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Four cities in Japan & Korea · 14 days

Route at a glance

This 14-day route follows Tokyo → Kyoto → Seoul → Busan, with sightseeing, meal suggestions and transport connections for each day. Allow USD 1174–5969 for one room over 13 nights across the listed hotel tiers. Main travel options: Rail, Walking, Metro, Flight. These are planning allowances; flights, meals, admission and taxes are separate.

Route at a glance
DayCityTransportUSD / room / night
D1TokyoRail / WalkingUSD 114–477
D2TokyoMetroUSD 114–477
D3TokyoMetro / RailUSD 114–477
D4TokyoWalkingUSD 114–477
D5KyotoMetro / Rail / WalkingUSD 82–573
D6KyotoRailUSD 82–573
D7KyotoRail / WalkingUSD 82–573
D8KyotoMetroUSD 82–573
D9SeoulWalking / Rail / Flight / MetroUSD 90–363
D10SeoulMetro / WalkingUSD 90–363
D11SeoulMetro / WalkingUSD 90–363
D12BusanMetro / RailUSD 60–340
D13BusanMetro / WalkingUSD 60–340
D14BusanMetro / RailNo overnight stay

Accommodation allowances only, across the available hotel tiers; not live rates or a whole-trip budget. Check transport, meals, tickets and taxes separately. Departure day has no overnight stay.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul and Busan. Fly between countries and compare rail within each country.

Tokyo → Kyoto → Seoul → Busan

Plan a trip with this route
This is an editable itinerary, not a booked travel product. Transport uses a reference hotel; review connections in the planner after changing stays. Costs are USD budgets. Confirm fares, opening times, entry requirements and availability with official sources.
Day 1 · Tokyo

Arrive and settle into the city

Morning · Arrive at HND, clear immigration and transfer to the hotel. Luggage storage and early check-in depend on the property.

Afternoon · If arriving early: A Ginza and Hibiya neighbourhood walk. For a late arrival, rest instead of rushing to sights.

Dining · Eat near the selected hotel after arrival, checking opening for a late arrival; do not cross town for a lunch suggestion.

Transport, leg by leg

  1. Tokyo Haneda HND → Higashi-ginza

    Keikyu via Sengakuji transfer or an appropriate through Asakusa Line train to Higashi-ginza; NRT needs a different airport rail route. · 40–65 min

    Transport source
  2. Higashi-ginza → ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza

    Walk to the Ginza hotel; use a short taxi ride in rain. · 10–20 min

    Transport source
Day 2 · Tokyo

Asakusa and Ueno

Morning · Visit Senso-ji and Nakamise early, keeping shop entrances clear.

Afternoon · Ueno Park, with one optional museum after checking its closing days.

Dining · Asakusa / Ueno: soba, tempura or a set meal.

Senso-ji
Senso-ji · Akonnchiroll · Photo source · CC0

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza → Senso-ji

    Walk to Ginza station; Ginza Line to Asakusa, then walk to Kaminarimon. · 35–50 min

    Transport source
  2. Senso-ji → Ueno Park

    Ginza Line from Asakusa to Ueno, then walk into the park. · 15–25 min

    Transport source
  3. Ueno Park → Hotel

    Ginza Line from Ueno to Ginza, then walk back. · 30–45 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

IPPUDO Ginza

Ramen; check the menu for plant-based options

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): JPY 1,200–2,500

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 3 · Tokyo

Meiji Shrine and Shibuya

Morning · Walk the approaches to Meiji Shrine and follow posted shrine guidance.

Afternoon · Explore Harajuku and Shibuya; an observation deck requires a separate reservation.

Dining · Shibuya: Japanese curry, sushi or a vegetable set meal.

Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine · Akonnchiroll · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza → Meiji Shrine

    Marunouchi Line to Kasumigaseki; Chiyoda Line to Meiji-jingumae, then walk. · 35–50 min

    Transport source
  2. Meiji Shrine → Shibuya

    Walk to Harajuku; JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya, or walk through the neighbourhood. · 15–30 min

    Transport source
  3. Shibuya → Hotel

    Ginza Line from Shibuya to Ginza, then walk. · 30–45 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

IPPUDO Ginza

Ramen; check the menu for plant-based options

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): JPY 1,200–2,500

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 4 · Tokyo

Tsukiji and a city garden

Morning · Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market during business hours; keep narrow passages clear.

Afternoon · Hama-rikyu Gardens, returning to Ginza to rest.

Dining · Tsukiji: cooked seafood or tamagoyaki; check dietary requirements.

