Japan & South Korea

Japan & South Korea

1.487,00 kr
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Japan & South Korea

Japan & South Korea

Start date: 01/06/2027
End date:
28/06/2027

Meeting point: (HND) Tokyo, Japan
Ending point: (ICN) Seoul, South Korea

Discover Japan and South Korea on a 4-week journey through neon cities, sacred temples, and breathtaking landscapes. Wander Tokyo and Kyoto, where modern energy meets timeless tradition, and Mount Fuji watches over it all. In South Korea, Seoulโ€™s vibrant streets and Jejuโ€™s serene nature create the perfect blend of adventure and culture. This is East Asia alive, thrilling, and unforgettable - every moment packed with wonder.

Read more about this chapter at "About This Chapter" in the bottom section.

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This Chapter Will Include

Itineraries can be subject to change and may be adjusted or substituted with alternative activities in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Week 1

TOKYO/KYOTO
โ€ข Arrive in Tokyo (HND): Settle into a an authentic accommodation in a neighborhood that feel like "village Tokyo" with your fellow travellers
โ€ข Visit Miyano-yu, a sento (public bath) built in a converted old house, to bathe alongside locals.
โ€ข Learn the basics of Japanese
โ€ข Wander Nezu Shrine and the back-alleys of Yanaka Ginza, where shops have been family-run for 70 years.
โ€ข Spend an evening at an Akachochin (red lantern) izakaya in Shinbashi; learn the etiquette of ordering "the usual" (omakase) and pouring beer for your neighbors.
โ€ข Take the Shinkansen to transit from Tokyo to Osaka for your new base
โ€ข Go to Kyoto for a workshop in Yuzen silk dyeing in a small family atelier in the Nishijin backstreets.
โ€ข Early morning Zazen (meditation) session at Kennin-ji
โ€ข Quiet walk in Ohara Village to see moss gardens.
โ€ข Explore the local area in Demachi Masugata Shotengai to get an authentic view and perspective of this beautiful country
Social days - have time to reflect, go on a solotrip or have a calm day focusing on exactly what you want

Week 2

OSAKA/FUKUOKA
โ€ข Explore this retro neighborhood where pre-war wooden buildings house local art galleries and quiet cafes - no flashy neon here.
โ€ข See the bustling market stalls and try authentic grilled. Japanese cuisine.
โ€ข Watch a local indie band at a small "Live House" in Amerikamura to see Osakaโ€™s youth culture.
โ€ข Head to the southernmost major city on Honshu. Walk the Hakata Old Town to see the hidden temples.
โ€ข Squeeze onto a wooden bench at a Yatai (street food stall) along the Nakasu River.
โ€ข Visit a local salt-making workshop
โ€ข Donation Day: Travel to a local village and make a postive impact on the society by helping the community
โ€ข Take the 15-minute subway from the city center directly to Fukuoka Airport (FUK) for your short flight to Busan, South Korea
โ€ข Social days - get to explore on your own, visit the sites you've always wished for and rest before the second part of your chapter begins in Busan, South Korea

Week 3

BUSAN/ANDONG
โ€ข Arrive in Busan and settle in your first, authentic accommodation in South Korea.
โ€ข Jagalchi Morning: Arrive at 5:00 AM. Donโ€™t just look at the fish; sit at a plastic table in the "Ajjumma" (older women) section for a breakfast of authentic, Korean cuisine
โ€ข Walk the narrow coastal cliffs of this former refugee settlement. Itโ€™s a "real" neighborhood where locals still hang their laundry over the ocean views.
Rent a bike and ride through the Hwangnam-dong back alleys where locals live among ancient burial mounds.
โ€ข Transit from Busan to the Andong area. Stay with your new travel-friends in a Chogajip (traditional thatched-roof house). โ€ขWalk the river at dawn when the fog hits the traditional wooden architecture.
โ€ข Visit a local Makgeolli (rice wine) brewery in a small town like Danyang. Taste the "live" sediment version you can't find in stores.
โ€ข Suncheon Wetlands: Wander the reed fields of Suncheonman Bay, then visit a local "Naganeupseong" village where people still live in 600-year-old fortress homes.
โ€ข The Art of Hangeul: Spend an afternoon with a local calligrapher to learn why the Korean alphabet is considered the most logical in the world.
โ€ข Social days - time to really take in this incredible adventure you have signed up for. Take time to really have fun with your fellow travelers and engage with the locals first-hand

