Tokyo, Japan - Seoul, South Korea 25 days trip

Brimming with undeniable energy, Japan's capital and largest city is a vast metropolis full of museums, parks, and cultural monuments.

Vibrant colors, tastes, smells, and sounds awaits you as you venture into the heart of Tokyo, where streets buzz with energy.

Honoring Emperor Meiji, this Shinto shrine is nestled within a tranquil forest, offering walking paths and amulets stalls.

With interesting architecture and and abundance of bars, this Shinjuku district has become Tokyo's flourishing nightlife hub.

Dating to the 17C, this ornate shrine boasts gold-leaf doors and pillars, fine sculptures and artwork, and ancient relics.

With rides and attractions for all ages, both adults and children will love Japan's exciting Disney theme park.

Providing easy access to the national park surrounding Mt. Fuji, this charming town also offers museums and traditional hot springs.

Japan's oldest national museum is the country's largest art museum and exhibits artwork and archaeology from all over Asia.

Tokyo's oldest temple dates to the 17C and is a favorite of foreign and local travelers, boasting gardens, eateries, and charm stalls.

Dating to the 17C, this garden incorporates motifs of Chinese landscaping, featuring ponds, falls, bridges, and walking paths.

A museum tracing the history of Tokyo throughout the Edo Period, featuring a replica of an iconic bridge, city models, and more.

Enjoy some of Japan's most breathtaking scenery at this park, mostly made up of forest-covered mountains and home to ancient shrines.

Respectfully called Fuji-san by the locals, this volcano is a symbol of Japan and can often be viewed from miles away.

One of the world's most upscale shopping districts, Ginza features many boutiques, department stores, cafes, and chic restaurants.

Leading into Ueno Park, this district is home to some of Tokyo's most iconic cultural landmarks including museums, temples, and more.

Encompassing a variety of styles, visitors enjoy strolling through various types of gardens ranging from Japanese to English and more.

The oldest zoological establishment in Japan dates to the 19C, boasting a wealth of animals, playgrounds, and a theme park nearby.

Though the largest city in Japan, Yokohama retains a laid back atmosphere, boasting jazz clubs, fine restaurants, and more.

Only an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is saturated with history, boasting many fine temples and shrines, as well a lovely popular beach.

Full of shrines and home to Shinto festivals, this popular district boasts historic buildings, shops, stalls, and geisha houses.

A museum of contemporary art, housing temporary and limited solo exhibitions by Asian and international artists.

Tokyo's red-light district may never hosted a Kabuki theater, but it now offers bars, shops, clubs, restaurants, and movie theaters.

Perhaps Tokyo's best site to see the blooming of cherry blossoms, this great park offers walking trails and a lovely boat pier.

While playing a military role throughout its history, the isle is now a marine park, offering camping, fishing, and diving opportunities.

Featuring historic buildings from the Edo Period, this open-air museum offers demonstrations and workshops of traditional crafts.

Offering a superb experience of the traditional Japanese hot spring bath, this theme park is perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Travel into the past in this district, untouched by modern times - remaining frozen in time - for a glimpse of old-time Tokyo.

Fanning out from the world's busiest railway station, this district is famed for its shopping, eateries, and diverse entertainment.

With temporary and permanent exhibits of Japanese prints and Asian ceramics, this museum is perfect for art lovers.

Home to the iconic Mt. Fuji, this national park is uniquely dispersed among several natural attractions, lakes, hot springs, and islands.

The marvelous lake offers plenty of activities for lovers of native, from paragliding, to boating, to fishing, and camping on its banks.

Dedicated to Studio Ghibli, whose Japanese animation has become renowned, this excellent museum offers many fun interactive exhibits.

Get up early and visit the world's largest fish market, where fishermen go to sell their catch, varying from shell-fish to whale.

With a focus on contemporary art from the last 50 years, this excellent museum also features temporary exhibits from other eras.

Boasting a collection of "Lifestyle Art," visitors enjoy admiring the artwork and if they're lucky can even see a Japanese tea ceremony.

Based on the series Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio, this fun museum is great for children as well as adults familiar with the series.

The birthplace of the beckoning cat figure, famed throughout Japan as a good-luck charm, this temple is an idyllic spot.

Favored by locals and travelers alike, the city offers an array of cultural monuments, shrines, hot springs, and many fun activities.

