Japan With Korea

COCHIN – SINGAPORE

• You will assemble at Cochin International Airport and meet your Malayalee Tour Manager from Santamonica Tours and Travels.
• After the emigration process, you will board your flight to Singapore.

Meal: Flight meal

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SINGAPORE - SEOUL

• You will arrive in Singapore, and board your connection flight to Seoul
• Arrive Seoul  Incheon International Airport
• After immigration, you will transfer to hotel and check-in.
• Then you will proceed for your dinner and transfer back to hotel
• Overnight stay at hotel

Meal: Flight meal| Dinner

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SEOUL CITY TOUR

• After Breakfast, you will proceed for  Seoul city tour; Seoul is the most fantastic destination, offering everything from incredible food, fascinating ancient culture, modern art, fashion and technology, Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a huge metropolis where modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways and pop culture meet Buddhist temples, palaces and street markets.
• During the city tour will pass by the Blue House which formerly served as the presidential Residence
• You will see Cheonggyecheon Stream, which is a combination of a manmade waterway and a natural stream that transports all of the water from Seoul. It runs eastward until it merges with the Jungnangcheon Stream, then turns into the Hangang River. Also, it stands for peace, harmony, gathering and unity.
• Then you will pass by Gwanghwamun Plaza. Gwanghwamun is one of the coolest, most historic, artistic, and beautiful parts of Seoul. It's where you'll find the epic statues of King Sejong and General Yi Sun-sin, as well as the Sejong Center and the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Next, you will visit Jogyesa Temple. As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. Dharma Hall in the Jogyesa Temple serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long.
• Later you will proceed to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the five grand royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built-in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of the newly appointed capital of Seoul. And also it served as the seat of government and home of the royal family.
• Then you may enjoy “ The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony”  (subject to availability)
• After lunch, you will explore Korean Folk village where you will experience the culture of the late Joseon Dynasty and street performances which show Korean traditional beauty and humour. South Korea's first outdoor museum was built as the Korean Folk Village. In association to Korea's fast industrialization and westernization in the 1960s, the Korean Folk Village was built as a means of preserving traditional Korean culture and customs, including traditional Korean food, clothes, and architecture. The structures in the village have been either renovated or moved from other Korean regions.
• After dinner transfer back to hotel
• Overnight stay at hotel 

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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SEOUL DMZ TOUR

• The day begins with breakfast.
• Then you will proceed for a full-day DMZ  Tour (Demilitarized Zone between North & South Korea) 

Demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a region on the Korean peninsula that demarcates North Korea from South Korea. It was established to serve as a buffer zone between the countries of North Korea and South Korea under the provisions of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, an agreement between North Korea, China, and the United Nations Command. (In case of DMZ is closed due to the local situation, you will visit Odusan Observatory)

Odusan Observatory is located in a strategically significant location in the western border region of the country, situated atop a high range at 118 meters above sea level near South Korea's northernmost tip. Views of North Korea's rivers, mountains, farming practices, transit patterns, and other features are also visible to tourists from this location.

• Later, you will visit Imjingak Park - This Park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans who lost their family when the peninsula was split up after World War II. Along with a steam train that was ruined during the war, this area is home to the Freedom Bridge, which connects North and South and was used to exchange 13,000 Prisoners in 1953. The Freedom Bridge ‘The Bridge of No Return' is a small wooden bridge that crosses the demarcation line between North and South Korea in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). When prisoners of war from the Korean War chose to return to North Korea in 1953, they were told that, once they walked over this bridge, they could never return
• Then you will proceed to The 3^rd Infiltration tunnel, it is one of four known tunnels under the border between South Korea and North Korea. The 3rd Tunnel was discovered by South Korea in 1978. It spans over 1,635m in length, 2m in width, and 2m in height and is located 52km from Seoul. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 soldiers could move through the tunnel per hour. 
• Then you will pass by Dorasan Station and Unification Village.

Dorasan Station is a railway station located on the rebuilt Gyeongui-Jungang Line, which formerly connected North and South Korea.

Unification Village is a venue used for peace talks between South Korea and North Korea.

• After lunch, you will visit N Tower.  The N Seoul Tower, which, now, symbolizes Seoul, was built at the highest point to offer a quick look at the city's most stunning sights. Serving the metropolitan region with TV and radio broadcasts, it was also Korea's first universal radio wave tower built in 1969.
• After dinner return to hotel
• Overnight stay in hotel

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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SEOUL – NAMI ISLAND

• Breakfast at hotel 
• In the morning you will proceed to “Nami Island”. Nami Island is a half-moon-shaped river island near Seoul.  It is an artificially decorated small island famous for drama shooting sites. Also featured in the famous Korean drama, “Winter Sonata” in 2002. This romantic destination is a real charmer, magic and unique, the islet of Nami declared cultural independence from Korea, calling itself the Naminara Republic.
• After lunch, you will proceed for Han River cruise. Cruising through the Han River ensures you the best way to enjoy beautiful views of the Han River and also it gives you a magical experience of sailing. 
• Return back to Seoul
• En route to Seoul, you will have your dinner.
• Overnight stay at hotel

