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✈ SOUTH KOREA | - Asian Escape: From South Korea to Japan with a Night in a Monastery, 17 nights - Tour

✈ - Asian Escape: From South ...

Included in this offer :

  • The 18-day/17-night private tour accommodated in the mentioned lodgings (or similar)
  • 1 night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with onsen in Hakone
  • 1 night in a Hanok (traditional Korean accommodation) in Gyeongju (without board)
  • 1 night at a monastery with half board (excluding drinks)
  • Board according to program
  • Flights departing from the city of your choice
  • The Seoul – Gyeongju and Gyeongju – Busan trains
  • The flight from Busan to Tokyo
  • The Odawara (Hakone) – Kyoto train
  • The trains connecting Kyoto – monastery – Osaka
  • The airport transfer from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to downtown Seoul by limousine bus
  • The transfer from Osaka city centre to Osaka airport (KIX) by limousine bus
  • The airport transfer from Tokyo to central Tokyo by limousine bus
  • T-Money card pre-loaded with 30,000 KRW (South Korean Won) for your public transport journeys
  • The Hakone Free Pass for 2 days (days 12 and 13)
  • The Kansai Mini-Pass for 3 days (days 13 to 16)
  • Unlimited Pocket Wifi (1 per booking)

✆ Any questions?

NEED HELP FINALISING YOUR BOOKING?

020 3318 2660
Everyday from 8am-8pm (Local rates apply)

From Abroad +44 20 3318 2660 International call rate


ASIAN ESCAPE: FROM SOUTH KOREA TO JAPAN WITH A NIGHT IN A MONASTERY

Discover an exclusive itinerary combining South Korea and Japan, perfectly blending urban modernity, historical heritage, and natural getaways. Meet Seoul - Gyeongju - Busan - Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka during this private journey designed over 17 nights. Immerse yourself completely, ideal for travellers seeking authentic experiences. Enhance your journey with memorable stops such as a night in traditional Korean accommodation (Hanok) in Gyeongju, a true open-air museum city, a night in a typical inn (Ryokan) in Hakone, and a night in a mountain monastery. Experience a rich adventure filled with discoveries, between sparkling skyscrapers, fascinating Buddhist temples, picturesque traditional villages, and sacred natural sites, offering a deep exploration of both countries, between personal reflection and constant wonder.

Your itinerary, day by day:

Day 1: Arrival in Seoul

Days 2 to 4: Seoul

Day 5: Seoul - Gyeongju

Day 6: Gyeongju - Busan

Day 7: Busan

Day 8: Busan - Tokyo

Days 9 to 11: Tokyo

Day 12: Tokyo - Hakone

Day 13: Hakone - Kyoto

Days 14 and 15: Kyoto

Day 16: Kyoto - Nara/Koyasan

Day 17: Nara/Koyasan - Osaka

Day 18: Osaka - Osaka airport



Your detailed itinerary



Day 1 | Arrival in Seoul

Arrival at Seoul Airport.

Collect the Pocket Wifi at the airport to enjoy Internet access throughout your trip. Transfer to the city centre by limousine bus.

Overnight stay in Seoul.



Day 2 | Exploring Seoul

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Seoul to explore as you wish.

Recommendation: Stroll through the bustling streets of Myeongdong, a haven for shopping and Korean cosmetics. Amidst street food stalls, bright signs, and trendy shops, experience an immersion in modern, vibrant Seoul.

Overnight in Seoul.

Use the pre-loaded T-money card with 30,000 KRW to travel more easily around the city.



Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Seoul.

Recommendation: Explore Insadong, an authentic district blending art galleries, tea houses, and traditional calligraphy. Perfect for experiencing the artistic and spiritual soul of Seoul, just a stone's throw from Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Overnight in Seoul.



Day 4 | Seoul

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Seoul.

Recommendation: Stroll around Hongdae, a vibrant area of creativity near Hongik University. With street performances, unique shops, and arty cafes, it's the perfect spot to experience the youthful and alternative vibe of Seoul.

