This Japan and Korea combined tour offers you the best opportunity to have a detailed expedition to two of the most important countries in Asia on one tour, which covers Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka of Japan as well as Seoul, DMZ, Yesan and Sangsu of South Korea. Indulge yourself everyday in the exotic scenery, inspiring historical sites, fascinating landscapes, unique tradition, world-leading technology and mouth-watering cuisines.
 
Day 01: AUSTRALIA – NARITA (D)
Depart Australia in the morning on Japan Airlines and arrive in Tokyo, the capital of Japan in the afternoon. You are met and transferred to your hotel. You will have your welcoming dinner in your hotel restaurant tonight.   
 
Day 02: NARITA – NIKKO (B. L. D)
Today you will travel to Nikko, a small city at the entrance to Nikko National Park. Visit Toshoqu Shrine, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex and mausoleum of Tokuqawa Leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries, and Nikko National Park continues to offer scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls,hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails. You will visit Kegon Water Falls and Lake Chuzenjiko.
 
Day 03: TOKYO SIGHTSEEING (B. L. D)
Today’s tour includes Asakusa Temple, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century, the Edo Museum, Imperial Palace, home of imperial family, which only opens to public on 23^rd December and 02^nd January each year, Ginza, Tokyo brand name shopping area, same as New York 5th Avenue and Shinjuku area.  
 
Day 04: TOKYO – HAKONE – MT. FUJI – KAWAGUCHIGO (B. L. D)
Travel to Hakone by coach. Visit the Peace Park, Owakutani Hot spring and have a cruise on Lake Ashi. Visit Mt. Fuji. Climb up to the 5th station by coach, about 2300 meters above the sea level. Visit the Visitor Centre. Enjoy hot spring spa in your hotel in the evening.
 
Day 05: KAWAGUCHIKO  – LAKE SUWAKO – TAKAYAMA (B. L. D)
Proceed to visit Lake Suwako, the largest lake in Nagano prefecture and it also features one of the world's largest geysers. After that we drive to Takayama. We will visit the Historical Government House (Takayama Jinya). The building served as The Tokugawa government's administrative building for 177 years (1692-1868). Of the 60 local government offices that were once spread throughout Japan, this is the only one still in existence. We will also visit Old Private Houses (Nationally Recognized Important Historical Building Preservation Area). The Town Village still stands on the east side of the Miyagawa River flowing through Takayama, and in the middle of it is Sanmachi, where Edo period houses remain. This district was designated as an area of Important traditional buildings by the Japanese Government.
 
Day 06: TAKAYAMA – SHIRAKAWAGO GASSHO VILLAGE – KYOTO (B.L. D)
We will start with the visit to the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama, one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Shirakawa-gō (White River Old District) is located in the village of Shirakawa. These villages are well known for their houses constructed in architectural style known as gassho-zukuri ("prayer-hands construction") style, which is characterized by a thatched and steeply slanting roof resembling two hands joined in prayer. The design is exceptionally strong and, in combination with the unique properties of the thatching, allow the houses to withstand and shed the weight of the region's heavy snowfalls in winter. Afterwards we will proceed to Kyoto, the Japan’s ancient capital, where you will visit Heian Jingu Shrine. Also there will be a visit to Gion Corner, a popular nightspot where tourists can experience the Authentic Japanese lifestyle.
 
Day 07: KYOTO – OSAKA (B. L. D)
In the morning, you will visit Kiyomizu Temple, which houses Goddess of Mercy Statue. You will pass through the shopping street and pottery lane to the main gate of the temple. In front of the main temple, there is a verandah, which jugs out from the hill slope. It used 139 wooden pillars to support this verandah. (no nail at all). Beside the main temple, there's a shrine temple for people to worship the marriage. Afterwards you will visit the Golden Pavilion and enjoy the Kimono show at Nishinjin showroom. In the afternoon, you are transferred to Kyoto train station to catch the bullet Train to Shin-Osaka station in Osaka. Stay overnight in Osaka.
 
Day 08: OSAKA – NARA – OSAKA (B.L.D)
After breakfast, we will proceed to Nara by coach. Visit the Deer Park and Todaiji Temple (great Buddha Temple). Return to Osaka, where you will visit Osaka Castle and Shinzaibashi area, one of Osaka’s major downtown areas, featuring many stores, such as Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Centre and department stores.
 
Day 09: OSAKA – SEOUL (B.D)
You are at leisure until transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to Seoul, Capital city of South Korea. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to hotel.  Have your dinner at a local restaurant.
 
