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 Delve into the essence of Japan from Seoul to Tokyo and Beyond! Our deluxe gay group tour will focus on the main highlights of the county which include the neon lights of Tokyo where there will be opportunities to explore Shinjuku-ku (the gay neighborhood) and the shimmering temples of Kyoto & Nara. We have filled our program with fascinating cultural activities that reach into the very soul of the Japanese people: We meet with Sumo wrestlers, make our own sushi, learn the art of the Tea Ceremony, dine with the attention of a Maiko (young Geisha).
To enrich your trip and experience even more, we offer a chance to travel to South Korea and visit the Seoul, Gyeongjiu and Busan. Also, add a trip to Hiroshima to visit Himeji Castle and Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Come and explore these incredible sites with us!
• Signature small group size
• Signature comprehensive sightseeing programs
• Signature inclusive meal plan
• Signature deluxe accommodations
• Private Sushi Making Lesson with Lunch
• Private Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Sumo Demonstration & Chankonabe Lunch
• Japanese Dinner with Private Maiko (Geisha) Performance
• The DMZ in Korea (South Korea extension)
• Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital (South Korea Extension)
• Miyajima and the sacred Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima Extension)
• Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Hiroshima extension)
Day 1 - Friday, October 06, 2023
 Upon arrival, meet our representative and driver to transfer to the hotel in the bustling Myeongdong district. Relax this evening from the long journey.
Seoul is an extremely beautiful place. There are many things to see and do once you’re in this huge city. If you are just arriving and ready to get into the nightlife then we recommend that you check out “homo hill”. Homo hill is the gayborhood in seoul and is located in the Itaewon District and can be reached by using the appropriate colored buses or subways. There are many gay bars in Homo hill that are open wee into the morning hours.
Hotel: Lotte Hotel Seoul, Seoul, 5*
Room: Superior Room
Day 2 - Saturday, October 07, 2023
 Begin the day at Gyeongbokgung Palace before a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village a charming neighborhood home to hundreds of hanok (traditional Korean houses).
Spend the afternoon in two of the city’s most vibrant market districts: Insadong and Gwangjang. The day culminates at the observation deck of the Seoul Tower to take in the panoramic views of the city before devouring a Korean BBQ dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Lotte Hotel Seoul, Seoul, 5*
Room: Superior Room
Day 3 - Sunday, October 08, 2023
 This morning, tour the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the official strip of land that creates a buffer zone between North and South Korea.
In the afternoon, return to Seoul and indulge in a Korean wellness experience with a traditional Korean bath, sauna, or scrub at the spa. Later, spend some time examining the murals along Hongdae Street.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Lotte Hotel Seoul, Seoul, 5*
Room: Superior Room
Day 4 - Monday, October 09, 2023
 Arrive by train in the colorful maritime city of Busan for lunch before visiting Taejongdae Park.
Tour the Jagalchi Fish Market and visit BIFF Square, a unique destination that celebrates Busan’s global film reputation. After sightseeing, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Lotte Hotel Busan, Busan, 5*
Room: Deluxe
Day 5 - Tuesday, October 10, 2023
 Discover Gyeongju, once one of the greatest ancient capitals of the world. First, visit the Seoguram Grotto, then, explore the Bulguksa Temple and see one of the oldest printed texts in the world, the Dharani Sutra.
Next, stroll the Daereungwon tomb complex before transfer to Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. Lastly, end the day’s tour at the ancient Hanok village of Gyochon and the house of the Choi Clan, one of the wealthiest aristocratic families of ancient Gyeongju.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Lotte Hotel Busan, Busan, 5*
Room: Deluxe
Day 6 - Wednesday, October 11, 2023
 A morning atop Busan Tower will provide a lovely start to the day. Take in the panoramic views before visiting the colorful houses of Gamcheon Culture Village. After lunch, transfer by train to Seoul and the airport for flights to Tokyo. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival in the Capital city of Japan.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo, 5*
Room: Hilton Room
Day 6 - Wednesday, October 11, 2023
 Arrive in Tokyo. An airport shuttle will be arranged for your transfer from the airport to the hotel in Tokyo. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival.
