Deluxe South Korea & Japan

From Seoul to Tokyo and Beyond

Deluxe South Korea & Japan

From Seoul to Tokyo and Beyond

Delve into the essence of Japan with Coda Tours. We have been offering trips to Japan for more than 20 years. Our tour will focus on the main highlights of the county which include the neon lights of Tokyo where there will be opportunities to explore Shinjuku-ku (the gay neighborhood) and the shimmering temples of Kyoto & Nara. we have filled our programs with fascinating cultural activities that reach into the very soul of the Japanese people: We meet with Sumo wrestlers, make our own sushi, learn the art of the Tea Ceremony, dine with the attention of a Maiko (young Geisha).

To enrich your trip and experience even more, we offer a chance to travel to South Korea and visit the Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan. Also, add a trip to Hiroshima to visit Himeji Castle and Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Come and explore these incredible sites with Coda Tours.

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Tour Map

Trip Overview

Countries Visited: South Korea, Japan

Starts In: Seoul (INC)

Ends In: Osaka (KIX)

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights

Int'l Air Route: USA - Tokyo (NRT)...Osaka (KIX) - USA (diff. w/extensions)

Group Size: Min 4; Max 16

Accommodations: Deluxe (4★) & Luxury (5★)

Activity Level: Moderate

Experiences: Culture, History, Food

Highlights

Coda Tours signature small group size
Coda Tours signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
Coda Tours signature inclusive meal plan
Coda Tours signature deluxe accommodations
Private Sushi Making Lesson with Lunch
Private Japanese Tea Ceremony
Sumo Demonstration & Chankonabe Lunch
Japanese Dinner with Private Maiko (Geisha) Performance
The DMZ in Korea (South Korea extension)
Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital (South Korea Extension)
Miyajima and the sacred Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Extension)
Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Hiroshima extension)

Dates & Prices

Your Trip	Depart USA	Return USA	Double Occupancy Price	Single Occupancy Price	Intra Tour Air
Main Japan	October 10, 2023	October 17, 2023	$7895 - Main Japan	$9195 - Main Japan	None
Main Japan & South Korea	October 5, 2023	October 17, 2023	$10495 - Main Japan & South Korea	$12895 - Main Japan & South Korea	$350
Main Japan & Hiroshima	October 10, 2023	October 21, 2023	$11,895 - Main Japan & Hiroshima	$13,195 - Main Japan & Hiroshima	None
South Korea to Hiroshima	October 5, 2023	October 21, 2023	$15395 - South Korea to Hiroshima	$20095 - South Korea to Hiroshima	$350

A deposit of $750 is required to hold a reservation. This may be charged to a credit card. Final payment is due 60 days prior to start date of the tour. Final payment may be made by personal check, Zelle or wire transfer. Credit card payments are assessed a 4% fee.

Special Notes:

Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share is available, the single rate will apply.
Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour online.
Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made. Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum participation is not met rates may need to be revised.

Do these dates not fit in with your schedule?
CODA can help design a tailor made tour to suit you!

CODA PRIVATE TRAVEL

Itinerary

OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA
Day 1 - Thu, Oct 5, 2023 - Depart the USA

Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Seoul, the world’s fourth largest urban economy.
Day 2 - Fri, Oct 6 - Arrive in Seoul

Upon arrival, meet the Coda representative and driver to transfer to the hotel in the bustling Myeongdong district. Relax this evening from the long journey.

Accommodations: Lotte Hotel Seoul ★★★★★
Room: Superior
Day 3 - Sat, Oct 7 - Seoul

Begin the day at Gyeongbokgung Palace before a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village a charming neighborhood home to hundreds of hanok (traditional Korean houses). Spend the afternoon in two of the city’s most vibrant market districts: Insadong and Gwangjang. The day culminates at the observation deck of the Seoul Tower to take in the panoramic views of the city before devouring a Korean BBQ dinner.

Accommodations: Lotte Hotel Seoul ★★★★★
Room: Superior
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Sun, Oct 8 - Demilitarized Zone

This morning, tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the official strip of land that creates a buffer zone between North and South Korea. In the afternoon, return to Seoul and indulge in a Korean wellness experience with a traditional Korean bath, sauna, or scrub at the spa. Later, spend some time examining the murals along Hongdae Street.

