The Colors of East Asia

Departing for the lands of East Asia

Meet the group at the airport, complete check-in procedures, and depart for Taipei, beginning a journey exploring the three distinct cultures of Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.

Taipei welcomes you with a vibrant city rhythm

Arrive at the airport and go through immigration. A vehicle and local guide take the group to Taipei. Check in at the hotel, dinner. *Schedule may change depending on flight times.

Overnight in Taipei.

A quiet moment of faith amid Taipei

The journey begins at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The group visits and prays at the Catholic Church of the Holy Family, then takes in a panoramic view of the city from the 89th-floor observation deck of Taipei 101. In the afternoon, photos at Longshan Temple, exploring Ximending, strolling through the old quarter of Dihua Street, and enjoying food at the Ningxia Night Market. Overnight in Taipei.

Sending wishes to the sky on the sea breeze

The group visits Yehliu Geopark, admiring rock formations sculpted by nature. Stop at the old town of Shifen, where visitors write wishes and release sky lanterns amid the old railway tracks. In the afternoon, the group visits the hillside old town of Jiufen, enjoying local tea in this former gold-mining town. Overnight in Taipei.

Arriving in Seoul, tracing the footsteps of the martyrs

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Seoul.
Photo stop at Gwanghwamun Square and the peaceful Cheonggyecheon Stream in the heart of the capital. The group prays at Myeongdong Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which holds the relics of the martyred saints. Free time to explore and shop in the Myeongdong district. Overnight in Seoul.

Touching the ancient soul within modern Seoul

The group admires Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Stroll through the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, explore the cultural district of Insadong with its craft shops, and experience a traditional tea ceremony. In the afternoon, guests experience the oldest traditional local cuisine at Gwangjang Market. Overnight in Seoul.

Nami’s gentle welcome to early autumn

Depart for Nami Island, a picturesque island with tree-lined paths shaded by ginkgo trees. In the afternoon, the group visits the Garden of Morning Calm, designed with a harmonious blend of flowers, greenery, and traditional Korean landscaping. Overnight in Seoul.

Tracing the path of the martyrs, viewing Seoul lit at night

The group prays at the Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine and visits the museum, which preserves many valuable documents and artifacts.
Continue to the Gangnam district, exploring COEX Mall with its Starfield Library and towering bookshelves. In the afternoon, the group ascends Namsan Tower, taking in a panoramic view of the capital lit up at night. Overnight in Seoul.

Arriving in the Kansai region, a stop by the House of Our Lady

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Osaka. After clearing immigration at Kansai, the group prays at Tamatsukuri Catholic Church (Our Lady’s Cathedral) in Osaka.
Free time in the afternoon to shop and stroll in Shinsaibashi, followed by dinner with hot Chige Nabe (Korean kimchi stew). Overnight in Osaka.

Refined Kobe, Osaka glowing at night

Depart for Kobe, visiting the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum to learn about the traditional sake-making process. Continue to the port city of Kobe Harborland, with views over Osaka Bay.
Return to Osaka for a photo stop at Osaka Castle, exploring Dotonbori with its bright, bustling signboards. In the evening, experience a Tombori river cruise, viewing the city from the Dotonbori River. Shabu-shabu dinner. Overnight in Osaka.

Following the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier through the ancient capital

Depart for Kyoto, praying at St. Francis Xavier Kawaramachi Cathedral. Photo stop at the wooden veranda of Kiyomizu-dera, a famous ancient temple overlooking the old capital of Kyoto. In the afternoon, the group visits Fushimi Inari, walking along the Senbon Torii path with its thousands of red torii gates stretching up the mountainside. Afterward, the group travels to Toyohashi and experiences a leg of the journey aboard the Shinkansen bullet train — a symbol of Japan’s transportation technology. Overnight in Toyohashi.

Autumn in Yamanashi beneath the shadow of Mount Fuji

Depart for Yamanashi, experiencing seasonal fruit picking and tasting at a local orchard.
The group travels up to the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji, admiring the mountain and its majestic surrounding scenery. The group continues to Oshino Hakkai village, a cluster of eight crystal-clear ponds formed from Mount Fuji’s melted snow. In the evening, guests enjoy a Kaiseki or buffet dinner at the hotel and experience a traditional onsen hot spring bath. Overnight in Yamanashi.

From prayer to the rhythm of Tokyo

Depart for Tokyo, visiting Sekiguchi Cathedral (Our Lady’s Cathedral of Tokyo). Photo stop at the Tokyo Imperial Palace exterior and Nijubashi Bridge.
In the afternoon, the group visits Asakusa, paying respects at Sensoji Temple and exploring Nakamise Street. Guests take photos with Tokyo Skytree in the background. The group shops in the famous electronics district of Akihabara. BBQ dinner. Overnight in Tokyo.

Closing the three-nation East Asia journey

Breakfast, check-out procedures. Transfer to Haneda Airport for the return flight to the United States.
This concludes the Taiwan – Korea – Japan tour, filled with cultural discovery and unforgettable memories. Carnival US Travel looks forward to welcoming you on future journeys.