A city of vast contradictions, Tokyo’s gay scene is both of restrained and thriving. Tokyo is separated into different wards, with Shinjuku being the most well-known and the most crowded. The gay community is continuously growing within the confines of Shinjuku Ni-chome (Area 2) neighbourhood. Seemingly straight by day, Ni-chome turns gay by night.
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo, 5*
Room: Hilton Room
Day 7 - Thursday, October 12, 2023
 Relax this morning before an afternoon walking tour that highlights Japan's delicious snack food culture. Then, discover Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, the great-great-grandparents of the current emperor.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo, 5*
Room: Hilton Room
Day 8 - Friday, October 13, 2023
 Start the day at the Tsukiji Fish Market, once the largest in the world. The outer market is a thrill to explore. Lunch is a special treat, with a hands-on, private sushi making class led by a Master Sushi Chef, which will incorporate both the art of making these gastronomic treasures and the cultural significance sushi represents. Then, sit down to savor the flavor of your culinary labors! Lastly, visit Senso-ji, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo located within one of the oldest shopping arcades in Japan.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Hilton Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo, 5*
Room: Hilton Room
Day 9 - Saturday, October 14, 2023
 First stop, the Imperial Palace Grounds, where their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, reside. Although much of the palace grounds are closed to the public, it is nice to take a leisurely stroll around the premises.
Next, delight in Japan's most beloved sport, Sumo, and learn about the daily life of a wrestler. A retired wresterl will provide a demonstration of the sport. Afterwards, appreciate the traditional meal of Chankonabe the hearty stew eaten by wrestlers in order to help them bulk up.
In the afternoon, travel by train to Kyoto, the heart of historic Japan, a city steeped in imperial heritage and deeply rooted in classical Japanese tradition.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: The Thousand Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto, 4*
Room: Superior Room
Day 10 - Sunday, October 15, 2023
 Travel to Kinkakuji, a magnificent Zen temple overlooking Kyokochi Pond. Experience the tradition of Chado (The Way of Tea). Take part in a private tea ceremony held in a Buddhist temple and led by a traditional Tea Master who will carefully explain the significance of the ceremony, a deeply philosophical experience.
Then, wander amid the soaring stalks of bamboo and experience the enchanting creaks as the bamboo sways in the grove. Finally, wander the pathways of one of the best gardens in Kyoto, Okochi Sanso.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: The Thousand Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto, 4*
Room: Superior Room
Day 11 - Monday, October 16, 2023
 Explore the old capital of Nara today as we visit the shrine of Kasuga Taisha, the temple of Todaiji, and Nara Park, where you can feed the freely roaming deer. Fushimi Inari is the most significant shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. At the main hall, present a small offering before making your way to find the first of over 5,000 vermilion torii gates.
Renowned for its Sake, the Fushimi district is home to many breweries. Learn first-hand the intricacies of the sake production process and the importance of balancing the main ingredients. Enjoy a private tasting and detect how the taste of the sake changes as the balance of the water, rice, malt, and yeast are altered.
A truly authentic Kyoto evening awaits this evening. Dine in the private company of a Geisha and Maiko, the ultimate hostesses. After a multi-course dining experience, interact with the women, dance, play games, and enjoy some conversation followed by a musical accompaniment.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: The Thousand Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto, 4*
Room: Superior Room
Day 12 - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
An airport shuttle will be arranged for your transfer to the airport in Osaka for you return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
 Travel to Osaka by train and begin a tour of the city at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, walk to Kokoen, a relatively new Japanese-style garden. Sip an afternoon tea amidst the serenity.
