{"id":35270,"date":"2025-05-29T12:48:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T11:48:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=35270"},"modified":"2025-05-29T14:39:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:39:21","slug":"steal-this-cultural-adventure-a-dream-holiday-to-japan-and-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/29\/steal-this-cultural-adventure-a-dream-holiday-to-japan-and-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Steal this Cultural Adventure: A dream holiday to Japan and South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F35270\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><br \/>\nIn our series of Steal this Cultural Adventure blogs, we share some of our clients\u2019 and travel specialists\u2019 favourite trips, so you can take them to use for your own inspiration. <\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of our team, Grant, recently planned a trip combining Japan with South Korea. Working with our sister brand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">InsideAsia<\/a>, this trip highlights the best of each country for first-time travellers \u2013 while surfacing the differences and similarities between these complicated neighbours.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Read more from Grant, below.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Combining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/\">Japan<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/south-korea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Korea<\/a> in one trip is one of my favourite trips to plan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A local guide once told me that the best way to understand the differences between Japan and Korea is to look at their gardens. In Japan, they\u2019re created beautifully, with meticulous structure and order in mind; in Korea, nature relentlessly finds its way. And that\u2019s reflective of the two countries \u2013 Japan&#8217;s charm comes from its preservation of tradition, while Korea\u2019s <em>ppalli ppalli<\/em> (quick quick) culture revs life forwards at lightning pace.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I think visiting both Japan and Korea in one trip is the best way to experience this intriguing contrast \u2013 and to appreciate each for what makes it so unique. Here\u2019s a trip I planned recently, built to showcase exactly that.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35462 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-762x1024.png\" alt=\"A map of South Korea and Japan featuring Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone\" width=\"762\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-762x1024.png 762w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-223x300.png 223w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-768x1032.png 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-720x967.png 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-390x524.png 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-780x1048.png 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea-510x685.png 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/STT_Japan-South-Korea.png 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 762px) 100vw, 762px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The travellers<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Beckers were clear about one thing: they loved exploring and didn\u2019t want to just sit on a beach and drink cocktails.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Japan had been at the top of their list for a while, but they hadn\u2019t considered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/south-korea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Korea<\/a>. They didn\u2019t need much convincing. They loved the sound of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/south-korea\/seoul\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seoul&#8217;s<\/a> fast-moving trends and Korean islands, perfect for boat and bike explorations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The trip<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The family wanted a decent amount of time in both South Korea and Japan, so we split their time in half.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For a touch of luxury, I booked them into 4* accommodation throughout \u2013 with a traditional <em>ryokan<\/em> inn at the end for a final, full immersion into old Japan. From secret garden palaces, to an <em>onsen<\/em> theme park \u2013 this is the Beckers\u2019 cultural adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35366\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35366\" style=\"width: 819px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35366\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-2048x1371.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-1200x804.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-900x603.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-1440x964.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Seoul-palace-1-510x341.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35366\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Changing of the guard \u2013 <span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gyeongbok Palace \u2013 Seoul<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seoul, f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or secret palace gardens and Korean BBQ<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The family will land in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/south-korea\/seoul\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seoul<\/a> \u2013 a city defined by its <em>ppalli ppalli<\/em> (quick quick!) culture. It\u2019s a city that never stops moving, with new bars, festivals and restaurants that pop up almost weekly. And yet, there are five traditional palaces in Seoul alone. Gyeongbok Palace is the most famous, and it\u2019s definitely worth stopping by for the changing of the guard, but I suggest visiting Changdeok Palace first. It has a secret garden, originally designed for the women of the palace, with colourful, flicked-roof pavilions and a lotus pond. It\u2019s a hidden pocket of Seoul that not everyone knows exists.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first evening meal has got to be a true Korean feast \u2013 and for me, that\u2019s Korean barbecue. Grilled meat takes centre stage (or table), with seemingly endless <em>banchan<\/em> side dishes. A top Korean drinking tip: let other people refill your glass, it\u2019s good manners.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35372\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35372\" style=\"width: 819px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35372\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline-510x341.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Jeju-Coastline.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35372\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff Columnar Joints \u2013 Jeju Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jeju, f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or craggy island exploration<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/south-korea\/jeju-island\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jeju<\/a> erupted from the sea over a million years ago, beginning life as an underwater volcano.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Today, it\u2019s a craggy, mountainous place, with epic hiking. Hallasan is the tallest peak in Korea and Jusangjeolli Cliff is Jeju\u2019s answer to Northern Ireland\u2019s Giant\u2019s Causeway, made up of honeycomb-like pillars of columnar basalt rock. For a family that loves dramatic landscapes and where outdoor hikes are a necessity, Jeju delivers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I recommend hopping on a ferry around Udo island, a smaller, neighbouring island to Jeju. I made a stop here on my last trip, and where the ground is flat (and here, much of it is), it\u2019s my new favourite place to cycle through the countryside.