Explore Japan & Korea: 17-Day Cultural Tour

We meet with the representatives of Ejder Tourism at 10:00 in the International Departure Terminal of Istanbul Airport for the first step of our exciting journey. After completing our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we begin our journey to Seoul with a layover in Singapore on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 391 at 13:10. During this long journey, we enjoy in-flight refreshments as we glide towards the mysteries of the Far East. Overnight is spent on the plane, high above the clouds.

We arrive at Singapore Changi Airport, renowned for its modern architecture, at 04:55 local time. After a short and enjoyable break here, we depart for the dynamic capital of South Korea, Seoul, on flight SQ 600 at 08:10. Upon our arrival at Incheon Airport at 15:30, we will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to our hotel in a private vehicle. After settling into our rooms, we will have free time to relax and get our first glimpse of Seoul's modern face. For dinner, you can follow our guide's recommendations to explore local flavors. OUR HOTEL: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun 4* or similar.

After enjoying a rich breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), one of the most remarkable and tense points in world history. In this area, where the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are still active, we will visit Imjingak Peace Bridge, Freedom Bridge, and the Korean War Memorial, allowing us to observe the deep scars of war and the current political situation firsthand. Please remember to bring your passports for entry into this special region. Continuing our tour, we will return to Seoul while reminiscing about the heroic stories of the Turkish Brigade. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the vibrant streets of Seoul and discover the spirit of the city. OUR HOTEL: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun 4* or similar.

After breakfast, we embark on a deeper journey into the history of Seoul. Our first stop will be Namsangol Hanok Village, which houses traditional Korean houses known as "Hanok" within a vast area of 7934 square meters. Here, we get an intimate look at Korean culture through these homes that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Next, we ascend Namsan Mountain, standing at 262 meters, to enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul's endless landscape. Later in the day, we move on to Gangnam, a district that symbolizes modern Korean culture and gained worldwide fame through the hit song "Gangnam Style." Here, guests who wish can spend time in luxury shops or explore the energy of modern Seoul with our guide. OUR HOTEL: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun 4* etc.