Dedicated to a legendary shogun, this 17C shrine is exquisitely ornamented, boasting wood-carved walls, pagodas, artworks, and more.

Famed for its isolation amidst the mountains, this temple boasts shrines, mausoleums of historic figures, and statues of local gods.

Note the wooden historic architecture, sample a takiyaki, and enjoy the flow of authentic Japanese life as you enplore this center.

This skillfully reconstructed palace boasts exquisite traditional architecture, lavish decorations, lush gardens, and fine interior.

Perhaps Japan's most beautiful national park, Nikko is full of temples and shrines, historic landmarks, and striking scenery.

Brimming with undeniable energy, Japan's capital and largest city is a vast metropolis full of museums, parks, and cultural monuments.

A favored waterfall resembling a dragon head, offering fantastic views in autumn when the surrounding trees change color.

With nearly a 100m drop against lush dramatic scenery, these waterfalls are recognized as one of Japan's most striking.

Though the largest city in Japan, Yokohama retains a laid back atmosphere, boasting jazz clubs, fine restaurants, and more.

Surrounded by ornate gates, Yokohama's Chinatown is built around the impressive Kantei-byo Temple and is known for its restaurants.

Stroll through this traditional Japanese garden, admiring the meticulously cared for plants, large pagoda, and 15C temple.

A museum tracing the history of ramen noodles, where you can follow its production process and sample many variations of the dish.

Wander through this busy city, stopping in trendy cafes, excellent restaurants, and jazz clubs, getting to know the local atmosphere.

Brimming with undeniable energy, Japan's capital and largest city is a vast metropolis full of museums, parks, and cultural monuments.

With rides and attractions for all ages, both adults and children will love Japan's exciting Disney theme park.

A public park littered with cultural monuments and lush greenery; it also features wonderful panoramic view of Yokohama Port.

Explore the famous commercial Motomachi Street, located on Yamate Hill, originally settled by Westerners who relocated to the area.

A family-friendly interactive museum dedicated to instant ramen noodles, where you can compile your own flavorful cup of noodles.

Japan's second tallest building is home to the Sky Garden observatory which offers 360-degree views of the city, reaching Mount Fuji.

Providing easy access to the national park surrounding Mt. Fuji, this charming town also offers museums and traditional hot springs.

Respectfully called Fuji-san by the locals, this volcano is a symbol of Japan and can often be viewed from miles away.

An extensive museum hosting the remarkable collections of model trains and railway, featuring dioramas, model pantographs, and other curios.

Enjoy some of Japan's most breathtaking scenery at this park, mostly made up of forest-covered mountains and home to ancient shrines.

Home to the iconic Mt. Fuji, this national park is uniquely dispersed among several natural attractions, lakes, hot springs, and islands.

Retaining ancient Japanese architecture, as well as traditional samurai and geisha districts, Kanazawa also boast a great art museum.

One of Japan's best gardens is famed for its beauty. It features a tea house, a temple, Japan's oldest fountain, and more.

Stroll through this delightful historic center, lined with traditional wooden houses, rich in historic charm.

A museum of contemporary art housed in an impressive circular complex, known for its experimental and interactive installations.

This 16C temple is famed for its many hidden staircases, secret chambers, and escape tunnels, and is often nicknamed the Ninja Temple.

Travel back in time to this preserved village known for it gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some dating back over 250 years.

Located at the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a beautiful small town, home to elegant 17C architecture, galleries, and historic temples.

A 17C garden maintained by four consecutive generations of the same family, featuring waterfalls, various flowers, and a tea house.

A fine example of traditional Japanese dwelling, this villa features several remarkable architectural elements.

Displaying nearly 20 types of traditional Japanese crafts, this museum exhibits textile, woodwork, pottery, paintings, and more.

This rugged national park is known for its valleys, gorges, and impressive Alps, some of whose peaks reach over 3,000 meters.

Nestled among mountains, this valley offers an array of beautiful hiking trails. Be advised that the area is closed in the winter.

Named for the family that ruled the town from 1471-1573, these ancient ruins include temples, homes, craft shops, streets, and more.

A lovely spa town home to magnificent nature and hot springs, where visitors enjoy the convalescent waters of the baths and pools.

The capital of Imperial Japan for a whole millennium, the charming Kyoto is full of museums, cultural monuments, castles, and parks.

