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Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with Seoul
15 day tour from Seoul to Osaka
Tour Operator
Cosmos
Departures
Mar 12, 2027
–
Nov 3, 2028
Prices From
$5,739
This tour of Japan and South Korea is perfect for value-minded travelers who enjoy history, beautiful scenery, and fascinating architecture. Begin your journey in Seoul, where you’ll explore the grandeur of Gyeongbok Palace and stroll through the charming traditional lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village for a vivid glimpse into Korea’s royal and cultural heritage. Continue on to Japan, where you’ll overnight in Tokyo, the Mount Fuji area, Osaka, Hiroshima, and conclude in Kyoto. Highlights throughout both countries include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Japan, you’ll see Mount Fuji—long worshipped as a sacred mountain—along with majestic views of Lake Kawaguchi during a cable-car ride . In Hiroshima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and famous for its iconic floating Torii gate, and explore Peace Memorial Park to witness the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the only remaining structure from the first atomic bomb in 1945. In Kyoto, visit the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, covered in beautiful gold leaf, and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Your journey also includes stops at two of Japan’s premier gardens dating back to the 1600s: stroll the tranquil Koraku-en and the Shinjuku Gyoen, the “Imperial Garden,” home to 1,000 cherry blossom trees. Enjoy a local lunch and try Japan’s legendary okonomiyaki, often called “Japanese pizza.” Plus, experience the thrill of riding the famous bullet train, or shinkansen. History, scenery, culture, cuisine, and fun experiences—this Japan and South Korea vacation has it all!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Welcome to South Korea’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
SEOUL
Sightseeing with your Local Guide begins with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most impressive of Seoul’s five palaces. Continue to the National Museum of Contemporary Korean History to learn how Korea has transformed from an agricultural society to an economic powerhouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Gwangjang Traditional Market, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village, home to over 900 hanoks (traditional Korean houses), and Ihwa Mural Village, a hillside neighborhood adorned with colorful murals and creative public art. (B,L) Please note: Local Host services are provided in Seoul as noted. You will meet your Tour Director in Tokyo on day 5.
Day 3
SEOUL
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and local cuisine. (B)
Day 4
SEOUL-TOKYO, JAPAN
Today, fly to Tokyo. A Cosmos representative will arrange for your transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)
Day 5
TOKYO
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions prior to morning sightseeing in Tokyo. Your tour starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, visit Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. Originally dating from the early 1600s, the garden was destroyed in World War II and reopened in 1949 as a public park, home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. Today, it remains an immensely popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Last stop is the vibrant Asakusa Kannon Temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping arcade. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 6
TOKYO
Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore this sprawling metropolis. (B)
Day 7
TOKYO–MOUNT FUJI AREA
This morning, leave Tokyo and head south along the coast to the beautiful Five Lakes region. Take a cable-car ride (weather permitting) for panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and spectacular Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as the locals call it, Japan’s highest mountain. You’ll also visit Chureito Pagoda for a chance to snap your own iconic image of the pagoda with Fujisan in the background! (B,L)
Day 8
MOUNT FUJI AREA–OSAKA
This morning, board Japan’s famous shinkansen (bullet train) for Osaka. Upon arrival, join your Tour Director for a walking tour in Minami. Made up of Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dotonbori, this area is home to great dining and nightlife and some of the city’s most fashionable shops and department stores. This evening is free to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 9
OSAKA
Your sightseeing tour starts at the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses, where traditional thatched-roof farmhouses dating from the Edo period have been restored. Be transported back in time as you explore the old architecture. Visit Osaka Castle, then enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps return to Dotonbori this evening to sample local cuisine and see the sparkling neon lights. (B)
Day 10
OSAKA–OKAYAMA–KURASHIKI–HIROSHIMA
This morning, drive south to Okayama and visit Koraku-en, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The 30-acre garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields. The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and not a traditional feature of Japanese gardens. In Kurashiki, enjoy free time in the Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese. Continue to Hiroshima. (B)
Day 11
HIROSHIMA
Today’s full day sightseeing includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Peace Memorial Park, and Itsukushima Shrine. Start at Peace Memorial Park where you’ll visit the Peace Memorial, commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, that is preserved and is just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. You will also visit the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost that day. For lunch, enjoy the country’s legendary dish of okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese-style savory pancake. Then, travel to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its beautiful floating Torii Gate. (B,L)
Day 12
HIROSHIMA–BIZEN–HIMEJI–KYOTO
Drive north to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture that combines function with elegance. Continue to Kyoto. This evening, you may choose an optional style of accommodation at a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional fee and pre-booking required). (B) ACCOMMODATION HIGHLIGHT FUTON, ANYONE? Choose an overnight stay at a ryokan to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality. Your ryokan features traditional touches like tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath – as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. Please note, space is extremely limited. You must pre-book this ahead of arriving in Japan for your tour, and an additional fee applies.
