After years of dreaming, Ravi and I lastly made it to Japan and Seoul, South Korea, two international locations that had been on our checklist for nearly twenty years! This journey was every little thing we hoped for and extra: peaceable temples, cozy cafés, unimaginable meals, and heartwarming hospitality.
I shared bits of it on my Instagram tales and now have them saved below highlights, however a lot of you wished the total itinerary (particularly these planning your individual journey). So right here it is-our full Japan and Seoul journey information with an itinerary, must-see sights, restaurant finds, and journey ideas.
We obtained so many superb suggestions from my cousin and an expensive pal, and I wished to move these together with our personal experiences. Over the years, I’ve additionally shared detailed itineraries for Iceland, Banff, Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast, and I’m so glad a lot of you’ve gotten used them to plan your journeys. Whether you’re planning your very first journey or heading again to discover extra, I hope this information is useful and makes your journey even smoother.
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Before You Go: Travel Tips for Japan
- Arrival: Fill out your Japan Online Arrival Card earlier than flying – it saves time at immigration.
- Local Travel: If you are visiting a number of cities, purchase a JR Pass for limitless bullet prepare journey.
- Luggage: Ship your baggage hotel-to-hotel, throughout cities- it is cheap and hassle-free.
- Cash: Carry yen for cafés, markets, and native retailers.
- Timings: Visit well-liked spots like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest early within the morning for peaceable images.
Day 1: Flight to Tokyo
Route: NYC → Tokyo
All day within the air.
Day 2: Arriving in Tokyo – Modern Meets Magical
We landed at Haneda Airport within the afternoon and checked into the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. After a fast refresh, we spent our first night exploring Omotesando and Harajuku, two neighborhoods famend for his or her fashion and power.
Our first afternoon in Tokyo was pure sensory delight – the clear streets, the effectivity, and the attractive mix of calm and chaos.
We explored Omotesando and Harajuku, the place each nook had one thing distinctive; from the mirrored entrance at Tokyu Plaza to candy treats at Dominique Ansel Bakery and iconic crepes at Marion Crêpes. The Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a peaceable forest, was the right method to decelerate after our flight.
As evening fell, we discovered ourselves on the Shibuya Scramble, the place lots of of individuals cross from each path – pure Tokyo power! Tip: The finest view you’re going to get is from the Starbucks on the second ground of the division retailer throughout the road.
Dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya (sure, the one which impressed Kill Bill) wrapped up the night completely.
Day 3: Temples, Gardens & a River Cruise
We started the morning with a peaceable stroll by Hamarikyu Gardens, the place the ponds, bridges, and smooth greenery sit proper in the course of Tokyo’s skyscrapers. From there, we took the Sumida River Cruise to Asakusa with lovely views of the town from the water.
Once we arrived in Asakusa, we walked in the direction of the Sensō ji Temple. The big pink lantern, incense, and regular stream of holiday makers made the entire space really feel filled with power. We spent a while exploring the temple grounds and watched individuals draw omikuji fortune slips, which is such a enjoyable custom.
Nakamise Street was energetic with individuals attempting snacks, looking for souvenirs, and taking images. The scent of roasted nuts, mochi, and candy treats stuffed the air. Our favorites have been wasabi-coated cashews, heat candy potato muffins and Ningyo-yaki, small conventional muffins. For lunch, we stopped at Yoroiya for his or her vegan ramen. The restaurant is small and comfortable, and the ramen was flavorful and comforting.
We ended the day with a soothing stroll by Ueno Park. Local musicians stuffed the area with music, and households loved the open lawns. It was the right ending to a memorable day in Tokyo.
Day 4: Ginza Glam & TeamLab Art
Day 4 was a wonderful mix of basic Tokyo fashion and fashionable creativity. We spent the morning exploring Ginza, a neighborhood identified for its luxurious boutiques, polished structure, and completely curated malls.
We wandered by the flagship retailers, together with Uniqlo and Muji, picked up sakura mochi at Ginza Akebono, and explored Itoya, which is a real paradise for anybody who loves pens, paper, and all issues stationery.
By lunch, we have been on the Mitsukoshi Department Store and located a comfortable sushi restaurant inside. The sushi was extremely recent and superbly ready.
Later within the afternoon, we returned to Muji and found their bakery part stuffed with freshly baked breads and pastries. We picked up a heat nut and dried fruit loaf that had simply come out of the oven and loved it as a bit afternoon snack. It was easy however so scrumptious.
In the night, we visited teamLab Borderless, an immersive world of digital artwork that feels alive and at all times shifting. Light, shade, and movement fill each room and create an expertise that feels magical from the second you stroll in.
Day 5 – Nikko’s Mountain Shrines
An ideal day journey to Nikko, surrounded by misty forests and autumn leaves. We took the Tobu Rail from Tobu Asakusa Station in Tokyo.
