10 days enough to visit Korea and Japan ?

Are 10 days enough to visit Korea and Japan ?

Greetings, Chonkers!

We've got a question from our community worth exploring.

How to get the most if you're going to the other side of the world and you've only got 10 days. We were tasked with creating a plan for exploring both Korea and Japan in only ten days.

While it is certainly doable, it is advisable to have more time. (Ideally two full weeks).

If I were to plan a trip for myself I'd take the 10 days to properly enjoy Japan rather than moving around, nonetheless, fitting both are possible and that is the quest we were tasked with, so here goes!

If we had to do both in 10 days this is what we'd do:

Japan (Days 1-6) - 7 days should be enough to see the main things in Japan

Day 1: Tokyo, Japan

Morning:

• Arrive in Tokyo and check into your accommodation.
• Grab a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local cafe or try a sushi place for an early culinary adventure.

Afternoon:

• Explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing and surrounding shopping areas.
• Visit Meiji Shrine and stroll through Yoyogi Park.

Evening:

• Dive into Tokyo's nightlife in areas like Shinjuku or Roppongi.
• Try local street food or dine in a themed restaurant.

Day 2: Tokyo

Morning:

• Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi breakfast.
• Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple.

Afternoon:

• Head to Akihabara for tech and anime culture.
• Visit Ueno Park and museums.

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional izakaya dinner.
• Experience Tokyo's dazzling lights in Odaiba.

Day 3: Kyoto, Japan Morning:

• Take a Shinkansen to Kyoto.
• Visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.

Afternoon:

• Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and its famous torii gates.
• Wander through the historic Gion district.

Evening:

• Try kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) for dinner.
• Stroll along the beautiful Higashiyama District.

Day 4: Kyoto Morning:

• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and its gardens.

Afternoon:

• Take a boat ride in the Hozugawa River.
• Visit Kiyomizu-dera for panoramic views.

Evening:

• Experience a traditional tea ceremony.
• Dine in Gion for a chance of spotting geishas.

Day 5: Hiroshima and Miyajima, Japan Morning:

• Take a Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
• Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Afternoon:

• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
• Explore Itsukushima Shrine and the iconic "floating" torii gate.

Evening:

• Enjoy local seafood for dinner on Miyajima.
• Head back to Hiroshima for the night.

Day 6: Osaka, Japan

Morning:

• Travel to Osaka by Shinkansen.
• Visit Osaka Castle.

Afternoon:

• Explore the bustling Dotonbori district.
• Try Osaka's famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Evening:

• Experience nightlife in Namba.
• Visit a local izakaya or pub.

Days 7 and forward - Three full days should get you enough of Korea if you're in a rush

Day 7: Seoul, South Korea

Morning:

• Fly to Seoul.
• Check into your accommodation.

Afternoon:

• Explore the vibrant Myeongdong shopping district.
• Visit N Seoul Tower for panoramic views.

Evening:

• Try Korean barbecue for dinner.
• Stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Day 8: Seoul

Morning:

• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and the changing of the guard ceremony.
• Explore Bukchon Hanok Village.

Afternoon:

• Discover Insadong for traditional crafts and tea houses.
• Visit Jogyesa Temple.

Evening:

• Experience the nightlife in Gangnam.
• Try soju and makgeolli at a local bar.

Day 9: DMZ Day Tour, South Korea

Morning:

• Take a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
• Visit the Joint Security Area (JSA).

Afternoon:

• Explore the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory.
• Return to Seoul in the late afternoon.

Evening:

• Relax and reflect on the day.
• Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 10: Departure

Morning:

• Check out from your accommodation.
• Take a leisurely morning walk or visit any remaining attractions.

Afternoon:

• Shop for souvenirs or last-minute gifts.
• Have a farewell lunch in a local eatery.

Evening:

• Depart from Seoul, reminiscing about the unforgettable journey.

So that is it ! That's how we would do Japan and Korea in only 10 days if we absolutely had to. Of course we'd prefer to stay more time in japan, perhaps some extra to enjoy the Onsens (Natural Hot Springs) a bit more, or just to run around Tokyo trying every food place we could get into :))

Until the next one.