Overnight in Seoul.



Day 5 | Heading to Gyeongju

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Gyeongju. Recommendation: Discover Gyeongju, the cradle of the Silla kingdom, where temples, royal tombs, and ancient relics blend into a peaceful landscape. Perfect for delving into the historical and spiritual essence of Korea.

Free time and overnight stay in a Hanok (traditional house)*

*Note: The availability of the Hanok is not guaranteed; if unavailable, you will stay in a hotel without board in Gyeongju.



Day 6 | Heading to Busan

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Busan.

Recommendation: Stroll along Haeundae Beach, one of the most iconic in Busan. With its golden sand, skyscrapers as a backdrop, and seaside cafes, it's an ideal place to blend relaxation, walking, and urban atmosphere.

Free time and overnight stay in Busan.



Day 7 | Busan

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Busan to explore at your leisure.

Recommendation: Take a stroll through the charming village of Gamcheon with its colourful houses perched on the hillside. This artistic neighbourhood offers a maze of alleyways, murals, and small galleries, with a unique view of the city and the sea.

Overnight in Busan.



Day 8 | Heading to Japan: first stop in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to Busan Airport using the metro with your T-Money. Return the Korean Pocket Wifi at the airport.

Flight from Busan to Tokyo, then transfer to Tokyo city centre by limousine bus. Collect the Pocket Wifi at the hotel reception to enjoy internet access throughout your stay in Japan. Free time and overnight in Tokyo.



Day 9 | Exploring Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Tokyo to explore at your leisure.

Recommendation: Discover the traditional districts of Asakusa and Ueno, where you can find the stunning Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park. Continue with a stroll through Yanaka, known as 'old Tokyo'.

Overnight in Tokyo.



Day 10 | Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Tokyo.

Recommendation: Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Akihabara, a paradise for pop culture, video game, and manga enthusiasts. With its neon lights, electronics shops, and themed cafes, this district embodies a wide spectrum of Japanese culture.

Overnight stay in Tokyo.



Day 11 | Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Tokyo.

Recommendation: Dive into the bustling atmosphere of Shibuya, a symbol of modern Tokyo. With its famous crossing, bright signs, and trendy shops, it's the perfect spot to feel the vibrant pace of Japan's capital.



Day 12 | Heading to Hakone

Breakfast at the hotel. Activate the Hakone Free Pass for two consecutive days, then transfer by train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone.

Recommendation: We advise setting off early in the morning to have ample time to explore Hakone at your leisure. It is also recommended to check in at the Ryokan by 4-5 PM for the best dinner and onsen experience.

Dinner and overnight stay in a Ryokan in Hakone.



Day 13 | Heading to Kyoto

Breakfast at the Ryokan and departure by train to Kyoto (change at Odawara).

Recommendation: The Gion district in Kyoto. Try to spot the maiko-san while strolling through its historic alleys, between wooden houses and traditional lanterns. In the evening, continue the experience with a magical walk at the Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of illuminated torii.

Free time and overnight stay in Kyoto.



Day 14 | Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel. A free day in Kyoto to explore at your leisure.

Recommendation: The Arashiyama district in Kyoto is a must-see. Stroll through its famous bamboo grove, discover its tranquil temples, and admire the natural landscapes along the Hozu River.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Activate the 3-day Kansai Mini Pass to make getting around Kansai easier.



Day 15 | Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Kyoto.

Recommendation: You can take a round trip from Kyoto by train to Nara to explore the Todai-ji and the famous deer park.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.



Day 16 | Monastery Experience

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to a monastery, a significant spiritual site for the Japanese. Overnight stay and dinner at the monastery.

Note: Depending on availability, you will stay at a monastery on Mount Shigi or Mount Koya.



Day 17 | Heading to Osaka

Breakfast at the hotel and departure by train to Osaka using the Kansai Mini Pass.

