Beijing, Korea, and Traditional Japan (2025)

Day 1: Beijing

Welcome to China. Transfer to the hotel. Early in the evening, to familiarise ourselves with the city, we provide a transfer to Wangfujing street, a pedestrian and commercial street full of life with many shops and restaurants. Dinner included and return to hotel.

Day 2: Beijing

An exciting day awaits us. We will discover the main points of interest in the Chinese capital. We will have a full day visit in which we will visit some of the main avenues in the city. The Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as "The Forbidden City", the most majestic architectural complex in China from where 24 emperors ruled for almost 500 years. We will also have the opportunity to visit Jingshan Park where the Coal Hill is located, one of the best preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. We ascend to the top of the hill to have the best views (if the day is clear) on the Forbidden City. We will walk through the immense Tiananmen Square one of the largest squares in the world, and from them, we will appreciate the Great National Theater, Beijing Opera House. Lunch is included. Today, we will also visit the SUMMER PALACE, the Imperial House of the Qing Dynasty with its beautiful gardens and lakes. In the afternoon we include a tricycle ride through the traditional neigbourhood of Beijing, known as Hutong. In this area we can see the typical life style in these popular neighborhood, visit typical shops and even a traditional house, a Siheyuan, with all its lounges around a courtyard. Return to the hotel and overnight.*Note: For reasons of heritage protection and increased visitor safety, the governing body of the Imperial Palace or Forbidden City has reduced the daily capacity of visitors for an indeterminate period of time. For this reason, we cannot guarantee that such a visit will take place. If it cannot be carried out, it would be replaced by a visit to the Confucius Temple and also the Lama Temple, both also emblematic of Chinese history and culture.

Day 3: Beijing

Today’s programme includes an excursion to visit the GREAT WALL OF CHINA (section Mutianyu). spectacular architectural work. Its history covers more than 2000 years. The day will include a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic areas. Returning to Beijing, we will stop in the 798 th district, with its contemporary art located in an old military factory. We will also visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, one of the country’s largest sacred complexes and a World Heritage Site. Before returning to the hotel, and as a way to rest from this intense day, we will enjoy a foot massage and we will take a Tai Chi class. We will bid farewell to Beijing with a lacquered duck dinner included.

Day 4: Beijing - Seoul

After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the airport for the flight to Seoul. Welcome to Korea! Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to the hotel to meet the guide. In the evening, we’ll start exploring this fascinating country. With our guide, we’ll take the modern and efficient subway, which you’ll learn how to use, and head to City Hall, a striking building shaped like a tsunami. Across from City Hall, we’ll see the Deoksugung Palace, beautifully lit at night, showcasing Korea´s blend of tradition and modernity. From there, we’ll walk to Myeongdong neighborhood, the liveliest and largest shopping district in the country, whose name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner will be included at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Seoul

Today, we’ll enjoy an extensive five-hour tour of Seoul. We’ll see the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within a large park and home to a collection of palaces. Afterward, we’ll pass by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional and historic neighborhood with little homes. Next, we’ll learn about the War Memorial of Korea, an impressive museum that provides a deep insight into the various conflicts that have shaped Korea’s history, with a special focus on the Korean War, where soldiers from many countries fought under the United Nations. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. We’ll then head to the Gangnam District, one of the city´s busiest areas, known for its shopping centers and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at Lotte World Tower, a stunning skyscraper standing 550 meters tall. You’ll have free time either to go up the tower (ticket not included) or explore the surrounding park and luxury shopping malls. After, we will return to the hotel, and you will have free time.

Day 6: Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

Today, we’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning palace with over 600 years of history. We’ll have the chance to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard if it takes place at that time. Afterward, we’ll depart from Seoul and head south. Our first stop will be Suwon, the former capital of Korea, renowned for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage walls. We’ll see these remarkable fortifications and visit Hwaseong Haenggung, the summer palace. Lunch will be included. We’ll then continue to Jeonju, where we’ll discover its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its little houses, traditional shops, and art galleries.

Day 7: Jeonju - Damyang - Haeinsa - Busan

We’ll depart for the Sunchang Gochujang Village, located at the base of Mount Amisan, with its hanok houses and courtyards filled with clay pots called hang-a-ri. This village is home to master artisans who craft gochujang (Korean chili paste) using traditional methods. We’ll enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to make this famous sauce. Afterward, we’ll continue to Damyang to visit the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, where the paths are considered some of the most beautiful in the country, perfect for meditation and enjoying the fresh breeze. We’ll also find a variety of bamboo products, celebrated in places like the Bamboo Museum. Lunch will be included, and we’ll taste a local specialty: rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and forests, we’ll arrive at Haeinsa, one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka, the most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures, carved on 80,000 wooden tablets. We’ll then continue to Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, for accommodation.

