South Korea & Japan Highlights — Seoul, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
14 days · South Korea & Japan
Tourist Journey charges £2,320
No-markup version: ~£835 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched 14-day version of the popular South Korea & Japan highlights loop: 4 days in Seoul including the DMZ border zone, a flight across to Tokyo, then classic day trips to Mount Fuji and Nikko, followed by the bullet train to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Same big-ticket sights — Gyeongbokgung, Senso-ji, Fushimi Inari, Todai-ji, Osaka Castle — booked independently using budget hostels, local trains and self-bookable day tours, at a fraction of the guided package cost.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea
Fly into Incheon or Gimpo and take the AREX express train into Seoul (~GBP 7) rather than paying for an airport transfer. Check into a hostel or budget hotel in the Myeongdong or Chungmuro area. If you arrive early, take a first evening wander through Myeongdong's street-food alleyways to ease into Korean time.
🚌AREX express train from airport, ~GBP 7
🛏Budget hostel or guesthouse in Myeongdong/Chungmuro
- →Take AREX train from airport to city centre
- →Check into guesthouse/hostel in Myeongdong
- →Evening street food wander in Myeongdong
Palaces, Villages & Street Food
Seoul, South Korea
Rent a hanbok or just turn up early to Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance ~GBP 2.60, free in a rented hanbok) and catch the 10:00 or 14:00 Changing of the Guard ceremony. Wander over to the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village alleyways between hanok rooftops. In the evening book yourself onto a Seoul street-food market tour (many run nightly from Myeongdong/Gwangjang Market) — or simply go solo and graze across Gwangjang Market's bindaetteok and tteokbokki stalls.
🚌Seoul Metro, ~GBP 2
🛏Budget hostel or guesthouse in Myeongdong/Chungmuro
- →Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
- →Watch Changing of the Guard
- →Stroll Bukchon Hanok Village
- →Seoul street food market visit (Gwangjang or Myeongdong)
Free Day in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea
A flexible day to explore at your own pace. Options include the National Museum of Korea, the quirky Hongdae and Ikseon-dong neighbourhoods, a café crawl, N Seoul Tower for city views, or a Korean cooking class booked on the day. Plenty of time for independent restaurant exploration.
🚌Seoul Metro, ~GBP 2
🛏Budget hostel or guesthouse in Myeongdong/Chungmuro
- →Optional National Museum visit
- →Explore Hongdae or Ikseon-dong
- →Optional N Seoul Tower visit
- →Restaurant exploration
DMZ & the Border Zone
Seoul, South Korea
The one day-trip genuinely worth pre-booking in Seoul. DMZ tours run daily and are heavily regulated on the North Korean side, so you cannot visit Imjingak, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory or the Bridge of Freedom fully independently — book a reputable shared day tour on GetYourGuide or Klook (~GBP 55–65 including all entrance fees, helmet and commentary). Note the DMZ tour only operates on certain days, so check availability when you book your Seoul dates.
🚌DMZ tour coach included in day tour
🛏Budget hostel or guesthouse in Myeongdong/Chungmuro
- →Join a booked shared DMZ day tour
- →Visit Imjingak Park & Bridge of Freedom
- →3rd Infiltration Tunnel with helmet
- →Dora Observatory & Unification Village
Fly Seoul to Tokyo
Seoul to Tokyo, Japan
Take a budget flight from Seoul's Gimpo (GMP) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) — a busy shuttle route on Jin Air, Peach or Air Seoul, typically ~GBP 80–110 booked ahead. From Haneda take the Keikyu Line or monorail into central Tokyo (~GBP 4). Settle into a hostel or budget hotel in the Shimbashi/Ginza area. If time allows, an evening stroll near Tokyo Station or the Imperial Palace moat.
🚌Flight ~GBP 95; airport train ~GBP 4
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Shimbashi/Ginza
- →Budget flight Gimpo to Haneda
- →Train into central Tokyo
- →Evening wander near Tokyo Station/Imperial Palace
Tokyo's Sights on Foot
Tokyo, Japan
A big walking day through old and new Tokyo. Start at the Imperial Palace East Gardens (free) via Nijubashi Bridge, then head to Asakusa to walk Nakamise-dori street up to Senso-ji Temple. Skip across to the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku and soak up the youth-culture chaos of Takeshita Street and Harajuku before ending at the iconic Shibuya Crossing at dusk. All very walkable using the JR Yamanote line (~GBP 5 for a day's metro pass).
🚌Tokyo Metro/JR Yamanote day pass ~GBP 5
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Shimbashi/Ginza
- →Imperial Palace Gardens & Nijubashi Bridge
- →Nakamise-dori street & Senso-ji Temple
- →Meiji Jingu Shrine & Harajuku
- →Shibuya Crossing at dusk
Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi Day Trip
Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi, Japan
Book a shared day coach trip to Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area on GetYourGuide or Klook (~GBP 60 including pickup, transport and guide). Highlights include Oishi Park and Lake Kawaguchi, the photogenic Chureito Pagoda, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and the spring pools of Oshino Hakkai. The 5th Station is often weather-dependent; the coach will route to the best-accessible Fuji viewpoints that day.
