🛏 People per room: 2
✅ Max Guest: 35
🚌 Transportation: Airplane, Train, Bus
🕐 Duration: 12 Days
📍 Depart from: USA (multi-location)
💬 Live guide: English / Vietnamese
✝️ Spiritual Guidance
⛪ Daily Mass
About this Journey

Each year, for only a short period of time, Japan and South Korea enter their most beautiful season, when nature transforms into brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange. From the romantic pathways of Nami Island, to the ancient temples of Kyoto, and the majestic scenery of Mount Fuji, this journey takes guests beyond famous landmarks and offers a complete autumn experience in East Asia.

This itinerary is designed to bring guests to Japan at the most beautiful time of the fall foliage season, especially around the Mount Fuji area and Lake Kawaguchi.

12 Days Itinerary
D1
Day 1: USA – SEOUL, KOREA

A memorable autumn journey begins.

Guests depart from the United States, flying across the Pacific Ocean to begin a journey exploring the brilliant autumn colors of East Asia.

D2
Day 2: SEOUL – NAMI ISLAND

A gentle opening among Korea’s romantic fall colors.

Upon arrival at the airport, guests complete immigration procedures. The group is transferred to Nami Island, a beautiful destination where rows of ginkgo and maple trees turn into stunning shades of yellow and red.

 

Afterward, return to Gangnam to visit Coex Starfield Library, a modern icon of Seoul. After dinner, return to the hotel for overnight rest.

A gentle yet emotional beginning amid the romantic colors of autumn.

D3
Day 3: SEOUL CITY TOUR

Traditional beauty in the heart of a modern capital.

The group visits Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal palace and symbol of the Joseon Dynasty, known for its traditional architecture and historic scenery. Continue to the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about the daily life and traditional culture of the Korean people. Take photos outside the Blue House, the Presidential Office, known for its distinctive blue-tiled roof.

 

Shop for Korean red pine essential oil, continue to stroll through a Korean Garden, and in the evening enjoy the special Drawing Show performance. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D4
Day 4: SEOUL EXPERIENCE

A day to live like a local Korean.

The group visits the Korean Folk Village, a traditional folk village that vividly recreates the life and architecture of Korea during the Joseon period, with old houses, handicrafts, and folk cultural activities. Continue to the Korean Ginseng Center to learn about Korean ginseng, famous for its many health benefits. Visit a Cosmetic

 

Shop featuring Korea’s well-known beauty products. In the evening, stroll through Dongdaemun Market, one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D5
Day 5: SEOUL – OSAKA (JAPAN)

From Korean culture to the refined beauty of Japan.

Guests experience making kimchi and wearing Hanbok, learning about Korean culinary culture and traditional clothing. Continue to Eunpyeong Village, a traditional village with an old-world atmosphere and folk craft activities. Then stop at a Duty-Free Shop and Myoung Phim Grocery Store to purchase specialties and souvenirs. The group is transferred to the airport for the flight to Japan.

 

Upon arrival, the coach will pick up the group and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Geisha Show, a traditional Japanese art form. Geisha represent elegance and discipline in Japanese culture. Guests will enjoy graceful dance, traditional music, and the refined poise characteristic of this cultural tradition. This gentle experience helps guests become familiar with the refined beauty of Japanese culture from the early days of the journey. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D6
Day 6: OSAKA – KOBE – OSAKA

From a romantic port city to vibrant Osaka.

Depart for Kobe, a port city known for its elegant beauty and European atmosphere. Visit Harborland Kobe, a beautiful waterfront area. Take photos at Kobe Port Tower, the symbol of the city, stroll through Meriken Park by the sea with its modern scenery, or experience unique street food. Visit the Kobe Buddhist Temple. Enjoy lunch with Kobe beef.

 

Continue to Minto Street, famous for specialty shops and souvenirs. In the afternoon, return to Osaka to visit Osaka Castle or shop at Shinsaibashi. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D7
Day 7: OSAKA – NARA – KYOTO

Touch the soul of Japan during the fall foliage season.

Depart for Kyoto. On the way, stop in Nara to visit Todai-ji, the famous temple known for its giant Great Buddha statue, and enjoy the peaceful green park. Leaving Nara, guests arrive in Kyoto, the ancient capital with more than 1,000 years of history, where the essence of Japan is beautifully preserved.

 

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and walk along the tall green bamboo path. Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, known for more than 10,000 red torii gates stretching up the mountain and forming impressive red tunnels. Visit Gion Old Town, where guests can learn about traditional Japanese culture. Overnight at the hotel. Three meals included.

D8
Day 8: KYOTO – NAGOYA – TOYOHASHI

A slower rhythm in the middle of the journey.

The group departs for Nagoya to visit Nagoya Castle, a historical symbol of the region, and enjoy the riverside scenery with gentle autumn colors. Continue to Toyohashi, passing through Takayama to visit Sanmachi Suji Old Town with traditional wooden houses and craft shops. Visit Takayama Jinya, an Edo-period government house of historical value, and Hida Kokubunji Temple, an ancient temple with unique architecture.

