Japan & Korea Teen Travel Program: Tokyo to Seoul, 15 Days

Program essentials

Tokyo to Seoul at a glance

$6,590
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$6,490 tuition + $100 enrollment fee

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Program Eligibility: Ages 14–18 · Max 15 students per session
Duration & Location: 15 days · 13 nights · 8 service hours; Tokyo, Kanazawa, Seoul
Travel Dates – Summer 2027: June 18 – July 2
June 25 – July 9
July 9 – July 23
Supervision: Program Leaders stay on site overnight · Nightly room checks · Free time in groups of 3+
Included: Accommodation · Meals · Airport transfers & transportation · All activities · Gratuities · Supervision · 24/7 emergency support line · Japan to South Korea flight
Not Included: Flights to and from the program · Travel insurance · Medical insurance with coverage in Japan and South Korea · Personal spending money

A group of Rustic Pathways student travelers wearing Korean Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul.

Japan & Korea Teen Travel Program: Tokyo to Seoul is a 15-day summer travel program for students ages 14 to 18. Students travel through Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Seoul, combining cultural experiences with 8 hours of community service. Tokyo to Seoul is a city-based program. Accommodations are hostels and guesthouses, with no homestay and no language instruction.

Quote by: Scott Ingram Director of Admissions

Japan & Korea Teen Travel Program: Tokyo to Seoul, 15 Days

Japan · South Korea · 15 days · Ages 14–18

★ 4.9 (218 Trustpilot reviews)

Program details last verified August 20, 2026

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic Pathways since 2018

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Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

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Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals

155,829 students since 1983 · 38 countries

Program Fit

Who is Tokyo to Seoul for?

Tokyo to Seoul is a fast-paced, city-based cultural travel program for students who want to experience daily life in Japan and South Korea. Students should be ready to participate fully, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and travel as part of a group.

This program is a strong fit for students who:

Want to compare contemporary culture in Japan and South Korea
Enjoy busy cities, public transportation, and trying new things
Are comfortable sharing rooms and following a group schedule
Can manage early mornings and 10,000–15,000 steps on most days
Want cultural travel with a smaller community-service component

This program may not be a good fit for students who:

Prefer slow-paced or largely unstructured travel
Are uncomfortable with shared rooms, group decisions, or early starts
Do not enjoy sustained walking or navigating crowded cities
Want a homestay or intensive language-immersion experience
Are primarily looking for a service-focused program

Day 1: Depart for Tokyo

International travel

Activities
U.S. students depart Los Angeles (LAX) on the chaperoned group flight. International students fly independently to Narita Airport (NRT) to arrive within the designated arrival window.

Learning objective
Prepare to navigate international travel responsibly and identify expectations for participating in a supervised group program abroad.

Tokyo

Japan

Days 2–5 · 3 nights

Tokyo Youth Hostel

Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo · Japan

Activities
Upon arrival at Narita Airport, students meet their Program Leaders, transfer to the youth hostel, and share their first meal in Japan.

Learning objective
Practice adapting to an unfamiliar environment while learning essential Japanese customs, group expectations, and public transportation procedures.

Day 3: Program Orientation and Shibuya Youth Culture

Tokyo · Japan

Activities
After program orientation, the group takes a traditional taiko drumming class, then explores Shibuya, an area known for its trendy youth culture.

Learning objective
Observe modern Japanese youth culture in Shibuya, compared to trends back home.

Day 4: Traditional and Historic Tokyo

Tokyo · Japan

Activities
Students visit Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and learn shodo calligraphy from a Master.

Learning objective
Compare how Buddhist traditions and shodo calligraphy reflect Japanese history, values, and cultural expression.

Day 5: Community Service and Travel to Kanazawa

Tokyo → Kanazawa · Japan

Activities
The group joins Greenbird, a local NGO, for a neighborhood cleanup. After completing their service, students take the Shinkansen bullet train to Kanazawa and settle into a private guesthouse.

Learning objective
Ask Greenbird volunteers what motivates them and reflect on your own motivation for doing community service.

Kanazawa

Japan

Days 5–8 · 3 nights

Private Kanazawa Guesthouse

Day 6: Kendo Training & Kanazawa Traditions

Kanazawa · Japan

Activities
In Kanazawa, students train in kendo with a local sensei, visit Kanazawa Castle, and join a tea ceremony at Kenroku-en Garden.

Learning objective
Identify how samurai traditions, historic architecture, and landscape design reveal Kanazawa’s cultural identity.

Day 7: Omicho Market and Beach Time

Kanazawa · Japan

Activities
Students explore Omicho Market, known for fresh produce and seafood, then spend an afternoon at Uchinada Beach.

Learning objective
Observe the influence of the ocean on Kanazawa’s seafood culture and coastal lifestyle.

Day 8: Travel from Japan to South Korea

International travel

Activities
The group departs from Kanazawa and returns to Narita Airport. A Rustic Pathways Program Leader flies with the group to Incheon International Airport, where they meet their Program Leaders for the South Korea leg, and settle into a private guesthouse.

Learning objective
Compare initial observations of Japanese and Korean language, transportation, social customs, and urban environments.

Seoul

South Korea

Days 8–15 · 7 nights

Private Seoul Guesthouse

Day 9: N Seoul Tower and Samulnori

Seoul · South Korea

Activities
A cable car ride takes students to N Seoul Tower atop Namsan Mountain for a view of the entire city. In the afternoon, students shop in Myeongdong and take a samulnori traditional Korean percussion class.

Learning objective
Consider how samulnori and taiko reflect the distinct musical traditions of Korea and Japan.

Day 10: Taekwondo and Modern Seoul

Seoul · South Korea

Activities
Students take a taekwondo class, visit the trendy youth district of Seongsu, and try traditional Korean foods at Gwangjang Market.

Learning objective
Connect the values of discipline and respect in taekwondo with observations of daily life in modern Seoul.

Day 11: Korean History, Design, and Food

Seoul · South Korea

Activities
At Seoul Culture Lounge, students make their own handmade souvenirs, then tour the War Memorial of Korea. Students learn to make a local dish like gimbap or tteokbokki in a Korean cooking class.

Learning objective
Reflect on the history of the Korean War and how it shaped the Korean Peninsula.

Day 12: Community Service and K-Pop

Seoul · South Korea

Activities
Rustic Pathways partners with a library in Seoul, where the group leads an English reading and conversation class for elementary school students. After the service, the group learns K-pop dance from junior K-pop trainees and then explores Mangwon Market.

Learning objective
Practice cross-cultural communication through service and observe modern Korean pop culture.

Day 13: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hongdae

Seoul · South Korea

Activities
Students pick their own traditional Korean hanbok to wear while exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace. They then visit the Hongdae district for shopping and karaoke.

Learning objective
Compare Korea’s royal history and traditional clothing with the youth culture of contemporary Seoul.

Day 14: DDP and Reflection

Seoul · South Korea

Activities
On the final full day in Seoul, students visit Dondaemun Design Plaza and stroll along the Cheongyechon stream, a reclaimed public space that runs through the center of Seoul. The program concludes with a Rustic Ties reflection ceremony.

Learning objective
Observe the importance of public spaces in a densely populated city, and reflect on the entire trip.

Day 15: Depart from Seoul

International travel

Activities
Students pack up and transfer to Incheon International Airport (ICN). Rustic Pathways staff ensure the safe departure of students flying home independently. A staff member flies with students on the chaperoned group flight to Los Angeles (LAX).

Learning objective
Identify specific cultural insights, interpersonal skills, and travel practices that can be applied after returning home.

The two biggest challenges for students on Tokyo to Seoul are usually the heat and long days on their feet. The daytime temperature in Japan and South Korea during June and July is usually over 86°F (30°C) with high humidity. Students can also expect to walk 10,000–15,000 steps on most days.

Program Photos

Tokyo to Seoul Photo Gallery

Accommodation

Where do students stay on Tokyo to Seoul?

Students stay in gender-separated rooms in hostels and guesthouses throughout the Tokyo to Seoul program. Program Leaders stay on-site in separate rooms and conduct nightly room checks. In the Tokyo youth hostel, each room has a private bathroom. In Kanazawa, students share bathrooms and showers, but the guesthouse is reserved exclusively for the Rustic Pathways group.

The Seoul guesthouse is also exclusive to Rustic Pathways and includes gender-separated bathrooms, a communal kitchen and living room, television, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a private locker for every student.

The table below shows the accommodation type, neighborhood, number of nights, typical room sharing, and supervision in each city.

City	Nights	Type	Neighborhood	Rooms	Supervision
Tokyo	3	Youth Hostel	Taito City	Gender-separated, 4 to 6 students	Leaders on site in their own rooms; nightly room checks
Kanazawa	3	Private guesthouse exclusive to Rustic Pathways	Honmachi	Gender-separated, 3 to 5 students	Leaders on site in their own rooms; nightly room checks
Seoul	7	Private guesthouse exclusive to Rustic Pathways	Hapjeong	Gender-separated, 3 to 6 students, individual lockers	Leaders on site in their own rooms; nightly room checks

Rustic Pathways publishes accommodation type, neighborhood, room configuration, and supervision arrangement before enrollment. Property names and addresses are shared with enrolled families through the parent portal.

In 2026, 45 students traveled on the Tokyo to Seoul program across three sold-out sessions.

2026 Cohort

Who Was on the 2026 Tokyo to Seoul Program?

In 2026, 45 students traveled on the Tokyo to Seoul program with Rustic Pathways across three sold-out sessions.

27 of the 45 participants were 15 or 16 years old. Of the 45, 29 identified as male and 16 as female.

Rustic Pathways maintains a median student-to-staff ratio of one staff member for every 4.37 students, with no program exceeding 7:1.

Age
Students

13

2
14

6
15

14
16

13
17

7
18

3

Figure: Age at travel start, 2026 sessions.45 students total. Each dot represents 1 student.Two 13 year-old participants turning 14 in the program year were admitted after individual review.

Rustic Pathways Tokyo to Seoul 2026 cohort at a temple in Japan — 2026 Tokyo to Seoul students visiting a temple in Japan.

Program Leader Chang Mo Ahn shares what stood out to students on the Korea leg in 2026.

Program Leader Insight

What Is the Seoul Leg Actually Like? Chang Mo Ahn Led All 3 Sessions

Chang Mo Ahn, Program Leader
Chang Mo Ahn has led 10 Rustic Pathways programs in South Korea since April 2025, including all 3 summer 2026 sessions of Tokyo to Seoul. He has lived in Seoul since 2019 and is fluent in Korean.

What surprises students in Seoul?

In the first 48 hours, the lack of garbage bins in Seoul surprises students. There are no trash cans anywhere on the street, and students notice immediately. By the end, it’s how much they walked and how convenient the city is. Convenience stores everywhere, and public transportation that just works.

What’s the hardest part of the itinerary to run?

The Seoul subway with 15 teenagers is a challenge. Doors don’t wait for anyone. I split students into groups of 5 with 1 staff member each, put a Program Leader in the car first, and board last myself. Before every ride, everyone knows the stop count and transfers, and I post updates in the group WhatsApp: “getting off next stop.”

How safe is Seoul, really?

This summer a student left a bag of souvenirs at DDP. She told me 30 minutes into lunch. I ran back, and 50 minutes after she’d left it, the bag was sitting in the same spot. I sent the photo to the group chat. That’s Seoul.

One ad-libbed moment from the program:

After dinner at Gwangjang Market on the first 2026 session, we walked the length of Cheonggyecheon to Gwanghwamun at sunset and stopped to watch street buskers. We had the time, and it was a nice evening, so we took it.

**Public Transportation:**
Rustic Pathways Program Leader getting students ready to board the subway in Seoul.

Screenshot of a WhatsApp group conversation in which a Rustic Pathways Program Leader tells a student how safe Seoul is — **Safety in Seoul:**
A student’s bag was found and safely returned 50 minutes after it was left behind.

Screenshot of a WhatsApp group conversation in which a Rustic Pathways Program Leader tells students which subway stop to get off at — **WhatsApp Updates:**
Rustic Pathways Program Leaders in Seoul coordinate public transportation via WhatsApp.

That’s the Seoul leg. How does the Japan leg differ?

Country Comparison

How Is the Japan Leg Different From the Korea Leg?

The Japan leg runs 7 days across Tokyo and Kanazawa. The Korea leg runs 8 days in Seoul. Rustic Pathways has operated this pairing since 2024. The two halves of the program differ in pace, independence, and how much students are asked to adapt.

