Japan & Korea: Tokyo to Seoul

Why Choose the Japan & Korea: Tokyo to Seoul Teen Travel Program?

This two-country journey is one of Rustic Pathways’s most exciting programs, designed for students who want to experience the best of East Asia in a single trip.
From sushi-making and calligraphy in Tokyo to K-pop dance lessons and cultural exchanges in Seoul, this program combines exploration, creativity, and service in two of the world’s most dynamic cities.

• Explore Tokyo’s famous neighborhoods—Shibuya, Asakusa, and Harajuku—while learning about Japanese traditions and modern culture.
• Travel with Rustic staff and local guides for a seamless transition between Japan and Korea.
• Participate in 13 hours of meaningful community service that supports local organizations and environmental initiatives.
• Experience authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine, from ramen and sushi to kimchi and Korean barbecue.
• Develop global awareness and independence through hands-on cultural immersion and group travel experiences.

Accommodations for the Japan & Korea: Tokyo to Seoul Teen Travel Program

Hotel in Tokyo

The students will go to a comfortable hotel after arriving in Tokyo. It features modern architecture, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and comfortable beds.

The students will stay at a quaint guest house throughout their program in Seoul:

Guest House in Seoul

The students will stay at the Naru Guest House near the Hapjeong Station in Seoul. It includes a kitchen and living room, a balcony, and large bathrooms.

The students will be split by gender in the dorm rooms and bedrooms. The home has plenty of cozy gathering spaces where the students can engage in program discussions and get to know their newfound friends.

“I was kind of shaking because of excitement, and I was very overwhelmed… The group of students was amazing though, and we were given the most delicious dinner the first night.”

-Moldovan student Anghelina Severin talking about the first night of her Seoul Searching Program

Meals & Water During the Japan and Korea Program

Japan

The students will eat a large variety of food while they’re in the program. Breakfast will be eaten at a delicious buffet in our accommodations offering a mix of Japanese foods and Western staples. Lunch, dinner, and snacks will often be eaten out.

Expect to get a chance to eat many different types of Japanese dishes including sushi, ramen, tempura, curry rice, okonomiyaki, and more. We’ll also be able to eat more familiar foods when that is your preference. Japanese versions of Western food can sometimes be quite unique, as well.

Depending on the type of food meals may be individual plates, but in some cases, we may eat from shared dishes family-style.

Chopsticks are the most commonly used utensils, however, you can always ask for a fork or spoon if that is more comfortable

Korea

The students will eat a large variety of food while they’re on the program. Breakfast will be offered at the accommodations. Lunch and dinner will be eaten at various restaurants.

Restaurant Expectations

In restaurants, Koreans use a call button to call the restaurant staff. If there’s no button, it’s common to yell out to the staff. In old-style restaurants, people often sit on the floor shoeless when eating.

Meals may have a few rounds or courses. The last round is often fried/scorched rice or, in the summer, cold noodles.

While eating, audible sounds are acceptable. For example, slurping noodles is not rude. Koreans also may wear aprons to protect their clothing while dining.

At restaurants, it’s important not to be wasteful. In Korea, you have to pay to throw away trash and food waste. Korea is a world leader in food waste recycling. 95% of Korean food waste is composted.

Popular Food & Drink Choices

Coffee culture is very important in the nation. Plus, flavored milk like banana milk is quite popular.

People like eating extremely spicy food as they believe it relieves stress. Fried chicken is the #1 delivery item in Korea. You’ll see fried chicken shops everywhere you go.

Community Service Projects in Japan and South Korea

Students complete approximately 13 hours of community service across Tokyo and Seoul. Service partners and activities may change based on local needs and timing. The examples below illustrate recent projects from previous programs.

Examples in Japan (Tokyo)

• Urban Park Cleanup: Support a local environmental group to clean and restore riverside park space in Tokyo. Learn firsthand about community pride and stewardship while improving shared public areas.
• Youth English Exchange: Collaborate with a cultural exchange organization to lead simple games and activities in English for young learners. Plan basic activities, practice conversation, and share stories to build confidence and curiosity about global connections.

Examples in South Korea (Seoul)

• Early Childhood Support: Assist teachers at a local kindergarten with play-based learning and simple classroom tasks that encourage creativity and social skills.
• Community Care: Partner with a senior center or soup kitchen to prepare and serve meals, help with light facility tasks, and spend time in conversation with elders.

Note: Service projects are subject to change and depend on the needs of our local partners at the time of the program.