Cheapest Ways to Travel Between Korea and Japan in 2025

Many travelers visiting Asia for the first time, especially from the US or Europe, find it hard to choose to travel between Korea and Japan. So… they don’t! Thanks to short distances, easy visas, and affordable transport options, it’s super common to combine both countries in one trip.

If that’s your plan too, this post is for you. We’ll break down the cheapest (and smartest) ways to travel between Korea and Japan in 2025, plus tips, comparisons, and mini itinerary ideas to help you plan your cross-country adventure.

Why Should You Travel to Korea and Japan Together?

Flights are short & cheap

Traveling between Korea and Japan takes just 1.5 to 2.5 hours by plane, depending on the route you chose. That’s shorter than a flight from New York to Chicago, and often cheaper than flying within the US or Europe. You can score one-way tickets starting from $30 to $80 if you book in advance.

Low-cost carriers (LCCs)

There’s a bunch of LCCs like Peach Aviation, Jin Air, Jeju Air, T’way, and Air Busan, so you can save a lot of money traveling between the 2 countries. These airlines run frequent routes between Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

Visa-friendly for many nationalities

If you’re from the US, Canada, most European countries, Australia, or Southeast Asia like Singapore…, chances are you can enter both Korea and Japan without a visa for up to 90 days. That means no paperwork, no embassy visits, and no extra fees, all you need to do is just book and go.

Smooth, tourist-friendly infrastructure

Both Korea and Japan are known for their ultra-efficient public transportation systems. Trains run on time, metros are clean and easy to navigate, and ferries are comfortable and scenic. Booking tickets online or through travel apps is usually simple, even if you don’t speak the language.

They’re culturally unique but complementary

While Korea and Japan have distinct histories, languages, and vibes, they also complement each other beautifully. You can explore ancient temples in Kyoto one day, then dive into street food heaven in Seoul the next. It’s the best of both worlds, all in one trip.

Main Routes & Recommended Transportation To Travel Between Korea and Japan

Busan ↔ Fukuoka (Hakata) by Ferry

If you’re all about slow travel, this scenic sea route is perfect.

• Duration: From 3 to 6 hours
• Operators: Since JR Kyushu Beetle Jet Ferry is temporarily closed, the New Camellia is the only line to take, they have 6 sailings per week.
• Schedule: First ferry departs around 15:00, last one at 20:00, times may shift with seasons.
• Price: Foot passenger: $64–$275 | Average: ~$137
• Port: Busan International Ferry Terminal

How to get to Busan Port: From Busan Station, hop on bus #30 or take a quick taxi. From Haeundae or Gwangalli Beach, a taxi is the easiest. If you want to use public transport, then take Metro Line 1 to Jungang Station, then bus #66.

Arrival in Fukuoka: Take the free shuttle bus to Hakata Station for easy transfers across the city, or grab a taxi (~20 mins to downtown).

Tip: Book 2–3 months in advance for cheaper seats. Check luggage rules (some ferries limit bike or large bag transport).

Flight from Incheon ↔ Tokyo (Narita or Haneda)

This is the most popular route, easy and well-connected.

• Flight time: 2–2.5 hours
• Price: From $84 one-way
• Airlines: Peach Aviation, T’way, Jin Air, Jeju Air

Tips:

• Double-check baggage fees, LCCs often charge extra.
• Consider the airport location: Narita is farther from Tokyo than Haneda.

Flight from Gimpo ↔ Haneda

Best choice for city-to-city convenience. Both airports are close to downtown areas. Worth it if you’re short on time or hate long airport commutes.

• Flight time: ~2 hr 20 min
• Price: From $127
• Airlines: ANA, Korean Air, JAL

Flight from Busan ↔ Osaka (Kansai Airport)

Perfect if you want to combine Busan with Japan’s Kansai region (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka).

• Flight time: ~1.5 hours
• Price: From $30
• Airlines: Air Busan, Jin Air, T’way, and others

Travel Tips You’ll Want to Know for Getting Between Korea and Japan

Ferry vs. Flight: Which to choose?