Week 4

SEUOL
โ€ข Mangwon-dong: This is the "anti-Hongdae." Visit Mangwon Market - itโ€™s where neighborhood families shop
โ€ข Grab Kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) for $5 alongside retirees.
โ€ข Walk the "Yeontral Park" stretch, but keep going until the crowds disappear and you find elderly men playing Baduk (Go) on stone benches
โ€ข Explore this industrial district where metalworkers still clang steel during the day, while hidden "hole-in-the-wall" cafes operate in the lofts above
โ€ข Hike the Naksan Mountain segment of the old wall at sunset; it winds through "Moon Villages" (Daldongne) with incredible local views
โ€ข Visit the massive Herbal Medicine Market. The smell of ginseng and dried roots is the "old soul" of Seoul.
โ€ข Eat at Tongin Market using traditional brass coins (yeopjeon)
โ€ข Donation day: Leave Asia with a positive footprint by giving back to a local community
โ€ข Final dinner: Celebrate the last four-weeks of fun and memories in two of Asias most historic countries. You have realised that your fellow travellers are more than just companion, they're friends of a lifetime
โ€ข Social days - enjoy your last time in South Korea by exploring the popular K-Pop scene, try classic South Korean BBQ or visit the places you've always thought about going to!
โ€ข June 28th: Kiss & Goodbye

Week 5

This Chapter has ended.

Week 6

This Chapter has ended.

Week 7

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Week 8

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Practical Information

Get ready for the adventurous Japan & South Korea!

We are going on a 4-week journey that carries you through East Asias's vibrant cities, serene landscapes, and traditions that pulse with history and modern energy. This is Japan and South Korea - a realm of contrasts, where ancient temples sit beside neon-lit streets, and mountains rise above bustling urban life.

Our adventure begins in Tokyo, Japan, a land where culture, cuisine, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. Explore Tokyoโ€™s electrifying districts, from Shibuyaโ€™s scramble to Akihabaraโ€™s neon wonder, then step into tranquil gardens and centuries-old shrines that whisper stories of the past. Journey to Kyoto and Nara, where temples, geisha districts, and timeless tea ceremonies invite quiet reflection, and the sacred peaks of Mount Fuji loom as a symbol of enduring beauty. Japan is harmony in motion - serene, dynamic, and endlessly captivating. This is the first part of your chapter, where we get together, learn about theย Japanese culture you have always dreamt about exploring first-hand.

On our second part of our chapter, we move to South Korea, where tradition meets innovation at every turn. Seoul dazzles with street markets, palaces, and a rhythm that blends K-pop energy with centuries of history. Venture beyond the city to Jeju Islandโ€™s volcanic landscapes and the serene beauty of Gyeongju, where tombs, temples, and royal relics tell stories of an ancient kingdom. South Korea is a feast for the senses, a place where adventure, culture, and soulful experiences meet.

Across 4 transformative weeks, youโ€™ll taste authentic cuisines, meet local artisans, explore city streets and countryside vistas, and feel the heartbeat of two extraordinary countries. This is more than a journey โ€” itโ€™s a passage into wonder, discovery, and memories that linger long after you return.

Welcome to your global intersection.

You are not here to follow a flag-waving guide or sit on a crowded tour bus. You are here to uncover the raw soul of the destination. You are here to forge bonds with people who do not speak your language or share your passport.

At Chapters Institute, we curate the community as carefully as we curate the accommodation. You are sharing this space with a hand-picked, international group of travelers. We challenge you to leave your national bubbles at the door. Do not cluster by language. Do not stick to what feels safe. Instead, use this opportunity to build a truly borderless network while immersing yourself in the local environment.