Recommendation: Discover Namba, a lively district where shopping, entertainment, and local culture intersect. With shopping arcades, traditional theatres, and alleys full of flavours, it's the perfect starting point to feel Osaka's unique energy.

Overnight in Osaka.



Day 16 | Last day in Osaka and return flight

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by limousine bus to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) for the return flight.



Your accommodations

During the tour, you will be accommodated for 17 nights in the following listed accommodations:

  • Seoul: 4 nights at the Hotel Venue-G Seoul 3-star
  • Gyeongju: 1 night at the Hwangnamguan Hanok Village (futon bed) or the GG Tourist Hotel 3-star
  • Busan: 2 nights at the GnB Hotel 4-star
  • Tokyo: 4 nights at the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihombashi 3-star
  • Hakone: 1 night at the Ichinoyu Honkan Ryokan
  • Kyoto: 3 nights at the IL Verde Kyoto 3-star
  • Nara/Koyasan region: 1 night at Gyokuzoin Monastery (Mount Shigi) or Fugen-In Monastery (Mount Koya) (futon-style bed)
  • Osaka: 1 night at the Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi 3-star

Note:

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced with accommodations of a similar standard.



Your accommodation

During your tour, you will be accommodated with a breakfast plan (except during your night in a hanok in Gyeongju) and will also enjoy dinners (excluding drinks) during your night in a ryokan in Hakone and your night in a monastery.



ACCOMMODATION



OCCUPATION:

Minimum occupancy: 1 adult

Maximum occupancy: 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child

Infants not allowed (0-2 years)

Possibility to stay in a single room with a supplement.

For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by similar accommodation and the itinerary may be reversed.

In Japan and South Korea, hotel rooms are often quite narrow and beds are small.

The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3-4 pm).

Please note that some hotels offer an eco-stay option (bedding and room cleaning are done approximately every 3 days depending on the establishments).

Please note that in traditional Korean inns (Hanok), rooms and bathrooms are small. It is common for the entire bathroom to act as a shower, with no separate cabin or curtains for washing. Futons may be quite thin. As these accommodations are old, the walls may be thin, so guests are asked to keep noise levels down.

Note that staying in a Ryokan is traditional and authentic, often offering only communal bathrooms and toilets where tattoos are not always allowed. Contact us for more information.

Please note that accommodation in monasteries is traditional and authentic, located in the heart of temples and offering only shared bathrooms and toilets. Overnight stays in monasteries are available in the Nara or Koyasan regions.

If, due to airline schedules, the first and last day are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no refund will be issued. Similarly, any meals included in the meal plan that cannot be taken due to these schedules cannot be refunded.



CATERING



As part of this offer, you will enjoy breakfast during the tour and half board (breakfast and dinner, excluding drinks) during your overnight stay at a ryokan in Hakone (please note that meals at ryokans are served very early (from 5 p.m.) and your overnight stay at a monastery.

The night in a Hanok in Gyeongju does not include meals.



TRANSPORT / TRANSFERS



Transfer by Limousine Bus (Public Transport) Incheon Airport (ICN) – Downtown Seoul: The Limousine bus provides a connection between the airport and downtown. The closest stops to your accommodation will be provided in your travel itinerary. The link between the Limousine bus stop and your lodging is often on foot, but can also be done by metro or bus depending on your hotel's location. For any address outside mainland France, Limousine buses may be replaced, subject to availability, by train tickets or a shared shuttle. In Seoul, this service requires arrival at Incheon ICN Airport between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Outside of these hours, transfers will be at your own expense. An additional fee may be offered for private transfers. For arrivals at Gimpo GMP Airport, transfers will be at your expense.

T-money Card: The T-money card is a transport card allowing you to pay for metro, bus, or taxi rides, as well as in some stores. Your card will be loaded with 30,000 KRW for your various commutes. You can also top up your card with cash at a recharge machine in metro stations or at a convenience store.

Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan Trains: Train travel in South Korea is ideal for countrywide trips. Gyeongju is approximately a 2-hour train ride from Seoul, while Busan is around 30 minutes from Gyeongju. Train schedules will be provided in your travel itinerary.