	Japan (days 1–8)	Korea (days 8–15)
Cities	Tokyo, Kanazawa	Seoul
Pace	2 bases, 2 Shinkansen bullet train transfers	1 base, no relocation
Typical daily walking	10,000 – 15,000 steps most days	10,000 – 15,000 steps most days
Accommodation	Youth hostel in Tokyo · Private guesthouse in Kanazawa exclusive to Rustic Pathways	Private guesthouse in Hapjeong exclusive to Rustic Pathways
Language barriers	Lower in Tokyo tourist areas, higher in Kanazawa	Lower, English spoken in central Seoul
Unfamiliar foods	Seafood-heavy at Omicho Market	Students are surprised that most bread in South Korea is sweet
Service activity	Neighborhood cleanup with local NGO, Greenbird	Open Arms partnership and library English class
Structured independence	Free time in Shibuya, Kanazawa, groups of 3+	Free time in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seongsu, groups of 3+
Cultural experiences	Shodo, taiko, kendo	K-pop dancing, samulnori, taekwondo
Transfer	Day 5: Tokyo to Kanazawa (bullet train) Day 8: Tokyo to Incheon (chaperoned flight)	Day 8: Arrival and airport bus transfer to Seoul

Rustic Pathways vets all accommodations and activity partners as part of its safety policy.

Safety

How Does Rustic Pathways Ensure Safety on the Tokyo to Seoul Program?

Rustic Pathways uses established safety, supervision, and risk management practices throughout the Tokyo to Seoul program.

Staff Supervision

Rustic Pathways maintains a median student-to-staff ratio of 4.37:1, with no program exceeding 7:1.

24/7 Emergency Support

Families receive access to a 24/7 emergency number. Rustic Pathways staff responds immediately to emergencies and provides ongoing updates during active situations.

Medical Oversight

Rustic Pathways’ dedicated Medical Director, Dr. William R. Smith, is a board-certified emergency physician and U.S. Army Colonel with more than 20 years of wilderness medicine experience.

Dr. Smith is available to support Program Leaders and families with medical questions, treatment decisions, and incident escalation.

Transparent Incident Data

Rustic Pathways logs incident reports for all medical and behavioral issues during its programs.

In 2026, Rustic Pathways recorded 3 incidents across 3 Tokyo to Seoul sessions. Two were classified GREEN (low severity): one behavioral incident and one medical incident.

One behavioral incident was classified RED (high severity) because the group had to temporarily separate. Rustic Pathways staff addressed and resolved all three incidents during the program.

Trained Leaders

Program Leaders pass background checks through Sterling, a First Advantage company, complete 40+ hours of in-person training (80+ hours total), and hold CPR and First Aid certifications.

Rustic Pathways core safety team members have completed Viristar’s 40-hour online Risk Management for Outdoor Programs course.

Local Response Planning

Rustic Pathways teams maintain lists of medical facilities for every major program location.

St. Luke’s International Hospital in Japan and Yonsei Severance Hospital in Seoul serve as two primary facilities in case of medical emergencies.

Rustic Pathways uses vetted, licensed, and insured ground transportation operators and prohibits night driving outside approved urban routes.

Parents considering Tokyo to Seoul often want to know more about flights, supervision, accommodations, and daily life on the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Parents Ask About Tokyo to Seoul

Click a category below to read the most frequently asked questions.

Flights & Cost

How do flights work for Tokyo to Seoul?

Families can use the Rustic Pathways chaperoned group flight or book their own flights. The on-program flight from Japan to South Korea is included in tuition. See how flights work for Tokyo to Seoul.

What are the arrival and departure windows for Tokyo to Seoul?

Each travel session has a set arrival window at Narita Airport (NRT) and departure window at Incheon Airport (ICN). See the 2027 arrival and departure windows by travel session.

What’s included in the Tokyo to Seoul program tuition?

Included in the program tuition for Tokyo to Seoul:

Accommodation (13 nights)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from the first meal after airport pickup in Japan through the last meal before airport drop-off in South Korea
Japan to South Korea flight
Airport transfers within the arrival and departure windows
All transportation in Japan and South Korea
All activities, excursions, and entrance fees
24/7 Program Leader supervision
24/7 Emergency support line for parents and guardians
Gratuities

Not included in the program tuition for Tokyo to Seoul:

Flights to/from the program
Baggage fees, including additional baggage on the Japan to South Korea flight
Travel insurance
Medical insurance with coverage in Japan and South Korea (required for every participant)
Passport and visa fees, including K-ETA fee for South Korea
Personal spending money

Does Rustic Pathways offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Payment plans are available and Rustic Pathways offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.

