Fall In Japan & South Korea
Japan is a destination like no other, where a vision of the future intermingles with traditions of the past. It's not uncommon to interact with a robot in a hotel lobby, before crossing the street and entering a 1,000 year old temple. While a trip to Tokyo & Kyoto will be the foundation of any itinerary, we also recommend spending a couple of nights at a hot spring resort, where you can relax and experience the Japanese countryside.
Long thought of as simply a layover stop, in the last 5 years, South Korea has become a destination in its own right. The explosion of K-Pop, K-Drama, and movies has piqued the interest of many, but it's the history, stunning nature, and incredible cuisine that people fall in love with. There is also so much more to the country than Seoul, and those who travel outside of the capital are rewarded with authentic cultural experiences, charming towns, and a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modern architecture.
Oct 1 - 4th 2025 | 3 nights | Tokyo
Oct 4 - 7th | 3 nights | Kyoto
Oct 7 - 10th | 3 nights | Seoul
Oct 10 - 12th | 2 nights | Busan
October is an ideal time to visit both Japan and South Korea due to the pleasant autumn weather and stunning foliage. In Japan, the iconic maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and gold, creating picturesque landscapes in gardens and parks across the country. Similarly, South Korea's mountains and forests burst into a kaleidoscope of colors, offering breathtaking views for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Both countries enjoy comfortable temperatures during this month, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring cities without the summer heat or winter chill. Additionally, October brings numerous cultural festivals and events in both nations, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions and seasonal celebrations.
- You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days.
- Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan & South Korea.
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These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We have a Japan guide full of great insights, TV/Movie recommendations, tipping guides, packing lists and more!
This will be provided closer to the time of departure.
We have designed a great playlist for you to enjoy before and during your trip to Japan!
- Japan is a curated selection of popular music from Japanese artists; straight off the streets of Tokyo!
Welcome to Tokyo! Today is all about settling in and relaxing after a long flight.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, an English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer.
Booked by Scenset
One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its sprawling neon-lit landscape it is also home to expansive parkland, peaceful shrines and temples, and lovingly tended gardens. On the surface, Tokyo is a mix of digital trends and conspicuous consumption, but dig deeper and you will find a city rooted deeply in the traditional culture. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time.
Check in to your hotel and settle into your accommodations for the remainder of the day and evening. Take time to recuperate from your journey with a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa.
The rest of the day has been left for you to unwind and relax.
Why we love it for you: The incomparable Palace Hotel Tokyo offers guests a unique blend of big-city five-star luxury and the genuine warmth of a Japanese-owned independent hotel. Situated with a view of the Imperial Palace Gardens, it serves as an oasis in the heart of the metropolis. The majority of rooms feature balconies, providing an added bonus to soak in the lush views.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide by private car.
Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby. Start at Tsukiji Fish Market. Your guide will show you seafood, traditionally used kitchen utensils and other Japanese ingredients.
Then, head to Tokyo Tower - a former TV Tower - that offers amazing views from the observation floor at 150 metres high. Up here, you can see Greater Tokyo, Yokohama, Disneyland and Mt. Fuji if the weather is clear.
After that, visit Asakusa, Sensoji Temple in the oldest district of Tokyo.
Walk through Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise arcade lined with craft and souvenir shops.
Visit Imperial Palace Plaza with a view of Double Bridges over the historical moat.
Booked by scenset.
We will provide you with a selection of our favourite restaurants in Tokyo closer to departure date.
Let us know if you'd like us to make any restaurant reservations for you and we'll be happy to do so.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax at your own pace.
Take a day trip to Hakone.
Begin your day by meeting your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby before embarking on a tour to the Mt. Fuji area. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours along a scenic highway, leading to the Mt. Fuji Fifth Station, located at an elevation of 2,305 meters, where you can enjoy a close view of the summit. If you'd like, your guide will accompany you on a short hike around the Fifth Station.
Following this, you'll head to the base of the mountain for lunch. The tour continues with a visit to a kimono museum established by a renowned contemporary kimono designer with a strong reputation in Europe, known for their Mt. Fuji-themed designs.
