East Asia Two Weeks Itinerary: South Korea, Taiwan and Japan

An epic 15-day adventure through some of East Asia’s most exciting destinations! Explore the bustling streets of Seoul and Busan, soak up the culture and history of Taipei and Kyoto, experience the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and much more! This itinerary will take you on a journey through three diverse and fascinating countries: South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Get ready to fire up your wanderlust, eat amazing food, and make unforgettable memories on this trip of a lifetime!

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Days 1-2: Seoul, South Korea

Day 1:

Start your day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic attractions in Seoul. Built in the 14th century, the palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. You can explore the different buildings, including the throne hall, banquet hall, and royal living quarters. Be sure to also visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the palace grounds.

After your visit to the palace, head to nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming traditional Korean neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). You can wander the streets and admire the architecture, and even try on traditional Korean clothing, called hanbok, for a fun photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, head to Namsan Tower, a landmark tower atop Namsan Mountain reachable by cable car that offers stunning panoramic views of the city, and also several attractions and restaurants to explore.

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Day 2:

Take a nice morning stroll exploring the bustling Myeong-dong neighborhood, a popular shopping and entertainment district. You can find everything from cosmetics and skincare products to street food and souvenirs. 

After shopping, visit the nearby Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Be sure to try some Korean street food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes). 

In the evening, dive into one of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods for nightlife, such as Hongdae or Gangnam. Hongdae is known for its indie music scene, street performances, and clubs, while Gangnam is known for its upscale bars and clubs.

Days 3-5: Busan, South Korea

Day 3:

The train ride to Busan from Seoul is about 2h15m. If you try to take an early ride, you can start your day by visiting Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most popular and picturesque beaches. You can walk along the beach or rent a parasol and lounge chair to relax and soak up the sun. Nearby, you can also visit Busan Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in South Korea.

In the afternoon, head to Busan Tower, a landmark tower that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy the view, and there is also a museum and observation deck to explore.

Day 4:

The day starts at the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, also known as the “Santorini of the East”. This hillside village is filled with brightly painted houses and narrow alleyways and offers great views of the city. You can wander the streets, visit art galleries and cafes, and even make your own souvenir at the village’s craft workshops.

After visiting Gamcheon, go to Beomeosa Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located in the foothills of Geumjeongsan Mountain, which can be accessed by cable car. The temple was first built in the 7th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. You can explore the different halls and buildings, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the temple.

Day 5:

Start your day by visiting Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a very special seaside temple located on the cliffs of the East Sea. The temple was first built in the 14th century and offers stunning ocean views. You can explore the different buildings and statues, and even try some temple food at the on-site restaurant.

In the afternoon, you can go to one of Busan’s other attractions, such as Jagalchi Fish Market or Gukje Market, to experience the local culture and cuisine. Jagalchi Fish Market is the largest seafood market in South Korea, and you can try fresh seafood at one of the on-site restaurants. Gukje Market is a traditional market with a variety of goods, from clothing to food to electronics. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and ssiat hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with seeds).

Days 6-8: Taipei, Taiwan

Day 6:

There are flights available that can take you from Busan straight to Taipei in about 2h30m. If you take an early morning flight, you can begin Taipei with a sky-high experience, by visiting Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world and a landmark of Taipei. You can take the elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor for panoramic views of the city. There are also shops, restaurants, and an indoor observatory on the lower floors of the building.

After your visit to Taipei 101, head to the nearby Elephant Mountain for a hike and even better views of the city. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

In the evening, visit Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei’s most famous and lively night markets. You can find a variety of food, from stinky tofu to fried chicken cutlets, as well as games and souvenirs.

Day 7:

You can have a relaxing morning at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument and a symbol of Taiwan’s democracy. The hall is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China, and features a large square and gardens. You can also visit the museum inside the hall to learn more about Taiwan’s history.

After your visit to the memorial hall, head to Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples. The temple was first built in the 18th century and features a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. You can explore the different halls and courtyards, and even make a wish at the wishing pond.

In the afternoon, visit the trendy Ximending neighborhood for shopping and entertainment. You can find a variety of shops, from local boutiques to international brands, as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to also check out the street performers and live music.

Day 8:

Start your day by visiting the National Palace Museum, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. The museum houses over 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and jade.

In the afternoon, visit Beitou Hot Springs, a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot springs are located in a scenic area surrounded by mountains and forests. You can soak in the natural hot springs or visit one of the public or private hot spring spas in the area.