What insurance do we need for Tokyo to Seoul?

Rustic Pathways requires medical insurance with international coverage for every traveler on Tokyo to Seoul. Travel Protection, which covers trip cancellation and flight disruption, is recommended but not required. Families purchase both separately, and neither is included in Program Tuition.

What is the enrollment fee?

The $100 Enrollment Fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee that covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising, and trip planning.

What if we have an emergency and need to cancel or change our reservation?

Rustic Pathways applies this cancellation schedule to all Summer 2027 enrollments.

When you cancel	Refund
Within 24 hours of enrollment	Full refund
Before March 31, 2027	Full refund less enrollment fee and airfare
April 1 to April 30, 2027	Full refund less enrollment fee, airfare, and 50% of program tuition
On or after May 1, 2027	No refund

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to cancel@rusticpathways.com. Telephone cancellations are not accepted. Program changes requested after the deadline carry a $750 revision surcharge, issued as credit.

For emergencies outside this schedule, families can request an individual review, which Rustic Pathways evaluates against documentation of the circumstance. Travel Protection may cover eligible losses, subject to the policy’s covered reasons, exclusions, limits, and documentation requirements.

Rustic Pathways accepts departure date changes and program transfers to a current-year or next-year program, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted in writing.

For Summer 2027 programs, changes requested before midnight ET on March 31, 2027 are made at no charge. Changes requested on or after April 1, 2027 are processed as a transferable credit for all amounts paid, less a $750 change surcharge.

A change is not a cancellation. See the enrollment terms for the full schedule.

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises my child?

In Japan: Scott Ingram leads Rustic Pathways programs in Japan. Scott has 15 years of experience in the student travel and experiential education field. He has spent 9+ years in Japan, obtained his Master’s degree from Waseda University in Tokyo, and is fluent in Japanese. Seasonal local and international Program Leaders join Scott on the ground in Japan to welcome students.

In South Korea: Chang Mo Ahn leads Rustic Pathways programs in South Korea. Chang Mo is of Korean and Guatemalan descent, is fluent in Korean, and has lived in Seoul since 2019. Chang Mo has led 10 Rustic Pathways programs in South Korea along with seasonal local and international Program Leaders.

What is the student-to-staff ratio?

Rustic Pathways programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). In 2026, each Tokyo to Seoul program session had 15 students and 3 Rustic Pathways staff members, a student-to-staff ratio of 5:1.

All Program Leaders are CPR and First Aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45+.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students stay in gender-separated rooms and use gender-separated bathrooms. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders stay on-site and conduct room checks each night at lights out.

How does Rustic Pathways handle medical emergencies?

Rustic Pathways reviews medical forms before departure and coordinates with families about medications, allergies, and dietary needs. All Program Leaders are CPR and First Aid certified and carry First Aid kits at all times.

Local teams in Japan and South Korea maintain clinic lists. St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo and Yonsei Severance Hospital in Seoul serve as primary hospitals for medical emergencies.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Tokyo and Seoul are both in the same time zone: GMT+9.

How does Rustic Pathways update parents during the program?

Parents receive daily photo updates via email. In emergencies, Rustic Pathways’ parent-notification time averages 27 minutes.

What is the phone and device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them. Students may contact home as often as they like.

High-speed public Wi-Fi is widely available in Japan and South Korea, all accommodations provide Wi-Fi access, and students using local SIM cards, eSIMs, or international roaming plans have reliable cellular data connectivity.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Tokyo to Seoul is limited to 15 students per session, ages 14–18. In 2026, all program sessions sold out, with 15 students per session. Most participants were 15 and 16 years old. In 2026, two 13-year-olds were allowed to enroll in the Tokyo to Seoul program after individual review, as they both turned 14 in the program year.

What is the ratio of female to male students?

Of the 45 students who traveled on the Tokyo to Seoul program in 2026, 29 were male (64%), and 16 were female (36%).

Can international students join Tokyo to Seoul?

Yes. International students can join the Tokyo to Seoul program. In 2026, six international students from six countries participated. Including the United States, the cohort represented seven countries in total.

International students fly independently to Narita Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, where Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup during scheduled arrival windows.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students join on their own without knowing anyone. Some friends or siblings travel together.

