14-Day Japan & South Korea Family Highlights Tour

Experience Japan and South Korea on this 14-day family vacation. Explore Tokyo's traditional gardens and ACG districts, immerse yourselves in Kyoto's kimono and matcha culture, reflect at Hiroshima's poignant memorial, visit Seoul's palace, relax on Busan's beaches and enjoy its culinary scene. This journey offers a rich mix of culture, history, and natural beauty for lasting family memories.

Our dedicated travel advisors are ready to work together with you to create a customized itinerary perfect for you.

• Days:14±
• Best For:Families with teens
• Departure date:Up to you
• Sample Price:from US$4,828 each (2 per room)*
• Flights: East Asia included (international on request)

*The price is based on a private tour for 3 adults with 1 child during the low tourist season: Nov. - Feb.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Best Asia Tour Operator - Best of Japan tour I booked a nine-day Best of Japan tour. Kaya Han is my personal trip planner. She has been incredible to work with. She is extremely responsive and has helped curate my family's ideal vacation. More Elizabeth, Mar 2025

Winter Wonderland in Japan I have used Monica MANY times to arrange my international trips. She always exceeds my expectations with great suggestions, incredible hotels and buffets, fantastic drivers, and great photographic experiences (as per my request). This latest trip was an unforgettable Winter Wonderland experience in Japan. I have nothing but positive experiences and things to say about Asia Highlights. Thank you so much More Trent, Feb 2025

Planning a Trip to Japan We selected Asia Highlights, largely for the support, insights, and responsiveness of our agent, Alisa. She was able to pull together an amazing criteria that met all of our requirements (which changed several times throughout the process) More Stephen Gold, Feb 2025

Get ready for an amazing family trip to Japan and South Korea with your teens! I'm here 24/7 to help you plan the perfect East Asian getaway.

• Alisa Liu
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 8,000+ clients

Tour Map

Tour Highlights

Master the authentic art of whisking matcha into a frothy delight.

Gain hands-on cooking experience and learn Korean culinary secrets.

Feed the wild deer at Nara Park and share in the idyllic scenery.

Dress in a traditional kimono and embrace Kyoto's traditions.

Experience the contrast of old and new Tokyo.

Learn the value of peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Zoom across Japan on the Shinkansen and experience Korea's KTX for a thrilling East Asian adventure.

Encounter your favorite ACG characters in Pokemon Center.

Let Haeundae's sands cradle your feet, and the cool water refreshes you.

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your dream vacation starts here. Let's create a truly personalized itinerary, perfect just for you.

Day 1

Tokyo Arrival

• Welcome to fascinating Japan!
• Upon your arrival at Tokyo airport, our guide will greet you and ensure a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Tokyo Downtown

Day 2

Tokyo | Tokyo Highlights

• Meet your guide at the hotel for a full-day Tokyo highlights tour.
• Seek solace in Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a sprawling oasis of manicured lawns, serene ponds, and picturesque bridges.
• Delve into the tranquil oasis of Meiji Jingu Shrine, a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, and admire its traditional architecture.
• Explore the enchanting Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most revered temple, and wander through the vibrant Nakamise-dori shopping street.
• Ascend to the dizzying heights of Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape.

Sensoji Buddhist Temple

Day 3

Tokyo | ACG Unleashed

• Discover the MORI Building Digital Art Museum, home to the immersive teamLab Borderless. Explore interactive installations, and mesmerizing projections, and unleash your creativity.
• Experience the sheer energy of Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, as countless pedestrians cross in a mesmerizing display of urban life.
• Enter Gundam Base Tokyo, a paradise for Gundam fans of all ages, and discover a world of towering robots and mecha marvels.
• Find something for every Pokemon fan at the Pokemon Center, with a wide array of merchandise ranging from plush toys and trading cards to apparel and accessories.
• Enjoy delicious anime-inspired food and drinks at a themed anime café(own expanse), and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.

Have Fun in TeamLab Borderless!

Day 4

Tokyo - Kyoto | A Change of Scenery

• Enjoy some free time to explore Tokyo one last time before independently heading to the train station for the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
• Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, please make your way to the hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine.