Continue on train to Hiroshima for check-in at the hotel. Forever synonymous with the destructive power of war, Hiroshima is a city risen from the ashes of US atomic bombings, standing as a beacon of hope and the future.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima, 4.5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 13 - Wednesday, October 18, 2023
 Take a ferry to Miyajima, home to the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in a small inlet. See the iconic Floating Torii Gate and explore the area on foot. After lunch, keep an eye out for wild deer and monkeys as you ride the ropeway up Misen Mountain for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and as far as Hiroshima City.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima, 4.5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 14 - Thursday, October 19, 2023
 This morning, tour Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that focusing on the day the USA atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Walk from the museum to the A-Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings in Hiroshima to remain standing after the bombing, and Cenotaph, a tomb for the victims. Today it is. Transfer to Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: The Westin Osaka Hotel, Osaka, 4.5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 15 - Friday, October 20, 2023
 A culinary tour awaits this morning in the traditional neighborhood of Shinsekai. Savor a wide variety of skewered, battered, and deep-fried delights; the ideal street food. Continue to Kuromon Market, a covered public market best for fresh-from-the-ocean fare. Try crab legs, oysters, sea urchin, and eel. Save some room for a dessert! End the local tastings at Dotonbori, yet another foodie mecca. Look out for dishes such as tacoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings) and okonomiyaki (Japanese style savory pancakes). Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Westin Osaka Hotel, Osaka, 4.5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 16 - Saturday, October 21, 2023
Transfer to Osaka Kansai International Airport for departure flights home.
Meals: Breakfast
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• 15 nights’ accommodation at 4* and 5* hotels (based on full program):
- 3 nights at Lotte Hotel Seoul in Seoul
- 2 nighs at Lotte Hotel Busan in Busan
- 4 nights at Hilton Tokyo Hotel in Tokyo
- 3 nights at The Thousand Kyoto Hotel in Kyoto
- 2 nights at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel in Hiroshima
- 2 nights at The Westin Osaka Hotel in Osaka
• 27 meals: 16 breakfasts; 9 lunches; 2 dinners
• Private transportation and English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
• Transfers by train, plane, ferry, or other required by the itinerary
• Separate luggage transfers (Seoul-Busan-Seoul and Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka)
• Sightseeing excursions and entry fees, as stated in the itinerary
• Tour Representative, with minimum participation
• Pre-departure assistance and Information Portfolio
• Taxes and service charges
• International airfare and baggage fees
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
• Passport and visa fees; Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is required for this tour
• Early or late arrival/departure surcharge or early check-in / late check-out
• Individual arrival or departure transfers
• Personal accommodations, meals, transfers, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in
the itinerary
• Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in the itinerary
• Gratuity for local guides, drivers, staff, and Tour Manager
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of
travel and have two blank pages available per country visited. For American passport holders to enter South
Korea they must have an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).
International Airfare
Delta with Korean Air or American Airlines are among the airlines that offer flights from New York (JFK) or
Miami (MIA) to Seoul (ICN). Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, and JAL in partnership with Canada Air offer return
airfare from Osaka (KIX). We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent
Flyer Miles or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
Health
All travelers must be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and have proof of vaccination that is verified
by a medical professional. No other immunizations are required for travel on this tour; however, the Center
for Disease Control suggests that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccines, including Varicella
(Chickenpox), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP), Influenza (Flu), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio,
and Shingles.
Minimums
All departures and rates are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. Tour Manager will
accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private
Tour or customized and repriced based on a final itinerary.
Packing & Weather
The weather on this tour will be warm, but not too hot (67-76°F), during the day but the temperature will
drop to be quite cool at night (50-66°F).
Pre-Departure Information
A portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed approximately three weeks prior to departure.
Lotte Hotel Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
 Linked to Euljiro 1-ga Subway Station (Line 2) and Lotte Department Store, this luxury hotel provides 10 food and beverage options and rooms with an LCD TV. Guests can also make use of the fitness center and spa. After a long day, a swim can be enjoyed at the indoor swimming pool or with a session in the sauna.
Modern rooms feature carpeted flooring and views of the city. They are equipped with a desk, mini-bar and safe. The private bathroom comes with a shower and bathrobes and slippers are provided.
 Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines including French, Italian, Chinese and local specialties. La Seine offers an international buffet and a live kitchen. Peninsula Lounge & Bar serves beverage and dessert along with an afternoon tea set. Local dining and nightlife activities can be enjoyed in the nearby area.
Lotte Hotel Seoul is located within the Myeongdong area, which has numerous shopping and entertainment options. A 10-minute walk from the hotel leads to Namdaemun Gate and Namdaemun traditional market. Gimpo International Airport is a 40-minute drive away while Incheon International Airport is an hour's drive.