Next, you'll explore Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight mysterious ponds fed by the underground waters of Mt. Fuji. Here, you can visit a preserved area with traditional thatch-roofed houses and take in the idyllic scenery with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.
The tour concludes with your return to Tokyo, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening.
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the evening has been left for you to explore at your own pace.
Today, head to the historical city of Kyoto!
After breakfast and check-out, meet in the lobby for private transfer to the train station.
Booked by a travel agent.
At Tokyo station, you will be escorted to the express train to Kyoto in first class.
Booked by Scenset.
As there is no designated space for large suitcases on the bullet train, we would like to recommend a luggage delivery service. If you drop off your luggage at your hotel in Tokyo, you will receive it at your hotel in Kyoto by the next day. This is a very reliable service in Japan. Your guide & hotel staff will be happy to consult on this matter.
- The luggage larger than 160 cm in total dimension cannot be brought into the bullet train due to the train policy
Upon arrival in Kyoto, a driver will take you to your hotel.
Check in to your hotel and relax.
The rest of the day has been left for you to relax and unwind at your own pace.
Why we love it for you? Captivating from the moment you arrive until you bid it a fond farewell, this establishment exudes self-assured service, features delightfully calming interiors, boasts sensational gardens, and houses a spa so sublime that it stands as a destination in its own right.
Today is all about exploring Kyoto!
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.
Start at Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The shogun established this temple covered with gold leaf to show his prosperity and wealth.
Then, move to the Arashiyama district in Kyoto's mountainside. Experience a 30-minute rickshaw ride through Bamboo Grove.
Continue to Tenryuji to explore one of the important Zen temples in Japan.
Afterwards, experience a private tea ceremony at a local temple. A tea master will show you how to serve tea using special utensils. Matcha tea and sweets will be served in the ceremony.
If time still allows, you will visit Pontocho, a small alley bar typical to Kyoto.
Booked by scenset.
Today, continue your exploration of Kyoto!
Start at Sanjusangendo which boasts the longest wooden hall in the world. There are over a thousand of Buddha statues here and it is said that there is one with a similar face.
Then, visit Nishiki Market - also known as "Kyoto's kitchen" - loved by professionals and locals. Your guide is happy to show you unique Kyoto ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, sweets, tea and pickles.
From here, enjoy a private visit to a machiya townhouse (a typical wooden architecture which is registered as the city's cultural property) for a glimpse into local life. The owner will be provided to show you their living area, a beautiful small tsuboniwa garden, kitchen, etc.
Enjoy an Obanzai lunch which is a Kyoto-style home cooking using seasonal ingredients.
If time allows, walk through Gion - known as geisha quarter. There are many historical townhouses renovated into cafes and souvenir shops.
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the afternoon has been left for you to relax.
Take a quick flight to Seoul. (As it's an international flight, you have flexibility to book this independently)
Booked Independently
Upon arrival, meet your driving guide in the arrivals hall and proceed by private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
The drive will take approximately 45 minutes, traffic permitting.
The Four Seasons Seoul stands out as an exceptional choice for accommodation in Seoul, offering a perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Its central location in the bustling heart of the city provides easy access to key attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Seoul's vibrant culture. With impeccable service, lavish amenities, and stunning views of the cityscape, the Four Seasons Seoul ensures a memorable and indulgent experience for discerning travelers.
Premier Room x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your guide and set out for a private tour.
Visit Hwaseong Fortress, an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
Booked by a user.
Set in a natural environment occupying approximately 243 acres, visitors can experience the traditional atmosphere of a Korean village with over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty. All these features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a broad understanding of Korean food, clothing, and housing style of the past.
Booked by someone.
Learn the art of crafting authentic Korean dishes. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you'll learn the intricacies of traditional recipes, from the vibrant and spicy flavors of kimchi to the delicate art of crafting perfectly seasoned bibimbap, gaining hands-on experience in the rich tapestry of Korean cuisine.
Booked by a scenset.
Premier Room x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and set out for a private tour.
Booked by Scenset.
