Self-Launched Seoul to Tokyo: Korea & Japan Highlights
15 days · South Korea & Japan
G Adventures charges £5,200
No-markup version: ~£1,075 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Experience the best of South Korea and Japan independently — from Seoul's buzzing streets and Jeonju's ancient hanok villages to Jeju's volcanic coastlines, Kyoto's torii gates, a ryokan night under Mount Fuji, and Tokyo's electric energy. This self-launched version follows the same route as G Adventures' classic group tour, swapping guided group travel for local trains, budget guesthouses, and self-bookable experiences at a fraction of the price.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea
Arrive at Incheon International Airport and make your way into the city via the AREX express train (~£7, 43 mins to Seoul Station). Check into a guesthouse in the Hongdae or Myeongdong area — both great bases with buzzing nightlife and street food. Spend the evening exploring Myeongdong's street food stalls or Hongdae's indie bars. No formal meeting needed — you're the CEO of your own trip!
🚌AREX express train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station (~£7)
🛏Kimchee Guesthouse Hongdae or similar hostel/guesthouse (~£18-22/night)
- →Arrive via AREX express train from Incheon (~£7)
- →Explore Myeongdong street food market
- →Walk through Hongdae neighbourhood
Seoul to Jeonju by Train
Jeonju, South Korea
Spend the morning exploring Seoul — visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (£3 entry) or wander Bukchon Hanok Village for free. In the afternoon, take a KTX bullet train from Seoul to Jeonju (~£20-25, 1.5 hrs). Check into a hanok guesthouse inside the Jeonju Hanok Village for an authentic experience. In the evening, treat yourself to a Hanjeongsik multi-course traditional dinner at a local restaurant (~£15-20).
🚌KTX train Seoul to Jeonju (~£22)
🛏Hanok guesthouse in Jeonju Hanok Village (~£20-28/night)
- →Gyeongbokgung Palace visit (~£3)
- →Bukchon Hanok Village walk (free)
- →KTX train to Jeonju
- →Hanjeongsik traditional Korean dinner
Jeonju to Damyang Bamboo Forest to Yeosu
Yeosu, South Korea
Take a morning bus from Jeonju to Damyang (~£4, 1 hr) to explore the stunning Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entry ~£3). Then take a local bus to Boseong Green Tea Fields (~£5) for a wander through the famous terraced plantations. In the late afternoon, continue by intercity bus to Yeosu (~£8-10). Check into a guesthouse near the waterfront and explore the night market.
🚌Intercity buses: Jeonju–Damyang (~£4), Damyang–Boseong (~£5), Boseong–Yeosu (~£9)
🛏Guesthouse or budget hotel in Yeosu (~£18-25/night)
- →Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, Damyang (~£3 entry)
- →Boseong Green Tea Fields walk (~£3 entry)
- →Yeosu waterfront evening walk
Yeosu Highlights
Yeosu, South Korea
Spend a full day discovering Yeosu's best. Ride the Yeosu Cable Car for sweeping views over Odongdo Island (~£9 return). Visit Odongdo Island itself via the breakwater walkway (free). Head to Yeosu Art Land for its impressive sculptures and interactive installations (~£8 entry). In the afternoon, relax at the harbour and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner. Book your Jeju flight for tomorrow morning.
🚌Local walking and taxis (~£5)
🛏Guesthouse or budget hotel in Yeosu (~£18-25/night)
- →Yeosu Cable Car (~£9 return)
- →Odongdo Island breakwater walk (free)
- →Yeosu Art Land (~£8 entry)
- →Harbour seafood dinner
Fly to Jeju – Sunrise Peak & Haenyeo Divers
Jeju, South Korea
Take a budget domestic flight from Yeosu to Jeju (~£35-50, booked in advance via Air Busan or Jeju Air). After arriving, rent a scooter or hire a local bus pass (~£5/day bus pass) to explore. Hike Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) — a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater with panoramic ocean views (~£2 entry). Afterwards, head to the Haenyeo (women divers) performance area near Seongsan to witness their incredible breath-hold diving traditions (free to observe, small tips welcome). End the day at Seongeup Folk Village (free entry).