In 2026, three siblings from Atlanta, Georgia joined the program together. Program Leaders run icebreakers and bonding activities on the first day, helping students build friendships that often continue after the program.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways accepts roommate requests during enrollment and considers them when making room assignments. In 2026, two students requested to room together because they had traveled on a Rustic Pathways program the previous year. Rustic Pathways accommodated their request.

Program Details

Can the Tokyo to Seoul itinerary change?

Yes. The Rustic Pathways Tokyo to Seoul itinerary may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

The Rustic Pathways teams in Japan and South Korea prepare backup activities to maintain a safe program if itinerary changes become necessary.

Why does Rustic Pathways pair Tokyo with Seoul?

Rustic Pathways pairs Tokyo with Seoul because Japan and South Korea are geographically close, with flights from Narita to Incheon taking about 2 hours.

Traveling through Tokyo and Kanazawa before continuing to Seoul gives students the opportunity to experience two distinct East Asian cultures within a single 15-day program, comparing their history, traditions, food, and contemporary urban life firsthand.

What service work do students do?

Students on the Tokyo to Seoul program complete 8 service hours. In 2026, Rustic Pathways partnered with nonprofit organizations and NGOs in Tokyo and Seoul.

In Tokyo, students joined neighborhood cleanups in different parts of the city with Greenbird, a local NGO that brings community members together to help keep their neighborhoods clean.

In Seoul, Rustic Pathways partnered with Open Arms, a welfare agency where students led sports, English, and arts-and-crafts activities and shared lunch with 28 local children.

Students also volunteered at a local library by designing and leading an English reading and conversation class for elementary school children.

What are the physical requirements for the Tokyo to Seoul program?

There are no specific physical requirements for the Tokyo to Seoul program, but a moderate degree of physical fitness is an advantage. Students should be comfortable with sustained walking and spending much of the day on their feet. In 2026, students walked 10,000 – 15,000 steps on most days.

What cultural experiences do students participate in?

Students practice shodo calligraphy, take a Shibuya walking tour, visit Kanazawa Castle and the N Seoul Tower viewpoint, train in kendo, wear hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, explore Gwangjang Market, and join K-pop dance and taekwondo workshops.

What independent free time do students have?

Students are given independent free time in a few locations to shop and explore.

During free time, students must remain in groups of at least three. Program Leaders set boundaries for where students may go and designate a specific meeting place and time for the group to reconvene. Program Leaders continuously patrol the area, and one staff member remains at the meeting point throughout.

In Japan, students have free time in Shibuya and at Omicho Market. In Seoul, students have free time in Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Seongsu.

Evenings follow a structured schedule. Lights-out is typically at 10 p.m., and Program Leaders complete room checks afterward.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate dietary needs and food allergies?

Yes. Rustic Pathways accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements in Japan and South Korea with advance notice. Families provide dietary information including allergies during enrollment, and Rustic Pathways shares it with restaurants and meal providers before the program begins to ensure that dietary needs can be met.

In 2026, Rustic Pathways staff contacted every restaurant and meal provider before the trip to ensure that a vegan student could be accommodated.

Do students need to speak Japanese or Korean?

No. Students do not need to speak Japanese or Korean to join the Rustic Pathways Tokyo to Seoul program. English is widely spoken in restaurants and stores in tourist areas of Tokyo and Seoul. Local Program Leaders speak Japanese and Korean and help students navigate language barriers.

How much spending money does my child need?

Rustic Pathways recommends $300–$400 in personal spending money for the Tokyo to Seoul program, or approximately $150–$200 per week. Students only need money for personal shopping and snacks because all meals and program activities are included in the tuition.

Popular items students like to buy in Japan include clothes, tea, traditional arts and crafts, and anime and manga merchandise, while in South Korea they include convenience-store snacks, K-pop albums, skincare products from Olive Young, and personalized accessories.

Will my child need a visa for Japan and South Korea?

U.S. citizens don’t need a travel visa for Japan or South Korea.

U.S. and many other passport holders do require Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter South Korea. Travelers can apply for K-ETA online. The process takes about 72 hours and costs ₩10,000 (approximately $7).

U.S. citizens currently don’t need any special documentation besides a valid passport to travel to Japan.

Different rules may apply to citizens of other countries, so contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.

What is the Rustic Ties ceremony?