Please note that following the opening of the new Gyeongju station, Singyeongju, the journey by public transport to your hotel may take up to 1 hour.

Downtown – Gimhae Airport Busan Route: The journey to Gimhae Airport (PUS) in Busan can be undertaken by metro using your T-money card. If your card is depleted, you are responsible for recharging it to complete this trip.

Busan – Tokyo Flight: The flight between Busan and Tokyo may have a layover. Note that the maximum baggage allowance for checked luggage is 15kg. Each passenger is allowed 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on bag; if you have additional bags, please contact us before your departure.

Transfer by Limousine Bus Airport – Downtown Tokyo: The Limousine bus, a collective transport service, connects the airport to downtown. The closest stops to your lodging will be provided in your travel itinerary. The connection between the Limousine bus stop and your accommodation is typically on foot, but can also be done by metro or bus depending on your hotel's location. For any address outside mainland France, Limousine buses may be replaced, subject to availability, by train tickets or a shared shuttle. In Tokyo, this service requires arrival at Narita Airport between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM and at Haneda Airport between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Outside of these hours, transfers will be at your expense. An additional fee may be offered for shuttle transfers.

Hakone Free Pass: This pass allows you to travel from Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone on the Odakyu line. After changing at Odawara, proceed to Hakone and use your pass for access to transport networks including Hakone Tozan buses, Hakone Tozan cable cars, the Ashi Lake cruise boat, and the funicular among others. Enjoy discounts on selected tourist sites as well!

Odawara (Hakone) – Kyoto Train: In Japan, trains are one of the best ways to travel efficiently. Hakone is approximately 2 hours from Kyoto; your Hakone Free Pass allows you to reach Odawara station first and then transfer to Kyoto. Train schedules will be provided in your travel itinerary.

Kansai Mini Pass 3 Days: The Kansai Mini Pass grants unlimited access for 3 days to various JR railway trains in the Kansai region, facilitating ease of travel between Kyoto, Arashiyama, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe.

Transfer by Limousine Bus Downtown – Kansai Airport (KIX): The Limousine bus, a collective transport service, links the airport and downtown. The closest stops to your lodging will be provided in your travel itinerary. The connection between the Limousine bus stop and your accommodation is often on foot, but can also be done by metro or bus depending on your hotel's location. For any address outside mainland France, Limousine buses may be replaced, subject to availability, by train tickets or a shared shuttle. In Osaka, this service requires departure from Kansai (KIX) Airport between 9:30 AM and 1:00 AM. Outside of these hours, transfers will be at your expense. An additional fee may be offered for private transfers. For returns from Itami (ITM) or Kobe (UKB) airports, transfers will be at your expense.



Good to know

If you are travelling alone, you will be asked to pay a surcharge for a single room. This additional charge will be automatically included in your quote.

Child rates will be applied for children from 2 to 12 years old in the case where the child shares the room with two adults. If the child is travelling with just one adult, the surcharge may be applied on an adult basis. If your child or children do not fit into the age group mentioned above, the rate will be communicated to you at the time of processing your order. If the room is equipped with a bunk bed, the bed height is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

For safety reasons, the wellbeing facilities of most establishments are not accessible to children under 16 years old. Similarly, it is possible that some amenities or services require an additional charge or are unavailable for exceptional reasons.

Unless otherwise stated in the service description, activities and any additional services available at destination are provided in the language of the destination country and in English.

The opening times and hours of the activities, restaurants and bars are provided as an indication only and may be subject to change. Contact the reception desk in order to be informed of any changes.

Appropriate dress is required. We remind you that gambling may involve risks of isolation, indebtedness, and dependency...

Any additional special requirements the traveller may request which are not included in the travel service description will be communicated to our service provider. Sending this information does not imply acceptance and PerfectStay.com cannot be held responsible for the fulfilment of these special requests. Only the service provider of PerfectStay.com can access this request on location and any additional costs may be paid locally by the traveller.