🚌Domestic flight + Jeju public bus pass (~£5)
🛏Guesthouse in Jeju City or near Seongsan (~£18-25/night)
- →Domestic flight Yeosu to Jeju (~£40)
- →Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) hike (~£2)
- →Haenyeo women divers experience (free)
- →Seongeup Folk Village (free)
Jeju's Natural Wonders
Jeju, South Korea
A full day exploring Jeju's dramatic natural landscape. Start at Hallim Park, a vast botanical garden with themed gardens, lava tube caves, and a folk village (~£10 entry). Head to Yongmeori Coast for its spectacular layered rock formations (free). Hike the short but rewarding trail up to Sanbang Temple on Mt. Sanbang (~free). In the afternoon, walk to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, one of Jeju's most beautiful cascades (~£2 entry). Stop at a local restaurant for Jeju black pork BBQ for dinner (~£12-15).
🚌Jeju public bus (~£5)
🛏Guesthouse in Jeju (~£18-25/night)
- →Hallim Park botanical garden & lava caves (~£10)
- →Yongmeori Coast walk (free)
- →Mt. Sanbang coastal hike & temple (free)
- →Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls (~£2)
Jeju to Osaka via Ferry or Flight
Osaka, Japan
Travel from Jeju to Japan. The most budget-friendly option is a ferry from Jeju to Osaka via Shimonoseki (book ahead, ~£60-80) or a direct budget flight via Peach Aviation or Jeju Air (~£50-80). Arrive in Osaka and check into a hostel in the Namba or Shinsaibashi area. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant Dotonbori street food strip — try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
🚌Budget flight or ferry Jeju to Osaka (~£65 avg)
🛏Hostel in Namba/Shinsaibashi, Osaka (~£18-25/night)
- →Travel from Jeju to Osaka (ferry or budget flight)
- →Dotonbori street food walk
- →Explore Namba neighbourhood
Osaka to Hiroshima & Miyajima
Hiroshima / Miyajima, Japan
Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima (~£50, 1.5 hrs — covered by JR Pass if purchased). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum (£1.50 entry) — a profound and moving experience. Then take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island (~£3 return) to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (~£3 entry). Wander the island's deer-filled streets and hike up Mt. Misen for views. Return to Hiroshima or Osaka for the night.
🚌Shinkansen Osaka–Hiroshima (~£50, or included in JR Pass)
🛏Hostel in Hiroshima (~£18-22/night)
- →Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum (~£1.50)
- →JR Ferry to Miyajima Island (~£3)
- →Itsukushima Shrine & floating torii gate (~£3)
- →Mt. Misen hike (optional, free)
Hiroshima to Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kyoto (~£45, 1 hr). Spend the afternoon exploring Kyoto's golden highlights: stroll through the vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine (free, all day/night access). Wander the atmospheric Gion district in the evening and keep an eye out for geisha. Check into a hostel or budget ryokan in central Kyoto.
🚌Shinkansen Hiroshima–Kyoto (~£45, or JR Pass)
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Kyoto (~£20-28/night)
- →Shinkansen Hiroshima to Kyoto (~£45)
- →Fushimi Inari Shrine torii gate walk (free)
- →Gion district evening stroll (free)
Kyoto Temple & Garden Day
Kyoto, Japan
A full day deep in Kyoto's cultural heart. Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion, ~£3), then walk to Ryoan-ji for its famous Zen rock garden (~£4). Take a bus to the Arashiyama bamboo grove (free) and Tenryu-ji garden (~£7). In the afternoon, explore Nishiki Market — Kyoto's 'Kitchen' — for food stalls and local snacks. End with a traditional Japanese dinner at a local izakaya.
🚌Kyoto city bus day pass (~£5)
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Kyoto (~£20-28/night)
- →Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion (~£3)
- →Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden (~£4)
- →Arashiyama bamboo grove (free)
- →Tenryu-ji garden (~£7)
- →Nishiki Market food stall walk (free)
Kyoto to Hakone – Ryokan Night
Hakone, Japan
Travel from Kyoto to Hakone via Shinkansen to Odawara, then Hakone Tozan train (~£55 total, or JR Pass + Hakone Pass ~£35). Book a budget ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for tonight — an unmissable experience with tatami rooms, yukata robes, communal onsen hot spring baths, and a multi-course kaiseki dinner included (~£80-120/night including dinner and breakfast). This is the splurge night — and worth every penny.
