Escape winter: Florida Relaxation, January 11–22, 2027. Reserve your seat
Churches, schools & organizations
A Wisconsin family company since 1995
May 31 - June 14, 2027 · Worldwide travel
Join Tom's Christian Tours for an unforgettable two-week journey across Japan and South Korea. From a hands-on sushi class in Tokyo and a peaceful hot-spring stay in Hakone to the temples of Kyoto, the seaside charm of Busan, and the history of Seoul, each day is carefully planned so you can relax, discover, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. Local hosts guide us every step of the way, and the small touches along the route make this a trip to remember.
Only 2 single rooms left
About
Join Tom's Christian Tours for an unforgettable two-week journey across Japan and South Korea. From a hands-on sushi class in Tokyo and a peaceful hot-spring stay in Hakone to the temples of Kyoto, the seaside charm of Busan, and the history of Seoul, each day is carefully planned so you can relax, discover, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers. Local hosts guide us every step of the way, and the small touches along the route make this a trip to remember.
Level 3 – Moderate Activity
A balanced touring experience that includes regular walking, longer sightseeing days, and more active schedules. Guests at this level should be comfortable walking over one mile per day at a steady pace in order to keep up with the group. Travelers should also be able to independently navigate airports, hotels, and attractions, including managing stairs, longer walking distances, and occasional uneven terrain. This level is best for guests who stay fairly active and enjoy full days of exploration. This tour will also include extensive use of public transportation.
Meals included each day are noted in parentheses: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
120 or more days before departure: Full refund of everything you've paid, including your deposit.
119 to 90 days before departure: Refund of everything paid beyond your deposit. The deposit is non-refundable.
Fewer than 90 days before departure: No refund, unless your spot is resold or your travel insurance covers it.
We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Moderate activity A fuller day with regular walking and longer sightseeing. You should be comfortable walking over a mile a day at a steady pace to keep up with the group, and able to manage airports, stairs and occasional uneven ground independently. Best if you stay fairly active. Not sure if it suits you? Call us, or read what each pace means.
Your trip
Open any day to read it in full. Meal chips show what’s included that day. Timings are a guide — your final documents confirm the details.
Day 0 — Monday , May 31, 2027
Get ready to travel! Today you will meet the group at one of the TCT pickup points and shuttle as a group to ORD. An evening departure and overnight flight awaits as you begin your journey to Japan and South Korea!
Day 1 — Tuesday, June 1, 2027Dinner
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo we gather as a group and meet our Adventure Leader, who will be with us throughout our time in Japan. Our first evening begins with a hands-on sushi class, where we roll and shape our own dinner before enjoying it together. Afterward we head to a local bar for a welcome drink and the chance to get acquainted with our fellow travelers. Tonight we settle in at the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (or similar).
Day 2 — Wednesday, June 2, 2027BreakfastDinner
After breakfast we step back in time in Shibamata, a charming retro neighborhood, strolling the old-fashioned Taishakuten Sando shopping street and visiting the beautiful temple and garden at its end. We then make our way to Asakusa to discover the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively streets around it. This evening brings a true highlight — a sumo experience complete with dinner, a fun and memorable look at Japan's national sport. We return to the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku for the night.
Day 3 — Thursday, June 3, 2027BreakfastDinner
This morning we visit the serene Meiji Shrine, set in a peaceful forest in the heart of the city. We then experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and find the beloved Hachiko statue nearby. The afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace. We'll send our large luggage ahead to Kyoto and pack a light bag for our upcoming night in Hakone. Tonight we gather for a group dinner before resting once more at the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
Day 4 — Friday, June 4, 2027BreakfastDinner
We leave Tokyo by private coach for the mountains and lakes of Hakone. Using our two-day Hakone Freepass, we cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a colorful pirate ship and ride the ropeway up to Owakudani, a dramatic volcanic valley with sweeping views. Tonight is a special one: we stay at a lovely ryokan-style hotel with a soothing onsen hot spring — a restful highlight of the trip.
Day 5 — Saturday, June 5, 2027BreakfastDinner
After a relaxing morning, our private coach takes us to Odawara Station, where there's free time to pick up a famous Japanese “ekiben” boxed lunch or explore nearby Odawara Castle. We then board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's graceful former capital. After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we enjoy a calligraphy class, trying our hand at this beautiful art. The day closes with a comfort-food group dinner. Tonight we stay at the Mercure Kyoto Station (or similar).
Day 6 — Sunday, June 6, 2027BreakfastDinner
Today we embrace Kyoto's traditions. We begin with a kimono-wearing experience and a gentle tea ceremony, then make our way to the famous Kiyomizudera Temple with its sweeping hillside views. There's free time to explore the area and enjoy lunch before a guided tour of the historic Gion district, where we learn about the world of the geisha and stroll atmospheric Pontocho Alley. We gather again for dinner and return to the Mercure Kyoto Station for the night.
Day 7 — Monday, June 7, 2027BreakfastDinner
This morning we travel by private coach to nearby Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. We visit the magnificent Todaiji Temple, home to a giant bronze Buddha, then spend time in Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely and are happy to pose for photos. The rest of the day is yours — those who wish may continue on to the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, or simply relax at leisure. We come together again for dinner before another night at the Mercure Kyoto Station.