Unless expressly stated in the description of the services and accommodation, the hotel is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Transportation

Choose an offer and, according to your preferences, opt for a seat in economy, business or first class.

See the 'View flight info' section for details on each trip.

In order to best organise your time in the airport, we advise that you arrive 2 hours before boarding for a medium-haul flight, or 3 hours before boarding for a long-haul flight (more than 5 hours). Take advantage of your early arrival to pass through security and check your luggage.

You will be informed whether or not luggage is included at the time of your booking.

You will have the opportunity to add additional luggage for a fee.

There are several different cities that are typically offered as departure points. Your arrival destination will show in your travel documents.

Depending on the flight schedule, some arrivals or returns may be made at night with early arrival or late departure. You will not always be able to have your room available immediately and will need to refer to the check-in and check-out conditions of the hotel.

In the event that your transfer is not included in your hotel reservation, it may be offered at the time of your reservation as an additional option. Unless specifically mentioned, transfers may be made in groups of 15 to 55 people.

Important: the modification or the cancellation of a booking is only possible within the limits and including the fees outlined in our general conditions of sale.

Thank you for kindly taking note of the CO2 emissions produced by your means of transport: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

Formalities

The following details apply to any British citizen who, during a trip sold by PerfectStay goes to a foreign country. The following is a resource directing you to information related to your travel formalities (identification documents, vaccines, VISA, safety, travel advice, etc.), and may be subject to change. Please note that Brexit negotiations are likely to include travel document modifications, therefore please regularly check most updated information. Please see official resource for British citizens wishing to travel:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

The official UK Foreign Travel site has updates on safety and security, including incidents such as pickpocketing and robbery, along with larger incidents such as measuring the risk of terrorism.
Detailed country by country here:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

If you are travelling with minors, please be sure to verify whether or not you will require a consent: https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

Please note that these details serve as a guiding resource in order to ensure that you have access to important information in order to pursue the necessary travel formalities required before travelling abroad with PerfectStay. Please note that PerfectStay will not engage in obtaining travel documents for you, such as visas, and you are solely responsible for knowing the potential health risks you may face in the course of your travels for which you may require vaccinations or medications. PerfectStay is not responsible for ensuring your travel formalities are properly undertaken and will only act as an intermediary directing you to resources which have been known to provide reliable information concerning travel formalities specific to British citizens.






VACCINE




VISA




IDENTITY



Travel documents

Once your reservation has been made, you will receive a confirmation e-mail before your travel documents are sent.

Regarding the transport documents (in the case of a reservation with transport included), we will provide you with all the information relating to check-in and luggage in the "Your travel documents" email, allowing you to leave with peace of mind.

To take advantage of all your reserved services (hotels, transfers, activities, etc.), you will receive one or more exchange vouchers to be presented to each supplier.

The contact details of the establishment will be specified in these documents, to help make your arrival at your destination as straight-forward as possible.

✆ Any questions?

NEED HELP FINALISING YOUR BOOKING?

020 3318 2660
Everyday from 8am-8pm (Local rates apply)

From Abroad +44 20 3318 2660 International call rate

Fine Print


  • Groupon promo codes or Groupon Credit cannot be used for this offer

  • Packages that include a flight element (as defined in Perfect Stay Terms of Business) on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. The ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please confirm with Perfect stay what protection may apply to your booking. 

  • The ATOL protection applies unless it is otherwise stated on the website. All the information are accessible before the booking.

  • If you do not receive an ATOL certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see Perfect Stay Terms of Business for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: http://www.atol.org.uk.

  • For the latest travel advice including Passport and Visa requirements from the Foreign and Commonwealth office please check www.gov.uk/travelaware

  • Price and Availability are subject to change without prior notice till you receive an email confirmation.

  • Travel Insurance is not included but can be booked with Perfect Stay.

  • See Merchant Terms and Conditions here.

Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.