16 day Cherry Blossom Impressions of South Korea and Japan (Womens Only)

Day 1 - DEPART HOME / SINGAPORE / SEOUL

We hope you are packed and ready because just after midnight, you depart from your home airport bound for Seoul (South Korea). There will be a short transit in Singapore airport before we reboard our flight. Upon arrival into Seoul, it will be straight to our hotel for check in and then our first dinner together.

Please note you will need to arrive to airport the evening before (21 March 2027) to check into your flight)

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - As per fight / Dinner

Day 2 - SEOUL: COOKING & MARKET 

Today we roll up our sleeves for a hands-on Korean cooking class, learning the art of assorted banchan (side dishes) -making before sitting down to the traditional meal we've prepared together. Afterwards, we wander through the stalls of Gwangjang Market with our guide. In the afternoon, enjoy a bit shopping in Myeongdong and then an afternoon visit to a jjimjilbang (Traditional Korean Bath House) for relaxation followed by dinner.

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3 - SEOUL: PALACES & HANBOK DRESS UP

This morning, enjoy a city tour beginning at Gyeongbokgung Palace, timed to catch the ceremonial Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony. We then slip into hanbok, Korea's elegant traditional dress, for a photo walk through the hanok-lined lanes of Bukchon. In the afternoon, we wander Insadong's tea houses and craft stores, browsing hanji paper art and hand-thrown celadon pottery.

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 4 - SEOUL: KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE DAY TRIP 

Journey to Suwon for an immersive exploration of the Korean Folk Village, wandering among master artisans practicing traditional arts such as weaving, pottery, and papermaking. Delight in a lively nongak performance of traditional farmers' music and dance before making your way back to Seoul by nightfall.

Accommodation - Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Yongsan or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 5 - SEOUL/GYEONGJU/BUSAN

This morning, board the KTX bullet train to Gyeongju, a treasure trove of Silla-dynasty history and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the magnificent Bulguksa Temple and the serene Seokguram Grotto before continuing your journey to Busan by coach.

Note on luggage: Your large suitcases will be sent ahead via a same-day courier service, allowing you to travel comfortably with just a lightweight day bag for today's activities.

Accommodation - AVANI Central Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 6 - BUSAN: CULTURE, COAST & CRAFT  

Discover a vibrant side of Busan today as we wind through the colourful hillside alleys and artisan craft studios of Gamcheon Culture Village. Visit the breathtaking Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, uniquely perched right over the ocean, before soaking in the lively atmosphere at Jagalchi Fish Market. This afternoon, unwind and relax at Spa Land, Busan's premier jjimjilbang and luxury spa complex.

Accommodation - AVANI Central Hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 7 - BUSAN/OSAKA/KYOTO

Early this morning, we board a flight bound for Japan!
Arrive in Osaka this morning and meet your local guide before boarding a private coach to Kyoto, your home for the next few days. This evening, immerse yourselves in the historic charm of Gion with a guided walking tour, followed by time to browse local shops and enjoy dinner together.

Accommodation - Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 8 - KYOTO: TEMPLES, TEA CEREMONY & MAIKO DANCE

We begin among the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine before visiting the shimmering Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Golden Pavilion. In the afternoon, a tea master guides us through an authentic Japanese tea ceremony hosted at a traditional teahouse equipped with comfortable table and chair seating. This evening, we enjoy a captivating performance at Gion Corner, where maiko—Kyoto's apprentice geisha—showcase traditional dance alongside other classical Japanese arts.

Accommodation - Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 9 - KYOTO: COOKING, NISHIKI MARKET & KIMONO

This morning features a hands-on cooking class focusing on authentic Kyoto home-style dishes, followed by a vibrant stroll through Nishiki Market, affectionately known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." In the afternoon, dress in a traditional kimono for a scenic photo walk through the towering stalks of the Arashiyama bamboo grove—one of Japan's most iconic and photographed landscapes.

Accommodation - Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 10 - KYOTO - NARA AND UJI DAY TRIP

A short journey today brings us to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, where we visit the towering wooden halls of Tōdai-ji Temple and wander among the famous free-roaming deer inhabiting the surrounding park. Afterwards, we continue to Uji, Japan's celebrated matcha capital, for time to explore before returning to Kyoto for a final, relaxed evening.

Accommodation - Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 11 - KYOTO/KAWAGUCHIKO

This morning, swap the coach for Japan's legendary Shinkansen bullet train, the smoothest and fastest route from Kyoto to the Hakone area via Odawara. Your main luggage travels separately by a dedicated coach, waiting for you at your ryokan upon arrival, so you only need to carry a light day bag for the journey. Tonight, check into an authentic ryokan to unwind with a rejuvenating onsen experience followed by a multi-course kaiseki dinner.

Accommodation - Kawaguchiko Hotel Koryu or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 12 - KAWAGUCHIKO/HAKONE AREA/KAWAGUCHIKO

After a relaxing morning, enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi and visit Hakone Shrine, famed for its iconic torii gate rising right out of the water. Afterwards, explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculpture-dotted grounds offer an easy, leisurely stroll. On our return journey, we stop for a hands-on Yosegi-zaiku workshop to try Hakone's centuries-old wood marquetry craft, assembling a custom keepsake box or coaster from intricate inlaid wood patterns before heading back to Kawaguchiko in the afternoon.

Accommodation - Kawaguchiko Hotel Koryu or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 13 - KAWAGUCHIKO/TOKYO

Our coach brings us to Tokyo this morning via a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive along the expressway. In the afternoon, we begin with some free time to enjoy upscale shopping in Ginza before visiting Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa—Tokyo's oldest temple—where you can browse traditional craft stalls and unique souvenirs along the vibrant, covered Nakamise-dori arcade.

Accommodation - Tokyo Dome hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 14 - TOKYO: GARDEN WELLNESS, CRAFT & SHOPPING

We begin at Hamarikyu Gardens, strolling the tranquil seaside grounds before pausing for matcha and traditional sweets at Nakajima-no-ochaya, the garden's floating teahouse. From there, we make our way to Ueno Park—one of Tokyo's most celebrated cherry blossom spots—for a gentle walk beneath the blossom-lined avenues of Sakura-dori, subject to seasonal timing. In the afternoon, try your hand at the traditional art of ikebana during a flower-arranging lesson. We conclude the evening in Shinjuku for exploration and dinner.

Accommodation - Tokyo Dome hotel or similar

Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 15 - TOKYO/SINGAPORE

Today we bid farewell to the land of the rising sun as we begin our onward journey home.

Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 16 - SINGAPORE/HOME

Your onward flight home departs just after midnight, allowing you to arrive back home later that same day. We hope you loved sharing this unique experience with us on board our very first Women's-only Japan and South Korea itinerary!

Meals - As per flight