Mode	Travel Time	Price	Luggage	Experience
Ferry	3–6 hrs	$64–$137 avg	More flexible	Scenic, slower pace
Flight	1.5–2.5 hrs	From $30	Strict baggage rules	Fast, efficient

How to find the cheapest tickets

Use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Kayak, and always check “whole month” view for best deals. Set fare alerts 1–2 months ahead of your trip.

SIM card or roaming

Consider eSIMs (like Airalo or Jetpac) for seamless switching between Korea & Japan. Or pick up a local prepaid SIM at the airport.

Entry & customs tips

• US/EU passport holders typically get 90 days visa-free in both countries.
• Fill out arrival forms before landing (online options now available).
• Duty-free limits and customs rules differ, check before carrying food or electronics.

3 Sample Itineraries: Korea + Japan Combos

Seoul → Tokyo: 4 nights in Seoul + 4 nights in Tokyo, with optional JR Pass to Kyoto

Day 1: Historic & Scenic Seoul

Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace – Catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) for free entry and amazing photos. Visit the National Folk Museum within the palace grounds

Midday: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, filled with centuries-old traditional houses. Walk over to Samcheong-dong for art galleries and stylish cafés. Optional: Visit Jogyesa Temple, a serene Buddhist site nearby

Afternoon: Head to Insadong for a Korean lunch, then browse tea houses and craft stores

Evening: Take the cable car to Seoul N Tower (Namsan) for a panoramic city view. Watch the sunset and maybe leave a love lock at the top!

Day 2: DMZ Tour & Modern Seoul

Morning: Take a half-day or full-day guided trip to the DMZ – Demilitarized Zone and learn about the tense history of North and South Korea

Afternoon: Return to Seoul and visit Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam – a quiet oasis in the modern district. Relax at COEX Mall. Snap a photo at the stunning Starfield Library. Explore the COEX Aquarium, shop or chill at a café

Evening: Head to Hongdae for dinner and vibrant nightlife — street performers, bars, and youth culture everywhere!

Day 3: Day trip from Seoul

Option A: Day Trip to Nami Island. Add on Petite France or The Garden of Morning Calm if you have extra time

Option B: Visit Everland, Korea’s biggest amusement park with roller coasters, zoo, and flower gardens

Evening: Unwind at a Korean Spa or Jjimjilbang

Day 4: Seoul City Vibes & Food Tour

Morning: Enjoy breakfast in Gangnam or Itaewon, then explore unique neighborhoods like: Seongsu-dong (Seoul’s Brooklyn) for hipster cafés; Apgujeong & Cheongdam for luxury boutiques and K-pop company HQs

Afternoon: Visit traditional market for street food and another round of shopping. Optional: Take a K-pop dance class or Korean cooking class

Evening: Dive into Myeongdong Street Food Market

Day 5: A free day and depart to Tokyo

Day 6: West Tokyo – Tradition Meets Trend

Morning: Start at Meiji Shrine & stroll through Yoyogi Park

Midday: Explore Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for quirky fashion & snacks

Afternoon: Shop luxury brands along Omotesando

Evening: Watch the chaos at Shibuya Crossing, then bar-hop in Shinjuku or try karaoke

Day 7: East Tokyo – Culture & City Views

Morning: Eat sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market

Midday: Visit historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Afternoon: Picnic or visit museums in Ueno Park, then explore old-town vibes in Yanaka

Evening: Head up Tokyo Skytree for epic night views

Day 8: Day Trips – Nature & Shrines

We have 4 options for you to consider:

A: Day trip to Nikko to visit Toshogu Shrine

B: See Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi or Fuji 5th Station

C: Spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

D: Activate a JR Pass and spend 2 days in Kyoto (Shinkansen from Tokyo ~2.5 hrs)

Day 9: Central Tokyo – Royalty, Shopping & Nightlife

Morning: Walk around the Imperial Palace & gardens

Afternoon: Shop & eat your way through Ginza

Evening: End your trip with nightlife or art at Roppongi Hills

Seoul → Osaka & Kyoto combo route

For Seoul, you can refer to the itinerary above.

