Seoul, South Korea 15-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Seoul

Arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN), proceed through customs, and take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) or a taxi to your hotel in Seoul.

Check-in and refresh after your journey.

Purchase a T-money card at the airport for easy use on public transportation.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your luxurious hotel, the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul.

Take some time to unpack and relax before your evening activity.

The hotel is ideally located near Seokchon Lake and offers excellent amenities.

N Seoul Tower Evening Views

Take a cable car up to N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the city as it lights up at dusk.

Enjoy the 'love locks' and the vibrant atmosphere.

Consider dining at one of the restaurants at the tower for a special experience.

Dinner in Myeongdong

Explore the bustling streets of Myeongdong, famous for its street food and diverse dining options.

Enjoy some authentic Korean dishes.

Try Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki, or Kimchi Stew at one of the many restaurants.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Visit the grandest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty.

Witness the changing of the guard ceremony (check schedule). The National Folk Museum is also on its grounds.

Rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for a unique photo opportunity. Closed on Tuesdays.

National Folk Museum of Korea

Located within the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, this museum showcases the traditional way of life of the Korean people through various exhibits.

Free admission.

Lunch in Insadong

Walk to the traditional Insadong neighborhood for lunch.

Enjoy Korean traditional set meals (Han-jeongsik) or other local delicacies.

Explore Insadong Street

Wander through the charming streets of Insadong, known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, antique shops, and street performances.

Ssamziegil is a unique shopping complex with artisan crafts and cafes.

National Museum of Korea

Discover Korea's rich cultural heritage at the largest museum in Korea, housing over 420,000 objects from ancient times to the modern era.

Free admission to permanent exhibitions. Closed on Mondays.

The War Memorial of Korea

Explore poignant exhibits, war memorabilia, and military equipment detailing Korea's history of war, with a significant focus on the Korean War.

Entry is free. Allow ample time to explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Lunch in Itaewon

Head to Itaewon, a diverse and international neighborhood, for lunch.

You'll find a wide array of international cuisines here.

Lotte World Tower & Mall

Visit Lotte World Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings.

Ascend to the Seoul Sky observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. Explore the adjacent Lotte World Mall for shopping and entertainment.

Book Seoul Sky tickets in advance, especially on weekends.

Shopping in Jamsil

Continue exploring the shopping options around Lotte World Mall in the Jamsil area.

Discover fashion, cosmetics, and souvenirs.

The area also has Lotte Department Store and other retail options.

Dinner near Lotte World

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within Lotte World Mall or in the surrounding Jamsil district.

Full-Day DMZ Tour

Embark on a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the heavily fortified border between North and South Korea.

Visit key sites like the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Imjingak Park.

This is a profound and educational experience. Bring your passport. Lunch is often included or available during the tour.

Han River Evening Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise on the Han River, offering beautiful views of Seoul's skyline and illuminated bridges.

Different cruises offer various themes, including dinner or live music. Consider the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain show if timing permits (check seasonal schedule).

Dinner in Hongdae

Head to the youthful and vibrant Hongdae district, known for its indie music scene, street art, and trendy restaurants.

Enjoy a late dinner.

Explore Gangnam District

Visit the affluent Gangnam district, famous for its luxury boutiques, trendy cafes, and the iconic Gangnam Style Horse Dance Stage.

Explore COEX Mall and the Starfield Library.

Don't miss the 'Gangnam Style' statue for a fun photo op!

Lunch in Gangnam

Enjoy a stylish lunch at one of Gangnam's many upscale restaurants or a more casual eatery in the COEX Mall.

Insadong Spa & Sauna

Relax and rejuvenate at an authentic Korean jjimjilbang (spa and sauna).

Experience the communal bathing culture, various themed saunas, and relaxation areas.

A perfect way to unwind after several days of sightseeing. Remember jjimjilbangs are typically segregated by gender in the bathing areas.

Last Minute Shopping / Souvenirs

Grab any last-minute souvenirs or gifts in Insadong or a nearby shopping district.

Good opportunity to buy traditional Korean crafts, tea, or K-pop merchandise.

Farewell Dinner in Seoul

Enjoy a final dinner in Seoul, perhaps trying a dish you haven't yet experienced or revisiting a favorite.

Travel to Tokyo

Fly from Seoul to Tokyo.

Upon arrival at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport, transfer to your accommodation in central Tokyo.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Shinjuku Gyoen, a large park with Japanese, French, and English garden styles. Perfect for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

A tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Entry fee is typically JPY 500.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Visit the observation decks for panoramic views of Tokyo, especially stunning at sunset or night.

Entry is free.

On clear days, you might even see Mount Fuji. The south tower usually closes later.

Dinner in Shinjuku

Explore Shinjuku's diverse dining scene.

Consider an izakaya experience or a local ramen shop.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko

Experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world.

Visit the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog.

Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe (e.g., Starbucks Tsutaya) for a great view of the crossing.

Shopping in Shibuya

Explore the trendy shops and department stores in Shibuya, known for fashion and youth culture.