Accommodations: Lotte Hotel Seoul ★★★★★
Room: Superior
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Mon, Oct 9 - Seoul to Busan

Arrive by train in the colorful maritime city of Busan for lunch before visiting Taejongdae Park. Tour the Jagalchi Fish Market and visit BIFF Square, a unique destination that celebrates Busan’s global film reputation. After sightseeing, transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodations: Lotte Hotel Busan ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Tue, Oct 10 - Busan to Gyeongju

Discover Gyeongju, once one of the greatest ancient capitals of the world. First, visit the Seoguram Grotto, then, explore the Bulguksa Temple and see one of the oldest printed texts in the world, the Dharani Sutra. Next, stroll the Daereungwon tomb complex before transfer to Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. Lastly, end the day’s tour at the ancient Hanok village of Gyochon and the house of the Choi Clan, one of the wealthiest aristocratic families of ancient Gyeongju.

Accommodations: Lotte Hotel Busan ★★★★★
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Wed, Oct 11 - Fly Busan to Tokyo

A morning atop Busan Tower will provide a lovely start to the day. Take in the panoramic views before visiting the colorful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. After lunch, transfer by train to Seoul and the airport for flights to Tokyo. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival in the Capital city of Japan.

Accommodations: Hilton Tokyo ★★★★★
Room: Hilton Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
MAIN TOUR PROGRAM - JAPAN
Day 6 - Tue, Oct 10 - Depart the USA

Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Tokyo, Japan.
Day 7 - Wed, Oct 11 - Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo. An airport shuttle will be arranged for your transfer from the airport to the hotel in Tokyo. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival.

Accommodations: Hilton Tokyo ★★★★★
Room: Hilton Room
Meals: None
Day 8 - Thu, Oct 12 - Tokyo

Relax this morning before an afternoon walking tour that highlights Japan's delicious snack food culture. Then, discover Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, the great-great-grandparents of the current emperor.

Accommodations: Hilton Tokyo ★★★★★
Room: Hilton Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Fri, Oct 13 - Tokyo

Start the day at the Tsukiji Fish Market, once the largest in the world. The outer market is a thrill to explore. Lunch is a special treat, with a hands-on, private sushi making class led by a Master Sushi Chef, which will incorporate both the art of making these gastronomic treasures and the cultural significance sushi represents. Then, sit down to savor the flavor of your culinary labors! Lastly, visit Senso-ji, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo located within one of the oldest shopping arcades in Japan.

Accommodations: Hilton Tokyo ★★★★★
Room: Hilton Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 - Sat, Oct 14 - Tokyo | Sumo | Kyoto

First stop, the Imperial Palace Grounds, where their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, reside. Although much of the palace grounds are closed to the public, it is nice to take a leisurely stroll around the premises.

Next, delight in Japan's most beloved sport, Sumo, and learn about the daily life of a wrestler. A retired wresterl will provide a demonstration of the sport. Afterwards, appreciate the traditional meal of Chankonabe the hearty stew eaten by wrestlers in order to help them bulk up.

In the afternoon, travel by train to Kyoto, the heart of historic Japan, a city steeped in imperial heritage and deeply rooted in classical Japanese tradition.

Accommodations: The Thousand Kyoto ★★★★
Room: Superior
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Sun, Oct 15 – Kyoto | Tea Ceremony

Travel to Kinkakuji, a magnificent Zen temple overlooking Kyokochi Pond. Experience the tradition of Chado (The Way of Tea). Take part in a private tea ceremony held in a Buddhist temple and led by a traditional Tea Master who will carefully explain the significance of the ceremony, a deeply philosophical experience.

Then, wander amid the soaring stalks of bamboo and experience the enchanting creaks as the bamboo sways in the grove. Finally, wander the pathways of one of the best gardens in Kyoto, Okochi Sanso.

Accommodations: The Thousand Kyoto ★★★★
Room: Superior
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Mon, Oct 16 – Nara | Sake Tasting | Geisha Dinner

Explore the old capital of Nara today as we visit the shrine of Kasuga Taisha, the temple of Todaiji, and Nara Park, where you can feed the freely roaming deer. Fushimi Inari is the most significant shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. At the main hall, present a small offering before making your way to find the first of over 5,000 vermilion torii gates.

Renowned for its Sake, the Fushimi district is home to many breweries. Learn first-hand the intricacies of the sake production process and the importance of balancing the main ingredients. Enjoy a private tasting and detect how the taste of the sake changes as the balance of the water, rice, malt, and yeast are altered.

A truly authentic Kyoto evening awaits this evening. Dine in the private company of a Geisha and Maiko, the ultimate hostesses. After a multi-course dining experience, interact with the women, dance, play games, and enjoy some conversation followed by a musical accompaniment.

