Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies
Day 1 Seoul, South Korea
Upon arrival in Seoul, you are met and transferred to your
hotel in the heart of the bustling capital.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Meals:
Day 2 SeoulBegin your exploration of this vibrant city with a visit to
Gyeongbokgung Palace. Commissioned in the 14th century,
the palace has risen from the ashes of conquest several times
throughout its storied past. Today, the palace endures as the
largest of Seoul’s five historic palaces, its compound housing
a wealth of museums, gardens and architectural wonders.
Next, browse the revealing cultural exhibits of the National
Folk Museum. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, a
collection of hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) dating back to the 14th century. After a lunch of traditional Korean
barbecue, stop at bustling Gwangjang Market, one of the
oldest and largest traditional street markets in South Korea,
and home to over 5,000 shops. This evening, join your fellow
guests for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 SeoulToday, head north to join a shared tour of the demilitarized
zone (DMZ), a hotly contested border region that has
divided the Korean Peninsula since 1953. Delve deeper
with a tour of the Third Tunnel, a highly secured, mile-long
corridor linking the two countries. At Odusan Unification
Observatory, look out across the DMZ line toward North
Korea. Then, visit Dorasan Train Station, its (as yet) unused
international customs facilities a symbol of hope for the
future reunification of north and south. Return to Seoul for
an afternoon at leisure, exploring the city on your own or
relaxing at the hotel. Later this evening, embark on a street
food tour in Seoul’s exciting Myeong-Dong neighborhood,
sampling everything from Korean egg toast to hotteok (sweet
Korean pancakes).
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 BusanBoard a high-speed train to Busan, South Korea’s second
largest city and one of the world’s busiest ports. Walk the
narrow lanes of colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, and
then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, browse the
Jagalchi Fish Market, taking in a vast array of exotic seafood,
before stopping at the United Nations Cemetery, a solemn
memorial that is the final resting place of more than 2,000
Korean War veterans. Check in to your accommodations and
settle in with a refreshing Scenic Sundowner as you look out
over the bay.
Park Hyatt Busan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 GyeongjuTravel outside Busan to Gyeongju, former capital of the Silla
Dynasty, a kingdom that ruled Korea from 668 to 935. Begin
your exploration with a visit to Bulguksa Temple, one of
Korea’s most iconic structures. Perched atop a series of stone
terraces, the temple’s 33 steps represent Buddhism’s 33 stages
to enlightenment. The temple was all but destroyed in a
16th-century conflict with Japan. Lovingly rebuilt, it endures
today as the crowning glory of Silla architecture. After lunch,
visit Tumuli-gongwon, a large park with 23 tombs of Silla
monarchs and family members. Explore further at the nearby Gyeongju National Museum and its exhibits showcasing
treasures discovered within the tombs themselves. Return to
Busan for an evening at leisure.
Park Hyatt Busan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Osaka & Kyoto, JapanFly to Osaka, Japan, where you enjoy lunch at a local
restaurant. Visit Dotonbori, the bustling heart of this foodie
capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus
dumplings to okonomiyaki, a battered and grilled concoction
of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed. Continue
on to historic, temple-filled Kyoto, and check in to your
beautiful hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 KyotoThis morning, contemplate Kyoto’s iconic Zen rock garden at
Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative moment, and discover
the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Covered
with gold leaf, the temple casts its delicate reflection in a tranquil
pond. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighborhood,
including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Dating back to the
14th century, the temple buildings themselves were destroyed
and rebuilt over the course of several conflicts, while its stunning garden has survived the centuries in its original glory. Later,
bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove,
strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through
towering bamboo shoots — considered by many a healing
experience. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 KyotoThis morning, visit a local temple where you experience the
art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality
and etiquette, which date to the time of the samurai. Continue
to the 10,000 torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. This Shinto
shrine is renowned for its visually striking tunnel comprised
of thousands of vermilion torii gates that line a network of
trails leading into the wooded forest of Mount Inari. After
lunch at a local restaurant, visit a local sake brewery to gain a
deeper appreciation of this national spirit and enjoy a tasting.
This evening, savor traditional Japanese cuisine while an
attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko
(apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and chat about life
in Kyoto.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 TokyoThis morning, transfer to Kyoto Station and Ride Like a
Local as you board a high-speed train bound for Tokyo.
Hurtling along in excess of 170 miles per hour, your route
affords a glimpse of Mount Fuji’s iconic profile. Upon
arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon,
visit colorful Asakusa Kannon Temple before continuing
to a family-owned workshop that specializes in Japanese
drum making, and try your hand at playing the taiko, on an
A&K-exclusive experience. Check in to your hotel and gather with your fellow guests for dinner at a local restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 TokyoStart your day at Tsukiji Fish Market, a bustling hub of Japanese
daily life boasting a dizzying array of seafood. Then, embark
on a culinary adventure as a local chef leads a hands-on sushi-making
class, followed by lunch, for a memorable Chef ’s Table
experience. Explore the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest
national museum in Japan and home to a vast collection of
Japanese art and antiquities. Next, visit the sacred Meiji Jingu
Shrine and stroll along the city’s famed Omotesando Street.
Tonight, enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner at your hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 TokyoAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast