The Heart of Japan + Southern Japan and Korea
Join us on a group trip to
The Heart of Japan + Southern Japan and Korea
2nd October– 20th October 2026
What can you expect?
As this is a combination of two standalone trips, everything that you can expect is written on their pages. (links below)
You will be traveling with 2 guides.
We travel for 19 days and sleep 17-times in double rooms in hotels (4* and 3*), and once in a traditional ryokan accommodation, with shared bathrooms, where we sleep on futons (for an additional fee we can upgrade the room type to include beds or a private bathroom). Japanese rooms are known to be on the smaller side.
Central and southern Japan and South Korea have moderate temperatures (between 15°C and 22°C) and occasional rainfall in October. Sunrise is at 5:30 AM and sunset is at 5:30 PM.
We explore both countries mostly by public transport, but we rent personal vehicles for one day, which allows us more freedom to explore.
The group for the Southern Japan and Korea part of the trip is small, up to 10 passengers.
There is no surcharge for a small group.
Our journey is dynamic. It includes a lot of walking (in nature and in cities) and 8 changes of accommodation. The days can be long, but not too strenuous – there is always enough time for your own exploration.
early bird price: 4.500€
Early bird price is valid for registrations until February 28, 2026
standard price: 4.800€
Standard price is valid for registrations from March 1, 2026
The price of the trip includes: 17 nights in double rooms with private bathroom, 1 night in a traditional ryokan with onsen with shared bathroom, car rental and all costs related to them (insurance, parking fees, fuel…), international flight from Japan to South Korea, all local transportation (bullet trains, metro, buses), all tips for local staff and entrance fees according to the program (except for the possible additional charges listed, which are not mandatory). All breakfasts and 1x traditional Japanese dinner are included, guidance with two guides and accompaniment on site, as well as the costs of preparation and organization of the trip.
The price of the trip does not include international flight tickets, afternoon/evening meals, health insurance for abroad, personal purchases, additional excursions/sightseeings listed under possible extra charges, and anything not listed under included.
We recommend you get yourself travel health insurance. You can travel to Japan with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after leaving the country.
Possible extras:
teamLab Borderless (€30),
Universal Studios Osaka (€67),
group tea ceremony with a geisha* (€85),
private tea ceremony with a geisha* (€135),
samurai experience + tea ceremony* (€90),
ryokan: room with a twin bed surcharge (€50/room),
ryokan: room with a private bathroom surcharge (€180/room),
boat rental in Takachiho Gorge (€31 for 1-3 persons),
single room surcharge (€700).
*Participation is only possible in one of the three options due to overlapping dates.
No later than 45 days before your trip, you will receive an online form in your email, in which you can also decide whether to participate in optional tours.
TeamLab Borderless is a digital art museum where exhibits connect with each other, communicate and leave free space to explore as we wish. The installations are interactive, responding to our presence, movement, time, light… Definitely a unique experience even for those who may not be enthusiastic about traditional galleries.
Universal Studios Osaka is a theme park full of action, fun and movie magic. Walk through famous movie worlds, from Harry Potter to Jurassic Park, and visit Super Nintendo World, which is also unique.
*The three experiences below are in Kyoto and overlap in time, so you can choose just one option or you may be free during this time. Children under 7 years old cannot attend the tea ceremony.
Tea ceremony with a geisha: the most common choice for meeting a geisha, open-ended. In the company of a geisha, you will participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, prepare matcha tea, and try local sweets. With the help of a translator, you will be able to ask the geisha questions and take pictures with her. (duration: 45 min)
Private tea party with a geisha (price valid for 5 people): a great choice for a more intimate experience, closed groups. You will be dressed in traditional clothing, kimono, and then it’s time to meet a geisha. She will dance a traditional dance for you, and with the help of a translator, you can also ask the geisha questions and take photos with her. This is followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you will prepare matcha tea and try local sweets. (duration: 90-120 minutes)
Samurai Experience + Tea Ceremony(minimum 2 people): A great choice for the maximum experience of Japan. In the afternoon, you will visit the Samurai Museum, where you will learn more about their way of life, dress in their traditional clothing, try throwing ninja stars and receive training in how to wield a samurai sword. This is followed by a break and in the evening, a tea ceremony, where you will first be dressed in a kimono, then participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, prepare matcha tea and try local sweets. (duration: 3-4 hours)
Boat rental in Takachiho Gorge: We row a boat through a beautiful gorge surrounded by volcanic basalt cliffs (rental time: 30 minutes) Due to the limited number of boats, there is a possibility that we may not be able to secure a rental, in which case payment is not required and we will walk along a well-maintained path above the gorge
You bring the amount of your selected optional extras in cash with you on your trip.
You can join the Heart of Japan + Southern Japan and Korea trip on its own, or you can extend it even more with Hokkaido – Northern Beauty of Japan and make it a whole experience with our Incredible Japan and South Korea deal.
Sign Up & Payment
1) Send your inquiry via the button below to info@wanderresponder.com. We will respond to you with an application form.
2) After registration, an advance payment (€500) is paid, which guarantees your place on the trip.
The advance payment is non-refundable in the event of your cancellation. If the trip is not carried out, the advance payment will be fully refunded.
3) Part of the full amount (€1.500) is paid to the transaction account no later than 30 days after securing the departure.
4) The remaining amount (€1.500) is paid to the transaction account no later than 60 days before the trip.
For payment in several instalments, please inform us of this upon registration.
5) You bring the rest of the amount (€1.000) with you on the trip for all the expenses that couldn’t be paid for in advance (certain entrance fees, fuel, parking fees, food…).
Sign Up & Let’s Wander!
To register for the trip, please click on the SIGN UP button and fill out the form with the subject “The Heart of Japan + Southern Japan and Korea”.
We will get back to you as soon as possible and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We are always available via email info@wanderresponder.com, WhatsApp at +386 40 857 568 (also for calls) or Facebook.