46 days in Japan & South Korea Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips Asia sightseeing planner
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Fly
1
Ishigaki, Japan
— 3 nights
Fly
2
Koya-cho, Japan
— 3 nights
Fly
3
Tokyo, Japan
— 6 nights
Fly
4
Kanazawa, Japan
— 4 nights
Drive
5
Kyoto, Japan
— 7 nights
Train
6
Hiroshima, Japan
— 3 nights
Train to Hakata, Fly to Busan
7
Busan, South Korea
— 4 nights
Fly
8
Jeju, South Korea
— 6 nights
Fly
9
Sokcho, South Korea
— 2 nights
Drive
10
Seoul, South Korea
— 6 nights
Fly

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Ishigaki, Japan — 3 nights

Ishigaki, the most populous island in the chain, features the country's southernmost city and acts as a transport hub for exploring the landmasses that surround.
Get in touch with nature at Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour and Nosoko Mape. Explore Ishigaki's surroundings by going to Iriomote-jima (Canyoning & Rappelling Tours & Mariudo Fall). There's lots more to do: explore the activities along Kabira Bay, kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and Head underground at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave.

To see ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Ishigaki tour itinerary builder website.

Tel Aviv, Israel to Ishigaki is an approximately 21.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 7 hours traveling from Tel Aviv to Ishigaki. Traveling from Tel Aviv in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Ishigaki, with lows of 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly to Koya-cho.
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Outdoors · Tours · Wildlife · Parks
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Find places to stay Apr 14 — 18:
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Koya-cho, Japan — 3 nights

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Mt. Koya and Yoshino Mikumari Shrine. Get outdoors at Mt. Yoshino and Mt. Omine. Explore Koya-cho's surroundings by going to Dorogawa Shizen Kenkyuro (in Tenkawa-mura) and Yoshimizu Shrine (in Yoshino-cho).

For more things to do, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Koya-cho tour itinerary planning site.

You can fly from Ishigaki to Koya-cho in 4 hours. Traveling from Ishigaki in April, expect Koya-cho to be little chillier, temps between 20°C and 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to fly to Tokyo.
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Historic Sites · Nature · Parks
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Find places to stay Apr 18 — 21:
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Tokyo, Japan — 6 nights

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.
Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Senso-ji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Visit Kōtoku-in and Hozomon for their historical value. Change things up with a short trip to Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura (about 1h 15 min away). The adventure continues: take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, and make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

For ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Tokyo day trip planner.

Fly from Koya-cho to Tokyo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In April in Tokyo, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 12°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Kanazawa.
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Kanazawa, Japan — 4 nights

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.
Do some cultural sightseeing at The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses and Nomura Family Samurai House. Your inner history buff will appreciate Takayama Jinya and Nagase house. Change things up with these side-trips from Kanazawa: Takayama (Sanmachi Suji, Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, &more) and Shirakawa-mura (Wada House & Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen). And it doesn't end there: stroll around Kenrokuen Garden, admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, make a trip to Omicho Market, and steep yourself in history at Ochaya Shima.

To see ratings, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa trip builder app.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Tokyo in April, plan for slightly colder nights in Kanazawa, with lows around 8°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) so you can go by car to Kyoto.
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Historic Sites · Museums · Neighborhoods · Parks
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Find places to stay Apr 27 — May 1:
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Kyoto, Japan — 7 nights

The national capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains much of the charm of old Japan, boasting numerous temples and shrines that seem completely untouched by the modern world.
Popular historic sites such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are in your itinerary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Minami (Namba) (in Namba), Dotombori District (in Dotombori) and Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple National Treasure Hall, Kofuku-ji Temple, &more). There's still lots to do: explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, wander the streets of Arashiyama, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ginkakuji Temple, and go for a walk through Philosopher's Walk.

