旅行 and 観光: a trip and sightseeing
Distinguish a trip, including travel and accommodation, from sightseeing.
Talking about the whole trip
旅行 is read りょこう and refers to a trip away from where you normally live. 「来月、京都へ旅行に行きます」 says that the speaker will take a trip to Kyoto next month.
「旅行の荷物を準備しました」 means that the speaker prepared their luggage for the trip. 旅行 can focus on the overall journey and stay rather than a single activity at the destination.
Seeing attractions and scenery
観光 is read かんこう and means sightseeing at attractions or scenic places. 「午後は市内を観光しました」 describes sightseeing in the city in the afternoon, a completed activity.
「観光案内所で地図をもらいました」 means that the speaker received a map at the tourist information center. In such facility names, 観光 relates to information services for visitors.
A trip need not include sightseeing
「旅行中ですが、今日は観光せずにホテルで休みます」 says that the speaker is on a trip but will rest at the hotel today without sightseeing. It separates being on a trip from today's activity.
A brief visit to attractions in a nearby area can also be 観光. It does not require a long journey or an overnight stay.
Is 「旅行は楽しかったですが、観光する時間はありませんでした」 contradictory?
Show the answer and why
No. It means that the trip was enjoyable but there was no time for sightseeing. A trip can include visits or rest as well as sightseeing.