Discover Korea & Japan with Kenji
Join me for a journey through Korea and Japan. Over 10 days, we’ll travel through Seoul, Gyeongju, Kyoto, and Tokyo, sharing great food, meaningful places, and the kind of moments that make a trip feel truly special.
Trip Summary
Minimum Age
18 Year Old+
Meals
19 Included
Travel Style
Immersive & Local
Physical Rating
2 - Light
Duration
10 Days, 9 Nights
Group Size
8-24 Guests
OVERVIEW
Two Beautiful Countries
One Unforgettable Journey
A Fun Itinerary
Over 10 days, we’ll travel through Seoul, Gyeongju, Kyoto, and Tokyo, experiencing the places, flavors, and everyday moments that make each city feel unique. It captures what people love most about traveling with Kenji.
From royal palaces and old temple towns to local market, tea culture, and neighborhoods full of character, this journey is designed to help you experience Korea and Japan in a more local way.
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Your journey begins in Seoul. After arriving and settling in, you’ll have a little time to ease into the trip before meeting the group for the first time. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome party — that first moment when strangers begin to feel like fellow travelers.
Later, we head to Hongdae for our first night out together. With its music, movement, and late-night energy, it’s the perfect place to start the trip and begin making memories with Kenji and the group.
Meals included: Dinner
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Today, we begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic places. Its wide grounds, elegant architecture, and quiet atmosphere offer a beautiful introduction to Korea’s history.
From there, we explore another side of the city through a K-drama walking tour and a visit to a local market. It’s a day that moves between grand history and everyday life, offering one of the best ways to begin understanding Seoul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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This morning, we explore Seongsu, a neighborhood known for its creative spirit, independent shops, and walkable charm. It shows a more modern and youthful side of Seoul, full of small details that make the city feel layered and alive.
Later, we join a dance class for a fun change of pace. In the evening, we head to the Han River, where locals come to relax, eat, and spend time with friends. It’s a lovely way to slow down and experience Seoul more like a local.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Today, we leave Seoul and travel to Gyeongju, one of Korea’s most historic cities. After the energy of Seoul, the shift in pace feels part of the experience — quieter, older, and more reflective.
We’ll visit Bulguksa and Seokguram, then settle into a hanok stay for the night. In the evening, we visit Donggung Palace and Wolji, where the illuminated night view brings a calm and memorable close to the day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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This morning, we begin the next chapter of the journey and make our way from Gyeongju to Kyoto. Travel days like this carry their own rhythm — part transition, part anticipation, and the quiet excitement of arriving somewhere new together.
After checking in, we gather for a group dinner in Kyoto. It’s a simple but meaningful start to the Japan part of the trip, with space to settle in and share first impressions together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Today is all about experiencing Kyoto through its atmosphere, traditions, and pace. We begin at Fushimi Inari, where the iconic shrine paths feel even more striking in person.
Later, we take part in a tea experience before continuing on foot through Gion and Higashiyama. It’s a day for noticing the details — old streets, quiet corners, and the feeling of walking through a place that has held onto its character.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Today we travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, where the energy rises once again. After Kyoto’s slower rhythm, arriving in Tokyo feels like stepping into a brighter, faster-moving world.
Once we've checked in, we'll head out to explore the vibrant streets of Shibuya before meeting a local host for an evening food tour. It's one of the best ways to experience Tokyo for the first time—through its incredible flavours, lively streets, and the unmistakable energy of one of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Start the day in Asakusa, where we'll explore the historic Senso-ji Temple and the lively streets surrounding it. From there, we'll roll up our sleeves for a fun sushi-making experience, learning the art of one of Japan's most iconic dishes.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine, tucked away in the heart of the city, before spending the rest of the day exploring Harajuku at your own pace. Whether you're shopping along Takeshita Street, discovering trendy cafés, or simply wandering the neighbourhood, you'll have plenty of time to experience one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts in your own way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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We begin the day at Tsukiji Market, where food, movement, and the everyday rhythm of the city come together in a vivid way. It’s a fitting place for one of our final mornings together.
Later, we enjoy the last stretch of the journey before gathering for a farewell party in the evening. By now, the group has its own rhythm and bond, and this final night is a celebration of everything shared along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and begin the journey home. Departures are always bittersweet, but that’s often the sign of a trip well shared.
You’ll leave with memories from two countries, new favorite places, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Meals included: Breakfast
What’s Included
Accommodation
✔ Comfortable hotel for 9 nights
Activities
✔ Welcome orientation
✔ Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace
✔ Hanbok photography experience
✔ K-drama walking tour
✔ Han River picnic experience
✔ Gyeongju highlights and cultural stops
✔ Kyoto Night walking tour
✔ Traditional tea ceremony
✔ Sushi-making class
✔ Shinjuku food and drinks tour
✔ Cultural insight experiences in Korea and Japan
✔ Farewell karaoke night
✔ And so much more… 😉
Meals & Transportation
✔ 9 Breakfast meals
✔ 4 Lunch meals
✔ 6 Dinner meals
✔ Shinkansen trains, taxis, and walking
✔ Flight from Korea to Japan
What's Not included
❌ International flights
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Meals not listed in the itinerary
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Optional activities
Trip Highlights
A few highlights from the trip.
