21-Day Adventure in South Korea and Japan Itinerary

Begin your day with breakfast at Gwangjang Market, where you can sample traditional Korean street food. Then, visit Bukchon Hanok Village to explore traditional Korean houses and experience the charm of old Seoul.

Have lunch at Balwoo Gongyang, which offers temple cuisine that reflects Korea's Buddhist traditions. Spend your afternoon visiting Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy dinner at Jungsik, another Michelin-starred restaurant known for its contemporary Korean dishes. Conclude your day with a visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza for some late-night shopping.

Kick off your morning with coffee at Vatos Urban Tacos before heading to Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city. Take a leisurely walk around Namsan Park afterward.

For lunch, try Maple Tree House Itaewon for some mouth-watering Korean BBQ. Spend your afternoon exploring Insadong, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses.

Dine at La Yeon, located in The Shilla Hotel, offering exquisite traditional Korean cuisine with stunning views of Seoul. Wrap up your evening by visiting Myeongdong for some night shopping.

Start your day with breakfast at Korea House, where you can enjoy traditional Korean breakfast dishes while watching cultural performances. Then head to Bukhansan National Park for a morning hike amidst nature.

Have lunch at Bicena, which offers refined Korean dishes made from seasonal ingredients. Spend your afternoon visiting the serene Bongeunsa Temple located in Gangnam.

For dinner, go to Balwoo Gongyang again if you enjoyed it or try something new like Maple Tree House Itaewon. End your night by relaxing at one of Seoul's many jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) such as Dragon Hill Spa.

Begin your day with a visit to Busan Hidden Beach and Coastal Village with coffee. Enjoy the serene coastal views and the unique charm of the hidden village.

For lunch, head to Anga, known for its delicious Korean BBQ. Afterward, explore Haeundae Beach, one of Busan's most famous beaches, and take a leisurely stroll along the coastline.

Dine at The Bay 101, offering stunning views of the marina and delicious seafood. Conclude your evening with a visit to Gwangalli Beach to enjoy the night view of Gwangan Bridge.

Start your day with breakfast at Geumsubokguk, famous for its pufferfish soup. Then, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a beautiful seaside temple offering breathtaking views.

Have lunch at Haeundae Somunnan Amso Galbijip, known for its mouth-watering beef ribs. Spend your afternoon exploring Gamcheon Culture Village, an artistic hillside community with colorful murals and sculptures.

Enjoy dinner at Merciel, which offers French cuisine with a Korean twist. End your evening by visiting BIFF Square for some street food and entertainment.

Begin your morning with coffee at Mad for Garlic before heading to Jagalchi Market, Korea's largest seafood market. Experience the bustling atmosphere and sample fresh seafood.

For lunch, try Fuzzy Navel for some tasty Mexican food. Spend your afternoon on a guided tour: Busan Gyeongju Guided Day Trip to Three Kingdoms Capital, where you'll explore historical sites in Gyeongju.

Dine at Mugunghwa, located in Lotte Hotel Busan, offering traditional Korean cuisine with panoramic city views. Conclude your evening by visiting Nampo-dong for some night shopping.

Start your day with breakfast at The Bay 101 again if you enjoyed it or try something new like Geumsubokguk. Then head to Taejongdae Resort Park for scenic views and nature trails.

Have lunch at Anga if you missed it earlier or try another local favorite like Haeundae Somunnan Amso Galbijip. Spend your afternoon relaxing on Songdo Beach or taking a cable car ride for aerial views of Busan.

For dinner, go to Merciel again if you enjoyed it or try something new like Fuzzy Navel. End your night by visiting one of Busan's many jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) such as Spa Land Centum City.

Start your day with a visit to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Marvel at the diverse marine life and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.

For lunch, head to Okinawa, a highly-rated restaurant offering traditional Okinawan cuisine. Afterward, spend your afternoon relaxing on Emerald Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores.

Dine at Santa Cruz, which offers a mix of local and international dishes with beautiful ocean views. Conclude your evening with a stroll along Kokusai Street for some shopping and entertainment.

Begin your day with breakfast at a local café before heading to Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers insights into Okinawa's rich history and culture.

Have lunch at Bolivia, known for its unique fusion of Bolivian and Okinawan flavors. Spend your afternoon visiting the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum to learn more about the island's heritage.

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can sample various Okinawan dishes. End your evening by experiencing traditional Ryukyu dance performances.

Tokyo Skytree: Start your day by visiting Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation decks.

Sukiyabashi Jiro: Dine at Sukiyabashi Jiro, one of Tokyo's most famous sushi restaurants. Conclude your evening by visiting Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.