Lotte Hotel Busan, Busan, South Korea
 Occupying a prime location in Busan, the luxurious Lotte Hotel Busan is just a 5 minutes' walk from Seomyeon Subway Station (Busan Line 1 and 2). The hotel is directly accessible through underground shopping arcade from Seomyeon Subway Station.
A buffet breakfast is served at La Seine. Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisines are served at the hotel’s various restaurants. Guests can enjoy dessert and alcoholic beverages at the elegant The Lounge on the ground floor.
 There is an on-site duty-free store selling over 200 luxury brands, department store, and movie theater. Guests may enjoy the indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and fitness center at the Fitness Club. Free access to the fitness center, sauna, indoor/outdoor swimming pool is available for two guests per night.
Packed full of modern comforts, the spacious air-conditioned rooms at Busan Lotte Hotel come with free WiFi, goose-down blankets and free toiletries.
Hilton Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
 Offering free access to its indoor pool, sauna and fitness center, Hilton Tokyo Hotel overlooks Shinjuku Central Park and the Shinjuku Skyscraper District. It offers a buffet restaurant and stylish rooms with movies-on-demand. Free WiFi is available on levels 1 and 2, the Marble Lounge and the Executive Lounge.
Rooms at the Tokyo Hilton are elegantly decorated and offer views of the cosmopolitan Shinjuku area. Guests can sip a drink from the mini-bar and enjoy satellite channels on their LCD TV. Complimentary WiFi is also provided.
 Directly connected to Tochomae Subway Station, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Shinjuku Train Station is a pleasant 15-minute walk away. The Kabukicho area and Isetan Department Store are a 20-minute walk.
Guests can recharge with a game of tennis on the rooftop, unwind in the hot tub or browse the hotel's shops. The hotel’s beauty salon offers relaxation and refreshment. Guests can use the free-use PCs at the business center.
The Hilton Tokyo Hotel offers a breakfast buffet with Western food and a range of Japanese dishes. Restaurants serve authentic Japanese cuisine, while drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the bar or in the lounge.
The Thousand Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto
 Ideally located, just a couple of minutes from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station. The perfect Kyoto sightseeing hub, with buses, taxis, subways and major transportation facilities all a stone's throw away.
With its stunning interior design, gorgeous spa and wellness facilities, and top-notch service, The Thousand Kyoto holds its own with other luxury hotels in the city.
 The Thousand Kyoto features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Shimogyo Ward district of Kyoto. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi.
There are a number of on-site dining options, including Italian and Japanese restaurants. Kyoto has no shortage of great eating, but you may want to try at least one of the hotel restaurants. The hotel cafe and bar also serves Kyoto teas and sake.
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima
 Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and a 10-minute drive from the Atomic Bomb Dome. It offers 4 dining options, an indoor pool and a fitness center.
All rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is fitted with a fridge, ironing equipment and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. A humidifier and a trouser press are provided. The private bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub.
 Guests can work out at the fitness center or swim at the indoor pool at a charge. Laundry and dry cleaning services are offered. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Sheraton Grand Hiroshima is a 10-minute drive from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and a 5-minute drive from Hiroshima Castle.
The Westin Osaka Hotel, Osaka
 Featuring an acupuncture salon, 4 dining options and spacious rooms with city views, the Westin Osaka is just 5 minutes from Osaka Station on the free shuttle.
Each softly lit, soundproofed room has a pleasant modern decor and features a satellite LCD TV and a mini-bar. Panoramic windows let in plenty of light and show off the skyline views of Osaka. The marble private bathroom has a separate bath and shower stall, and deluxe bath amenities.
 The on-site fitness center can be accessed for a fee, and includes a sauna, hot tub, running track and fitness room in addition to the indoor pool. The concierge and 24-hour front desk stand ready to assist you.
Decorated in Sukiya style, Japanese restaurant Hanano has individual corners for teppanyaki and tempura. Stunning Ming-style decor and authentic Cantonese specialties are on offer at Imperial Palace. Amadeus serves western cuisine. Blue Bar pours cool cocktails in the evenings.
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