The Rules of the Road: The following concepts are a sample of how you might enjoy your time. All activities, dining, and transport mentioned below are suggestions only and are not included in your accommodation fee. You are the architect of your own days. Sleeping in is highly encouraged.

Morning: The Daily Ritual

Dawn Patrol Beat the traffic and the heat. We always recommend getting out the door early. Whether you are chasing the sunrise or watching a city wake up, the destination is best served in the quiet hours.

Cross-Border Coffee Skip the lonely hotel breakfast. Gather in the common area with your tribe for coffee and conversation. We encourage you to sit with someone from a different country every single morning. The most valuable insights often come from the perspective furthest from your own.

Market Culture The heart of any community is its market. We suggest visiting the nearest fresh market to pick up supplies for a shared meal back at the house. It is an authentic experience rather than just a photo op. Support the local economy by buying directly from the growers. Try to learn the numbers in the local language. It earns respect.

Midday: Get Lost (On Purpose)

The Local Connection Do not just observe the culture. Engage with it. We recommend striking up conversations with shopkeepers, artisans, and neighbors. Ask questions. Listen more than you speak. The goal is to turn strangers into local friends. Authentic travel is not about seeing new places. It is about meeting new people.

Serendipity Sessions One of the benefits of a curated international community is the spontaneous exchange of ideas. Whether it is a coworking session at a local cafรฉ or an impromptu brainstorm by the pool, we encourage you to leverage the global talent in the room. A (future( designer from Tokyo might solve a problem for a (future) founder from Berlin.

Natureโ€™s Playground Need to escape the noise? Grab a buddy from a different background and look for the green spaces on the map. Whether it is a hiking trail or a quiet stretch of water, finding a moment of silence is always better shared.

Evening: The Golden Hour

The Sunset Ritual Find the highest point or the waterโ€™s edge. Grab a local drink from a nearby vendor and watch the day turn into night. It is the universal signal to slow down.

Feast & Festivities Skip the tourist traps. We recommend rallying a diverse group and booking a large table at a spot where you cannot hear English being spoken. Look for the places that are family-run, loud, and crowded with locals. You pay them directly.

The Magic In-Between The real value of Chapters Institute is not just the destination. It is the network. Late-night conversations in the lounge, shared taxis to the city center, or unplanned adventures are often the moments that last the longest. By the end of the week, your contact list should span continents.

How to Make It Happen

We provide the beautiful home base and the global tribe. You build the memories.

Getting Around Navigating local transport is part of the adventure. Whether it involves tickets, tokens, or hailing a ride, we recommend organizing your movements directly at local hubs. Note that local conditions can be unpredictable, so keep your plans flexible.

Booking Activities We have provided links to trusted local guides, instructors, and experiences in your Welcome Guide so you can book directly with them.

Go explore. Support local. Build your global network.

At Chapters, we have designed our pricing to give you as much flexibility as possible. Instead of including flights and meals in the price, we focus on the experiences, activities, and community that make the journey special.

This allows you to choose flights that fit your schedule and budget, and enjoy local food whenever and wherever you like during the trip. If desired, we do offer to send recommended flights for your specific Chapter. All you need to do is contact us on our info mail. info@chaptersinstitute.com.

ADDENDUM: OPTIONAL CANCELLATION PROTECTION

Product Overview: Standard booking terms at Chapters Institute are strictly non-refundable. However, by purchasing one of the following "Protection Add-Ons" at the time of booking, you purchase a waiver of these strict cancellation terms.


1. Standard Cancellation Protection ("Medical Flex")

Designed for peace of mind regarding health.

1.1. Scope of Protection This protection entitles the Guest to a refund if they are unable to travel due to acute illness or injury affecting the Guest or a first-degree relative (spouse, child, parent).