Try on traditional Korean clothing called a Hanbok. Nowadays this outfit is only worn during occasions such as anniversaries or festive days, but all Koreans have a hanbok for these special times. The hanbok is colored using natural dyes and the unique lines of the hanbok appear at their greatest when the wearer is in motion.
Booked by a scenset.
Visit Changdeokgung, the secondary residence of the royal family. Changdeokgung, built in 1405 and finished in 1412, is a remarkably peaceful place today. Its gardens are well kept, though not overly manicured, giving it a natural and somewhat wild look.
While at Changdeokgung, visit the palace’s rear garden also known as the Geumwon or “Forbidden Garden.” Constructed during the reign of King Taejong, Biwon served as a resting place for members of the Korean royal family.
Booked by Scenset.
From lunch, move on to discover Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city. This neighborhood is an important part of the city where old but precious goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on either side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.
In addition, Insa-dong is also a fantastic spot to discover antique stationery items within the family owned shops featuring traditional crafts and more.
Booked by Scenset.
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Spend some time here with your guide to step back in time for a glimpse of Korea's bygone era.
The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. As Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighborhood with people's homes, visitors are advised to be respectful at all times while looking around.
Booked by Scenset.
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular culinary destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more.
Enjoy food tastings as you stroll through the market.
Booked by a scenset.
Premier Room x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at TBC and proceed by private transfer to the train station. You'll take a train in first class to Busan.
Booked by Scenset
After you disembark, you will be met by a driving guide who speaks English at the hotel to start your touring.
Booked by Scenset.
Start by exploring Gamcheon Cultural Village, a quirky neighborhood full of coffee shops, street murals, and interesting architecture. Many of the buildings here are painted in vibrant colors, and the bohemian atmosphere is quite different when compared to the rest of the city.
Booked by a scenset provider.
Busan is famous for food, and the markets of Jagalchi & Kukje allow you to see fishermen selling the catch of the day, as well as local specialties, household items, and anything else you could possibly wish for.
Booked by someone.
A visit to Busan is not complete without a ride in the Songdo Cable Car, which affords guests amazing views of the coast, and Songdo area of the city.
Booked by someone.
Signiel Busan is a premier choice for accommodation in Busan, South Korea, known for its exquisite design, impeccable service, and panoramic views of the city and coastline. Nestled in a prime location, the hotel provides easy access to Busan's cultural and recreational attractions, ensuring a convenient and enriching stay. With its opulent amenities, world-class dining options, and a commitment to unparalleled hospitality, Signiel Busan offers a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking an exceptional experience in this vibrant coastal city.
Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View Twin x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Meet your driving guide in the lobby of your hotel at a time to be confirmed and set out for a private morning tour.
Booked by Scenset.
Haedong Yonggunsa Temple is dramatically situated on a cliff, overlooking the sea. It's one of the most picturesque Buddhist temples in Korea.
Booked by a user.
Beomeosa Temple is located at the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan Mountain, a famous mountain in Busan. It was constructed by a monk in 678, the 18th year of King Munmu's reign. It is one of the three most famous temples in the Yeongnam region, along with Haeinsa Temple and Tongdosa Temple.
Booked by a user.
Before visiting Oryukdo Skywalk, you'll visit the UN Cemetery. Afterwards, continue to Oryukdo Skywalk.
Oryukdo Skywalk is located at what was called Seungdumal, meaning a saddle, due to the shape of the point. It was also called Jallokgae by residents and female divers in the area.
Construction of Oryukdo Skywalk began in September 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and the skywalk opened in October 2013, with the theme of "walking over the sky.”
Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, and a 15-meter glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connects the iron columns. The glass flooring was made by four layers of 12-millimeter glass panels coated with a bulletproof film for a total thickness of 55.49 millimeters, making the structure quite safe. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op.
Booked by a scenset.
Grand Deluxe Mipo Harbour View Twin x 2
- Daily Breakfast Included
Today, bid farewell to South Korea as you fly home.
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your private transfer to the airport in time for check-in for your flight home.
Booked by Scenset.
If you send us your international flight details, we can include them here for you.
Thank you for allowing us to show you around this incredible country. We are sure you will enjoy your time in The Land of the Morning Calm.
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