We crossed the long-lasting pink Shinkyo Bridge, glowing in opposition to the backdrop of Nikko’s lovely mountain panorama, and wandered by the serene grounds of Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine – every one peaceable, historic, and surrounded by the smooth rustle of fall leaves. And in fact, we could not depart with out attempting heat mitarashi dango – little grilled rice dumplings brushed with a shiny, sweet-soy glaze. Soft, chewy, barely smoky… the right cozy chew on a cool Nikko afternoon!
Tip: Make positive to purchase your round-trip Tobu prepare tickets prematurely – both on-line or on the station counter. This ensures reserved seats for the return journey, which is very useful within the fall when trains get busy.
Day 6 – Kyoto Arrival & Ryokan Stay
The Shinkansen experience to Kyoto was quick and peaceable, with Mount Fuji peeking by the clouds.
We checked into Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki Street, a superbly restored conventional ryokan tucked alongside a quiet Kyoto lane. The second we walked in, we felt that signature Japanese heat, smooth lighting, the scent of wooden and tatami, and the calm, retreat-like environment.
For lunch, we stopped at Sushi Zen, a comfortable, two-generation family-run spot the place the sushi was extremely recent and thoughtfully ready. (Menbaka Fire Ramen is one other enjoyable possibility close by should you’re searching for one thing extra informal and entertaining!)
One of our favourite elements of the keep was the non-public bathhouse proper in our suite! Such a soothing deal with after days of strolling. The employees was extremely variety, and the room itself blended conventional attraction with fashionable consolation in one of the best ways.
The subsequent morning, we loved the standard Japanese breakfast, Ochazuke with 19 menu gadgets, which was superbly put collectively. Simple, delicate, and filled with flavors we do not get to take pleasure in daily.
The solely problem was the kaiseki dinner, which was principally meat and seafood. Even although we confirmed forward and have been instructed there could be options, they weren’t in a position to accommodate vegetarian choices upon arrival. So when you have dietary preferences, it is one thing to be very clear about earlier than reserving.
We rounded out the day with a peaceable go to to Nijō Castle, letting Kyoto’s light, historic magnificence sink in.
Day 7 – Kyoto’s Shrines, Temples & Old-Town Magic
This was one among our favourite days in Kyoto – the type the place each jiffy you cease and say, “Wow… that is beautiful.” Kyoto has a manner of slowing you down, grounding you, and wrapping you in its light, timeless attraction.
We began our morning at Heian Jingu Shrine, the place the huge vermilion torii gate and expansive courtyard instantly transport you into Kyoto’s imperial previous. The gardens listed below are peaceable and superbly maintained.
For lunch, we stopped at Arash’s Kitchen, one of many few locations in Kyoto the place yow will discover scrumptious vegetarian-friendly choices.
From there, we explored a few of Kyoto’s most iconic temples:
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion): serene, understated, and surrounded by calming moss gardens.
- Nanzen-ji Temple: with grand picket gates and exquisite photograph spots tucked into quiet corners.
- Kodaiji Temple: peaceable strolling paths, bamboo groves, and smooth golden gentle filtering by the bushes.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple: perched excessive above Kyoto with sweeping views of the town. Walking up by the charming streets stuffed with pottery, snacks, and little retailers felt straight out of a film.
As the solar set, we headed to dinner at Sushi Hananoi, a small, intimate restaurant run by a third-generation sushi grasp. We beloved the omakase meal as he thoughtfully guided us by a wonderful sequence of items, and the expertise felt private and actually particular.
We ended the evening wandering by Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. Lantern-lit streets, picket machiya homes, and a smooth buzz of individuals heading to dinner or night performances – the right Kyoto environment.
Day 8 – Sunrise at Fushimi Inari, Zen Gardens and the Magic of Arashiyama
Day 8 was a type of “pinch me” journey days that felt peaceable, scenic, and stuffed with unforgettable moments.
We began early at Fushimi Inari Taisha, arriving simply after dawn when the paths have been quiet and the smooth morning gentle filtered by the intense orange Torii gates. Walking by these infinite pathways felt magical and extremely calming.
Our subsequent cease was Sanjusangendo Temple, dwelling to 1,001 golden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Photos should not allowed inside, however the second you step in, you perceive why. The complete corridor glows, and the peaceable environment stays with you lengthy after you permit. In the temple store, we tried Seijokankidan, a crunchy rice flour pastry stuffed with, bean-based candy, which the seller defined as Indian Modak coming to Japan through China and India.
We continued to see the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku ji), glowing within the daylight, adopted by the quiet great thing about the Ryoan ji Zen Garden.
