WALKING SOUTH KOREA & JAPAN

Day 1

ARRIVE SEOUL, KOREA

Since today is devoted to travel, no group activities are planned other than our orientation dinner. We look forward to experiencing the intriguing realities of life in South Korea, with time in the fascinating, pulsating city of Seoul, an unforgettable excursion to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at Panmunjom, and a couple days on the delightful island of Jeju!

Day 2

ACTIVITIES FROM SEOUL
Seoul Sightseeing Walk – 10 km, rated 1+

We begin the day with our first walk in Korea, an eye-popping route through bustling Seoul, starting at the Traditional Korean Village and featuring Namdaemun Market, City Hall, Dongdaemun Market, Dongguk University, and the National Theater. After a lunch break, we’ll head south by motorcoach through the Korean countryside to the Korean Folk Village. This highly regarded living history museum provides examples of traditional peasants’, farmers’, and civil officials’ housing styles from all over the country, as well as artisans’ workshops, a brewery, a Confucian school, a Buddhist temple, and a marketplace.

Day 3

ACTIVITIES FROM SEOUL

Panmunjom is a truce settlement established on the ceasefire line agreed to by all parties in 1953. Here, two civilian propaganda villages have been established, one on the north and one on the south side of the ceasefire line. The American military offers tours to Panmunjom that allow American citizens to see and feel, firsthand, the tensions of a Cold War that remains unresolved to this day. Until about six weeks before our departure, we cannot be certain our visit to Panmunjom will be approved, but we have submitted our request and are hopeful we will be accepted. Following the tour, we return to Seoul for a visit to Kyongbok Palace, originally constructed in the 15th century during the very durable (600 years) Yi Dynasty.

Day 4

SEOUL - JEJU ISLAND
Jeju Island Coastal Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3

Today we fly to the island of Jeju, fifty miles off the southernmost tip of the Korean peninsula. Isolated for millennia, this volcanic island developed its own unique history, architecture, dress, and dialect. During Korea’s post-war economic boom, Jeju Island's relatively mild climate and laid-back atmosphere made it a hotspot for Korean honeymooners. After a break for lunch, we’ll cross to Seogwipo, on the southern coast of the island. Our walk exposes us to the special blended aspects of the island, combining scenic delights like Cheonjeyyeon Waterfall, coastal panoramas like Jungmon Beach, and elements of 21st century development. Following the walk, we’ll check into our hotel overlooking the ocean for a two-night stay.

Day 5

ACTIVITIES ON JEJU ISLAND
Jeju Island Heritage Walk – 10 km, rated 2+/3

A characteristic of Jeju Island that is immediately noticeable is the abundance of volcanic rock. Until recently, this rock was a primary building material, and you’ll enjoy sections of this walk that wind down country roads lined by these ancient stone fences. Another of Jeju’s delights is oranges; several varieties thrive here and you’ll pass by groves and greenhouses along the route. Later this afternoon, we’ll explore the island further by motorcoach with stops at Seongepu Folk Village and the Seogwipo Market.

Day 6

RETURN HOME OR CONTINUE TO JAPAN: LAND OF THE RISING SUN

Our sojourn in Korea wraps up today with an early flight back to the Korean mainland, then connecting flights back home, or on to Japan for those continuing the Adventure with us there. We’ve experienced a fascinating cross section of the history, culture, and scenery of Korea, and we return home with a clearer perspective of this land that has played a prominent role in American history during the 20th Century.

Day 1

ARRIVE TOKYO, JAPAN

You’ll arrive at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport this afternoon and transfer to our hotel in the city. We look forward to exploring this intriguing island nation of shoguns and sushi, samurai and sumo wrestlers. Since travelers are arriving throughout the day, our only group activity will be an orientation dinner this evening.

Day 2

ACTIVITIES IN TOKYO
Tokyo Imperial Palace Gardens Walk – 10 km, rated 1

Today’s Tokyo walk features the gardens of the Imperial Palace. An afternoon of city sightseeing through the traditional Japanese shopping lanes surrounding Senso-jo Temple and the ultra-modern Ginza shopping district provides us with an opportunity to stroll through some of the highest-priced real estate on the planet!