 

Arrive in Toyohashi in the evening, enjoy local Hida beef specialties, and experience an onsen bath. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D9
Day 9: TOYOHASHI – YAMANASHI (MOUNT FUJI)

A day to encounter Japan’s sacred natural symbol.

Guests will experience the Shinkansen bullet train, a symbol of Japanese technological pride, bringing them closer to Mount Fuji, where nature appears majestic and poetic. Continue by coach to Kawaguchi, one of the best areas for viewing Mount Fuji, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the famous Fuji Five Lakes, where guests can admire the scenery from an elevation of more than 2,000 meters

 

Guests may have the opportunity to enjoy the Kawaguchi Autumn Leaves Festival, where brilliant fall colors blend with the scenery of Mount Fuji to create an impressive natural painting. Enjoy a Japanese-style lunch in the Mount Fuji area with local specialties, especially Hoto noodles, a traditional dish of Yamanashi.

 

Continue to the old village of Oshino Hakkai, with traditional houses surrounding clear spring ponds fed by melted snow from Mount Fuji. In the evening, check in at the hotel, relax in a natural hot spring bath, and unwind after the travel day at the onsen, an essential part of Japanese culture. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D10
Day 10: YAMANASHI – TOKYO

From natural beauty to the rhythm of a modern capital.

After a relaxing morning in the Mount Fuji area, the group departs for Tokyo, one of Asia’s most vibrant capitals. Visit Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most famous parks, where rows of trees turn yellow and red, creating a distinctive Tokyo autumn scene. Continue to Odaiba seaside park and enjoy the view of hundreds of lanterns and fireworks if scheduled.

 

Check in at Rainbow Bridge and the Japanese version of the Statue of Liberty. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D11
Day 11: TOKYO – THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Where tradition and the future exist side by side.

Guests experience wearing kimono on Nakamise Street in Asakusa, dressing in traditional Japanese clothing while strolling and taking photos in a historic atmosphere. Visit Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, located in the city center. Shop along the lively Nakamise shopping street, where traditional shops preserve an old-world beauty in the middle of a modern city. Stop for photos at Tokyo Skytree, a modern symbol of Tokyo.

 

Walk through Shibuya Crossing, known as the busiest intersection in the world, or take photos with the Hachiko statue, a symbol of loyalty. Enjoy free time for shopping at Akihabara or Ginza Tree, with many electronics, souvenir, and fashion stores. Overnight at the hotel.

Three meals included.

D12
Day 12: TOKYO – NARITA – USA

The journey ends, but the colors of autumn remain in memory.

On the final day, guests have free time before going to the airport. At the scheduled time, the coach transfers the group to the airport for check-in procedures and the return flight to the United States.

As the journey comes to a close, the red colors of autumn, the peaceful beauty of Kyoto, and the vibrant energy of Seoul will not only remain as memories, but as emotions that guests will always wish to return to once again.

Day 6–12 expand on click

Stop
Selected day
Route
Taste of the Journeys
Kimchi
Seoul, South Korea
Kimchi
Korea’s most famous traditional side dish, usually made with fermented napa cabbage, radish, chili pepper, garlic, and seasoning. It has a spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavor.
Korean BBQ
Seoul, South Korea
Korean BBQ
Popular dining experience where meat such as beef, pork, or chicken is grilled at the table. It is usually served with lettuce, sauces, garlic, kimchi, rice, and many side dishes.
Bibimbap
Seoul, South Korea
Bibimbap
Korean rice bowl topped with vegetables, egg, meat, sesame oil, and gochujang chili paste. Everything is mixed together before eating, creating a colorful and balanced meal.
Tteokbokki
Seoul street markets or Dongdaemun Market
Tteokbokki
Popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy-sweet red chili sauce. It is often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs.
Kobe Beef
Kobe, Japan
Kobe Beef
Premium Japanese beef known for its tenderness, rich marbling, and buttery texture. It is often served as steak, teppanyaki, or grilled slices.
Takoyaki
Osaka, Japan
Takoyaki
Famous Osaka street food made with round batter balls filled with octopus, green onion, and tempura bits, then topped with sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.
Sushi
Tokyo, Japan
Sushi
Japan’s most famous foods, usually made with vinegared rice and fresh seafood. It can be served as nigiri, rolls, or sashimi-style selections.
Ramen
Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto
Ramen
Japanese noodle soup made with wheat noodles, flavorful broth, sliced pork, egg, green onions, and other toppings. Styles vary by region, including soy sauce, miso, salt, and pork-bone broth.
What's Included / Not Included
Included
Airfare SFO/LAX - SEOUL - OSAKA // TOKYO - SFO/LAX. Guests departing from other cities should contact the company office for more details.
Transportation and sightseeing visits according to the itinerary.
10 nights in 4-star hotels, based on double occupancy.
Three meals per day.
Vietnamese and English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour.
Carnival gift.
Not Included
Tips: USD $12 per person per day.
Travel insurance.
Single room supplement: USD $900 per person.
Business class airfare surcharge, if applicable.
Optional visits outside the program, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, phone calls, and laundry.
Fuel surcharge at the time of ticket issuance, if applicable.
Visa.
Cancellation Policy

Upon registration, a deposit per person is required to issue airline tickets, reserve hotels, and arrange transportation.