Hama-rikyu Gardens
Hama-rikyu Gardens · · Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza → Tsukiji Outer Market

    Walk from Ginza to Tsukiji using pedestrian crossings; avoid working wholesale areas. · 15–25 min

    Transport source
  2. Tsukiji Outer Market → Hama-rikyu Otemon gate

    Walk along public streets from Tsukiji to the Otemon entrance. · 20–30 min

    Transport source
  3. Hama-rikyu Otemon gate → Hotel

    Walk back via Shiodome and Shimbashi; use a taxi in heat or rain. · 20–35 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

IPPUDO Ginza

Ramen; check the menu for plant-based options

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): JPY 1,200–2,500

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 5 · Kyoto

Tokyo → Kyoto

Morning · Use the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto. Allow 4–6 hours door to door. Check train, seat and oversized-baggage rules; no rail pass is assumed.

Afternoon · Check in, eat nearby and rest after arrival. Leave ticketed attractions for another day to allow for transport and border delays.

Dining · Eat near the selected hotel according to arrival time, carrying water and a snack for the transfer.

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza → Tokyo Station

    Walk to Ginza; Marunouchi Line to Tokyo, then follow Shinkansen signs. Reverse for the hotel. · 45–90 min

    Transport source
  2. Tokyo Station → Kyoto Station

    Use the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto. Allow 4–6 hours door to door. Check train, seat and oversized-baggage rules; no rail pass is assumed.

    Transport source
  3. Kyoto Station → ibis Styles Kyoto Station

    On arrival, reverse this hotel-to-station connection: Walk between the hotel and Kyoto Station’s Hachijo side; check the Shinkansen gate and platform. · 10–25 min

    Transport source
Day 6 · Kyoto

Fushimi Inari and Higashiyama

Morning · Visit Fushimi Inari early and choose a manageable length of the torii trail.

Afternoon · Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama slopes; respect private lanes and photography restrictions.

Dining · Higashiyama: tofu dishes or soba.

Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha · Basile Morin · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari

    JR Nara Line local train from Kyoto to Inari; check stopping patterns. · 15–25 min

    Transport source
  2. Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera

    Walk to Keihan Fushimi-inari; train to Kiyomizu-gojo, then a 25–35-minute uphill walk. · 45–65 min

    Transport source
  3. Kiyomizu-dera → Hotel

    Walk to Kiyomizu-gojo; Keihan to Tofukuji, then JR Nara Line to Kyoto. · 45–65 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

Kyoto Ramen Koji

Multiple ramen shops on floor 10 of Kyoto Station Building

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): JPY 1,200–2,500

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 7 · Kyoto

Arashiyama and the river

Morning · Take JR to Saga-Arashiyama for the bamboo paths and Tenryu-ji area.

Afternoon · Walk Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura riverside without adding distant temples.

Dining · Arashiyama: yudofu or eel rice.

Arashiyama bamboo paths and bridge
Arashiyama bamboo paths and bridge · lumoplank · Photo source · CC0

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Kyoto Station → Arashiyama bamboo paths

    JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama, then walk to the bamboo paths. · 35–50 min

    Transport source
  2. Arashiyama bamboo paths → Togetsukyo Bridge

    Walk from the Tenryu-ji area to Togetsukyo and the riverside. · 15–25 min

    Transport source
  3. Togetsukyo Bridge → Hotel

    Walk to Saga-Arashiyama and take JR Sagano Line to Kyoto. · 40–55 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

Kyoto Ramen Koji

Multiple ramen shops on floor 10 of Kyoto Station Building

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): JPY 1,200–2,500

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 8 · Kyoto

Castle and market

Morning · Nijo Castle; check open areas and palace visiting rules.

Afternoon · Nishiki Market and Shijo; eat in areas designated by vendors.

Dining · Nishiki area: small Kyoto dishes and matcha sweets.

Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle · · Photo source

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Kyoto Station → Nijo Castle

    Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike; Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae. · 25–40 min

    Transport source
  2. Nijo Castle → Nishiki Market

    Tozai Line to Karasuma Oike; Karasuma Line to Shijo, then walk. · 25–40 min

    Transport source
  3. Nishiki Market → Hotel

    Karasuma Line from Shijo to Kyoto; use the Hachijo side for the hotel. · 20–30 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

Kyoto Ramen Koji

Multiple ramen shops on floor 10 of Kyoto Station Building

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): JPY 1,200–2,500

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 9 · Seoul

Kyoto → Seoul

Morning · Travel from KIX / ITM to ICN, possibly with a connection. Reserve the day for airport transfers, check-in, borders and arrival. Check date-specific service; a long connection may need an extra day.