After an early breakfast at our hotel, we depart for Seoul Train Station at 07:30. We embark on a comfortable journey to Busan, the port city at the southern tip of the country, aboard South Korea's technological marvel, the KTX high-speed train. Upon our arrival in Busan, we will visit the UN Korean War Memorial Cemetery and Turkish Martyrs' Memorial, which holds great historical significance and is the only United Nations cemetery in the world. After paying our respects to the soldiers who fell in the Korean War, we will explore the panoramic beauty of the city. For dinner, we will indulge in a traditional feast of fresh seafood from local fishermen at Busan's famous Jagalchi Fish Market (Fish Hall). At the end of the day, we will check into our modern and comfortable hotel near the coastline. OUR HOTEL: Shilla Stay Haeundae 4* etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will be transferred to Busan Airport. Departing with T'way Air at 09:05, we will arrive in Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan's southern gateway, at 10:05 after a comfortable one-hour flight. Following our passport and customs procedures, we will begin our adventure in Japan with our private vehicle waiting for us. Our first stop will be Hakata Port and its surroundings, known for its historical and commercial significance. During our panoramic city tour here, we will explore the streets where modern Japan intertwines with traditional elements. After the city tour, we will check into our hotel located in the center of Hakata. For dinner, we will unwind by experiencing the renowned delicacies of Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant. OUR HOTEL: Fukuoka Bay Hotel 3* etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will head to Hakata Train Station at 09:00. We will embark on a comfortable and swift journey to Hiroshima aboard Japan's engineering marvel, the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). Upon our arrival in Hiroshima, we will begin an extensive city tour with our private vehicle. The first stop on our tour will be the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which bear the scars of World War II but have become symbols of peace. Next, we will visit the magnificent Hiroshima Castle, built in the 1590s and restored to its original state after the war, to learn about the city's feudal history. At the end of the day, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to experience Hiroshima's unique culinary culture, including the famous Okonomiyaki. Accommodation will be at our hotel in Hiroshima. OUR HOTEL: APA Hotel Hiroshima, etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most romantic and sacred stops. Known as the "Island of the Gods," this area is famous for the massive orange gate (Torii) of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water during high tide. We will visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and take a stroll among the friendly deer that inhabit the island, soaking in the mystical atmosphere. After our visit to the island, we return to the mainland and head towards Osaka, Japan's culinary capital, via the Shinkansen bullet train. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel in Osaka. We will have free time in the evening to sample Osaka's famous street food. OUR HOTEL: Noku Osaka, etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a short journey to Kobe, one of Japan's most modern and stylish port cities. Our first stop will be the historic Ikuta Shrine, located in the heart of the city and known for its peaceful atmosphere. Next, we will take a stroll in the Kobe Harbor area (Harborland), soaking in the modern architecture and fresh sea air. In the afternoon, we return to Osaka to continue our city tour. We will have a panoramic view and photo opportunity of the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan's unity, before heading to the vibrant areas of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, known as the heart of the city, in the evening. We will experience firsthand why Osaka is referred to as "Japan's Kitchen" with its dazzling neon signs, giant mechanical crab figures, and lively riverside atmosphere. During our free time for dinner, you can taste local delicacies such as the famous Takoyaki or Okonomiyaki. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka. OUR HOTEL: Noku Osaka, etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we set off with our luggage towards Nara, the first capital of Japan. Upon our arrival in Nara, we will visit the magnificent Todaiji Temple (Daibutsu), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Next, we spend time with the friendly deer roaming freely in the famous Nara Park, located right next to the temple. We will have lunch at a restaurant that offers exquisite flavors of Japanese cuisine in Nara's traditional atmosphere. Later in the day, we complete our cultural exploration of Nara and head to Kyoto, where we will be staying and exploring in detail tomorrow. We will check into our rooms and have free time for dinner. Overnight stay in Kyoto. OUR HOTEL: Kyoto Central Hotel, etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we embark on a full-day tour to explore Kyoto, the ancient capital and cultural center of Japan. Our first stop will be the magnificent Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), built for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu according to Zen beliefs, with its two floors completely covered in gold leaf. Next, we take an unforgettable walk among the towering bamboo trees in the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, known for its serene atmosphere. After lunch, we continue to lose ourselves in the historic streets of the city and head to Gion, the most famous district of Kyoto, where we will trace the footsteps of geishas and maikos in the evening. Here, we will attend the renowned Gion Corner performance, where we can watch brief examples of Japanese performing arts (tea ceremony, Ikebana flower arranging, Bunraku puppet theater, etc.). We conclude the day with a Traditional Japanese Dinner (Kaiseki), a visual feast that showcases the highest level of Japanese hospitality. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto. OUR HOTEL: Kyoto Central Hotel, etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will head to Kyoto Train Station with our luggage. At 09:00, we will embark on a comfortable journey to Japan's modern capital, Tokyo, aboard the world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train), which will take approximately 2.5 hours. Along the way, we will have the chance to see Japan's unique rural landscapes and, if the weather permits, the majestic Mount Fuji. Upon our arrival in Tokyo, we will begin our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle. As we explore the city's wide boulevards and modern architecture, our first major stop will be Tokyo Tower, one of Tokyo's iconic symbols. We will ascend this 333-meter-high tower to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Tokyo's vast skyline. After touring the heart of the city by vehicle, we will check into our hotel. We will have dinner and some free time to explore the dazzling streets of Tokyo. OUR HOTEL: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3*+ etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we begin to explore the fascinating world of contrasts in Tokyo. Our first stop will be the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful oasis built in memory of Emperor Meiji and his wife, surrounded by towering cedar trees that mark Japan's modernization period. Next, we will visit the Senso-ji (Kannon) Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest and most magnificent temple. As we walk along the historic Nakamise Street leading to the temple, we will have the chance to taste traditional souvenirs and local snacks. In the afternoon, we will head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. After visiting the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog, we will conclude our tour in Ginza Street, Tokyo's luxury and fashion center. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo. OUR HOTEL: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3*+ etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we depart at 07:30 with our private bus towards Japan's sacred symbol, Mount Fuji. This tour, which will last nearly a full day, takes us to the base of the Fuji Volcano, where we reach the viewing point known as the "5th Station" and enjoy the breathtaking view above the clouds. For lunch, we will savor traditional Japanese dishes made with fresh local ingredients. After the meal, we head to the shores of Lake Ashi, a UNESCO-protected extinct volcano crater, where we embark on a delightful boat tour with a view of Fuji. In the evening, we return to Tokyo and unwind at our hotel. OUR HOTEL: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3*+ etc.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, the entire day will be yours to explore the endless options of Tokyo. Guests who wish can spend time in Akihabara, the world's most advanced technology and anime hub, while others may create unforgettable memories at Tokyo DisneySea, the world's only sea-themed amusement park. For shopping enthusiasts, the colorful streets of Harajuku or the chic boutiques of Omotesando offer fantastic alternatives. You can also visit the TeamLab Borderless digital art museum, one of the most popular spots in recent years, and step into the enchanting world of light and art. You can make the most of your last day in Tokyo by savoring the delights of the city's rich culinary culture or wandering through the city at your own pace. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo. OUR HOTEL: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3*+ etc.

On the last day of our tour, after breakfast at our hotel, we have free time to make our final preparations and do some shopping in Tokyo until our transfer time. Then, at the time set by our guide, we will be transferred by our private vehicle to Tokyo Haneda Airport. After completing our ticket and baggage procedures, we will depart for Singapore on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 633 at 17:05. We will arrive in Singapore at 23:05, where a short layover awaits us.

After our layover in Singapore, we will take off for Istanbul at 02:15 on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 392. Following a comfortable journey of approximately 11 hours, we will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 08:30 local time. Our tour #bastanbasa-japonya-kore17gun-SQ comes to an end here, filled with beautiful memories and new friendships.