Wander through the quaint winding streets of the center, admiring traditional wooden houses, visiting shops, and sampling local food.

Dating to the 9C, this temple complex houses Kyoto's oldest building and features cultural monuments, murals, a garden, and more.

Walk through a long line of scarlet shrine gates on your visit to this 8C temple, and ask for good fortune from the local fox deity.

A temple complex dating to the 14C, home to several national treasures, 22 sub-temples, renowned murals, and a tranquil garden.

A culturally significant city, Nara is full of Japanese heritage, historic landmarks, as well as a wealth of shrines and temples.

A district renowned for its pleasant nature, featuring a bamboo grove, diverse flora, architectural curios, and quaint villages.

A significant cultural landmark, this palatial complex boasts exquisite examples of traditional Japanese architecture and gardening.

A veritable shrine to the Japanese tea ceremony, this museum houses ceramic works made by 15 generations of the renowned Raku family.

Established in the 14C, this vibrant market offers a wealth of culinary adventures for the visitors, from the common sushi to baby squids.

This 13C historic palace fuses traditional architectures of zen and samurai styles, and boasts an incredible pure gold-leaf facade.

A 7C Buddhist temple with several remarkable architectural elements, including the Main Hall, the covered staircase, and the gate.

While a blooming wonder April to September, the rest of the year sees the gardens covered in a multitude of colorful LED lights.

Famous for its picturesque moss garden, this incredible temple offers a unique meditative experience. Be sure to book in advance.

Known as the "Silver Pavilion" due to original plans to silver plate the building, this 15C villa is surrounded by a fine garden.

Exhibiting over 6,000 items, this museum boasts rich collections of fine art, traditional craftsmanship, and archaeological findings.

Surrounded by tranquil gardens, this 13C zen temple is home to a wealth of decorative elements and several exquisite works of art.

A small city with a rich maritime history, Kobe boasts a cosmopolitan charm, cultural landmarks, and several museums.

Visit Japan's renowned Shinto shrine complex, walking through torii gates, taking in unique cultural elements, and enjoying the calm.

Erected over a waterfall, this fine 17C temple boasts superb architecture and a famed terrace that affords remarkable panoramic views.

Traditionally led by members of the imperial family, this temple boasts scenic gardens, Japanese architecture, tea-houses, and more.

Full of atmospheric charm, this popular district was once known for its geishas, now features tea-houses, shops, and restaurants.

A 17C temple complex boasting architectural gems, historic artifacts, lovely gardens, and relics of cultural significance.

Saturated with folklore and history, the mount is the home to a famed Buddhist temple, as well as great hiking trails and lush nature.

A national park most popular during the cherry blossom season, but also featuring shores, mountains, forests, and native flora.

South Korea's second-largest metropolis is a thriving port, offering its visitors great shopping, temples, museums, and great food.

A 16C temple complex located on the slopes of a famous mountain. boasting several architectural monuments and a serene atmosphere.

Full of multi-hued houses arranged scenically and descending on a mountain slope, this vibrant village is rich with cultural curios.

A popular recreational area, boasting a rocky beach, an observatory, interesting rock formations, a lighthouse, and a theme park.

Dramatically set on a cliff overlooking the sea, this 14C Buddhist temple complex features fine architecture and symbolic elements.

Take a cable car or drive up, then hike to this spectacular temple where colossal Buddhas are carved into the mountainside.

With a rich history stretching to the 8C, this famous temple offers a wealth of cultural and architectural artifacts.

Explore the color-splashed streets of Busan city center, visiting local markets, quirky cafes, and great museums.

A large recreational park featuring the Busan Tower, several museums, monuments, and other architectural curios.

One of South Korea's most popular beaches, Haeundae boasts beautiful scenery, white sands, and frequently hosts cultural events.

A popular recreational thoroughfare full of shops, cafes, restaurants, fashion venues, art galleries, sculptural curios, and more.

Take a boat around the cluster of rocky islands, enjoying the spectacular panorama opening up of the sea and the coast of Busan.

Dating to the 18C, this restored mountaintop fortress boasts a fine fortification system and offers great views of the area.

Take a walk along the cliffs, admiring the fabulous scenery surrounding you, or or simply relax in the park, enjoying the calm.