Day 3

ACTIVITIES FROM TOKYO
Nikko Shrines & Forests Walk – 10 km, rating not available

We travel north by train this morning to Nikko, famous both for its magnificent national park and as the site of Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine complex. In addition, Nikko, first designated as a Buddhist religious site in the 8th century, was selected by Japan’s most powerful shogun – Tokugawa Ieyasu – as the spot for his mausoleum in the 17th century. The mausoleum was subsequently named Tosho-gu Shrine. Today therefore holds a fascinating fusion of old and new, combining an experience with Japan’s super efficient rail system, with the sensory delight of Nikko National Park and the elaborate décor of Tosho-gu.

Day 4

TOKYO – FUJI FIVE LAKES AREA
IVV Olympiad Walks: Fujikawaguchiko Town Park – 5 & 10 km, rating not available

We depart Tokyo for the Fuji Five Lakes area this morning, site of the 11th IVV Olympiad. At 12,390 feet, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak, and the Fuji Five Lakes area, sprinkled around the northern base of the mountain, has long been a recreational retreat for Tokyo-ites. Upon arrival at Kawaguchiko, we will register for the walking festival, then join the crowd for our first walking event. Following the walk, we will participate in the parade and Opening Ceremonies before checking into our hotel in nearby Yamanakako.

Day 5

ACTIVITIES IN FUJI FIVE LAKES AREA
IVV Olympiad Walks: Yamanakako Kirara – 5,10, & 20 km, rating not available

Multiple events are available to choose from today. The 5 km walk features the zumi tree and beech forest course; 10 km will take you on the Panorama course; and 20 km includes Gururin Lake Yamanakako. Also available is a bicycle course of 25 km around Lake Yamanakako.

Day 6

ACTIVITIES IN FUJI FIVE LAKES AREA
IVV Olympiad Walks: Yamanakako Kirara – 5,10,20, & 42 km, rating not available

Today’s menu of walking routes includes: 5 km – Jutoku Temple; 10 km – Sunset beach; 20 km – Gururin; and for the fully energetic, 42 km – Lake Yamanakako, Oshinoo Hakkai, and Fujisengen Shrine course.

Day 7

FUJI FIVE LAKES AREA – KYOTO
IVV Olympiad Walks: Fujikawaguchiko – 5,10, & 20 km, rating not available

Our final day at the Olympiad offers 3 courses, each from a different start point: 5 km – Funatsuguchi Red Pine course; 10 km – Forest bath course; 20 km – Nishikawa and Shirataki Forest path. Following the closing ceremonies, we’ll use Japan’s excellent train system again to continue south to Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan and beautiful city of shrines and gardens.

Day 8

ACTIVITIES IN KYOTO
Kyoto Philosopher’s Walk – 10 km, rated 1+

Our Japanese hosts will join us this morning for the Kyoto Philosopher’s Walk from Kiyomizu Temple. The route winds through the stone-flagged lanes of the ancient Higashiyama district, then follows the cherry tree-lined Philosopher’s Walk to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: This afternoon, we’ll visit imposing Himeji-jo, Japan’s most celebrated feudal castle. The journey there is by train, with a walk of about 1 km from the train station to this amazing medieval structure. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known among the Japanese as “white egret castle” for its white walls and graceful architectural lines.

Day 9

ACTIVITIES FROM KYOTO
Nara Todai-ji Temple Walk – 10 km, rated 2

After a short ride on one of Japan’s punctual trains, our hosts will guide us through old Nara, the first capital of Japan. The trail takes us to Todai-ji Temple, built to house an enormous, 53-foot-high bronze Buddha cast in A.D. 752. From Nara, we’ll return by train for free time in Kyoto before our Farewell Dinner. Or consider the following optional activity!

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Venerable Nijo Castle, this afternoon’s first stop, is known for its ornate interiors and so-called “nightingale” floors that squeak, warning of unwanted visitors. Our second highlight is the 14th century, gold-plated Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), possibly the most photogenic setting encountered during our Adventure in Japan!

Day 10

RETURN HOME FROM KYOTO

We end our Adventure in the Orient reluctantly today with a drive to Kansai Airport and a flight back to the Western World. We return with fond memories and a new appreciation for the history, culture, and scenery of this special part of the planet.