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35375\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35375\" style=\"width: 819px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35375\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market-510x341.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Busan-fish-market.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35375\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fish market \u2013 Busan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Busan, f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or fish markets and Korean beach life<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Back on mainland Korea, the coastal city of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/south-korea\/busan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Busan<\/a> is a natural next stop, known as South Korea\u2019s second city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jagalchi Fish Market is one of Korea\u2019s biggest and most energetic markets &#8211; it\u2019s a really local experience, where you can try raw fish, clams, or the charcoal-grilled catch of the day. It&#8217;s places like this that having an Insider guide is so useful &#8211; they&#8217;ll help you out when it comes to choosing what to eat!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A bus ride down the coast, you\u2019ll find Gamcheon Cultural Village: a colourful collection of peach, cobalt blue, pink, yellow and turquoise buildings overlooking the sea. It\u2019s a great place to spend an afternoon, taking photos, sipping coffee and hunting down street murals. Catching sunset on Haeundae Beach with a convenience store beer is one of the most Korean things you can do.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35291\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35291\" style=\"width: 819px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35291\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/h_00730529-Everett-Kennedy-Brown-sumo-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35291\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sumo training at Sadogatake sumo stable \u2013 Tokyo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tokyo, f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or sumo stables and skyscraper city views<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most travellers start their Japan adventure in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a> \u2013 but not everyone stays in Ryogoku. It has a more local Tokyo \u2018neighbourhood\u2019 feel, but with a subway stop for speedy connections with the rest of the city. Known as the home of sumo, this area is charactersied by its sumo stables, sumo-sized clothing stores and <em>chanko nabe<\/em> (hot pot) restaurants \u2013 a delicious, protein-rich dish favoured by training wrestlers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Two nights in Tokyo may give a taste of the city, but to get a feel for its sheer scale, I\u2019ve booked a nighttime slot at Tokyo Skytree, for lit up, panoramic views.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35417\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35417\" style=\"width: 819px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35417\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto-510x341.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Maiko-tea-ceremony-Kyoto.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35417\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Maiko<\/em> tea ceremony \u2013 Kyoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kyoto, f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or a tea ceremony and torii gates at sunset<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a>, with over 1,600 temples and 400 shrines, is the historic, cultural centre of Japan \u2013 and the country\u2019s original capital.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For something that feels quintessentially Japanese, I recommend a tea ceremony on the first day. With <em>tatami<\/em> mat flooring and a very serene atmosphere, it\u2019s the perfect antidote to the fast pace of Tokyo.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fushimi Inari is a popular spot for good reason \u2013 it has not one, not two, but thousands of torii gates. It\u2019s visually striking, but it can get really busy during the day. Visiting just before the sun goes down, at golden hour, and you\u2019ll find it\u2019s much quieter. The light can be really beautiful and to me, it\u2019s a lot more special.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_35384\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-35384\" style=\"width: 819px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35384\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-720x482.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-390x261.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-780x522.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath-510x341.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hakone-ryokan-bath.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-35384\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hot spring bath \u2013 Hakone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hakone, f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or hot spring <em>onsen<\/em> and a pirate ship crossing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hakone\/\">Hakone<\/a> is the grand finale of this trip \u2013 time to hit the hot springs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By day, Hakone is a fantastic place to explore. Visit the open-air art museum, ride the railway funicular for prime mountainside views, or board the pirate ship that takes you across Lake Ashi (with a chance to spot Mount Fuji).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As the evening draws in, there\u2019s no better place to be than an <em>onsen<\/em>. The Beckers are staying at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu. Every room has its own, private, hot spring bath on the balcony (<em>rotenburo<\/em>), but there are communal <em>onsen<\/em> baths too. There\u2019s also an infinity onsen pool on the roof.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Just across the road is Yunessun \u2013 an <em>onsen<\/em> theme park (with slides). There are 23 baths to choose from \u2013 some in which you can wear swimming costumes, others you can literally bathe in wine.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">That\u2019s the beauty of Japan: there\u2019s always something that takes you by surprise&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-35306 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"819\" height=\"543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-1536x1018.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-2048x1357.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-1200x795.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-900x596.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-720x477.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-1440x954.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-390x258.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/South-Korea-Seoul-Blue-House-Grant-John-McMillen-510x338.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet Grant<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Grant is a travel consultant who fell in love with South Korea for its diverse natural beauty and outstanding food. He lived in Japan for seven years, ate plenty of <em>okonomiyaki<\/em> and was constantly in and out of <em>onsen<\/em>!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ready to plan your cultural adventure?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/secure\/form\/insideasia-enquiry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get in touch to start planning your dream trip today<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! In our series of Steal this Cultural Adventure blogs, we share some of our clients\u2019 and travel specialists\u2019 favourite trips, so you can take them to use for your own inspiration. One of our team, Grant, recently planned a trip combining Japan with South Korea. 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