Now connected to the mainland, this former island boasts local flora, cultural monuments, and great views over the area.

This aquarium is home to over 35,000 aquatic animals, including otters, piranhas, jellyfish, penguins, and many others.

A horseshoe-shaped glass promenade jutting from a cliff, affording marvelous views over the South and East Seas.

Best visited with the changing of the leaves, these scenic off-the-beaten path waterfalls are a good getaway from the city bustle.

Carved out of a cliff in the 6C, this cave temple is the only of its kind in South Korea and boasts several impressive Buddha statues.

The main city Jeju Island, this bustling city offers visitors access to some of the island's most exciting and beautiful treasures.

Explore the streets of this coastal city, getting to know the local atmosphere and mingling with fellow visitors.

Spend the day relaxing on the sandy shores or bathing in the clear shallow waters at one of Jeju City's loveliest beaches.

Trace the history of Jeju Island from prehistoric times with geological and marine artifacts, through traditional garb, up to today.

Shop with the locals at this traditional Korean market, where shoppers can buy a variety of inexpensive local goods.

Explore the hiking trails covering South Korea's tallest mountain, visit the crater lake, and enjoy everything this park can offer.

Resembling a fortress from afar, this ancient volcanic relic boasts lush flora and a verdant crater perfect for hiking.

Enveloped in myth and legend, visitors to this rock enjoy watching fishermen catch their wares, and beautiful views of the sea.

If you're visiting Jeju, be sure to stop by Udo as well and explore its lush landscapes, quaint local charms, and great food.

This great park is full of fun activities for all ages, including a theme park, superb botanic gardens, caves, and a folk village.

Visit one of the world's best lava tunnels, home to Korea's largest bat colony, many stalactites and stalagmites, and cave corals.

Set on the Jeju Island, this large park contains an open-air exhibition of sculptures, films, and installations focused on the sexual experience.

Encompassing a stone museum, a folk village, and an exhibition hall, this park is home to many ancient stone sculptures.

A grove of centuries-old nutmeg trees, believed to be the largest in the world. Take a walk and enjoy the birdsongs all around you.

With many historic landmarks and cultural venues, this metropolis is favored by local and international travelers alike.

Boasting exceptional traditional architecture, seven National Treasures, and fine ornamentation, this temple complex is a must-see.

Sample some specialty Gyeongju bread, visit the royal tombs, or simply enjoy your afternoon wandering around one of the lush parks.

With a strong focus on artifacts from the Silla Kingdom period dating to the 10C and earlier, this museum is an impressive venue.

An artificial lake surrounded with recreational areas, featuring sports facilities, eateries, walking paths, and other activities.

With a rich history stretching to the 8C, this famous temple offers a wealth of cultural and architectural artifacts.

Home to over 50 historic buildings, this 15C traditional village preserves local lifestyle, as well as several cultural treasures.

Home to 20 ornate royal burial mounds from the Silla period, this large park is riddled with pleasant walking paths.

One of South Korea's best known attractions, this 7C cloister is housed within a granite grotto and boasts a 3.5m statue of Buddha.

Encompassing some of the city's best architectural remnants from the Silla period, this reserve features temples, tombs, and palaces.

A historical national park, boasting relics from the Silla period, various natural attractions, temples, and more.

With a history stretching to the 5C, this complex is brimming with historic and cultural relics, including a 17m statue of Buddha.

Take a cable car or drive up, then hike to this spectacular temple where colossal Buddhas are carved into the mountainside.

A grove with native trees and vegetation, featuring monuments tied to local legends and perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Resting on the banks of a lovely manmade pond, Donggung Palace dates to the 7C and offers nice views over the pond.

This 7C astronomical observatory is a relic from the Silla Kingdom, boasting 27 levels and 362 stones.

Glimpse into households of the Choi Clan clan, sample local specialty liquor, and hunt for souvenirs in this traditional district.

Carved out of a cliff in the 6C, this cave temple is the only of its kind in South Korea and boasts several impressive Buddha statues.

Dating to the 18C, this restored mountaintop fortress boasts a fine fortification system and offers great views of the area.

Best visited with the changing of the leaves, these scenic off-the-beaten path waterfalls are a good getaway from the city bustle.

This temple offers its visitors ancient Buddhist Scriptures, cultural and historic artifacts, astounding nature, and ancient shrines.