Korea & Japan Encompassed

This 15-night escorted small-group tour by G Adventures sets out to cover two countries where ancient ritual and high-tech often share the same street. Starting in Seoul, there’s a blend of modern city sights and heritage — the N Seoul Tower, Namdaemun Market, and a visit to the DMZ remind that history still weighs here.

Afterward, the route moves south to Busan, where beaches edge the city and there’s time to visit the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea. Then south-west across the water to Japan, with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Park paired with the nearby island of Miyajima, known for its floating torii gate. Kyoto offers a different pace: gardens, Nijo Castle, and the endless red torii at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Along the way there’s an overnight temple stay on Mount Kōya, which means sharing a simple sleeping space amid a still religious routine.

Train travel dominates, including the bullet train, so luggage rules and a readiness for walking are part of the deal. The tour allows stretches of free time too, such as a stroll through Gion in Kyoto or wandering Tokyo’s Imperial Palace gardens. It is plainly a thorough journey covering streets, mountains and memory.