Day 13
KYOTO
Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered in shimmering gold leaf. Walk through bustling Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Participate in a tea ceremony, a time-honored tradition, and wonderfully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea. After lunch, visit Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Enjoy the late afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. (B,L)
Day 14
KYOTO
Full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic sites and shrines. Oh, deer! Consider an optional afternoon trip to the expanses of Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer who wander freely amid its shrines and temples. (B)
Day 15
KYOTO
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels
Klaven Hotel Myeongdong City Hall
First-Class
Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome
Superior First-Class
Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
Moderate First-Class
Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel
Moderate First-Class
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
First-Class
Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo
First-Class
Itinerary Dates & Prices
Start Date
End Date
Our Price
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 12, 2027
End Date
Mar 26, 2027
Our Price
$5,899
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 19, 2027
End Date
Apr 02, 2027
Our Price
$5,899
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 26, 2027
End Date
Apr 09, 2027
Our Price
$5,899
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 26, 2027
End Date
Apr 09, 2027
Our Price
$5,899
Guaranteed
Start Date
Apr 02, 2027
End Date
Apr 16, 2027
Our Price
$5,989
Guaranteed
Start Date
Apr 02, 2027
End Date
Apr 16, 2027
Our Price
$5,989
Guaranteed
Start Date
Apr 09, 2027
End Date
Apr 23, 2027
Our Price
$5,989
Guaranteed
Start Date
Apr 30, 2027
End Date
May 14, 2027
Our Price
$5,759
Guaranteed
Start Date
May 21, 2027
End Date
Jun 04, 2027
Our Price
$5,749
Guaranteed
Start Date
Jul 02, 2027
End Date
Jul 16, 2027
Our Price
$5,789
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 06, 2027
End Date
Aug 20, 2027
Our Price
$5,739
Guaranteed
Start Date
Aug 27, 2027
End Date
Sep 10, 2027
Our Price
$5,739
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 10, 2027
End Date
Sep 24, 2027
Our Price
$5,889
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Start Date
Sep 17, 2027
End Date
Oct 01, 2027
Our Price
$5,899
Guaranteed
Start Date
Sep 24, 2027
End Date
Oct 08, 2027
Our Price
$5,889
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 01, 2027
End Date
Oct 15, 2027
Our Price
$5,909
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 08, 2027
End Date
Oct 22, 2027
Our Price
$5,909
Guaranteed
Start Date
Oct 22, 2027
End Date
Nov 05, 2027
Our Price
$5,909
Guaranteed
Start Date
Nov 05, 2027
End Date
Nov 19, 2027
Our Price
$5,889
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 10, 2028
End Date
Mar 24, 2028
Our Price
$6,372
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 17, 2028
End Date
Mar 31, 2028
Our Price
$6,372
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 24, 2028
End Date
Apr 07, 2028
Our Price
$6,372
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 24, 2028
End Date
Apr 07, 2028
Our Price
$6,372
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 31, 2028
End Date
Apr 14, 2028
Our Price
$6,462
Guaranteed
Start Date
Mar 31, 2028
End Date
Apr 14, 2028
Our Price
$6,462
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Start Date
Apr 07, 2028
End Date
Apr 21, 2028
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$6,462
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Start Date
Apr 14, 2028
End Date
Apr 28, 2028
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$6,462
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Start Date
Apr 28, 2028
End Date
May 12, 2028
Our Price
$6,232
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Start Date
May 19, 2028
End Date
Jun 02, 2028
Our Price
$6,222
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Start Date
Jun 02, 2028
End Date
Jun 16, 2028
Our Price
$6,212
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Start Date
Jun 30, 2028
End Date
Jul 14, 2028
Our Price
$6,262
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Start Date
Aug 04, 2028
End Date
Aug 18, 2028
Our Price
$6,212
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Start Date
Aug 25, 2028
End Date
Sep 08, 2028
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$6,212
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Start Date
Sep 08, 2028
End Date
Sep 22, 2028
Our Price
$6,362
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Start Date
Sep 15, 2028
End Date
Sep 29, 2028
Our Price
$6,382
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Start Date
Sep 22, 2028
End Date
Oct 06, 2028
Our Price
$6,362
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Start Date
Sep 29, 2028
End Date
Oct 13, 2028
Our Price
$6,382
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Start Date
Oct 06, 2028
End Date
Oct 20, 2028
Our Price
$6,382
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Start Date
Oct 20, 2028
End Date
Nov 03, 2028
Our Price
$6,382
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Start Date
Nov 03, 2028
End Date
Nov 17, 2028
Our Price
$6,362
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