Planning to maximise your vacation time? Given that Japan and South Korea are neighbouring countries, you might want to consider going to both Japan after checking off your South Korea bucket list.
Not to mention, going to Japan during the holiday season is just as amazing as spring because of all the winter experiences they have to offer!
We know arranging transportation bookings can be complicated, so we're breaking down these three options on how to travel from South Korea to Japan.
Travelling made easy
Airplane
Want to know a little travel hack? Instead of going back and forth on multiple tabs to check flight schedules and prices, just type down your departure and arrival on Klook, and it gives all the flight options across different airlines!
For reference, a ticket from Seoul to Tokyo starts at around 332 AUD and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Of course, prices can still change depending on your travel date, season, and other factors, so make sure to book early!
Ferry
South Korea's ferry port to Japan departs from Busan to Fukuoka, Hakata, or Shimonoseki. There are a few direct ferries, like Camellia Line Ferry, JR Kyushu Jet Ferry, Panstar Cruise, and Kampu Ferry that do just that.
If you want the fastest Korea to Japan ferry (Key word), take the Queen Beetle Ferry. It's owned by the renowned ferry company, JR Kyushu Jet Ferry! It takes you on a pleasant Busan ferry to Japan in just 3 hours and 40 minutes.
The cost of Busan to Japan ferry tickets varies, but one adult in Economy seating departing from the Busan ferry port to Fukuoka can range from 107 AUD to 187 AUD, while the Fukuoka ferry price is from 114 AUD to 184 AUD to the Busan port. Taking the Busan (note: specify the city instead) actioned to Fukuoka ferry could be a more affordable option than booking a flight.
Train
There's no direct train from Korea to Japan, so this is a good excuse to experience taking the high-speed Korean Train Express (KTX)! It's a bullet train that can take you from Seoul to Busan in as little as 2 hours and 30 minutes.
A train ride going to Busan station starts at 122 AUD. Then from there, ride the Queen Beetle Ferry to Fukuoka for 107 AUD, and voila, you're in Japan!
#KlookTip: Make sure to fill up your tummies before hopping on the KTX train, as only light snacks and water are available on board.
Learn basic etiquette
Now that you've touched down in Japan, it's important to research and know how to respect their culture. So here are some unspoken rules to live by when taking a trip to the Land of Vending Machines!
#KlookTip: If you're arriving at Narita Airport, take the Tokyo Skyliner to the city in just 36 minutes! You can also buy a Tokyo Skyliner and Subway pass combo for a much cheaper price than buying them individually.
Do's
- Do learn basic Japanese phrases like "Arigatou gozaimasu", which means "Thank you", "Hai" for yes, or "Wi-fi arimasuka?" if you're asking for a Wi-fi connection.
- Do follow lanes when walking along sidewalks. The right side is for pedestrians, and the left side is for those riding bicycles.
- Do bow or at least a slight nod when greeting, saying goodbye, or when you want to show gratitude.
Don't's
- Don't rub your disposable wooden chopsticks together; don't stab food with them; and definitely, don't stick them upright on your bowl of rice!
- Don't be loud, especially on public transportation.
- Don't cross the street when the pedestrian light is red, even if there are no incoming cars. You’ll notice that all locals follow street signs with integrity.Note: Let's change this. I've been to Japan twice this year and can say you can definitely walk around while eating and drinking as long as it's not messy :) Revised
Where to stay in Japan
Osaka
Shinsaibashi Grand Hotel
This hotel is conveniently located near tourist attractions in Osaka. Prepare to shop until you drop at Shinsaibashi-Suji and go on a food trip at Dotonbori!
If Dotonbori sounds familiar, it's because that's where you can see the famous Glico running man! The best part is that these areas are just under a 10-minute walk away, including Shinsaibashi station.
Address: 2 Chome-4-4, Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Liber Hotel
Here's where you can stay less than 10 minutes away from a theme park! At the Liber Hotel at Universal Studios, request a room with a view of the Osaka Bay area.
It's a good morning indeed when you wake up to their wide spread of yummy continental breakfast options. So, definitely add this to your list if you're planning to go to Universal Studios!
Address: 1 Chome-1-35 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka
Nagasaki
Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch, which translates to "House in the Forest" in Dutch, is a much less crowded theme park in Japan. Here, you'll find windmills, tulips, replica canals, and Dutch buildings that make you feel like you're transported to the Netherlands!
Staying at Hotel Nikko means being only a five-minute walk from this unique theme park where you can experience seasonal festivities like a Christmas town, shows, and ice skating. The hotel's accommodating hospitality service is a big plus, too!
Address: 6 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki
Nagoya
Mitsui Garden Hotel
You'll find the luxurious Mitsui Garden Hotel in the heart of Nagoya. It's equipped with a sky bar restaurant, a vast public bath spa, and interiors adorned with original artworks symbolising the Nagoya spirit.
#KlookTip: If you're travelling with your loved one, you can request to arrange a little anniversary surprise with a cake of your choice and a customisable message to be displayed on your hotel room TV.
Address: Symphony Toyota Building, 4-Chome-11-27 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya
Tokyo
Narita Tobu Hotel Airport
Book here if you want to stay near the airport. The hotel has a shuttle service to the Narita Tobu Hotel for free! Their amenities feature an indoor heated pool, sauna, gym, and meeting rooms if you're here for a business trip.
P.S.: They also offer a shuttle service to nearby places like JR Narita Station and Aeon Mall. The front desk staff will happily help you get a ride!
Address: 320-1 Tokko, Narita, Chiba 286-0106
Tokyo Prince Hotel
Staying at this hotel will make you feel like royalty! It's a lush urban oasis close to tourist destinations like Red Tokyo Tower, which is just an eight-minute short walk away.
The hotel has a lot of amenities to enjoy, like five restaurants, a bakery, and a shopping arcade selling a range of things from fashion to jewellery to home items. You'll love going around the shops if you stay here.
Address: 3 Chome-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo
Hotel Gracery Ginza
Make every day a shopping day when you stay at Hotel Gracery Ginza! It's a 4-star hotel right at the back of Dior and just a few steps away from numerous luxury boutiques and Mitsukoshi department store.
If you aren't into luxury, don't worry; there are lots of more affordable stores in this shopping district to discover like MUJI and UNIQLO. We also recommend going on an early-morning food trip to Tsukiji Market, home to the Tiktok-viral Strawberry Daifuku mochi and A5 Wagyu sticks!
Address: 7 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Fukuoka
Lamp Light Books Hotel
Stay lit at this hotel that offers a unique concept of travelling through the world of books. Guests can select their book of choice and get lost in its pages from the 24/7 local bookshop on the first floor.
You'll also find a cafe that serves coffee and pastries where you can cosy up as you read in peace. Expect clean and modern rooms from this hotel nestled in a neighbourhood filled with numerous shops.
Address: 1 Chome-15-22 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
If you're looking for a standard mid-range, comfortable hotel within Hakata Ward, Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel is the answer to your dilemma. It's only five minutes away from Canal City and Kushida Shrine and 1.2 km away from Tenjin Underground Mall.
The convenient location and value for money are the two main reasons why guests love staying at this hotel! They even offer a room with four single beds, which is rare in Japanese accommodations.
Address: 1 Chome-2-20 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Kyushu is where you can appreciate Japan's beautiful nature scapes from mountains, lakes, and hot springs. So before you plan your South Korea to Japan trip, check out some of the best things to do on Onsen Island!
Written by: Mara Go