Ultimate 17-Day Journey: San Francisco, Osaka, Seoul, and More Itinerary

Grab a quick breakfast at The Snug before embarking on the San Francisco Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise. Explore the infamous prison and enjoy the audio tour. Afterward, take the bay cruise for a close-up view of the island.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mars Bar & Restaurant, known for its eclectic menu. Spend your afternoon surrounded by ancient redwoods at Muir Woods. Take a guided tour or explore the trails on your own.

For dinner, head to True Laurel, a stylish spot with innovative cocktails and small plates. End your day with a drive down the crooked path of Lombard Street for a unique San Francisco experience.

Start with breakfast at Pied Piper in the iconic Palace Hotel. Then, hop on the San Francisco Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour to visit popular spots like Union Square, Golden Gate Park, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

Have a delightful lunch at Comstock Saloon, a historic bar with a modern menu. Afterward, explore the vibrant streets of San Francisco Chinatown, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Visit the colorful shops and the Dragon Gate.

Dine at Bartlett Hall, a gastropub with a lively atmosphere. Then, immerse yourself in the Beat Generation history of North Beach, also known as Little Italy. Visit the famous City Lights bookstore and enjoy the neighborhood's bohemian vibe.

Enjoy a breakfast at La Société Bar & Café, a chic French-inspired spot. Today, you'll escape to the nearby wine country on the San Francisco Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour. Savor the beautiful vineyards and indulge in wine tastings.

Your tour will include a delightful lunch at a local winery. After returning to the city, take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the shops and boutiques of Union Square.

For a sophisticated evening, dine at MKT Restaurant and Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel. Afterward, consider a luxurious San Francisco Luxury Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay to cap off your wine country experience.

Start with breakfast at ATWater Tavern, offering a view of the bay. Then, embark on the Silicon Valley Private Tour to explore the headquarters of tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. Learn about the history and innovation of the region.

Have a casual lunch at Tempest Bar & Box Kitchen, a local favorite. Afterward, take a scenic drive to Angel Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, or simply enjoy the island's natural beauty and panoramic views of the Bay Area.

Return to the city and dine at Heritage Restaurant & Bar, known for its contemporary American cuisine. If you're up for some nightlife, explore the bars and lounges of the trendy SoMa (South of Market) district.

Welcome to Osaka! After settling in, start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Take some time to explore the neighborhood and get a feel for the vibrant city.

For lunch, indulge in Osaka's famous street food at Dotonbori, a lively district known for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. Try local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Experience the unique dining culture of Osaka by visiting an izakaya (Japanese pub) for dinner. Enjoy a variety of small dishes and drinks in a casual and social setting. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Dotonbori canal and soak in the lively nightlife.

Fuel up with a breakfast at Kuromon Market, where you can sample a wide range of fresh local produce and delicacies. Afterward, visit the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's power and history. Explore the castle grounds and learn about its significance.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Kitashinchi, a district known for its high-end dining and entertainment. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the serene Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, and immerse yourself in its spiritual ambiance.

Dine at Umeda Sky Building, where you can enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of the city. Afterward, explore the vibrant Umeda district, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Consider visiting one of the local bars or live music venues to end the evening.

Start your day with a quick breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. Then, take a short train ride to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and the serene Nara Park, where you can encounter friendly deer.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant in Nara. Afterward, explore the charming streets of Naramachi, the old merchant district, and visit the historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns.

Return to Osaka and have dinner at Dotonbori, where you can try more of the city's famous street food or dine at a specialty restaurant. Take a leisurely walk along the bustling canal and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of this lively district.

Start your day with a visit to the Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Then, have breakfast at the building's restaurant or cafe.

Afterward, explore the off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of Shinsekai, known for its retro charm and local eateries. Have lunch at one of the small restaurants serving Osaka's comfort food. Then, visit the Abeno Q's Mall for some shopping and to experience the modern side of Osaka.

For dinner, head to Abeno Harukas Dining, where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Afterward, if you're interested in art, visit the Abeno Harukas Art Museum to see contemporary and traditional Japanese artworks.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kuromon Market, a lively and colorful market known as "Osaka's Kitchen." Sample a variety of local and international foods as you explore the stalls and interact with the friendly vendors.