Afternoon · Check in, eat nearby and rest after arrival. Leave ticketed attractions for another day to allow for transport and border delays.

Dining · Eat near the selected hotel according to arrival time, carrying water and a snack for the transfer.

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Styles Kyoto Station → Kyoto Station

    Use this connection in reverse and confirm the departure airport: Leave on the Hachijo side and walk to the hotel. · 5–15 min

    Transport source
  2. Kyoto Station → Kansai Airport KIX

    Use this connection in reverse and confirm the departure airport: JR HARUKA to Kyoto Station; ITM uses a different route such as an airport bus. · 80–110 min

    Transport source
  3. KIX / ITM → ICN / GMP

    Travel from KIX / ITM to ICN / GMP, possibly with a connection. Reserve the day for airport transfers, check-in, borders and arrival. Check date-specific service; a long connection may need an extra day.

    Transport source
  4. Incheon Airport ICN → Seoul Station

    AREX to Seoul Station; check terminal and express/all-stop service. · 60–90 min

    Transport source
  5. Seoul Station → ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

    Line 1 to Jongno 3-ga, then walk to the Insadong hotel. · 25–40 min

    Transport source
Day 10 · Seoul

Palace and Bukchon

Morning · Gyeongbokgung Palace; check closing days and guard-change times.

Afternoon · Bukchon and Insadong; respect residential visitor hours and keep quiet.

Dining · Insadong: Korean set meals or bibimbap.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace · 서울관광 아카이브 · Photo source · KOGL Type 1

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong → Gyeongbokgung

    Line 3 from Jongno 3-ga to Gyeongbokgung; walk to the entrance. · 20–35 min

    Transport source
  2. Gyeongbokgung → Bukchon / Insadong

    Walk east toward Anguk and Bukchon, following residential visiting hours. · 20–35 min

    Transport source
  3. Bukchon / Insadong → Hotel

    Walk back via Anguk and Insadong, keeping residential lanes quiet. · 20–35 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

Myeongdong Kyoja

Kalguksu noodles and dumplings

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): KRW 12,000–25,000

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 11 · Seoul

Namsan and Myeongdong

Morning · Explore Myeongdong, then use a permitted bus or walk on Namsan; tower admission is separate.

Afternoon · Namsan paths and city views, returning to Myeongdong for dinner.

Dining · Myeongdong: kalguksu, dumplings or rice porridge.

Namsan Park
Namsan Park · 서울관광 아카이브 · Photo source · KOGL Type 1

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong → Myeongdong

    Line 3 to Chungmuro, then Line 4 to Myeongdong. · 25–40 min

    Transport source
  2. Myeongdong → Namsan walking paths

    Walk to Namsan Park and choose a manageable trail; check the current Namsan shuttle if needed. · 35–60 min

    Transport source
  3. Namsan walking paths → Hotel

    Descend to Myeongdong; Line 4 to Chungmuro and Line 3 to Jongno 3-ga. · 50–75 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

Myeongdong Kyoja

Kalguksu noodles and dumplings

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): KRW 12,000–25,000

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 12 · Busan

Seoul → Busan

Morning · Compare KTX between Seoul and Busan stations. Allow 4–6 hours including metro access and waiting; check the train’s stops and fare for your date.

Afternoon · Check in, eat nearby and rest after arrival. Leave ticketed attractions for another day to allow for transport and border delays.

Dining · Eat near the selected hotel according to arrival time, carrying water and a snack for the transfer.

Transport, leg by leg

  1. ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong → Seoul Station

    Line 1 from Jongno 3-ga to Seoul Station, then follow KTX signs; reverse for the hotel. · 45–90 min

    Transport source
  2. Seoul Station → Busan Station

    Compare KTX between Seoul and Busan stations. Allow 4–6 hours including metro access and waiting; check the train’s stops and fare for your date.

    Transport source
  3. Busan Station → Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon

    On arrival, reverse this hotel-to-station connection: Walk to Seomyeon; Line 1 to Busan Station, then walk to the KTX terminal; reverse for the hotel. · 45–90 min

    Transport source
Day 13 · Busan

Haeundae coast

Morning · Walk Haeundae Beach; water activities require separate condition and opening checks.

Afternoon · Dongbaek coastal paths, shortening the route if weather deteriorates.

Dining · Haeundae: cooked seafood or soup rice.

Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach · Brit in Seoul · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Transport, leg by leg

  1. Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon → Haeundae

    Walk to Seomyeon; Line 2 to Haeundae, then walk to the beach. · 60–80 min

    Transport source
  2. Haeundae → Dongbaekseom

    Walk west along the beach to the open Dongbaek coastal paths. · 20–35 min

    Transport source
  3. Dongbaekseom → Hotel

    Walk to Dongbaek; Line 2 to Seomyeon, then walk back. · 60–80 min

    Transport source

Dining place & budget

Samjin Eomuk Busan

Fish-cake snacks; suitable for a light bite

Planning allowance per person (not a menu price): KRW 5,000–15,000

Menu, opening & reservations

Confirm opening, queues and allergens with the venue; dining stops are not automatically added to sight routes.

Day 14 · Busan

A gentle finish and departure

Morning · Have breakfast near the hotel, pack and check out. Go directly to the airport for an early flight.

Afternoon · Travel to PUS for your booked flight. Aim to reach the terminal around three hours before an international departure; no distant sightseeing today.

Dining · Eat near the hotel or at the airport according to flight time.

Transport, leg by leg

  1. Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon → Sasang

    Use this connection in reverse and confirm the departure airport: Line 2 to Seomyeon, then walk to the hotel. · 30–45 min

    Transport source
  2. Sasang → Gimhae Airport PUS

    Use this connection in reverse and confirm the departure airport: Busan–Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang. · 20–30 min

    Transport source

Tokyo · Stay references

ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza

ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza

Convenient / economy

Ginza location within walking distance of Shimbashi and Higashi-ginza.

USD 114–204

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza

Mercure Tokyo Hibiya

Mercure Tokyo Hibiya

2–4 star accommodation

Between Shimbashi and Ginza, useful for multi-line rail access and an upgraded city stay.

USD 165–268

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Mercure Tokyo Hibiya

Pullman Tokyo Tamachi

Pullman Tokyo Tamachi

Five-star stay reference

Beside Tamachi Station, useful for JR Yamanote Line travel; use Tamachi as the starting station.

USD 286–477

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Pullman Tokyo Tamachi

Kyoto · Stay references

ibis Styles Kyoto Station

ibis Styles Kyoto Station

Convenient / economy

South of Kyoto Station for intercity connections and JR outings.

USD 82–159

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · ibis Styles Kyoto Station

Mercure Kyoto Station

Mercure Kyoto Station

2–4 star accommodation

Near Kyoto Station for Shinkansen arrivals and city buses, suitable for a station-based stay.

USD 127–223

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Mercure Kyoto Station

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

Five-star stay reference

An intimate stay beside Nijo Castle; plan a connection to Kyoto Station for rail travel.

USD 317–573

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

Seoul · Stay references

ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

Convenient / economy

Near Jongno 3-ga for palace visits and traditional neighbourhoods.

USD 90–167

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

2–4 star accommodation

Dongdaemun and Euljiro base for markets and shopping; adjust the first and last daily legs.

USD 135–227

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Mercure Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Five-star stay reference

A full-service Dongdaemun hotel for travellers who value a pool and additional on-site facilities.

USD 211–363

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

Busan · Stay references

Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon

Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon

Convenient / economy

About an 8-minute walk from Seomyeon Station for Lines 1 and 2.

USD 60–106

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon

Avani Central Busan

Avani Central Busan

2–4 star accommodation

Near Busan International Finance Center and metro links; allow time to travel across the city to Haeundae.

USD 98–167

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Avani Central Busan

LOTTE HOTEL BUSAN

LOTTE HOTEL BUSAN

Five-star stay reference

A five-star Seomyeon base combining shopping, dining and metro access in one district.

USD 196–340

Editorial allowance per room/night, not a live quoteOfficial property information

Photo source · Audley Travel · LOTTE HOTEL BUSAN

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Route questions

Tokyo → Kyoto → Seoul → Busan · What accommodation budget should I allow?

USD 1174–5969 · 13 nights. Accommodation allowances only, across the available hotel tiers; not live rates or a whole-trip budget. Check transport, meals, tickets and taxes separately. Departure day has no overnight stay.

Tokyo → Kyoto → Seoul → Busan · How do I travel between these stops?

Use the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto. Allow 4–6 hours door to door. Check train, seat and oversized-baggage rules; no rail pass is assumed. Travel from KIX / ITM to ICN / GMP, possibly with a connection. Reserve the day for airport transfers, check-in, borders and arrival. Check date-specific service; a long connection may need an extra day. Compare KTX between Seoul and Busan stations. Allow 4–6 hours including metro access and waiting; check the train’s stops and fare for your date.

Related daily itineraries

Editorial updates do not reverify prices, entry rules or timetables. Follow each official source and its recorded review date. Editorial method and sources

Sources

Use the destination, transport and hotel sources to check current conditions.

Tokyo

Kyoto

Seoul

Busan