Plan a trip to Kyoto easily and quickly by telling Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) to allow time to take a train to Hiroshima.
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Historic Sites · Neighborhoods · Shopping · Parks
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Hiroshima, Japan — 3 nights

City of Peace

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.
Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima and Miyajima. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Castle for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Hatsukaichi (Daishoin Temple & Tahoto). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, and examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

To see ratings, maps, and other tourist information, use the Hiroshima travel route planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Hiroshima takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) so you can travel to Busan.
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Historic Sites · Parks · Nature · Museums
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Busan, South Korea — 4 nights

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.
Get in touch with nature at Haeundae Beach and Yeojwacheon Stream. Visit Bulguksa Temple and Haedong Yonggungsa for their historical value. Get out of town with these interesting Busan side-trips: Gyeongsangnamdo Arboretum (in Jinju) and Gyeongju National Museum (in Gyeongju). Next up on the itinerary: head outdoors with Gwangalli Beach, stroll the grounds of UN Memorial Cemetery, take in the spiritual surroundings of Beomeosa Temple, and examine the collection at Busan Museum.

To see where to stay, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, read Busan journey maker app.

Do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Busan in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In May in Busan, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 16°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Jeju.
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Find places to stay May 11 — 15:
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Jeju, South Korea — 6 nights

Island of the Gods

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju, has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO. The World Heritage-listed volcanic island includes the country's highest peak, sets of impressive lava tubes and columns, and several crater lakes.
Do some cultural sightseeing at Gwaneumsa Temple and Jeju National Museum. Step out of the city life by going to Manjanggul Cave and Hamdeok Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Jeju: Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong & Cheonjiyeon Falls). Spend the 18th (Thu) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. And it doesn't end there: step off the mainland to explore Udo, get impressive views of Geumak Oreum Volcanic Cone, explore the world behind art at Jeju Folk Museum, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Bulsari Tapsa Temple.

For more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Jeju day trip site.

Traveling by flight from Busan to Jeju takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Sokcho.
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Find places to stay May 15 — 21:
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Sokcho, South Korea — 2 nights

Tourism in Sokcho mostly revolves around the local national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Start off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Naksansa Temple, admire the sheer force of Biryong Falls, then hike along Ulsanbawi Rock, and finally take in the natural beauty of Cheoksan Foot Spa Park. On the 23rd (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Seoraksan National Park.

To find out how to plan a trip to Sokcho, use our trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Jeju to Sokcho takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, train, and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) to allow time to drive to Seoul.
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Seoul, South Korea — 6 nights

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
Step out of the city life by going to Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seokchon Lake. Get some cultural insight at Gyeongbokgung Palace and DMZ Haemaru Village. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Seoul: Suwon (Hwaseong Haenggung Palace & Hwaseong Fortress). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Changdeokgung Palace, brush up on your military savvy at The War Memorial of Korea, get great views at N Seoul Tower, and take a stroll through Insadong.

To find other places to visit, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Seoul day trip planner.

You can drive from Sokcho to Seoul in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Seoul are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.
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Japan travel guide

4.3
Land of the Rising Sun
Part of a volcanic archipelago that encompasses over 6,800 islands, Japan remains one of Asia's most fascinating tourist destinations, where a blend of modernity and tradition creates a look and feel completely different from any other place in the world. A tour of Japan lets you discover big cities filled with ancient temples and innovative skyscrapers, as well as quiet country landscapes dotted with castles, perfectly manicured gardens, cherry orchards, and primeval forests seemingly untouched by the hand of mass tourism. Many tourists on vacation in Japan devote lots of time to the country's unique cuisine, prepared with painstaking attention to detail and a genius for simple yet effective presentation.
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South Korea travel guide

4.2
Land of the Morning Calm
Though it boasts a history spanning thousands of years, South Korea ranks among the world's most urbanized and modernized countries, with nearly half of its population living in high-rises concentrated in the national capital. In this land of pristine mountain scenery, many South Korea vacations involve some form of winter sports--not surprising for the country that won the bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Curious travelers wishing to get to know South Korea's heart and soul spend only a small part of their holiday in big cities like Busan and Seoul, devoting much of their attention to the tranquil countryside that seems largely untouched by the 21st century.
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