1.2. Refund Calculation If a valid claim is made, the Guest will receive a refund of the total booking amount paid, LESS:

  • The cost of the Protection fee itself.
  • An administrative deductible of 10% of the total booking value.

1.3. Conditions for Claim

  • Documentation: The Guest must provide a valid medical certificate from a licensed, independent physician stating explicitly that the Guest is unfit to travel.
  • Timing: The certificate must be dated no later than the scheduled check-in date.
  • Exclusions: This protection is void if the illness is a pre-existing chronic condition known at the time of purchase, or if the injury is self-inflicted.



2. Premium Cancellation Protection ("Freedom Flex")

Total freedom to change your plans, no questions asked.

2.1. Scope of Protection This premium protection entitles the Guest to cancel the booking for any reason whatsoever (including change of mind, work conflicts, or just bad timing). No medical evidence or justification is required.

2.2. Refund Calculation Upon cancellation, the Guest will receive a refund of the total booking amount paid, LESS:

  • The cost of the Protection fee itself.
  • An administrative deductible of 10% of the total booking value.

2.3. Conditions for Claim

  • Deadline: Notification of cancellation must be received by Chapters Institute in writing no later than 48 hours [or insert your preferred deadline] prior to the scheduled check-in time.
  • Binding: Once the deadline has passed, the booking reverts to non-refundable status.



3. General Terms for Protections

  • Purchase Window: These protections can only be purchased at the moment of the initial booking. They cannot be added retroactively.
  • Non-Refundable Fee: The fee paid for the Protection itself is strictly non-refundable, even if the Protection is never utilized.
  • Not an Insurance Policy: The Guest acknowledges that this is a contractual cancellation waiver offered directly by Chapters Institute, not an insurance policy regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority.

Travel Insurance: The Non-Negotiable Essential

We love adventure, but we hate risky business. Indonesia is a tropical paradise, but it is also the real world. Volcanoes occasionally smoke, fast boats get delayed by big waves, and tropical bugs are real. Because life happens, comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory condition of booking with Chapters Institute.

Why you need it (The "Bali Reality Check"):

  • Your Money is Locked In: As per our Refund Policy, your booking becomes non-refundable after the grace period. If work, illness, or a cancelled flight stops you from coming, your insurance is your only way to get your money back. We cannot act as your bank.
  • Medical Adventures: From a coral scratch while snorkeling in Gili T to a sprained ankle hiking Rinjaniโ€”medical care in Indonesia is good but expensive for tourists. You need coverage that pays upfront.
  • The Scooter Clause: If you plan to rent a scooter (the "Bali Horse"), ensure your policy covers motorbike accidents and that you have the correct international license. Many standard policies exclude this!

What your policy MUST cover:

  1. Cancellation & Curtailment: To cover your accommodation fee if you cannot travel.
  2. Medical Expenses & Repatriation: In case you need to be flown home.
  3. Adventure Activities: If you plan to surf, dive, or hike, make sure you are not "off-piste" in the eyes of your insurer.

The Fine Print:Chapters Institute does not sell insurance. It is your sole responsibility to read the PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) of your chosen insurer to ensure you are covered. We accept no liability for costs that would have been covered by a proper insurance policy.

By booking a trip with us, you agree to the following payment terms and conditions.

All bookings must be paid either in full at the time of purchase or through an agreed installment plan. We offer installment options over 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the timing of your booking.

Regardless of the chosen payment method, all payments must be fully completed no later than one (1) month prior to the scheduled departure date. This is a strict requirement to secure participation in the Chapter.

If you choose an installment plan, it must be structured in a way that ensures the total balance is settled at least one month before the trip begins. As a result, installment plans cannot extend beyond this deadline. For example, if the time between booking and departure is shorter than the selected installment period, the plan will be adjusted accordingly or may not be available.

Failure to complete payment within the required timeframe may result in adjustment of the desired installment and if not agreed, cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of any payments already made, subject to our cancellation policy.

By confirming your booking, you acknowledge and accept these payment terms.

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