8D7N : Japan Bespoke Voyage 1A (Kobe – Busan)

WELCOME TO KOBE, JAPAN. A coastal city on Honshū, Kobe is a key port and the capital of Hyōgo Prefecture. Known for its world-famous Kobe beef, the city offers much more — from the iconic Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Maritime Museum at Meriken Park to the lush Mount Rokkō

Stroll through Inujima’s charming village, where traditional wooden houses stand against a backdrop of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Inujima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea of Okayama Prefecture, known for its rich industrial history and artistic transformation. Once thriving in the stone and smelting industries, the island later faced decline, only to be reborn as a hub for contemporary art. Inujima was famous for its high-quality granite, which was actively quarried and processed from the Edo period (1603–1868) to the Meiji period (1868–1912).

A charming fishing village nestling in the east of Osaki Shimojima Island, on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea, Mitarai is appreciated for its traditional charm and authentic character. A trip back in time to the Edo Period, where the hustle and bustle of modern cities is replaced by the gentle sound of fishing boats. Thanks to its 19th century wooden dwellings lining the small, narrow streets, its great causeway, its centuries-old sanctuaries and its gangi stairs, a stone structure giving on to the sea, the old town was classed as a Preservation District by the Japanese state in 1994.

At the heart of the Inland Sea, Miyajima, the “island sanctuary” will reveal its treasures. In the background you will see the Shinto Grand Sanctuary, whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion “Torii“. Considered to be one of the most beautiful sites in the Japanese islands, you will be transported by the unique character and the serenity of this sacred site.

In the south of Honshu island, surrounded by mountains, Hagi is a city of water. For good reason; it was built on the delta of the Abu-gawa river. Its castle was built in the 17th century and its outer walls remain in the lovely Shizuki Park. The old town was one of the cradles of the Meiji revolution. You will discover its rich past in streets lined with old houses and samurai manors, or within the walls of the many museums and Hagi-yaki ceramics workshops.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is a vibrant coastal metropolis known for its pleasant climate, rich cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. From lively streets and cultural sites to stunning beaches and the seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the city offers a perfect blend of urban energy and peaceful charm.