South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies – A Luxury Small Group Journey (2025)

Upon arrival in Seoul, you are met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the bustling capital.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Begin your exploration of this vibrant city with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Commissioned in the 14th century, the palace has risen from the ashes of conquest several times throughout its storied past. Today, the palace endures as the largest of Seoul’s five historic palaces, its compound housing a wealth of museums, gardens and architectural wonders. Next, browse the revealing cultural exhibits of the National Folk Museum, and then visit the Bukchon Hanok Village, a collection of hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the 14th century. After a lunch of traditional Korean barbecue, stop at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional street markets in South Korea, and home to over 5,000 shops. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul | Meals: BLD

Today, head north to join a shared tour at the edge of the demilitarised zone (DMZ), a hotly contested border region that has divided the Korean Peninsula since 1953. Delve deeper with a tour of the Third Tunnel, a highly secured, mile-long corridor linking the two countries. At Dora Observatory, look out across the DMZ line toward North Korea. After lunch, return to Seoul for an afternoon at leisure, exploring the city on your own or just relaxing. This evening, embark on a street food tour in Seoul’s exciting Myeongdong neighbourhood, sampling everything from Korean egg toast to hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes).

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul | Meals: BL

Board a high-speed train to Gyeongju, former capital of the Silla Dynasty, a kingdom that ruled Korea from 668 to 935. Begin your exploration with a visit to Tumuli-gongwon, a large park with 23 tombs of Silla monarchs and family members. After lunch, visit photogenic Anapji Pond before continuing to the nearby Gyeongju National Museum and its exhibits showcasing treasures discovered within the tombs themselves. Continue to Bulguksa Temple, one of Korea’s most iconic structures. Perched atop a series of stone terraces, the temple’s 33 steps represent Buddhism’s 33 stages to enlightenment. The temple was all but destroyed in a 16th-century conflict with Japan. Lovingly rebuilt, it endures today as the crowning glory of Silla architecture. Continue to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city and one of the world’s busiest ports, where you check in to your hotel.

Signiel Busan | Meals: BL

Begin your day at the United Nations Cemetery, a solemn memorial that is the final resting place of more than 2,000 Korean War veterans. Afterward, browse the Jagalchi Fish Market, taking in a vast array of exotic seafood. Later, walk the narrow lanes of colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, and then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as you look out over the bay.

Signiel Busan | Meals: BLD

Fly to Osaka, Japan, and upon arrival visit Dotonbori, the bustling heart of this foodie capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki, a battered and grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to historic, temple-filled Kyoto, and check in to your beautiful hotel.

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Meals: BLD

This morning, discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and contemplate Kyoto’s iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative moment. Covered with gold leaf, the temple casts its delicate reflection in a tranquil pond. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighbourhood, including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple buildings themselves were destroyed and rebuilt over the course of several conflicts, while its stunning garden has survived the centuries in its original glory. Later, bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots — considered by many a healing experience. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Meals: BL

This morning, visit a local temple where you experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which date to the time of the samurai. Continue to the 10,000 torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This Shinto shrine is renowned for its visually striking tunnel comprised of thousands of vermilion torii gates that line a network of trails leading into the wooded forest of Mount Inari. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit a local sake brewery to gain a deeper appreciation of this national spirit and enjoy a tasting. This evening, savour traditional Japanese cuisine while an attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and chat about life in Kyoto.

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa | Meals: BLD

This morning, transfer to Kyoto Station and Ride Like a Local as you board a high-speed train bound for Tokyo. Hurtling along in excess of 170 miles per hour, your route affords a glimpse of Mount Fuji’s iconic profile. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, visit colourful Asakusa Kannon Temple before continuing to a family-owned workshop that specialises in Japanese drum making, and try your hand at playing the taiko, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Check in to your hotel and gather with your fellow guests for dinner at a local restaurant.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Meals: BLD

Start your day at Tsukiji Fish Market, a bustling hub of Japanese daily life boasting a dizzying array of seafood. Then, embark on a culinary adventure as a local chef leads a hands-on sushi-making class, followed by lunch, for a memorable Chef ’s Table experience. Explore the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan and home to a vast collection of Japanese art and antiquities. Next, visit the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine and stroll along the city’s famed Omotesando Street. Tonight, enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner at your hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: B

Internal Air Included: Busan/Osaka
Minimum age is 10 years.
This journey contains some active elements.
The visit to the DMZ is highly regulated, and entails shared touring with non-A&K guests and on non-A&K vehicles.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Day 10.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
• Internet Access
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke Tailor-Made Journey based on this itinerary.