🚌Shared coach included in day tour
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Shimbashi/Ginza
- →Day coach trip to Mount Fuji area
- →Oishi Park & Lake Kawaguchi
- →Chureito Pagoda & Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
- →Oshino Hakkai & 5th Station (weather permitting)
Nikko Day Trip
Nikko, Japan
Nikko is easily done independently by train. Take the Tobu Railway or JR Nikko line from Tokyo (~2 hours each way, ~GBP 6 each way booked as a return). Explore the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine (entrance ~GBP 9) and its five-storey pagoda, walk across vermilion Shinkyo Bridge, then continue up to scenic Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls (viewing ticket ~GBP 3) for mountain views.
🚌Return train to Nikko via Tobu/JR, ~GBP 12
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Shimbashi/Ginza
- →Self-guided rail trip to Nikko
- →Visit Toshogu Shrine & Shinkyo Bridge
- →Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls
Tsukiji Market & the Outer Market
Tokyo, Japan
Come early to Tsukiji to experience the Outer Market's famous food stalls — grab fresh sushi, grilled seafood, tamagoyaki and other vendors (budget ~GBP 15–20 to graze properly, or book a small food-tasting tour on GetYourGuide ~GBP 35 for 4–5 guided tastings). Visit Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple with its unusual architecture. Afternoon free for last-minute Tokyo shopping or a final neighbourhood wander.
🚌Tokyo Metro, ~GBP 3
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Shimbashi/Ginza
- →Tsukiji Outer Market food tastings
- →Visit Namiyoke Shrine & Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple
- →Optional guided food tasting tour
- →Afternoon free time in Tokyo
Bullet Train to Kyoto & Gion Evening
Kyoto, Japan
Take the Shinkansen (Nozomi/Hikari) from Tokyo to Kyoto (~2h15, ~GBP 100 booked ahead online — the splurge that makes the trip worth it). Check into a hostel or budget hotel near Shijo/Karasuma. In the evening walk along atmospheric Pontocho Alley, spot the statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, and stroll the lantern-lit streets of the Gion geisha district, Hanamikoji Street and Yasaka Shrine.
🚌Shinkansen Tokyo–Kyoto ~GBP 100
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in central Kyoto
- →Shinkansen bullet train Tokyo to Kyoto
- →Pontocho Alley walk
- →Gion & Hanamikoji geisha district stroll
- →Yasaka Shrine visit
Golden Pavilion, Bamboo, Inari & Nara
Kyoto & Nara, Japan
A packed day covering four unmissable sites. Start at the dazzling Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji (~GBP 3), stroll the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (free) and Tenryu-ji gardens, then hike the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine (free). In the afternoon take the JR Nara line (30 min) to Nara for the enormous Todai-ji temple and Great Buddha (~GBP 5) and Nara Park's famously cheeky bowing sika deer. Use a JR/bus passes combo wisely across these routes (~GBP 15 total).
🚌Kyoto bus & JR Nara line, ~GBP 15
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in central Kyoto
- →Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
- →Arashiyama Bamboo Forest stroll
- →Fushimi Inari Shrine & red torii gates
- →Todai-ji Temple, Great Buddha & Nara deer park
Free Day in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
A slower day to explore Kyoto on your own terms. Options include Kiyomizu-dera and the preserved Higashiyama lanes, the Philosopher's Path, Ginkaku-ji, book a matcha-making class on GetYourGuide (~GBP 25), or end the day with an onsen hot-spring soak. Budget ~GBP 20 for temple entries and occasional snacks as you go.
🚌Kyoto buses, ~GBP 4
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in central Kyoto
- →Optional Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama walk
- →Optional matcha-making class
- →Onsen hot spring relaxation
- →Temple-visiting at your own pace
Osaka Day Trip
Osaka, Japan
A quick 30-minute train from Kyoto makes Osaka an easy day trip (~GBP 8 return). Start at the imposing Osaka Castle (grounds free, keep ~GBP 4 for the museum), then plunge into the neon chaos of Dotonbori for street food, spot the famous Glico Man sign, and find the tucked-away Hozenji Temple near Namba. Return to Kyoto in the evening.
🚌Return train Kyoto–Osaka ~GBP 8
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in central Kyoto
- →Osaka Castle visit
- →Dotonbori exploration & Glico Man photo
- →Hozenji Temple visit
- →Self-guided Osaka day trip
Depart from Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
Final day to use depending on your flight out. Take the Haruka limited express or a local train from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport (~80 min, ~GBP 14) for departures. If flying from Tokyo, use your remaining time for a last Kyoto morning before heading off.
🚌Haruka express to KIX ~GBP 14
🛏None — depart today
- →Train to Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- →Optional last-minute Kyoto sightseeing
Self-launched vs. Tourist Journey
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Tourist Journey | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£835 | £2,320 |
| Duration | 14 days | 14 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £1,485 per person (64%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Tourist Journey-style trips? Check them out here.~£835
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does South Korea & Japan Highlights — Seoul, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £835 per person for 14 days in South Korea & Japan. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Tourist Journey?+
Yes — Tourist Journey charges around £2,320 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £835 — a saving of roughly £1,485 (64%) per person.
How long is the South Korea & Japan trip?+
This itinerary runs 14 days, covering 14 day-by-day stops through South Korea & Japan.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, foodie, city-breaks trip through South Korea & Japan, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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