🚌Shinkansen Kyoto–Odawara + Hakone Tozan train (~£55)
🛏Budget ryokan in Hakone with onsen (~£90-110/night incl. dinner & breakfast)
- →Hakone Open Air Museum (~£14)
- →Onsen soak at ryokan
- →Views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting, free)
Hakone – Mt. Fuji Views & Onward to Tokyo
Hakone / Tokyo, Japan
Wake up early for the best chance of clear Mt. Fuji views from your ryokan. Take the Hakone Ropeway over volcanic valleys and across Lake Ashi for incredible scenery (~included in Hakone Pass, or ~£12). In the afternoon, take the Romancecar or local train from Hakone to Tokyo (~£20-25). Check into a hostel in Shinjuku or Asakusa. Spend the evening exploring Shinjuku's dazzling neon streets.
🚌Hakone Ropeway (~£12) + Romancecar/train Hakone–Tokyo (~£22)
🛏Hostel in Shinjuku or Asakusa, Tokyo (~£20-28/night)
- →Mt. Fuji viewpoints (free)
- →Hakone Ropeway & Lake Ashi (~£12)
- →Train to Tokyo
- →Shinjuku neon district evening walk
Tokyo – Asakusa, Shibuya & Harajuku
Tokyo, Japan
Start in old Tokyo — visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (free) and browse the Nakamise shopping street. Take the subway to Harajuku and walk Takeshita Street's wild fashion scene (free). Head to Meiji Shrine for calm amid forest (~free). Then hit the iconic Shibuya Crossing at rush hour — one of the world's most extraordinary urban spectacles. Grab dinner in Shibuya or Ebisu.
🚌Tokyo metro day pass (~£6)
🛏Hostel in Shinjuku or Asakusa, Tokyo (~£20-28/night)
- →Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa (free)
- →Nakamise shopping street (free)
- →Harajuku Takeshita Street (free)
- →Meiji Shrine (free)
- →Shibuya Crossing at rush hour (free)
Tokyo – Tsukiji, Akihabara & Odaiba
Tokyo, Japan
Morning at Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi breakfast and street food. Head to Akihabara for Tokyo's famous electronics and anime district (free to wander). Grab ramen at a local shop for lunch (~£8). In the afternoon, take the Yurikamome monorail to Odaiba for Tokyo Bay views and teamLab Borderless digital art museum (book in advance, ~£25). End with a final group dinner at a local izakaya to celebrate your adventure.
🚌Tokyo metro + Yurikamome monorail (~£8)
🛏Hostel in Shinjuku or Asakusa, Tokyo (~£20-28/night)
- →Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast (~£8)
- →Akihabara electronics & anime district (free)
- →teamLab Borderless digital art (~£25, book ahead)
- →Odaiba waterfront & Tokyo Bay views (free)
Departure from Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Your final morning in Tokyo. Grab a convenience store breakfast (7-Eleven or FamilyMart — a genuine Japanese institution, ~£3) and explore any last spots on your list. Take the Narita Express (N'EX) or Limousine Bus to Narita or Haneda airport (~£12-17). Safe travels!
🚌Narita Express (N'EX) to Narita Airport (~£15) or Limousine Bus to Haneda (~£12)
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Final Tokyo exploration
- →Convenience store breakfast experience (~£3)
- →Narita Express or Limousine Bus to airport (~£15)
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£1,075 | £5,200 |
| Duration | 15 days | 15 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £4,125 per person (79%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£1,075
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Seoul to Tokyo: Korea & Japan Highlights cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £1,075 per person for 15 days in South Korea & Japan. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £5,200 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £1,075 — a saving of roughly £4,125 (79%) per person.
How long is the South Korea & Japan trip?+
This itinerary runs 15 days, covering 15 day-by-day stops through South Korea & Japan.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, city-breaks, foodie trip through South Korea & Japan, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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