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From historic streets, eccentric pop scenes, exciting arcades, and buzzing fish markets, Japan and South Korea are two of the most unique countries on Earth. Visit some of the most epic places these two countries have to offer on an unforgettable adventure through Seoul, Hanok villages, Jeju island, Tokyo and Kyoto.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure.
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizer/antibacterial wipes, and a full supply of any personal medications. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor's prescription and ensure your medication is legal in Japan. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our CEOs (tour leaders) are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your tour, carefully read the itinerary and note the physical demand rating and assess your ability to cope with the demands of the tour and travel style.
G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a tour without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or other holy sites.
18
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Train, plane, private vehicle, walking.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Max 18, avg 15
It's essential to pack as lightly as possible for rail travel in Japan. All G Adventures tours use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size.
Any luggage brought on board must be less than 160cm in total (calculated as the sum of the height + width + depth of your luggage). This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day (for daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.).
Please note that travellers who bring luggage that exceeds this restriction will be directly penalized by the Central Japan Railway Company. Any luggage between 160-250cm will require a fee of 1,000 JPY per luggage, for each leg of your train journey, and is strictly subject to availability. Any luggage over 251cm in total is prohibited on the Shinkansen trains.
If you absolutely must bring more than what fits into a single carry-on bag plus day pack, you may bring a second carry-on bag which also must be less than 160cm in total. Please note, however, that as with all G Adventures tours, you must be able to carry your luggage unassisted.
You will also be walking with your luggage in busy public train stations to catch connecting trains, so it is highly recommended that you travel light, have easy to handle luggage, and are capable of walking up and down the stairs with your luggage without any assistance. A large bag will be an inconvenience to you and slow you down!
We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg (22-30 lbs). Large suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips. We suggest travellers bring a rucksack or rolling bag of small to medium size. You will also need a day-pack to carry daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.
Luggage Transfer - Japan's "takuhaibin" service is a convenient and reliable way to transfer luggage from one location to another throughout the country. Pick-up/drop-off/delivery dates and times can be easily scheduled (usually overnight) and costs are moderate. Service can be arranged at most hotels and airports. Using takuhaibin to send your luggage between hotels, or from hotel to airport, is a great way to travel light and avoid hauling large bags on crowded trains or up and down stairs - just be sure to pack an overnight bag with everything you'll need until you're reunited with your luggage the following day.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Local Living Moment: Hanok Village Stay, Jeonju
Your Foodie Moment: Tongyeong Seafood Market, Tongyeong-si
Your Big Night Out Moment: - Jeju, Jeju-si
Your Discover Moment: Free time in Jeju Island, Jeju-si
Your Big Night Out Moment: - Kyoto, Kyoto
Your Discover Moment: Kyoto. Delicious KFC dinner (Korean Fried Chicken!). Visit HiKR Ground. Walk through Ikseon-Dong Alley and Gwangjang market. Free time in Seoul. Traditional Hanok Village stay. Visit to Gamcheon village. Tongyeong Cable Car ride. Visit to Tasting at Tongyeong Seafood market. Evening visit to Dongmun market. Short hike to Seongsan Sunrise Peak. Guided tour of Seongeup Folk Village. Watch the Haenyeo Women Divers. Visit to Hamdeok Beach. Free time in Jeju.Orientation walks in Tokyo and Takayama. Overnight stay in a traditional inn. Free time in Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Hostels (12 nts, multi-share & shared facilities), traditional inn (2 nt, multi share room and shared facilities).
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
1. Combo Trip
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
2. Rail Pass
This tour doesn't include a Japan rail pass. However, our longer ‘Epic Japan' tour includes a 7-day rail pass. You'll notice members of your group booked on the longer combo tour will have a valid rail pass for a portion of your time together and that it grants them unlimited access to some forms of transport. If you're interested in exploring more of Japan with G Adventures, be sure to check out our 'Epic Japan' tour!
3. Multi-share Accommodation
18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Japan is multi-share. For more information, see About Accommodation.
4. Tattoos
Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. There is no cause for concern, but do your best to cover your tattoos when possible and note that you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs).
