osaka behind we'll travel to the mountains for the town of Koyasan, where we'll be welcomed into the temple by the monks who live there. They'll teach us meditation and serve us their traditional foods. This evening we'll have a night time stroll through Japan's most famous cemetery. 🌱 Small Change: Visit a traditional Buddhist Temple, discovering their traditions and culture that has been going for centuries.

It's an early start today, but well worth it to watch the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayer ritual and fire ceremony. We'll then be served their traditional breakfast before travelling to our next incredible destination, Kyoto. After checking in to our boutique hotel, you'll have time to yourself to explore Japan's ancient capital. Tonight we get to learn about Japan's mysterious Geishas with a tour of Gion, the district many of these artists call home. 🌱 Small Change: Explore Kyoto's historic streets on our Geisha walking tour and step into the world of Japan's iconic artists.

Green, lush and vibrant, the Insta-famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama is our first stop today. Photos snapped, we'll then head to the luxurious Golden Pavilion, so named for being covered entirely in gold leaf. Tonight's a free evening to maybe hit up a sushi restaurant, find a bar, or challenge your mates to a round of bowling.

Today we'll visit the famous Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari. One of Japan's most iconic and photographed shrines, the orange gates stretch all the way up the mountainside. This afternoon, you'll learn the art of samurai under the watchful eye of a Samurai master. Tonight, we will have a farewell dinner and celebrate our time together!

Your unforgettable 22 day adventure comes to an end today. Those flying home will make their way to the airport or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Osaka or Japan with our help and the new friends you've made.