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Immerse yourself in Tokyo's quirky youth fashion and culture on Takeshita Street.

Enjoy street food and unique boutiques.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Find tranquility at this serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, nestled in a beautiful forest.

A peaceful contrast to the bustling Harajuku just steps away. Entry to the main grounds is free.

Dinner in Harajuku

Dine in Harajuku or return to Shibuya for a wide variety of restaurant options.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and explore the bustling Nakamise-dori market street leading up to it, filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Arrive early to avoid the largest crowds. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is a popular photo spot.

Lunch in Asakusa

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in the historic Asakusa district.

Ueno Park & National Museum

Explore Ueno Park, home to several museums.

Consider visiting the Tokyo National Museum, Japan's largest and oldest museum, showcasing Japanese art and artifacts.

Ueno Park is also famous for its cherry blossoms. The Tokyo National Museum is closed on Mondays, but open on Wednesdays.

Dinner in Ueno

Dine in the Ueno area, offering a mix of casual and traditional restaurants.

Imperial Palace East Garden

Stroll through the beautiful East Garden, part of the inner palace area that is open to the public.

It's built on the former site of Edo Castle.

Entry is free. The garden offers a peaceful respite and historical insights.

Ginza Shopping & Exploration

Indulge in luxury shopping, explore department stores (like Ginza Six), and admire the elegant architecture of the Ginza district.

Kabuki-za Theatre Experience

Catch a single act of a traditional Kabuki performance at the iconic Kabuki-za Theatre, an excellent way to experience Japanese performing arts.

Tickets for single acts ('Hitomakumi') are available on the day and are more affordable. Audio guides are available.

Dinner in Ginza

Enjoy an exquisite dinner in Ginza, known for its high-end restaurants and diverse culinary offerings.

Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into the world of anime, manga, electronics, and gaming in Akihabara.

Explore multi-story shops and arcade centers.

Lunch in Akihabara

Enjoy a casual lunch in Akihabara, perhaps at a themed café or a local eatery.

Odaiba Seaside Park & Future

Travel to the futuristic island of Odaiba.

Explore Odaiba Seaside Park, see the Rainbow Bridge, and visit attractions like the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza for the Gundam Base.

Take the Yurikamome line for scenic views. Consider a quick visit to Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) if time permits.

Dinner with Bay Views

Enjoy dinner at one of Odaiba's many restaurants, offering fantastic views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Board the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Enjoy the scenic journey, passing through diverse Japanese landscapes.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your accommodation in Kyoto.

Grab a quick lunch near your hotel to refuel for the afternoon's exploration.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding through the forest up Mount Inari.

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking and uphill climbing.

Evening Stroll in Gion

Wander through the charming traditional streets of Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district.

You might even spot a geiko or maiko.

Be respectful if you see geisha and maiko; do not block their path or take photos without permission.

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner

Indulge in a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner, a refined Japanese dining experience, in the heart of Gion.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Enjoy the beautiful surrounding garden.

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Experience the tranquility of Ryoan-ji, home to Japan's most famous rock garden.

Ponder the meaning of its minimalist design.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create an ethereal atmosphere.

Consider renting a rowboat on the Hozugawa River or visiting Tenryu-ji Temple nearby.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to the Arashiyama Monkey Park to observe wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.

Dinner in Central Kyoto

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in central Kyoto, offering various Japanese cuisines like ramen, udon, or yakitori.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto (especially beautiful with cherry blossoms).

Explore Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Wander down the charming, traditional streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional wooden houses, shops, and restaurants, leading from Kiyomizu-dera.

Lunch in Higashiyama

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in the Higashiyama district, perhaps trying some Kyoto-style dishes.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Participate in a serene and authentic Japanese tea ceremony, learning about its rich history and cultural significance.

Evening Relaxation & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed evening in Kyoto, perhaps visiting a local izakaya for dinner or exploring Pontocho Alley for its atmospheric dining options.

Travel to Osaka by Local Train

Take a short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, a quick and convenient journey between these two major cities.

Hotel Check-in in Osaka

Check into your hotel in Osaka and drop off your luggage.

Osaka Castle Park & Museum

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle, a symbol of Osaka's rich history.

Explore its magnificent grounds and the museum inside.

Dotonbori Exploration & Shopping

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its dazzling neon lights, eccentric billboards, and street food.

Enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Osaka Street Food Dinner

Savor Osaka's famous street food in Dotonbori.

Try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

Shinsekai District & Tsutenkaku Tower

Explore the nostalgic Shinsekai district, with its retro charm and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

Enjoy the unique atmosphere before heading to the airport.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Grab any last-minute souvenirs or snacks at a local market or shop near your hotel or on the way to the airport.

Farewell Lunch in Osaka

Enjoy a final Japanese meal, perhaps some delicious ramen or another Osaka specialty, before heading to the airport.

Travel to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Make your way to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your international departure.

The Haruka Express or Nankai Rapid Express are efficient options.