By Solo Solo Travel
This video presents an in-depth journey spanning four days and over 1,800 kilometers, traversing from Tokyo, Japan to Seoul, South Korea using an exciting combination of bullet trains and ferry. The itinerary showcases a detailed, sequential route: starting in Tokyo, traveling by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, continuing to Fukuoka via another high-speed train, taking the New Camellia ferry from Fukuoka to Busan, and finishing with a KTX bullet train ride from Busan to Seoul. The creator offers transparent cost breakdowns, with the total fare summing up to ¥46,430 (about $320 USD), making it a valuable guide for travelers considering overland and sea alternatives between Japan and Korea.
The route begins in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, riding the N700A shinkansen to Kyoto. The Tokaido/Sanyo shinkansen route is world-renowned for its speed and efficiency, linking two historical and cultural hubs within a matter of hours. In Kyoto, travelers can enjoy its famous temples, the Gion district, and traditional atmosphere before boarding another shinkansen (N700S) bound for Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu. Fukuoka is a cosmopolitan city renowned for its local Hakata ramen and waterfront scenes.
From Fukuoka, the traveler boards the New Camellia ferry to Busan, South Korea’s main port city. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the Korea Strait and serves as a unique alternative to flights, allowing for a slower-paced, more immersive experience. Arriving in Busan, the journey continues aboard Korea’s KTX high-speed rail to Seoul, South Korea’s capital, which is celebrated for its dynamic nightlife, rich history, and technological advancements. The video concludes with tips, reflections, and logistical advice, making it a must-watch resource for anyone contemplating transnational travel between Japan and Korea using public transportation.
Key highlights of the trip include the convenience and comfort of Japan’s shinkansen, the novelty of the international ferry crossing, and the seamless continuation into South Korea’s own advanced railway system. The video is perfect for train enthusiasts, ferry travelers, and those seeking an alternative to flying, and offers a model itinerary for the increasingly popular Japan-Korea overland route.