In the evening, visit the Raohe Night Market, another popular and bustling night market in Taipei. You can find a variety of food, from oyster omelets to pork buns, as well as games and souvenirs. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as black pepper buns and Taiwanese-style fried chicken.

Days 9-11: Osaka-Kyoto, Japan

Day 9:

From Taipei, there are flights available to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport in about 2h45m. If you can take an early morning flight, you can start your day at the iconic Osaka Castle, one of the most popular symbols of the city. Thee castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, perfect for a relaxing stroll after your flight. If you want, you can check the Castle’s museum to learn about local history.

Afterward make your way to Dotonbori, a famous shopping and entertainment district in Osaka. This area is known for its bright neon lights, large billboards, and a wide variety of street food vendors where you can eat to your heart’s content the local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit Umeda Sky Building before sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and see the sunset from the observatory deck. You can finish the day at the nearby Hankyu Umeda Station, with an enormous underground shopping center with lots of restaurants and entertainment options. 

For more information about the best things you can do in Osaka, check the following article:

Day 10:

Kyoto is just a short 15min bullet train ride away from Osaka. Start your itinerary at Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It is a famous Zen temple in Kyoto with a gold leaf-covered pavilion set in a beautiful pond garden. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning beauty.

Then, head to Arashiyama, a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. You can walk through the picturesque bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji temple, and take a boat ride down the Hozu River. The district also has a popular shopping street with local souvenirs and snacks.

In the evening, visit the Gion district to experience Kyoto’s traditional geisha culture. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, and try to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to a performance.

For more information about what to do around Gion, check the following article:

Day 11:

Start your day by visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates that lead up to the sacred Mount Inari. You can walk through the gates and explore the forested trails on the mountain, or visit the main shrine and its many smaller sub-shrines.

After your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, head to Nishiki Market, a long and narrow covered market in central Kyoto. You can find a variety of local foods and goods, including fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Kyoto-style sushi and matcha-flavored snacks.

In the afternoon, visit the Higashiyama district to see more of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and culture. You can walk through the historic streets, visit the Kiyomizu-dera temple, and enjoy the view from the temple’s wooden balcony.

For more information about what to do in Kyoto, check the following article:

Days 12-14: Tokyo, Japan

Day 12:

The bullet train ride from Kyoto to Tokyo is about 2h15m. From Tokyo Station head straight to Tsukiji Fish Market, the most famous fish market in the world, where you can try some of the freshest seafood in Japan. The inner market moved to nearby Toyosu but the outer market is still bustling as ever.

After your visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, go to Ginza, Tokyo’s famous shopping mecca. It’s a chic and upscale district famous for its high-end boutiques, restaurants and department stores. There are also historic landmarks such as the Kabuki-za theater and the Imperial Palace is within walking distance. 

In the evening, visit the Roppongi district, a popular nightlife spot with a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can also visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills or the Tokyo Tower for a panoramic view of the city at night.

Day 13:

Start your day by visiting the Senso-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple in the charming neighborhood of Asakusa with a large entrance gate called the Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate. You can walk through the lively Nakamise shopping street that leads up to the temple, and explore the temple grounds and its many buildings and statues.

After your visit to Senso-ji, go to Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, famous for its many electronics shops and anime/manga merchandise stores. You can visit one of the many themed pop-up cafes and explore the different shops for quirky and fun items.

In the evening, visit the Odaiba district, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay with a variety of shopping malls, amusement parks, and museums. You can also enjoy the view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from the waterfront.

Day 14:

If the energy allows it, try to go as early as possible, after daybreak, to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. The peaceful surroundings with the sound of the morning prayers will be worth it. The shrine is located in a large forested park, and you can walk through the woods and see the traditional architecture of the shrine buildings.

After your visit to the Meiji Shrine, head to Shibuya, a bustling commercial and entertainment district famous for its Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. You can also visit the Hachiko statue, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku, another popular entertainment district with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has observation decks with panoramic views of the city.

For more information about the best things to do in Tokyo, check the following article:

Day 15: Depart from Tokyo, Japan

On Day 15, it’s time to say goodbye to Japan and depart from Tokyo. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time in the morning or early afternoon to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you have some time in the morning, you could visit the Tokyo National Museum, which houses a large collection of Japanese art and artifacts or just take a relaxing stroll around Ueno Park. 

After your final activities in Tokyo, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you may need to leave for the airport quite early, so be sure to plan accordingly.

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Overall, this 15-day itinerary should give you a great overview of some of the best sights and experiences that South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan have to offer. Of course, there are many other great destinations to explore in each country, so if you have more time, be sure to check out some additional places as well!

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