Day 10: SEOUL (B.L.D)
Start your tour to Gyeongbokgung Palace past by The Presidential Blue House (Photo stop only). This Palace was built in the late 14th century by the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. There are the majestic edifice, Geunjeongjeon, the spacious 2-story pavilion, "Gyeongheoru" and nestled in the middle of lotus pond, "Hyangwonjeong". Afterwards continue to The National Folk Museum, which displays the religious rituals, dwelling customs, household tools, food, traditional costumes and the social dynamics of traditional Korean life. The Jogyesa Temple is our next stop. It is the headquarters of the Jogyejong, the largest sect of Korean Buddhism. It is located in the heart of Seoul. It provides a different atmosphere to enjoy. You may make wishes regardless of your religion. After lunch, visit the Korean folk village. This will offer us a unique glimpse into Korea's past. Here in reconstructed farmhouses, residences of the nobility and other buildings of several centuries ago, a flourishing community of potters, millers, blacksmiths, pipe makers and other craftsmen continue to work as our ancestors did. Lastly visit COEX Mall, a novel entertainment facility in the heart of the city. Stay overnight in Seoul.
 
Day 11: SEOUL – DEMILITARISED ZONE TOUR (DMZ TOUR) (B.L.D)
This is a very special tour destination in Korea, which offers a real vivid eye opening experience of the Korean War and a dramatic sense of the tragedy of the separated family members between the two Koreas from the division of the peninsula. This tour includes Jayu Road, The Bridge of Freedom, Dora Station, Dora Observatory, Imjingak Pavilion. Return to Seoul and visit Ginseng Centre.
 
Day 12: SEOUL – LOTTO WORLD – DEOKSAN SPA (YESAN) (B.L.D)
Today we will start with Lotto World, the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing in the heart of the city. It is a theme park filled with the most thrilling rides, an ice rink, and different kinds of parades as well as a folk museum, a lake, and much more. Continue to Deoksan Spa, located in Yesan, water park resort accommodating up to 3,000 people and contains both indoor and outdoor spa facilities. You can enjoy a spa there and feel relaxed. Stay overnight in this spa resort.
 
Day 13: YESAN – CHEONGWON (SANGSU HERB) – SEOUL (B.L.D.)
Drive back to Seoul. On the way, stop to visit Sangsu Herbland. Upon arrival in Seoul, have a visit to showroom for Kimchi making and Hanbok Wear museum (Korea Traditional clothes). Also visit Dongdaemun Market, Korea’s representative wholesale and retail market, where you can do some shopping for some goods, around 30% cheaper than in the outside shops.
 
Day 14: SEOUL – AUSTRALIA (B)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Start to visit Seoul Tower, Museum of Contemporary Art (Deoksu Palace) and Bongeunsa Temple. Afternoon, you are transferred to airport for your flight to Australia via Narita.
 
Day 15: AUSTRALIA
Arrive in Australia in the morning. Your unforgettable Japan and Korea tour ends.
 

15-Day Japan and Korea Double Indulgence Tour (Tour Code: JKT)                                          Departure Dates and Tour Prices
Departing Australia	Returning to Australia	Japan Airlines ex Sydney and Melbourne
11 Sep. 13	25 Sep. 13	$5,760
05 Nov. 13	19 Nov. 13	$5,760
30 Mar. 14	13 Apr. 14	$5,760
14 Sep. 14	28 Sep. 14	$5,760
02 Nov. 14	16 Nov. 14	$5,760
29 Mar. 15	12 Apr. 15	$5,860

       













The prices are in Australian dollar, per person twin or double share.
Single supplement: $950 

Inclusions: 
1.  Japan Airlines return economy class airfare to Japan and Korea as indicated.
2.  Airport tax and fuel surcharge (currently $870, subject to change).
3.  Twin-share accommodation at 4 star hotels as specified or similar.
4.  Meals as stated in the itinerary (Buffet breakfasts at hotels, Japanese, Korean  or Chinese lunches and dinners at local restaurants).
5.  Bullet train ticket (Kyoto – Osaka).
6.  All admission fees included in the itinerary.
7.  Transport throughout the trip by A/C vehicle.
8.  Service of professional English-speaking local guide.

Exclusions:
1.  Travel insurance.
2.  Personal expenses. 
3.  Tip to guide and driver ($10 per person per day to your guide and driver to share in Japan and $6 in Korea).
4.  Any meals or service not mentioned in the itinerary.