After breakfast, take a walk to the nearby Dotonbori area, one of Osaka's most popular entertainment districts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants offering local specialties and international cuisine. Take in the vibrant atmosphere and iconic sights such as the Glico Running Man and the Dotonbori Canal.

For dinner, experience the unique atmosphere of Shinsekai, a retro entertainment district with a wide range of restaurants and izakayas. Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and other local delicacies as you soak in the nostalgic ambiance. After dinner, take a ride on the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower for a panoramic view of the city lights.

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a day trip to Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history and the devastating impact of the atomic bomb. Then, take a ferry to the nearby Miyajima island and explore its iconic Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating torii gate.

Have a traditional Japanese lunch on Miyajima, perhaps enjoying some fresh seafood or local delicacies. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the island, visit the friendly deer, and soak in the serene island atmosphere.

Return to Osaka and have a relaxing dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Reflect on the day's experiences and enjoy the comfort of the city after a day of exploration and emotional history.

Welcome to Seoul! Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant. Afterward, take some time to settle in and prepare for your exploration of this dynamic city.

For lunch, experience the bustling atmosphere of Namdaemun Market, one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in Seoul. Enjoy a wide variety of Korean street food and local dishes as you immerse yourself in the vibrant market scene.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can admire the traditional Korean architecture. As the sun sets, head to N Seoul Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and a romantic dinner at one of the tower's restaurants.

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony and explore the beautiful architecture and expansive grounds.

For lunch, head to Myeongdong, one of Seoul's premier shopping and entertainment districts. Enjoy a wide range of dining options, from traditional Korean cuisine to international flavors. Afterward, indulge in some retail therapy and explore the vibrant streets and trendy boutiques.

As the day turns to night, experience the modern side of Seoul at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This iconic landmark is a hub of art, culture, and technology, with futuristic architecture and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and take a stroll through the surrounding area, known for its vibrant nightlife and unique shops.

Start your day with a visit to Jogyesa Temple, the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Take some time for quiet reflection and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Afterward, explore the nearby Insa-dong, a neighborhood known for its traditional Korean culture and crafts. Browse the art galleries, antique shops, and enjoy a traditional tea at one of the tea houses.

For lunch, head to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Sample a wide variety of Korean street food and local delicacies. After lunch, take a walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a modern urban renewal project that has become a popular leisure space for locals and visitors alike.

Dine at The Harlequin, a hidden gem known for its fusion cuisine and intimate ambiance. After dinner, experience the lively nightlife of Hongdae (Hongik University Street), a district known for its youthful energy, live music, and vibrant street performances. Enjoy a drink at one of the trendy bars or explore the local music scene.

Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant. Then, head to Haeundae Beach, one of the most famous and popular beaches in South Korea. Take a leisurely walk along the sandy shore and enjoy the ocean breeze.

For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood at Jagalchi Fish Market, the largest seafood market in South Korea. Explore the vibrant market stalls and enjoy a wide variety of fish and other marine products. After lunch, visit the nearby Yongdusan Park and the iconic Busan Tower (Yongdusan Park) for panoramic views of the city and the harbor.

Dine at Soma Restaurant & Bar, a stylish spot with a menu that blends Korean and international flavors. After dinner, take a walk through the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square, a popular cultural space with handprints of famous movie stars, street performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the lively energy of the city's entertainment district.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, savoring the last flavors of Japan. Take some time to pack and prepare for your journey back to the United States.

If time allows, take a final stroll through the streets of Osaka, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or picking up some last-minute souvenirs. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, reminiscing about your time in Japan.

Head to the airport and board your flight back to San Francisco. As you soar through the skies, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gathered during your 17-day journey through Japan and South Korea.

On your final morning in San Francisco, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. Take some time to reflect on your journey and the amazing experiences you've had.

If time allows, take a walk through a favorite neighborhood or visit a last-minute attraction. For lunch, indulge in a memorable meal at Last Drop Tavern, savoring the flavors of the city one last time.

As the sun sets on your trip, head to the airport for your departure. Carry with you the memories of the iconic landmarks, the vibrant cities, the delicious cuisines, and the warm hospitality you've encountered. Farewell, and may your travels bring you back to these wondrous destinations in the future.