12 day itinerary
Japan, Korea
Personalized with:I want to see sceneryBudget friendly
Itinerary
A 12-day adventure through Japan and Korea sounds fantastic! Let’s create an itinerary that balances stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and budget-friendly options. We’ll start in Japan and then hop over to Korea. Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1: Arrival in , Japan
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse in areas like Asakusa or Shinjuku.
- Afternoon: Explore Asakusa and visit . Stroll through for some affordable snacks and souvenirs.
- Evening: Head to for a leisurely walk. If you’re up for it, grab dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) for some delicious and budget-friendly eats.
Day 2: - Nature and City Views
- Morning: Take a day trip to (about 2 hours from ). Visit the stunning and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
- Afternoon: Explore the surrounding national park, including and .
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a casual dinner in the Harajuku area. Try some crepes or street food!
Day 3: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) for a night, which can be budget-friendly if you book in advance.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a stroll around the beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at your ryokan. Enjoy a simple dinner at a local eatery.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Take the scenic Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji, then head to (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget guesthouse. Visit and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Explore the , where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha. Grab dinner at a local ramen shop.
Day 5: - Temples and Nature
- Morning: Visit and take a walk along the river. Don’t miss the scenic !
- Afternoon: Explore and its beautiful gardens. You can also hike up to the for some fun views and monkey sightings.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal at a budget-friendly restaurant.
Day 6: to and
- Morning: Take a short train ride to (about 45 minutes). Visit and see the friendly deer, then explore .
- Afternoon: Head to (about 45 minutes). Check into a budget hotel or hostel.
- Evening: Explore for street food! Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki for a delicious and affordable dinner.
Day 7: to , Korea
- Morning: Fly from to (about 1.5 hours). Check into a budget-friendly guesthouse.
- Afternoon: Visit , known for its colorful houses and artistic vibe.
- Evening: Stroll along and enjoy a seaside dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 8: - Scenic Views
- Morning: Take a trip to for stunning coastal views and hiking trails.
- Afternoon: Visit the picturesque for breathtaking views of the ocean.
- Evening: Head back to the city and enjoy a casual dinner at .
Day 9: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour). Check into a budget guesthouse.
- Afternoon: Explore and , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Korean meal at a local restaurant.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Visit the ancient tombs at and the beautiful .
- Afternoon: Head to (about 4 hours). Check into a budget-friendly hostel in areas like Hongdae or .
- Evening: Explore for shopping and street food. Try some tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)!
Day 11: - Culture and Nature
- Morning: Visit and catch the changing of the guard ceremony. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful gardens!
- Afternoon: Hike up to for panoramic views of the city. You can walk through to get there.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Korean BBQ dinner in the Hongdae area.
Day 12: Departure from
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in for souvenirs and traditional crafts.
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit for a glimpse of traditional Korean houses.
- Evening: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Budget Travel:
- Use public transportation (trains and buses) for cost-effective travel.
- Look for local eateries and street food for affordable meals.
- Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for travel within Japan and a T-money card for Korea.
And there you have it! A delightful 12-day itinerary filled with scenic views, cultural experiences, and budget-friendly options. Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️