Day 1: Arrival & Dotonbori – Explore Minami District (Osaka)

Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) → Transfer to Osaka city

Midday: Check in → Head to Shinsaibashi for lunch and shopping

Afternoon: Walk around Dotonbori, take photos with the Glico sign, snack on takoyaki

Evening: Explore Hozenji Yokocho alley → Dinner at a local izakaya

Optional: Tombori River Cruise

Day 2: Osaka Highlights – Bay Area & Castle

Morning: Visit Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) in the Bay Area

Lunch: Eat at Tempozan Marketplace

Afternoon: Travel to Osaka Castle, explore the castle park

Evening: Head to Umeda Sky Building or Abeno Harukas for night views → Dinner in Umeda

Day 3: Southern Higashiyama & Fushimi Inari (Kyoto)

Morning: Transfer to Kyoto (~1 hr) → Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stroll Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Lunch: Try matcha sweets and lunch near Gion

Afternoon: Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of torii gates)

Evening: Walk around Gion and Shirakawa Lane, dinner nearby

Optional: Spot a geisha!

Day 4: Arashiyama & Golden Pavilion (Kyoto)

Morning: Head to Arashiyama → Visit Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

Lunch: Eat in Arashiyama area

Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) → Optional: stop by Nanzen-ji or Philosopher’s Path

Evening: Return to hotel or transfer back to Osaka/KIX for departure

Busan → Fukuoka route: 3 days in Busan + 3 days in Fukuoka

Day 1: Busan coastal Views and Cultural Spots

Morning: Start your day at Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most popular beaches. Walk to Dongbaekseom Island for ocean views and the Nurimaru APEC House.

Midday: Head to Haeundae Blueline Park and ride the Sky Capsule or Beach Train along the coast. Have lunch at a seaside restaurant or local market.

Afternoon: Visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a scenic seaside temple set on cliffs.

Evening: Explore The Bay 101 for night views of the Marina and dinner at a trendy restaurant.

Day 2: Markets and City Vibes

Morning: Visit Jagalchi Fish Market and try fresh seafood for breakfast. Walk to the nearby Gukje Market and browse street food, souvenirs, and clothes.

Midday: Head up to Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful houses, cafes, and murals.

Afternoon: Explore BIFF Square and the shopping streets of Nampo-dong.

Evening: Take the Busan Air Cruise (Songdo Cable Car) for sunset views over the ocean. End the night with Korean BBQ or a casual dinner in Seomyeon.

Day 3: Last Moments in Busan & Travel to Fukuoka

Morning: Start your morning with a relaxing stroll at Yongdusan Park and visit Busan Tower for city views. Grab a light breakfast or coffee at a nearby café in Nampo-dong.

Midday: Have lunch at Seomyeon, plenty of local spots for your last Korean meal. Return to your hotel to check out and collect your luggage.

Afternoon: Head to Busan Port International Ferry Terminal. Board the ferry to Fukuoka.

Day 4: Fukuoka city Views and Local Eats

Morning: Visit Fukuoka Tower for great views of the city and coastline. Grab a coffee at the tower café.

Midday: Head to Ramen Stadium at Canal City and try different regional ramen styles. Optional shopping around Canal City.

Afternoon: Explore Ohori Park and stroll through the Fukuoka Castle ruins in Maizuru Park.

Evening: Have dinner in the Tenjin or Daimyo area with plenty of izakaya and restaurants to choose from.

Day 5: Canal Town and Shrine Visit

Morning: Take a train to Yanagawa and enjoy a relaxing river cruise through the old canals.

Midday: Have lunch at Wakamatsuya, a long-standing restaurant known for grilled eel.

Afternoon: Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and explore the surrounding streets. Stop by the Kyushu National Museum if you have time.

Evening: Return to Fukuoka and enjoy dinner near Hakata Station.

Day 6: Interactive Art and Family Fun

Morning: Visit teamLab Forest Fukuoka for a mix of art and adventure.

Midday: Have lunch nearby at BOSS E-ZO or in the mall complex.

Afternoon: Spend time at Sanrio Dream Park, an indoor space themed around Hello Kitty and friends.

Evening: Unwind with a visit to a local onsen or spa. Do some last-minute shopping in Tenjin or Hakata.

Final Thoughts

These days, it’s super easy to experience both Korea and Japan in one go. With just a little planning, you can put together an epic itinerary that lets you enjoy delicious food, vibrant cities, and beautiful traditions on both sides.

Got questions or need help planning your trip? Feel free to drop us a message or leave a comment, we’d love to help you make it happen!

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