Meet Your Hosts
Kenji
Hey I’m Kenji!
I’m on my way to becoming the greatest Korean cultural creator. Talking about Korean culture as a Korean government employee. Talking about K-pop as a BTS fan. Talking about Korean history as a teacher. Anything you want to know about Korea, I got you covered!
Why travel with us?
Goodmate Travel
Your journey is led by a dedicated Goodmate host from start to finish, with local hosts joining along the way to open doors you wouldn’t find on your own. Every trip is designed around the group so it flows naturally and feels personal.
What Our Travelers Say
“I plan to return, hoping to do the new Japan/Korea tour with Kenji… it made travelling alone easy.”
Karena C. · K-Drama Tour with Kenji, Apr 2026 · WeTravel
“Everything was exceptionally well organised, communication throughout the tour was excellent, and both the accommodation and food were fantastic… I am already looking forward to returning and travelling with Kenji and Goodmate again.”
Martha R. · Seoul to Busan with Kenji, Oct 2026 · WeTravel
★★★★★ 5.0 from 900+ reviews on Google
More Reviews From Our Travelers
Trip dates & prices
2026 departures
| Starting | Ending | Duration | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 01, 2026 (Sun) | Nov 10, 2026 (Tue) | 10 days / 9 nights | From $5,500 | SOLD OUT |
2027 departures
| Starting | Ending | Duration | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 18, 2027 (Sun) | Apr 27, 2027 (Tue) | 10 days / 9 nights | From $5,500 | BOOK MY TRIP |
F.A.Q
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Absolutely. Many of our travelers join solo and are looking to connect with like-minded people from around the world. Our trips are designed to be welcoming, social, and comfortable for solo adventurers.
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Group size varies by program. Most of our trips are designed as small group experiences.
The minimum number of participants required to operate a trip is from 8 to 12 guests, and the maximum group size ranges from 20 to 24 guests, depending on the program.
You can find the exact group size for each tour in the Trip Summary section on the respective trip page.
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During our trips, rooms are typically allocated on a twin-share basis.
For solo travelers, we match them with another traveler of the same gender based on the information provided during booking.
However, if you prefer your own private space, the option to reserve an individual room is also available on most of our trips.
If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, you’re welcome to request to share a room together — just let us know in the notes section when booking.
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To reserve your place on the trip, a non-refundable 10% deposit is required at the time of booking.
As payment schedules may vary by tour, please review the payment details provided during the booking process for the remaining balance and applicable due dates.
We kindly ask that all payments be completed by the specified deadlines to keep your booking confirmed. If a payment is not received by the due date, the booking may be canceled and any non-refundable payments will be retained.
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If a trip does not meet the minimum participant requirement and cannot operate, we will issue a full refund of all payments made — including your deposit.
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Round-trip international flights between your home country and Korea are not included in the trip price.
Depending on the program, domestic flights within Korea or international flights included as part of the itinerary may be arranged for you. Please refer to the Trip Summary for the flight arrangements specific to your trip.
Guests are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Korea and ensuring that they arrive at the designated meeting point by the specified time.
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Airport pick-up and drop-off are not included.
Getting into the city is simple and efficient using public transportation. Before departure, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance to help you arrive smoothly and confidently.
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The physical rating helps you understand how active a trip will feel so you can choose an experience that suits your energy level and travel style.
Each trip has its own rating listed in the Trip Summary.
Physical Rating Guide
1 / 5 · Gentle
Relaxed pace with minimal physical activity.2 / 5 · Light
Easy walking and light activity.3 / 5 · Moderate
Longer walks and moderate activity. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.4 / 5 · Active
Regular physical activity and longer days on your feet.5 / 5 · Challenging
Physically demanding experiences suited for very fit travelers. -
We’ll always do our best to accommodate dietary needs and allergies.
In certain remote locations, options may be limited. Please let us know about any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
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Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is required.
Your policy should cover cancellation, medical expenses, repatriation, evacuation, personal liability, and loss of personal belongings. It’s your responsibility to ensure your coverage matches your travel plans and activities.
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We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as transparent as possible. Because we make advance commitments to accommodations, transportation, and local partners, cancellation fees apply as follows:
Cancel more than 90 days before departure
→ Full refund minus a non-refundable amount equal to 10% of the total trip costCancel 60–89 days before departure
→ 50% refund of the total trip costCancel 15–59 days before departure
→ 30% refund of the total trip costCancel 14 days or fewer before departure
→ Unfortunately, refunds are not availablePlease note:
The non-refundable deposit and all refund amounts are calculated based on the total trip cost, not the amount paid at the time of cancellation.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking are eligible for a full refund, minus a 3% credit card processing fee.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes.
We’re here for you
Yeri, Guest Success Director
Contact
cs@goodmatetravel.com
Address
1006, 85, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03190, South Korea
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