Kyoto's Geisha District - Gion

Day 5

Kyoto | A Taste of Kyoto

• Meet your guide and engage with the splendor of Kinkaku-ji Temple, an icon of Kyoto covered in glistening gold leaf, reflecting elegantly on the surface of the surrounding pond.
• Explore the historic Nijo Castle, famous for its ornate interiors and "nightingale floors" designed to chirp underfoot, warning guards of intruders.
• Indulge in a variety of local gastronomy at Nishiki Market, where you can sample Kyoto's speciality foods and shop for traditional Japanese ingredients.
• Immerse yourself in a local custom with a kimono-wearing experience, feeling the regal weight of this traditional Japanese garment.
• Stroll through history-filled Gion, known as Kyoto's geisha district, which is filled with wooden machiya merchant houses.
• Conclude your day with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple), a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site offering serene views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Day 6

Kyoto | Meet Nara

• Start your day with a matcha-making experience in Uji. Learn about the traditional process and craft your own frothy matcha.
• Head to Nara, and explore the impressive Todai-ji, home to one of the world's largest bronze statues of Buddha.
• Enjoy some leisurely time at Nara Park where over a thousand tame deer roam freely —these honored creatures are considered "messengers of gods".
• After a fulfilling day in Nara, return to Kyoto and visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading to the scenic mountaintop.

A Deer in Nara Park

Day 7

Kyoto - Hiroshima | Ancient to Reborn

• Enjoy free time until it's time to make your way to the train station for the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
• Once you get to Hiroshima Station, head to your hotel and then you're free to check out the city.

The Itsukushima Shrine

Day 8

Hiroshima | Legacy and Rebirth

• Meet your local guide and enjoy a one-day Hiroshima Excursion.
• Experience the tranquility of Shukkeien Garden, known for its meticulously created miniature landscapes inspired by scenery around Japan.
• Marvel at the striking sight of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its seeming ability to float on water during high tide.
• Reflect on history and the pursuit of peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a memorial to the atomic bomb victims and a symbol of endurance after devastation.

Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

Day 9

Hiroshima - Seoul | South Korea Awaits

• Enjoy a seamless private transfer from your hotel to Hiroshima Airport for your flight to Seoul.
• Upon your arrival at Seoul airport, our driver will greet you and ensure a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Seoul's Bright Night

Day 10

Seoul | Meet the True Soul

• Meet your driver and guide for a one-day exploration of Seoul.
• Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's royal palaces.
• Witness the 20-minute Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate and experience the grandeur of Joseon Dynasty court traditions.
• Delve into the heart of Korean culture at the National Folk Museum and explore traditional agricultural practices.
• Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a vibrant showcase of Korea's cultural heritage featuring beautifully preserved traditional houses (hanok).
• Explore the perfect blend of old and new at Insadong. Walk through its charming alleys filled with art galleries, handicraft shops, traditional tea houses, and street food vendors.
• Our day will conclude at Gwangjang Market, a bustling marketplace in Seoul offering a delightful blend of traditional culture and mouthwatering street food.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Day 11

Seoul - Busan | Journey Through the Heart of Korea

• Make the most of your free time to explore Seoul one last time before your driver transfers you to the train station for the KTX train to Busan.
• Upon arriving at Busan train station, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
• Embrace the rest of the day for independent exploration and have a first taste of Busan at your own pace.

KTX Train

Day 12

Busan | Master Korean Recipes

• Meet your driver and enjoy a transfer to meet your experienced chef for a 4-hour cooking class.
• Explore a vibrant traditional market with your chef, learning how locals source fresh ingredients and prepare daily meals.
• Head to the kitchen and delve into the art of Korean cooking, focusing on local dishes.
• Cook 4 dishes alongside your chef, learning essential techniques and enjoying the process.
• Savor the delicious fruits of your labor with a delightful meal before returning to your hotel.

Korean Cooking Class

Day 13

Busan | Unwind by the Sea

• Relax and rejuvenate on a beach, as you dip into the turquoise waters and feel the warm sand beneath your toes.

Haeundae Beach

Day 14

Busan | Departure

• Enjoy free time to explore the lovely city one last time before your driver transfers you to Busan airport for your flight home.

Busan Tower

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences, and we'll find the perfect one.

Daiwa Roynet Tokyo

Kyoto Century Hotel

Prince Hiroshima

L7 Myeongdong Lotte

L7 Haeundae Lotte