5. Luggage size restriction - Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels but this is very expensive. Your leader can show you self service coin laundries in larger cities. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Leaving money at restaurants, in taxis etc will simply cause confusion.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is highly appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person, per day can be used.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotel and hostel rooms are small. Additionally, some Japanese hotels do not have designating non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deodorize rooms before check-in.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see our Japan tours in our Classic Travel Style.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
1 dinner
Visit HiKR Ground in Seoul, Take in colorful Gamcheon village on a walking tour, Watch the Haenyeo of Jeju Island, Explore lively Tokyo, spend a night in a traditional Minshuku (japanese inn), travel to culturally-rich Kyoto
Seoul
- Gangnam District Visit
- N Seoul Tower Visit
- K-Pop Dance Class
- Seoul City Tour
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
- Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Visit
Jeonju-si
- Hanbok Wearing
- Jeonju Hanok Village Craft Museum
Busan
- Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Island (APEC House) Visit
- Jjimjilbang
- Skyline Luge
Jeju-si
- Yongduam Rock
- Yongyeon Cloud Bridge
- Bunker des Lumières
- Oreum Hiking
- Hike the Olle Trail
Asakusa
- Senso-ji Temple Visit (Free)
Tokyo
- Akihabara Visit (Free)
- Harajuku Visit (Free)
- Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) Visit (Free-1000JPY per person)
- Ueno Park Visit (Free)
Takayama
- Sake Street Visit (300-400JPY per person)
- Biking (200-1000JPY per person)
- Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village) Visit (700JPY per person)
Kyoto
- Zen Gardens of Ryoan-ji (500JPY per person)
- Gion Walk (Free)
- Kiyomizu Temple Visit (400JPY per person)
- Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit (600JPY per person)
- Day Trip to Nara
- Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit (500JPY per person)
Arrive at any time and welcome to South Korea's largest metropolis. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting, so spend the day exploring on your own time. In the evening, meet your group and your CEO at the welcome meeting. After, head out for an orientation walk and welcome dinner to get to know your group and the city of Seoul. After filling up on some Korean fried chicken (KFC), opt to join your CEO & new friends out on the town for your First Night Out. Maybe grab a beer or choose to test your singing voice at karaoke.
Start your day channeling your inner K Pop star at HiKR Ground. Then head to what may be the cutest street in all of Seoul, Ikseon-Dong Alley. After some shopping, instagrammable moments, and free time for lunch, explore the Gwangjang market and try some iconic Korean snacks. Then enjoy a free evening in the city.
Seoul is yours to explore today. With endless options, there's no bad way to enjoy this city. Opt to visit the DMZ, take a K Pop dance class, go on a Seoul City Tour or try your hand at some Korean delicacies at a cooking class.
In the morning, take the train to Jeonju, maybe the prettiest city in South Korea. After checking into your Hanok stay, take a CEO led tour of the town. Afterwards, take some time to explore the city on your own. Opt to wander through Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market, try your hand at Korean traditional handicraft at the Hanok Village Craft Museum or head to a local shop to try on a traditional Hanbok. This evening enjoy the comforts of traditional Korea and Korean culture at your hanok stay.
Today, travel by bus to Nampodong, the centre of the coastal city of Busan. After dropping your luggage off at the hostel, we'll head to the colorful mountainside village of Gamcheon. This unique artistic village is full of colorful houses, murals and galleries. It's the perfect place for photos, art and culture lovers. Spend the evening exploring Busan as you'd like.
Jump in a bus with your group for a day trip to Tongyeong. In this beautiful seaside town, we'll ride the cable car for an incredible view and explore the seafood market for some tasty Korean snacks. Enjoy your Foodie Moment and try things like sea squirts and oysters, Tongyeong specialties. This evening, take some free time back in Busan before flying to the beach tomorrow.
After a free morning in Busan, fly to the subtropical island of Jeju. We'll spend the next three nights in downtown Jeju City. Settle in, then join your CEO at Dongmun Market, followed by a free night out on the town. You can opt to visit Dongmun Market at night, too, and witness the vibrant food stalls under the stars. Try some delicious black pork and wash it down with Jeju's famous orange juice. Five stars if you can find the dancing lobster stall!
Spend today getting a special inside look at the cultural side of Jeju. Start today with a tour of Seongeup Folk Village and learn about life of the people of old Jeju. Then we'll hike up the volcanic pathways to the top of Seongsan Sunrise Peak, an easy but rewarding hike. In the afternoon, we'll have the chance to witness the incredible haenyeo, women divers of Jeju. Watch these women, some even their 80's, dive to collect seafood and hold their breath for minutes at a time. Tonight, hit the town with your CEO and group for a Big Night Out! Enjoy a beer on us! Karaoke, anyone?
On this last day in paradise, explore the island how you wish. Opt to visit the galleries of Bunker de Lumieres, race carts at 9.81 Park or relax on one of the many beaches. Our favorites are Geumneung Beach and Hyeopjae Beach. You can also opt to hike a portion of the Olle trail. Ask your CEO about getting to and from some of the best sections of this amazing trek.
Say your final goodbyes to Jeju and South Korea before your flight to Tokyo. Spend the day exploring Tokyo on your own terms before meeting your group in the evening for a welcome meeting. Then, after the meeting head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out in Japan. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.
Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.
Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town-lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)-on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.
Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. Then tonight, grab a drink on our tab during your Big Night Out. After a beer, you can opt to release your inner rock star during a karaoke session. Or visit one of Kyoto's many famous izakayas! Kanpai!
Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this iconic city.
For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), please find the public transit options below (please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours)
1) By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited express "Haruka" Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30.
2) By bus - departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10.
Timetable Reference: http://www.hyperdia.com
Details
Prices from: €2799.00
Duration: 15 Days
Trip Type: Small Group
Merchandising: New Trips
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level: Basic
Prices from: €2799.00
15 day 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour
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