Day 8: Busan - Osaka

In the morning, we’ll depart from Busan to visit Haedong Yonggung, a 14th-century Buddhist temple located by the sea. We’ll then return to Busan to visit the United Nations Memorial and its cemetery, where people from various countries are laid to rest. Next, we’ll visit the country’s largest fish market, located near the Nampo Port. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll transfer to the airport for the flight to Osaka (included). Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel.

Day 9: Osaka - Mount koya

At 11:30 a.m., we’ll depart from the city and head to the sacred Mount Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery nestled in nature, with more than 200,000 graves. We’ll also explore the Kongobuji Temple, originally built in 1593.Tonight, we’ll stay in a Buddhist monastery, where the monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can attend the early morning religious ceremony at the temple.Notes: - During winter, due to earlier nightfall, there won’t be enough time to visit the interior of Kongobuji Temple.- Staying in the monastery is considered a highly enriching experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.- We cannot guarantee meditation sessions during busy tourist periods. Accommodation in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, and in some cases, we may arrange for groups to stay in nearby hotels (half board provided).

Day 10: Mount koya - Kyoto

Japanese breakfast at the temple. Then we leave early for KYOTO, to spend the whole day in the city, which was the capital of Japan between 794 and 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II the city was the only major Japanese to escape the bombardments, and so it still preserves its wealth of artistic heritage; the famous protocol restricting greenhouse gas emissions was signed in Kyoto in 1997. The visit includes a trip to one of the most important parts of the city. We will see the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens. Free time before visiting GION, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time. Note: If you already visited Kyoto on your circuit, our guide will offer you information and advice on visiting the other parts of the city unaccompanied.

Day 11: Kyoto - Eihei-ji - Katsuyama-dinosaur museum - Katsuyama - Kanazawa

We’ll start our day with breakfast before departing along one of the largest lakes in Japan. Our first stop will be at Shirahige Ginra, a small shrine located by the lake. We’ll then head to Eihei-ji, a temple-monastery founded in 1244 and a central hub of Zen Buddhism in Japan (admission included). Its surroundings, architecture, gardens, and spiritual ambiance make it a key training center for monks who practice Zazen meditation and follow a strict daily diet. Next, in Katsuyama, we’ll visit three key sites. First, the Dinosaur Museum, located at the largest dinosaur fossil site in Japan, where you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its educational exhibits featuring over 40 dinosaur skeletons. Then, we’ll visit the Great Buddha of Echizen and its grand temple, along with a five-story pagoda, which we can climb to enjoy panoramic views. Finally, we’ll immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature with a walk through the towering cedar forest at the Heisenji Hakusan Shinto Shrine, founded in 717 at the base of a sacred mountain. We’ll arrive in Kanazawa by evening.

Day 12: Kanazawa

We’ll spend a full day in Kanazawa, beginning with a guided city tour in the morning. This city, which once rivaled Kyoto and Tokyo, was spared from destruction during World War II air raids. We’ll visit the castle area, with its impressive walls, and take a stroll through the historic Nagamachi neighborhood, where samurai and their families once lived. This area preserves its historical atmosphere with remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow alleys, and water canals. We’ll also include admission to Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour will end at Omicho, a lively traditional market with many options for lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to explore.

Day 13: Kanazawa - Ainokura - Shirakawago - Hida village - Takayama

Today, we’ll journey through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests, and traditional villages as we explore the Gokayama and Shirakawago regions. These villages have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their traditional houses, with steeply sloped roofs, are known as “praying hands” for their resemblance to monks´ hands joined in prayer—designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls. We’ll stop in Ainokura, a charming small village, and in Shirakawa-go Ogimachi, a larger, more popular village. There will be time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue to Takayama, where we’ll visit the Hida Folk Village Museum, nestled in a peaceful setting. This open-air museum features over 30 traditional houses from the Edo Period (1603-1868), relocated from their original sites to form this museum in 1971. The buildings showcase tools and utensils used in everyday life in the past. We’ll then have free time to explore the old town, with its wooden houses and traditional shops.

Day 14: Takayama - Hida furukawa - Matsumoto - Tokyo

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Hida Furukawa, where we’ll stroll through its charming old town. The city’s festival has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, known for its large drums and beautifully decorated floats. We’ll include admission to the museum, which showcases the festival’s floats, costumes, and drums. We’ll then continue our journey across the Japanese Alps, renowned for their snow-covered landscapes for much of the year. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll visit the city’s impressive castle, known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black color, dating back to the 16th century. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the town. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Tokyo, arriving by the end of the day.

Day 15: Tokyo

In the morning, we take part in a 5-hour trip with our guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. We continue on our bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. We will edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We will pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We will also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Then we will have some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Return to hotel.Free time in the afternoon.Late in the afternoon, we will pay a visit to this fascinating country by taking a trip on the metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. Dinner included and return to hotel by metro with our guide.

Day 16: Tokyo

After breakfast, our services will come to an end, hoping to leave you with wonderful lasting memories.