The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.

150+ days before$100 hold fee only
120+ days before25% of total
60–119 days before50% of total
31–59 days before75% of total
30 days or less100% — no refund
Booking Policies & Special Guests

Guests over 75 years of age or more than 4 months pregnant — please contact our office before registering.

Credit card payments incur a 3% processing fee.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

Guests absent at departure are considered to have cancelled with no refund.

The tour price does not apply to personal visit purposes or commercial travel purposes.

The tour price is based on a minimum group size of 35 adult guests or more. Therefore, if the number of guests is lower, a surcharge will apply.

The company shall not be responsible for missed sightseeing/visiting points in cases where sightseeing/visiting sites are closed without prior notice, traffic delays occur, or guests remain at a location beyond the scheduled visiting time.

The company shall not be responsible in the event of missed flights due to guests not being present at the airport according to the airline’s required time, or due to the guests’ personal reasons.

Depending on actual circumstances, the order of sightseeing points in the program may be changed, but all original sightseeing points will still be ensured.

In objective circumstances such as terrorism, natural disasters, visa processing timelines from the Consulate, or schedule changes by public transportation providers such as airlines or trains, the travel company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the convenience and safety of guests, and shall be exempt from liability for compensation for any resulting damages or losses.

Upon receiving the electronic ticket (E-ticket), guests are kindly requested to carefully check all information on the ticket. If any error is found, please contact Carnival immediately for timely assistance and correction.

Guests may complete online check-in beginning 24 hours before the pilgrimage departure date in order to save time and make the process more convenient.

For guests with disabilities or special health or personal needs, guests are kindly requested to have a family member accompany and assist them throughout the trip, and to bring a doctor’s certificate when completing procedures with the airline in order to request suitable seating arrangements as desired. At the same time, guests are kindly requested to notify CARNIVAL US of this special circumstance so that we may provide the best possible support.

If guests wish to select preferred seating positions such as front-row seats, window seats, or aisle seats, please note that the airline may apply additional surcharges for these services.

Guests aged 75 or older are required to have a doctor’s certificate confirming that they are fully healthy and fit to travel abroad, as well as a health commitment form with the company. Guests are required to be accompanied by a family member under 60 years old who is in good health.

Guests registering for the tour are kindly requested to carefully read the information regarding what is included and what is not included. This is to avoid confusion or misunderstanding about the services before registration.

Reviews
4.9
★★★★★
47 reviews · 96% recommend this tour
★★★★★

"The most profound experience of my life. Fr. Joseph's daily reflections brought each sacred site to life in a way I never imagined."

— Nguyen Thi Lan · Timeless Europe, Oct 2024
★★★★★

"Carnival took care of absolutely everything. Hotels, transport, Mass every single day. Already planning to come back with my whole family."

— Tran Van Minh · Timeless Europe, Oct 2023
Questions & Answers
What type of tour is this?+
This is a cultural autumn tour through South Korea and Japan, designed to combine fall foliage, famous landmarks, local cuisine, traditional experiences, shopping, and scenic beauty.
What makes this tour special?+
This tour is special because it is designed around the most beautiful autumn season in East Asia, when landscapes in Korea and Japan turn shades of red, gold, and orange.
Is this tour good for first-time visitors to Korea and Japan?+
Yes. This tour is a good choice for first-time visitors because it includes major highlights, cultural experiences, scenic destinations, local food, and guided support throughout the journey.
Will guests see fall foliage?+
Yes. The itinerary is designed to highlight autumn scenery, especially at places such as Nami Island, Kyoto, Kawaguchi, Mount Fuji area, and Tokyo parks.
Is Mount Fuji included?+
Yes. The tour includes the Yamanashi and Mount Fuji area, including Lake Kawaguchi and nearby scenic views.
Will there be shopping opportunities?+
Yes. The tour includes shopping opportunities in Korea and Japan, including markets, duty-free shops, grocery stores, Shinsaibashi, Akihabara, Ginza, and other shopping areas depending on the schedule.
What should guests wear?+
Guests should bring comfortable travel clothing, layers for autumn weather, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and outfits suitable for city sightseeing and cultural visits.
Should guests bring cash?+
Yes. Guests should bring some cash for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, local shops, optional purchases, and small vendors.
Can guests use credit cards?+
Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, malls, restaurants, and larger stores, but cash is still helpful in markets, small shops, local food stalls, and rural areas.
What currencies are used during the trip?+
South Korea uses the Korean won, and Japan uses the Japanese yen.
Will Wi-Fi be available?+
Wi-Fi is usually available at hotels and many public areas, but connection quality may vary depending on the location.
Should guests buy a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket Wi-Fi?+
A SIM card, eSIM, or pocket Wi-Fi can be helpful for internet access, maps, messaging, translation, and staying connected during free time.
Can guests separate from the group during free time?+
Guests should inform the tour guide before separating from the group and must return on time according to the schedule.
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