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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SEOUL – BUSAN (KTX TRAIN)

• After breakfast, you will check out from hotel 
• Then proceed to KTX Train Station
• Board Hi-speed train to Busan, it is the second-biggest city in South Korea and home to the biggest department store in the world, the largest port in the nation (ranked fifth in the world), gorgeous mountains and beaches, spas, and delectable seafood delicacies. Particularly in the summer, visitors from all around South Korea are drawn to Busan's several distinctive beaches. Hi-speed train journey is a must-experiencing thing in Korea.
• On arrival in Busan you will proceed to Gamcheon Hillside Village The area is known for its layered streets, twisted labyrinth-like alleys, and brightly painted houses, which have been restored and enhanced in recent years to attract tourism. Built on a steep mountain-side slope, the village has been nicknamed "Korea's Santorini" and the "Machu Picchu of Busan".
• Then you will have your lunch.
• Afternoon you will visit Traditional Market of Jagalchi Fishery Market, the largest one-stop shop for fresh seafood and a wide range of marine species.
• Then you will transfer to Busan 
• Dinner
• Transfer to hotel, check-in and overnight stay

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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BUSAN - TOKYO

• After breakfast, you will check out from hotel
• Later you will proceed to Busan International Airport for your flight to Tokyo, capital of Japan and one of the most famous cities in the world. The largest sporting event in the world, the Summer Olympics, was held in Tokyo twice, in 1964 and 2021.
• You will arrive in Tokyo 
• After immigration, you will have your lunch
• Then you will have an entrance to Tokyo Sky Tree (Lower observation deck level 1). The Tokyo Sky Tree is a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Sky Tree Town in the Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters (634 can be read as "Musashi", a historic name of the Tokyo Region), it is the tallest structure in Japan and was the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. A large shopping complex with an aquarium is located at its base. Currently, Tokyo Sky Tower is regarded as the world’s tallest freestanding TV tower.
• Later you will transfer to Imperial Palace. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The Imperial Palace grounds provide a serene green space in contrast to the steel and glass of the contemporary business buildings in downtown Tokyo. The grounds are encircled by well-kept gardens and protected by broad barriers and tall walls.
• After dinner transfer to hotel
• Check in at hotel & Overnight stay 

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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TOKYO CITY TOUR

• After breakfast proceed for Tokyo city tour. 
• Tokyo, formerly (until 1868) known as Edo, is located at the head of Tokyo Bay on the Pacific coast of central Honshu. It is the focus of the vast metropolitan area often called Greater Tokyo, the largest urban and industrial agglomeration in Japan. Tokyo is known for iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Sky Tree and Shibuya Crossing. It's famous for its sakura tree-lined streets, shrines and temples, its otaku culture and wonderful cuisine, and its world-class transport system. It's a quirky city that combines millennia-old traditions with futuristic technology.
• Later you will visit the famous Asakusa Kanon temple and proceed for Nakamise shopping street. Asakusa Kannon Temple is also known as Sensoji. It is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II. It is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and is the most widely visited spiritual site in the world with over 30 million visitors annually. Adjacent to the temple is a five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shinto shrine, as well as many shops with traditional goods in the Nakamise-dori. 
• Nakamise shopping street is one of the busiest shopping streets in Japan. It is a pilgrimage road starts from Kaminarimon to the square in front of Sensoji Temple. 
• Next, you will have your lunch.
• Later you will visit Team Lab Planet Museum where you will surely experience the magic of technology and digital wonders
• Next, you will transfer to Shibuya Crossing and see Hachiko statue: Shibuya Crossing is best known for the incredible 'scramble' that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red, stopping all vehicles in every direction to allow a huge wave of pedestrians to flood into the intersection for a few moments.

Hachiko, however, was unfazed and waited about nine years for his owner every day at the same location. The dog has now spread across the country as a representation of unwavering loyalty, and the memorial statue (Hachiko Statue) in his honour acts as a fitting meeting point for city residents.