The Rustic Ties Ceremony is Rustic Pathways’ end-of-program reflection tradition. Program Leaders use the closing ceremony to recognize relationships, learning, and individual contributions throughout the program. It gives students a structured way to reflect on what mattered, acknowledge one another, and identify what they want to carry forward after the program ends.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days; Rustic Pathways uses the First Friend Method to combat homesickness.

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ inclusion policy.

For families ready to plan the travel logistics, here’s exactly how flights work for Tokyo to Seoul.

Option 1
LAX
Los Angeles
Departs day 1
Chaperoned group flight

Option 2
Any origin
Your own city
You book this

Booked by Rustic Pathways

NRT
Narita Airport
Arrives day 2
Program begins

Tokyo → Seoul
Mid-program flight
Included

ICN
Seoul Incheon
Final day
Program ends

LAX
Los Angeles
Lands same day
Chaperoned group flight

Anywhere
Onward from Incheon
You book this

Booked by Rustic Pathways

Self-booked

Going out, you lose a day. Crossing the International Date Line means a flight leaving on day 1 arrives in Japan on day 2.
Coming home, you get it back. On the return trip, crossing the International Date Line means a flight leaving Seoul lands in Los Angeles on the same calendar day.

The three flight legs on Tokyo to Seoul

The on-program flight from Tokyo to Seoul is arranged by Rustic Pathways and included in tuition.

Leg 1 · Getting to Japan — not included in program tuition

Flight	Who books it	Arrival/Departure	What happens
Los Angeles (LAX) to Narita (NRT), Japan	Rustic Pathways	Departs day 1, lands day 2	Chaperoned group flight: Staff meet students at LAX and fly with the group.
Your city to Narita (NRT)	Your family	Must land within the arrival window on day 2.	Staff meet students at Narita and bring them to the group.

Leg 2 · Tokyo to Seoul — included in program tuition

Flight	Who books it	Arrival/Departure	What happens
Narita (NRT), Japan to Incheon (ICN), South Korea	Rustic Pathways	Program day 8	Chaperoned group flight: Staff fly with the group.

Leg 3 · Getting home — not included in program tuition

Flight	Who books it	Arrival/Departure	What happens
Incheon (ICN) to Los Angeles (LAX)	Rustic Pathways	Program day 15. Lands the same calendar day	Chaperoned group flight: Staff fly with students to Los Angeles (LAX).
Incheon (ICN) to your city	Your family	Program day 15 (final day), within the departure window	Staff take students to Incheon airport (ICN) and assist with check-in.

Arrival and Departure Windows for Tokyo to Seoul

The arrival and departure windows for Tokyo to Seoul are based on the arrival and departure times of the chaperoned group flight.

Students traveling independently should book flights that arrive at and depart from the designated airports within the arrival and departure windows. Airport transfers outside of these designated windows are subject to an out-of-window fee.

Session Dates	Arrival Window: Narita Airport (NRT)	Departure Window: Incheon Airport (ICN)
June 18 to July 2, 2027	June 19, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.	July 2, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
June 25 to July 9, 2027	June 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.	July 9, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
July 9 to July 23, 2027	July 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.	July 23, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.

Do we have to use the Rustic Pathways chaperoned group flight?

No. Families can book their own flights. Students should arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT) inside the session’s arrival window.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional chaperoned group flight from Los Angeles (LAX) for families who prefer a supervised international flight. Otherwise, students can meet the group at Narita International Airport in Japan. The program treats both cases in the same way.

DAY 1 · LAX

Meeting the Rustic Pathways Flight Team at LAX

Meeting points and procedures for day 1 of the program are shared with enrolled families. Students meet Rustic Pathways staff at LAX and fly with the group to Japan.

Chaperoned flights are booked as round-trip itineraries. Students fly to Japan on day 1 and back to Los Angeles (LAX) from South Korea on the final program day.

The chaperoned group flight is not included in program tuition. Families who book their own flights buy directly from the airline.

Early is fine. Late is not. If your student is connecting from another airport, build in buffer time or fly in the night before. A delayed connection puts the whole trip at risk.

DAY 2 · NRT

Meeting the Rustic Pathways Team at Narita

Families booking independent flights should take note of the arrival and departure windows. Flights to Japan should arrive at Narita (NRT) within the designated arrival window.

Rustic Pathways staff meet students at Narita (NRT) on day 2 of the program.

