Osaka, Kioto, Tokyo & Seoul

About the destination: Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

About the destination: For over a thousand years Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it is probably the best preserved of all its cities. It’s a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. The city is surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and is a perfect base when visiting the Kansai region. The city is rich in heritage sites and culture, it has a great variety and number of restaurants and is fairly easy to navigate around. Its rich culture and heritage permeates from each and every architecture and customs. Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more tranquil Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, there is the famous Bamboo Grove. A wonderful thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect ambiance. Kyoto is one of the greatest historical cities in the world, filled with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage it’s a must for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.

About the destination:

Discover Tokyo, a city like no other, where modern technology, fashion and culture meet centuries of Japanese tradition. It’s a paradise for food lovers, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to quirky themed cafés, sushi trains and local street snacks. Stroll through historic temples, explore the vibrant shopping districts of Shibuya, Ginza and Harajuku, or enjoy peaceful moments in serene parks and shrines.

If you visit in spring, don’t miss the magical cherry blossoms along the Meguro River. For breathtaking city views, head to Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree — on a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji. And when the sun sets, the city comes alive, from intimate cocktail bars to lively karaoke and Shinjuku’s bustling nightlife.

With TUI, we make it easy to plan your stay in Tokyo, with a wide range of hotels to suit every budget or style. And if you want to see more of Japan, we also offer specially designed roundtrips so you can explore beyond the city. Tokyo is the perfect choice for a city weekend or a longer cultural adventure — full of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

About the destination: Seoul is the capital of South Korea. Exuding Asian charm from every brick, Seoul is a very modern city yet traditional. There is a lot to see and do in this vibrant city, it offers many worthy sights, delicious gastronomy, architecture, nightlife, museums, culture, entertainment, shopping and open spaces to satisfy any visitor. The Hangang River separates Seoul into two distinct areas, north and south. The city lies in a natural basin, surrounded by the Hanbuk Mountain Range and a series hills, offering a magnificent scenic beauty that is one of Seoul’s major appeals. As the ancient seat of Korea's royalty, there are many palaces and fortresses spread throughout the city. Some of the most important are the Gyeongbok-gung, the Changdeok-gung and the Deoksu-gung. There are, as well, many temples and shrines devoted to the royal family members of Korean dynasties and to the Jogye order of Buddhism, the dominant branch of Buddhism in Korea. Two of the major Buddhist temples in the city are the Jogye Temple and the Bongeun Temple. There are several parks throughout the city and some fantastic hiking opportunities on the outskirts of the city center. Exciting and colorful, traditional and modern, Seoul is never boring.