For lunch, we went to Yudofu Sagano, a conventional tofu restaurant close to Tenryu ji Temple. Their light tofu hotpot and the beautiful facet dishes, together with the peaceable backyard views, have been a beautiful break in the course of a busy day.
In the afternoon, we walked by the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama’s quiet streets earlier than heading to our dinner reservation at Tempura Matsuura. This small counter-style Michelin-starred restaurant serves a wonderful omakase expertise. Each tempura piece is cooked proper in entrance of you and tastes gentle, crisp, and filled with taste. It was one among our favourite meals in Kyoto.
Day 9 – Osaka’s Energy, Food, and Nighttime Glow
We began the morning by taking the quick 15-minute Shinkansen experience from Kyoto to Osaka.
Our first cease was Osaka Castle, the place we walked by the spacious lawns and gardens. The fort seems to be lovely from each angle, and the encircling park is ideal for a relaxed morning stroll.
After that, we explored the Umeda space, one among Osaka’s busiest industrial districts. There are infinite retailers, cafés, and underground walkways to discover. We made positive to cease inside Daimaru Department Store, the place we found a whole show of distinctive KitKat flavors, together with matcha, strawberry, and seasonal Japanese specialties.
In the night, we headed to Dotonbori, the energetic coronary heart of Osaka. The brilliant lights, big signboards, avenue meals stalls, and buzzing environment make it some of the memorable locations to expertise within the metropolis. Even although it was a wet day, the power was so infectious that we nonetheless had a good time strolling round with our umbrellas and taking all of it in.
For dinner, we visited Mizuno, a well-loved restaurant identified for serving conventional Osaka-style okonomiyaki. Watching the cooks put together the scorching pancakes on the recent grill proper in entrance of us was such a enjoyable expertise. We tried each the vegetarian and seafood variations and loved them equally.
Day 10 – Hiroshima Reflections and a Beautiful Osaka Sunset
We took the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima within the morning.
Our first cease was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a spot that everybody ought to go to a minimum of as soon as of their lifetime. Walking by the reveals, studying the tales, and seeing the artifacts felt heavy however deeply vital. It is a strong reminder of resilience, hope, and the way deeply communities can rebuild.
We then explored the Peace Memorial Park, the A Bomb Dome, and the encircling walkways that encourage you to pause, replicate, and actually take within the significance of the place you’re standing.
For lunch, we visited Nagataya, a preferred spot identified for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. This model is layered with noodles and greens and is cooked proper on the griddle. We tried each the vegetarian and seafood variations and have been joyful to see that in addition they provided vegan choices. It was comforting, flavorful, and such meal after a protracted morning.
In the afternoon, we took the Shinkansen again to Osaka. We reached the town simply in time to move to the Umeda Sky Building, the most effective spots to take pleasure in panoramic views of Osaka. Watching the solar set over the town felt like the right, light ending to a really significant day.
Before You Go: Travel Tips for Seoul
1. Arrival: Fill out the Korea Arrival Card earlier than touchdown.
2. Navigation: Download KakaoMap or Subway Korea (Google Maps would not totally work right here).
3. Transport: Grab a T-Money Card on the airport or comfort shops – it really works on trains, buses, and even some taxis.
4. Apps: Use Google Translate’s Conversation mode for dietary or purchasing assist.
5. Currency: You can withdraw money simply at airport ATMs or main shops.
Day 11 – Flying to Seoul
Landing in Seoul, we instantly felt the power shift. The metropolis has a vibrant, fashionable really feel with smooth structure and mountains peeking by the skyline. From the airport, we headed straight to our lodge and checked into the Conrad Seoul, which provided superb views of the Han River from our room.
After a number of busy days of sightseeing in Japan, it felt good to decelerate a bit. We spent the night enjoyable and taking within the view, then loved a quiet dinner on the lodge.
Day 12 – Seoul Tower Views, Market Food, and a Palace Afternoon
Our first full day in Seoul started with a go to to N Seoul Tower, the most effective locations to get a panoramic view of your entire metropolis. We took the cable automobile up, and on the prime, the lookout deck gave us a sweeping view of Seoul’s skyline, mountains, and the winding Han River.
From there, we headed to Namdaemun Market, one of many oldest and busiest conventional markets in Seoul. Our first unplanned cease ended being on the Kalguksu (Noodle) Alley. The distributors have been energetic and heat, and a bunch of Korean aunties insisted that we sit down and take a look at a few of their meals. It felt like being welcomed into somebody’s dwelling and was a type of journey moments that stays with you. We had scrumptious handmade knife-cut noodle soup and bibimbap.
In the afternoon, we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the most important of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces. The grand gates, colourful detailing, and open courtyards felt extremely majestic. Many guests walked round in lovely hanboks, including a lot attraction and shade to the palace grounds.