Day 8 — Tuesday, June 8, 2027BreakfastDinner
Today is a free day to enjoy Kyoto and the surrounding area however you like. Popular choices include the Kyoto Railway Museum, a bicycle ride through the city, the dazzling Golden Pavilion, or a day trip to nearby Osaka for the aquarium or Universal Studios Japan. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate our time in Japan, then rest at the Mercure Kyoto Station.
Day 9 — Wednesday, June 9, 2027BreakfastDinner
We bid farewell to Japan and fly to Busan, South Korea. On arrival, a private transfer brings us to our hotel, where we meet our Korea Adventure Leader and enjoy a fun Korean language lesson to get us started. After freshening up, we share a welcome group dinner, then board an evening yacht to take in Busan's splendid night views over the water with light refreshments aboard. Tonight we stay at the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae (or similar).
Day 10 — Thursday, June 10, 2027BreakfastLunch
This morning we set out by private bus for a hands-on Korean cooking class, then enjoy the meal we've prepared together. Next we visit the colorful, hillside Gamcheon Village, with free time to wander its artistic lanes. We ride the scenic Songdo Marine Cable Car along the coast and stroll lively BIFF Square, where we sample hotteok, a sweet Korean street treat. The evening is free to relax as you wish, with another night at the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Busan Haeundae.
Day 11 — Friday, June 11, 2027BreakfastDinner
Enjoy a free morning in Busan — perhaps beach time or a visit to a traditional jjimjilbang spa. In the afternoon we transfer to the station and board the high-speed KTX train to Seoul. After checking in, we share a group dinner and then take in the energetic, non-verbal Nanta show, a crowd favorite full of rhythm and humor. The rest of the evening is free to explore the shops and streets of Myeongdong. Tonight we stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Josun Myeongdong (or similar).
Day 12 — Saturday, June 12, 2027BreakfastLunch
Today is a moving and memorable visit to the DMZ, the border area between South and North Korea. Traveling by private bus with a local guide, we take in the Dora Observatory, walk through a tunnel once dug by North Koreans, and share a thoughtful Q&A session with a North Korean defector over lunch. Later we return to the city, with a chance to send a postcard home, and the evening is free to enjoy Seoul at your own pace. We rest again at the Four Points by Sheraton Josun Myeongdong.
Day 13 — Sunday, June 13, 2027BreakfastDinner
Our final full day celebrates the heart of old Seoul. We visit the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the colorful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, with the option to dress in traditional hanbok. We wander the historic Bukchon Hanok Village and the artful lanes of Insadong. This evening we come together for a warm farewell dinner followed by a lively karaoke party with drinks and snacks — a joyful send-off to a wonderful journey. One last night at the Four Points by Sheraton Josun Myeongdong.
Day 14 — Monday, June 14, 2027Breakfast
After breakfast and a final morning for last-minute shopping or exploring, we say a fond goodbye to new friends. A private transfer brings us to the airport in good time for our flights home, carrying with us the memories of two remarkable countries and the fellowship we shared along the way.
Every day of Japan & South Korea #1 in one PDF, sent to your inbox. Print it, or share it with whoever is coming with you.
What’s included
✓Deluxe Motor Coach
✓Premium Lodging (4* and 5* accommodations)
✓26+ meals included (as noted on itinerary)
✓Roundtrip Airfare from Chicago to Japan and retuning from South Korea to Chicago
✓Local pickup and airport transfer to ORD
✓admission to all included attractions
✓Local guides will be with you throughout along with a TCT host.
Not included
—Driver ($3-$4 per day per person) and Tour Director ($6-$7 per person per day) TCT Host ($4-$5 per day per person)
—Meals not listed on itinerary
—Optional Travel Insurance will be available at the end of the registration process. (Highly Recommended)
We had a wonderful time. It was nice meeting all of our fellow travelers. This was our first trip with Tom’s Christian Tours. Based off of this one, there will be more. Tom is a GREAT tour guide. We’re loo…
Before you travel
Three things people ask us before they book. Anything else, call (262) 290-1303.
Getting on board
Flights leave from Chicago. Exact times come with your final documents.
Who you'll travel with
Up to 25 travellers, more than half of whom have toured with us before, and one of our own directors with the group the whole way.
Solo travellers join every departure. Want to know who is already booked on this one? Call and ask — we are asked it every week.
Room options
Traveling alone? Tell us when you book and we will gladly try to match you with a same-gender roommate, so you avoid the single supplement.
Every day of Japan & South Korea #1 in one PDF, sent to your inbox. Print it, or share it with whoever is coming with you.
Ask a question
How much walking is there really? Can you accommodate a dietary need? Is there a roommate available? Ask us anything about Japan & South Korea #1 — a real person reads every message and replies within one business day.
from $9,900 / per person
Or call us directly: (262) 290-1303 · Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT
A real person reads every message and replies within one business day.
Explore more
March 30 - April 7, 2027
Moderate activity
from $6,950 / per person
