Across the Korea Strait

Who it is for

For anyone who wants Korea and Japan together and likes big cities, markets and street food.

Not for anyone looking for nature, since all four stops are big cities.

The strategy

The order is Seoul, Busan, Osaka and Tokyo. Check how to cross from Korea to Japan before booking hotels; if choosing the ship between Busan and Osaka, the crossing includes a night on board and depends on operating dates. Include terminal transfers and compare departure from Tokyo with connections to your return destination.

What you will see

• Gyeongbokgung, Seoul. Joseon’s main palace, founded in 1395, destroyed during the 1592 invasion and rebuilt between 1865 and 1867, with further restoration since 1990.
• Jagalchi Market, Busan. Jagalchi includes the market building and fish stalls by Jung-gu’s harbour; it grew with traders and refugees from the Korean War.
• Umeda Sky Building, Osaka. Twin 173-meter towers linked at the top by an open-air observatory, the Floating Garden, designed by Hiroshi Hara and completed in 1993.
• Sensō-ji, Tokyo. Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, founded according to tradition in 628 and rebuilt in concrete in 1958 after the bombing.

Day by day

Seoul

1. 1
   Day 1: One palace and the neighbourhoods of Jongno

   1. 1GyeongbokgungEssential
   2. 4JongmyoWorth a visit
2. 2
   Day 2: The centre and Namsan, or a museum day

   1. 6CheonggyecheonUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   2. 7Dongdaemun Design PlazaUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   3. 5Namsan and N Seoul TowerWorth a visit
   4. 3National Museum of KoreaEssential
3. 3
   Day 3: Jamsil and an afternoon in the south

   1. Lotte World Tower and Seoul SkyIf there is time
4. 4
   Day 4: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) (day trip) · if you have more time

   

Busan

1. 5
   Day 5: Nampo with a break; Gamcheon as an alternative

   
2. 6
   Day 6: One coastal area, with a break and return

   1. 8Haeundae and the Blue Line ParkIf there is time
   2. 6Haedong YonggungsaWorth a visit
3. 7
   Day 7: Choose one area: temple, remembrance or coast · if you have more time

   1. 7Taejongdae and YeongdoWorth a visit

Osaka

1. 8
   Day 8: Minami: market, canal and theater

   1. 2Kuromon MarketEssential
2. 9
   Day 9: Castle, Nakanoshima and Umeda

   1. 7Nakanoshima: Public Hall and museumsUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   2. 1Umeda Sky BuildingEssential
3. 10
   Day 10: Old south and bay, with a subway journey between areas · if you have more time

   1. 9Shitennō-jiUp to half an hourIf there is time
   2. TsūtenkakuUp to half an hourIf there is time

Tokyo

1. 11
   Day 11: Low city: Asakusa, the river, and Ryōgoku

   1. 1Sensō-ji1h30Essential
   2. Nakamise Street20–40 minIf there is time
   3. Kaminarimon Gate10–20 minIf there is time
   4. 7Tokyo Skytree1h30Worth a visit
   5. Ryōgoku and Kokugikan2hIf there is time
   6. 8Sumida Hokusai Museum1hWorth a visit
   7. Tsukishima1h30Worth a visit
2. 12
   Day 12: High city: Meiji Jingū, Shibuya, and Shinjuku

   1. 4Meiji Jingū1h30Essential
   2. 5Omotesandō avenue1h30Essential
   3. 6Shibuya Crossing45 minEssential
   4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatories1hWorth a visit
   5. Shinjuku Golden Gai1h30You can skip it
3. 13
   Day 13: Historic center, museums, and Yanaka

   1. 3Tsukiji Outer Market1h30Essential
   2. Ginza shopping streets1h30If there is time
   3. Kabukiza Theatre20–30 min (exterior)If there is time
   4. Imperial Palace East Gardens1h30Worth a visit
   5. 9Tokyo National Museum3hWorth a visit
   6. 2Yanaka2hEssential
4. 14
   Day 14: Kamakura (day trip) · if you have more time

   
5. 15
   Day 15: Hakone (day trip) · if you have more time