Meiji Shrine: Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, an important Shinto shrine surrounded by lush forested grounds.

Den: For lunch, head to Den, another Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative Japanese cuisine. Afterward,

Florilège: Enjoy dinner at Florilège, renowned for its modern French-Japanese fusion dishes. End your night by taking in the city lights from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower observation deck.

Start your day with a visit to Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo). This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into Japan's history and provides stunning views of the city from its observation deck.

For lunch, head to たこ焼き くれおーる 道頓堀店, famous for its delicious takoyaki (octopus balls). Afterward, explore the bustling streets of Dotonbori, known for its vibrant nightlife and neon lights.

Dine at 松阪牛焼肉M 法善寺横丁店, which offers mouth-watering Matsusaka beef. Conclude your evening with a visit to Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of Osaka's skyline.

Begin your day with breakfast at a local café before heading to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples. Take your time exploring the serene temple grounds.

Have lunch at お好み焼き きじ 本店, known for its delicious okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes). Spend your afternoon visiting the Osaka Museum of History to learn more about the city's past.

Enjoy dinner at フレンチレストラン ラ・ベ, offering exquisite French cuisine. End your evening by strolling through America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops and street art.

Umeda Sky Building: Start your day with coffee at a local café before heading to Umeda Sky Building. Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from its observation deck.

しゃぶしゃぶ温野菜 難波本店: For lunch, head to this highly-rated shabu-shabu restaurant where you can enjoy hot pot dishes with fresh ingredients. Spend your afternoon exploring America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops and street art.

Dotonbori: Dine at かに道楽 本店, famous for its crab dishes. Conclude your evening by strolling through Dotonbori, known for its vibrant nightlife and neon lights.

Shitenno-ji Temple: Begin your day with breakfast at a local café before heading to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples. Take your time exploring the serene temple grounds.

お好み焼き きじ 本店: Have lunch here if you missed it earlier or try another local favorite like Tenryu. Spend your afternoon visiting the Osaka Museum of History to learn more about the city's past.

フレンチレストラン ラ・ベ: Enjoy dinner here if you missed it earlier or try something new like Kushikatsu Daruma. End your evening by strolling through America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops and street art.

Start your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

For lunch, head to Nishiki Market, where you can sample various local delicacies. Afterward, explore Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), famous for its thousands of red torii gates that lead up Mount Inari.

Dine at a traditional kaiseki restaurant in Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Conclude your evening by attending a tea ceremony or watching a traditional dance performance.

Begin your day with breakfast at a local café before heading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples. Enjoy the panoramic views from its wooden stage.

Have lunch at Pontocho Alley, known for its charming atmosphere and variety of dining options. Spend your afternoon visiting Nijo Castle, an impressive example of feudal-era architecture.

Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant along Kamogawa River. End your night by taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks or visiting Yasaka Shrine illuminated beautifully after dark.

Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden: Start your day with a visit to Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its rock garden. The serene atmosphere and minimalist design make it a perfect place for reflection.

Kyoto Kinkaku-ji & Ryoanji Zen Garden 2.5-Hour Guided Tour [463954]: For lunch, head to a nearby traditional restaurant. Afterward, join a guided tour that covers both Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji Zen Gardens for an in-depth understanding of these iconic sites.

Gion Corner: Dine at a local kaiseki restaurant in Gion. Conclude your evening by attending a traditional performance at Gion Corner, where you can experience various Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), and Bunraku (puppet theater).

Nijo-jo Castle: Begin your day with breakfast at a local café before heading to Nijo Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers insights into Japan's feudal era with its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.

Kyoto Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi [384407]: For lunch, visit Nishiki Market again if you missed it earlier or try another local favorite. Spend your afternoon on a sake brewery tour in Fushimi, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample different types of sake.

Pontocho Alley: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along Pontocho Alley, known for its charming atmosphere and variety of dining options. End your evening by taking a leisurely stroll along the Kamogawa River.

Arashiyama Kyoto Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Secrets: Start your day with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Continue to the nearby Monkey Park for some playful encounters with wild monkeys.

Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple w/ Lunch [385301]: For lunch, join a Zen meditation and garden tour at a local temple. This experience includes a traditional vegetarian meal (shojin ryori) and offers insights into Zen Buddhist practices.

Kyoto Kendo Samurai Experience Tour: Conclude your trip with an exciting Kendo Samurai experience tour. Learn the basics of Kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, and immerse yourself in the samurai spirit. End your evening with dinner at a local izakaya to celebrate your final night in Kyoto.