We wrapped up the day with a peaceable stroll by Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong. Both areas have slender lanes stuffed with conventional homes, artwork studios, tea retailers, and small boutiques. It was the right method to ease into Seoul’s mixture of outdated and new.
Day 13 – Hanok Streets, Secret Gardens, and the Glow of Myeongdong
We began the morning in Insadong, a neighborhood identified for its charming mixture of conventional craft retailers, hanbok shops, calligraphy boutiques, and comfortable tea homes. We wandered by the little alleyways, browsed handmade pottery, and even stopped for heat hotteok, a candy pancake stuffed with brown sugar and nuts. It tasted particularly good on a cool morning.
From Insadong, we walked over to Ikseon-dong, one among Seoul’s trendiest areas. It is a maze of superbly restored hanoks stuffed with cafés, dessert retailers, and tiny impartial shops. Every nook had one thing fascinating to peek into, and the entire space felt very energetic and inventive. We then had essentially the most delicate and superbly offered vegan lunch at Flower Blossom on the Rice, a Michelin-recognized spot that turns easy components into one thing actually particular.
In the afternoon, we made our method to Changdeokgung Palace for the well-known Secret Garden Tour. This was one of many highlights of our Seoul go to. The palace grounds are beautiful on their very own, however the Secret Garden feels much more magical with its lotus pond, outdated pavilions, and peaceable strolling paths.
We ended the day in Myeongdong, soaking within the brilliant lights and festive power. The streets have been lined with skincare retailers, cafés, and meals stalls grilling every little thing from baked candy potatoes, tteokbokki, glass noodles, skewers, to enjoyable desserts. Not solely did we take pleasure in a number of the avenue meals we additionally did some purchasing.
By the tip of the evening, our baggage have been a bit fuller and our ft have been positively drained.
Day 14 – Beauty Day, Café Hopping and the Softest Hair Ever
Day 14 was our fashionable Seoul day. We started the morning at CoEX Mall, one of many largest malls in Asia. It is unimaginable to overlook the attractive Starfield Library, with its hovering bookshelves and heat lighting that make the entire area really feel inviting. We spent a bit time wandering by retailers and having fun with the relaxed tempo of a Seoul weekday morning.
Next, we headed to Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil, a trendy avenue lined with ginkgo bushes, boutique retailers, and charming cafés. It has a really fashionable but cozy environment and is ideal for gradual looking and folks watching.
From there, we made our method to Amore Seongsu for a customized Hera basis shade match. This was such a enjoyable expertise. Using their particular shade evaluation instruments, they created a basis shade completely matched to my pores and skin tone. It felt like magnificence meets science in one of the best ways. Before the appointment, we stopped at The Onion Seongsu, a café set inside an outdated industrial constructing that has been redesigned into a country and fashionable area. The pastries listed below are unimaginable, and the entire place has a Brooklyn-inspired vibe.
In the night, we handled ourselves to the well-known 18-step hair remedy at Eco Hardin, which we booked on Klook. The employees was so variety, and the entire course of felt like a full spa for the hair. My hair got here out softer, smoother, and shinier than it has been in years.
It was a full day of magnificence, treats, and discovering the softer, trendier facet of Seoul. Such a beautiful method to wrap up our time within the metropolis.
Day 15 – Farewell to Seoul
Our ultimate morning in Seoul was all about gradual packing and a few last-minute exploring. We walked over to Olive Young, which rapidly grew to become one among our favourite locations within the metropolis. These shops are all over the place in Seoul, and every one has totally different skincare treasures, new launches, and travel-sized goodies which are excellent for stocking up. We picked up a number of favorites to carry dwelling and a few new issues to strive.
After one final take a look at the attractive skyline from our lodge room, it was time to move to the airport. The experience to Incheon gave us a second to replicate on the previous two weeks and every little thing we had skilled. From peaceable temples in Kyoto to energetic markets in Seoul, this journey gave us reminiscences that we’ll maintain shut for a very long time.
We boarded our flight feeling grateful, impressed, and already eager about the following journey.
This journey to Japan and Seoul is one we’ll cherish endlessly. Each metropolis gave us one thing totally different to carry on to. Tokyo’s power, Kyoto’s quiet magnificence, Osaka’s food-filled streets, Hiroshima’s highly effective historical past, and Seoul’s fashionable buzz all got here collectively to create a journey that felt wealthy, significant, and extremely enjoyable. We are so grateful for the moments we skilled, the individuals we met, the meals we tasted, and the little surprises that solely journey can carry.
Thank you for following alongside and for all of the messages and pleasure you shared whereas we traveled. It actually made the expertise much more particular. I hope this itinerary evokes you to plan your individual dream journey when the time feels proper. And as at all times, I’ll preserve sharing the recipes, ideas, and tales that join us irrespective of the place we’re on this planet.