At the end of the program, Rustic Pathways staff bring students to Incheon Airport (ICN) and assist them with check-in for their departing flights.

Arrival windows are shown in the session table above.

Compare the three ways families handle flights

Rustic Pathways flight desk: flights@rusticpathways.com or 440-975-9691

Before you book: seven things to get right

Do not book Haneda (HND). Tokyo has two international airports and they are about 90 minutes apart. Rustic Pathways staff are at Narita (NRT) only, so a student who lands at Haneda is on the wrong side of Tokyo with nobody to meet them. Double-check the airport code before you pay.
Take note of arrival and departure windows. Pickups and drop-offs outside the designated arrival and departure windows are subject to an out-of-window fee.
Book the flight home from Incheon (ICN). The Tokyo to Seoul program starts in Japan and ends in South Korea. Outbound flights should fly to Narita (NRT) and flights back home should depart from Incheon (ICN).
Check the airline’s unaccompanied minor rules. Some airlines require the service, some allow it as an option, and some refuse connecting itineraries entirely.
Check your passport’s expiration date before you pay. (Applies whichever flight you choose.) Confirm expiry dates and the entry requirements for both Japan and South Korea. Visas remain the traveler’s responsibility. Rustic Pathways provides a visa invitation letter if one is required.
Buy insurance separately. (Applies whichever flight you choose.) Rustic Pathways requires medical insurance with international coverage for every traveler. Travel insurance, which covers trip protection including flight disruption, is recommended but not required. Neither insurance is included in program tuition, so families purchase both separately. Insurance details.
Send Rustic Pathways your flight details once booked. Rustic Pathways needs the arrival and departure details to meet your student at the airport.

Questions? Email flights@rusticpathways.com or call 440-975-9691

Why does Tokyo to Seoul start a day after the flight leaves?

Flights from the U.S. to Japan cross the International Date Line, so flights leaving Los Angeles on day 1 arrive in Japan on day 2.

Coming home the date change runs the other way. A flight leaving South Korea lands in Los Angeles on the same calendar day it departed.

Day numbering follows the day-by-day program itinerary. Day 1 of the program is purely a travel day. Students do not lose any program activities by arriving on day 2.

Is the flight from Japan to South Korea included?

Yes. The Japan to South Korea flight is included in the program tuition of $6,490. Rustic Pathways books this flight for all students and a staff member flies with the group.

This is the only flight covered in the program tuition. Airfare to Japan and back home from South Korea is not included in the program tuition.

How much does the chaperoned group flight service cost?

The chaperoned group flight service on Rustic Pathways programs costs $450. For Tokyo to Seoul, a Rustic Pathways staff member meets the student at LAX departures, accompanies them through check-in and security, and flies with the group. After the program, a staff member accompanies the students back to LAX from Incheon (ICN).

The $450 chaperoned group flight fee does not include airline tickets.

How do students get home from Seoul?

The Tokyo to Seoul program ends in Seoul, South Korea. Rustic Pathways staff accompanies students to Incheon International Airport (ICN) on the final program day (day 15).

On the chaperoned group flight: Students fly from Incheon to Los Angeles with Rustic Pathways staff and are handed over at LAX, or board connecting flights home.
Independent flights: Rustic Pathways staff accompanies students to Incheon (ICN) and assists with baggage drop and check-in.
Either way: Rustic Pathways staff accompanies students to the airport and ensures safe departure.

Departure windows are in the session table above.

What if a flight gets canceled?

If a connecting flight or independent flight to Japan gets cancelled, call the Rustic Pathways flight desk immediately. Staff will adjust the airport pickup, and trip protection may cover eligible rebooking costs.

Whether a rebooking is covered depends on your policy and the reason for the disruption. The family and airline are responsible for rebooking a family-purchased ticket. Rebooking the Rustic Pathways chaperoned group flight is handled by Rustic Pathways.

Rustic Pathways monitors flight status on travel days and communicates with families in case of delayed or canceled flights.

Flight desk: flights@rusticpathways.com · 440-975-9691. Rustic Pathways support is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. ET, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. ET. Enrolled families can call the 24/7 Rustic Pathways emergency line for flight assistance.

With the program details covered, here are the next steps for families considering Tokyo to Seoul.

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$6,490

+ $100 enrollment fee · $6,590 at checkout

Flights to/from the program not included. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

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Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions. At Rustic Pathways since 2018.

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