Accommodations: The Thousand Kyoto ★★★★
Room: Superior
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Tue, Oct 17 – Depart to the USA

An airport shuttle will be arranged for your transfer to the airport in Osaka for you return flight to the USA.
OPTIONAL POST-TRIP TO HIROSHIMA
Day 13 - Tue, Oct 17 – Himeji Castle | Hiroshima

Travel to Osaka by train and begin a tour of the city at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, walk to Kokoen, a relatively new Japanese-style garden. Sip an afternoon tea amidst the serenity.
Continue on train to Hiroshima for check-in at the hotel. Forever synonymous with the destructive power of war, Hiroshima is a city risen from the ashes of conflict, standing as a beacon of hope and the future.

Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 - Wed, Oct 18 – Miyajima | Mount Misen

Take a ferry to Miyajima, home to the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in a small inlet. See the iconic Floating Torii Gate and explore the area on foot. After lunch, keep an eye out for wild deer and monkeys as you ride the ropeway up Misen Mountain for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and as far as Hiroshima City.

Accommodations: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 - Thu, Oct 19 – Hiroshima | Osaka

This morning, tour Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that focusing on the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Walk from the museum to the A-Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings in Hiroshima to remain standing after the bombing, and Cenotaph, a tomb for the victims. Today it is. Transfer to Osaka.

Accommodations: The Westin Osaka ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 - Fri, Oct 20 – Osaka Culinary Tour

A culinary tour awaits this morning in the traditional neighborhood of Shinsekai. Savor a wide variety of skewered, battered, and deep-fried delights; the ideal street food. Continue to Kuromon Market, a covered public market best for fresh-from-the-ocean fare. Try crab legs, oysters, sea urchin, and eel. Save some room for a dessert! End the local tastings at Dotonbori, yet another foodie mecca. Look out for dishes such as tacoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings) and okonomiyaki (Japanese style savory pancakes). Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Accommodations: The Westin Osaka ★★★★
Room: Deluxe Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 - Sat, Oct 21 – Depart to the USA

Transfer to Osaka Kansai International Airport for departure flights home.

What's Included

All accommodations, as stated in the itinerary and in the room category indicated
Service charges, room taxes, and baggage handling fees
Breakfast daily
Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary
Sightseeing excursions and entry fees as stated in the itinerary
KTX train tickets (Economy Class) – Seoul-Busan-Seoul
Shinkansen tickets (Green Class/First Class) – Tokyo-Kyoto-Himeji-Hiroshima-Shin-Osaka
Airline ticket with airport tax in economy class – Incheon-Haneda
Separate luggage transfers – Seoul-Busan-Seoul and Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka (1 piece per person)
English speaking local guides
Coda Tour Manager on minimum participation
Bottled water and cold towels in vehicles during sightseeing

What's Not Included

International airfare
Individual arrival or departure transfers. These will be quoted according to your flights.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
Personal meals, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in the itinerary
Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary
Gratuity for local guides, drivers and Coda Tour Manager

Travel Prep

Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Korean Airlines, Japan Airlines are among airlines that can be used to book airfare for this tour. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles. Coda Tours can assist you with your international air booking in Business or Coach class (First Class is rare nowadays on international flights, but if available, we can quote it.) Please ask us to quote for you. We often have favorable rates. There is a standard $35 per ticket ticketing for this service.

The intra-tour flight, Seoul to Haneda for the South Korea extension, is additional. Only coach class is booked. If you wish to upgrade to Business, please request a quote at the time of registering.

A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of travel and must have at least two blank pages. No visa is required for entry into Denmark, Sweden and Norway for US and Canadian passport holders.
No immunizations are required for travel on this tour. However, the Center for Disease Control suggests that all travelers make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Coda trips all casual at all times. There is no need for a jacket or tie unless you personally opt to dine at a fine restaurant requiring formal dress. We do not book these restaurants for our group experiences. Pack for a variety of weather. Bring a light jacket or sweater. Jeans, khakis and shorts are fine for daily wear. Comfortable shoes are a must. All hotels offer laundry service, but it can be expensive.
Expect variable weather while traveling in South Korea & Japan. The temperature will hover around 70 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. Some rain is possible.

All departures are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, can be customized and repriced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation of 10. For fewer than 10 participants, rates may be revised.

A complete portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.

Accommodations

Lotte Hotel Seoul

Rating: 5
Lotte Hotel Busan

Rating: 5
Hilton Tokyo

Rating: 5
The Thousand Kyoto

Rating: 5
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Rating: 5
The Westin Osaka

Rating: 5

Deluxe South Korea & Japan

From Seoul to Tokyo and Beyond