• After dinner return back to hotel
• Overnight stay

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE - OSAKA

• After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel
• Later you will proceed to Mount Fuji (2 hrs approx). Rising to 12,388 feet (3,776 metres), Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and is known for its graceful conical form. It is the country's sacred symbol, and temples and shrines are located around and on the volcano. The result of volcanic activity that began approximately 100,000 years ago. Today, Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area are popular recreational destinations for hiking, camping and relaxation.
• You may have the opportunity to experience Mt Fuji 5^th Station  (Subject to weather conditions)
• The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, often referred to as Yoshidaguchi 5th Station or Kawaguchiko 5th Station, is located roughly midway up the Yoshida Trail, which ascends Mount Fuji from the foot of the mountain to the peak. Even for visitors who are not planning to climb the mountain, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is a popular destination because of its impressive view of the Fuji Five Lakes region below from its 2300 meters above sea level. Komitake Shrine, beyond the shops, has an observation platform with unimpeded views of Lake Yamanaka and Fujiyoshida City.
• Then you will visit Oshino Village: Oshino is located in southeastern Yamanashi Prefecture, in the foothills of Mount Fuji. The village is noted for its abundant spring water from Mount Fuji.
• After lunch, you will drive to Hakone Area: Hakone is a beautiful area located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji. Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists.
• Next, you will enjoy a Cruise on Lake Ashi.   Cruise on Lake Ashi provides a beautiful view of Lake Ashi, a lake formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano’s last eruption 3,000 years ago. Today, Lake Ashi is often pictured with Mount Fuji in the background as a symbol of Hakone. You can get the greatest views of the lake and Mt. Fuji from Moto-Hakone, the Hakone Detached Palace Garden, and the observation boats that sail the lake.
• Next, you will experience the Hakone Ropeway, which is the main form of transportation in the Hakone area. Hakone is a large area with more than 7 distinct villages. Each area has a special history, culture, and activities.  
• Later, you will proceed to Owakudani Valley:Located in Tokyo's well-known Hakone area to the west lies the active volcanic valley of Owakudani. It is well-known for its black eggs and is referred to by the locals as "Jigokudani" (the Valley of Hell).
• After the sightseeing, you will transfer to Mishima, great place to hop off bullet train. 
• You will board Shinkansen Bullet train to Osaka, This bullet train journey offers riders an exceptionally unique and efficient travel experience.
• Osaka, a significant textile hub in Japan, is referred to as the "Manchester of Japan." Numerous topographical elements were crucial in the growth of Osaka's textile industry. Osaka is renowned for its stunning skyline, vibrant nightlife, and delicious street cuisine.
• After dinner transfer to hotel
• Check-in and overnight stay at hotel 

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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OSAKA – KYOTO – OSAKA

• After breakfast, you will drive to Kyoto, the place is considered as the cultural capital of Japan and is a major tourist destination located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu. It is home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Palaces and Gardens.
• Upon arrive at Kyoto, you will visit Kiyomizudera Temple, Known by many names as the "Temple of the Pure Water Spring," Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The location is well-known for its magnificent observation platform, three-story Koyasu pagoda, and the Otowa Spring's therapeutically clean waters.
• After lunch, you will proceed to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavillion. For a very particular reason, Kinkaku-ji is referred to as "the Golden Pavilion" because the upper two levels are completely coated in gold leaf. Its gleaming surface reflects light into Mirror Pond, also known as Kyoko-chi. The temple is regarded by tourists as a must-see location in the lush city and is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Then you will explore in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Japan's most famous bamboo forest. It's believed to be one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. 
• Next, you will visit Tenryuji Temple. Tenryuji as it stands today dates mainly from the Meiji Period. Tenryu-ji, ranked first historically out of the five most significant Zen temples in Kyoto, is now one of the top attractions in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for the beauty of its autumn maple leaves. 
• Later, you will visit, Togetsu-kyo Bridge a wooden bridge that spans the Katsura River in front of Arashiyama Mountain, offering incredible views. 
• Transfer to Osaka 
• Dinner and transfer to hotel
• Overnight stay at hotel 

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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OSAKA – HIROSHIMA – OSAKA (SHINKANSEN BULLET TRAIN)

• After breakfast, you will proceed to Shin-Osaka station 
• You will depart to Hiroshima on Shinkansen Bullet train (326 kms, 1 hr & 20 mts approx.) Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199mp/h). This allows you to get to wherever you need it in little time.
• Upon arrival you will start an excursion in Hiroshima, a city on Japan’s Honshu Island, which was largely destroyed by an atomic bombing during World War II. Today Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event. In the park are the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that was left standing near ground zero.
• Next, you will visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum. “Hiroshima Peace Park”, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) is the only structure left standing near the hypocenter of the first atomic bomb which exploded on 6 August 1945, and it remains in the condition right after the explosion.
• Then you will have your lunch.
• Afternoon, you will proceed to Miyajima sightseeing: Miyajima is a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.
• Then you will visit Itsukushima Shrine: The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide.
• Later you will drive back to Hiroshima
• You will take the Shinkansen Bullet train back to Shin Osaka.
• Dinner and transfer back to hotel in Osaka & overnight stay

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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OSAKA – NARA

• Breakfast in Hotel 
• Then you will proceed to visit Osaka Castle, a Japanese castle in Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period
• After that you will transfer to ‘Nara’ the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, in south-central Honshu. The city has significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century when it was Japan’s capital.  It's home to 3 of Japan's World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins
• After lunch, you will visit the famous Todai ji (Great Budha) temple. This is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples  located in the city of Nara Japan
• Later you will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine a Shinto shrine in Nara. It is the shrine of the Fujiwara family, established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine.
• Then you will experience the Japanese Tea Ceremony
• After Dinner transfer back to Hotel 

Meal: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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OSAKA – DEPARTURE

• Today you will check-out from the hotel with packed breakfast, then you will transfer to Kansai International Airport for your return flight to Kochi.
• On arrive at airport, board your flight to Singapore 
• Arrive in Singapore and board your connection flight to Kochi 
• Arrive Cochin International Airport 

Meal: Packed Breakfast | Meals on board

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