Explore Japan & Korea: 15-Day Tour from Istanbul

Journey to the Far East with Singapore Airlines Meet with Ejder Tourism representatives at 10:00 at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal. After ticket and passport procedures, depart for Seoul, the capital of South Korea, with a layover in Singapore on a scheduled flight with Singapore Airlines. Flight: Singapore Airlines | Istanbul (IST) Singapore (SIN) Seoul (ICN) | 13:30 22:15 (+1) Overnight: On the plane

Arrival in Seoul at 22:15 local time. [Entry to South Korea - with K-ETA pre-approval, passport stamp] Meet and greet at the airport followed by a transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay. Accommodation: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun 4 or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), one of the most critical areas in Korean history. This region is still monitored by United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. [Passport required at DMZ entrance, security checks are strict] DMZ Visit Points: Imjingak Peace Bridge Freedom Bridge - the bridge where prisoners of war returned Korean War Memorial - a symbol of peace The guide will provide detailed information about the development of the Korean War, the division of the peninsula, and the current situation. Turkish Military History: The area of Kuru-ni, where the Turkish Brigade fought against the People's Liberation Army of China, is now located in North Korean territory. The guide will narrate this history. During the Korean War, Turkey fought alongside UN forces with 15,000 soldiers and suffered 721 martyrs. At the end of the tour, we will return to Seoul. Accommodation: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast included

Hanok Village + Namsan Mountain + Gangnam K-Pop Heart After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Seoul: Namsangol Hanok Village - A 7,934 m² area in the Namsan region featuring traditional Korean "Hanok" houses preserved from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. This is a great opportunity to get to know Korean culture closely. Namsan Mountain (N Seoul Tower) - At 262 meters high, experience the breathtaking panoramic view of Seoul. Marvel at the city's neon lights, the Han River, and the modern skyline. Gangnam District - The area that gained worldwide fame through Psy's "Gangnam Style" song. One of the busiest streets in Seoul, filled with K-Pop culture, large shopping centers, and modern restaurants. Free time: Those who wish can stay in Gangnam or return to the hotel. Accommodation: Ramada Hotel Seoul Dongdaemun 4 or similar Meals: Breakfast included

Transfer from Korea to Japan - Meiji Shrine + Tokyo Tower Flight: Jin Air | Seoul/Incheon (ICN) to Tokyo/Narita (NRT) | 08:15 to 10:35 | Direct, 2h 20m [Entry to Japan - visa-free, passport stamp is sufficient] Upon arrival in Tokyo, enjoy a half-day city tour: Meiji Jingu Shrine - A Shinto shrine built to deify Emperor Meiji, located in a vast forest in the heart of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower - Experience the city's captivating panoramic views. National Diet Building - The Japanese Parliament, with panoramic views. Ginza Street - Tokyo's most luxurious shopping street, with a break. In the afternoon, enjoy free time - Explore the streets of Tokyo, shop, or indulge in local delicacies (sushi, ramen). Accommodation: Washington Shibuya 3+ (Tokyo)* or similar.

Japan's Sacred Mountain + UNESCO Ashi Lake After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 07:30 by private bus towards the Fuji Mountain - Hakone region. This will be a full-day program. Fuji Mountain 5th Station: Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, the "5th Station" at an altitude of 2,300 m is the closest point accessible by vehicle. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique view of Fuji. Lunch: Traditional flavors of Japanese cuisine. Ashi Lake (UNESCO protected): After lunch, transfer to the shores of Ashi Lake in the Hakone region for a boat tour. This volcanic crater lake is surrounded by pine forests. Return to Tokyo in the evening. Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3+* or similar Meals: Breakfast, Japanese cuisine lunch

Giant Buddha + Tea Ceremony + Bamboo Gardens After breakfast, depart from Tokyo to Kamakura. Kamakura is an ancient capital famous for its historical and cultural richness in the Tokyo Bay area. Kamakura Program: Giant Buddha Statue (Daibutsu) - the symbol of Kamakura; a 13.35 m tall bronze Buddha statue from the 13th century Hokoku-ji Temple - an important site in the Japanese belief system; traditional Japanese tea (matcha) experience - tea ceremony Kamakura Bamboo Gardens - meditation walk in the tranquility of the bamboo forest Return to Tokyo in the evening. Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3+* or similar Meals: Breakfast included

Discover Tokyo at Your Own Pace Today is free time. An opportunity to explore the dynamic streets of Tokyo: Suggested Individual Activities: Shibuya Crossing - the world's busiest pedestrian crossing Shinjuku - neon lights, restaurants, nightlife Asakusa Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest temple Akihabara - anime and electronics district Harajuku - fashion and youth culture Tsukiji Fish Market - fresh sushi Ueno Park and its museums Shopping or discovering local flavors Accommodation: Washington Shibuya Hotel 3+* or similar Meals: Breakfast included

Comfort of the Bullet Train Early morning departure from the hotel and transfer to the train station. Departing for Kobe on Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet train. Train: Shinkansen | Tokyo Kobe | Approximately 2.5 hours | 300 km/h During the journey on these technological marvels, enjoy Japan's stunning landscapes - rural areas, mountains, and small towns. Visit the historic Ikuta Shrine in Kobe. Afterwards, transfer to Osaka. Accommodation: Noku Osaka or similar Meals: Breakfast (early)

After an early breakfast, we will depart from Osaka to Kyoto. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto Program: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - This temple was built for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu according to Zen beliefs. The structure, covered in gold leaf, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is one of the most photographed temples in Japan. Buffet Lunch - Enjoy a rich variety of Japanese cuisine. Nara Program (UNESCO World Heritage): Todaiji Temple + Daibutsu - The world's largest bronze Buddha statue - Daibutsu. Standing at 15 meters tall and weighing 500 tons, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nara Park - Hundreds of adorable Nara deer roam freely. These deer are accustomed to tourists and greet visitors (trained deer that act according to Japanese politeness traditions). You can feed them and take photos. In the evening, we will return to Osaka. Accommodation: Noku Osaka / or similar Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch

City of Peace and Rebirth In the morning, depart from Osaka to Hiroshima. Hiroshima - a striking contrast between historical and modern Japan. Hiroshima Program: Hiroshima Castle Originally built in the 1590s; it was destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II and rebuilt in 1958. Today, it serves as a museum that tells the rich history of Hiroshima. Explore other historical and cultural sites of the city. The Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) and the Peace Memorial Park area are seen panoramically. Accommodation: APA Hotel Hiroshima or similar Meals: Breakfast included

Feudal Japan + 20th Century Port City After breakfast, we will head to the city of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. Kitakyushu is a port city with a rich industrial and historical background. Kitakyushu Program: Kokura Castle - A castle that bears the traces of Japan's feudal period. It has witnessed various battles and has been rebuilt several times over the years. Today, it is an important museum reflecting the history of the region. Mojiko Retro District - A region dating back to the early 20th century that preserves the architecture of that era. The old train station, port structures, and nostalgic atmosphere provide a visual and cultural experience that opens a window to the past. Accommodation: APA Hotel (Kitakyushu) Meals: Breakfast included

Temple of the God of Education + Gourmet City After breakfast, transfer to Hakata, the largest city in Fukuoka. Hakata Program: Panoramic City Tour - Discover the historical and cultural significance of Hakata. Lunch at a Local Restaurant - Enjoy local delicacies such as Hakata's famous tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko, and motsunabe. Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine is one of Japan's most famous shrines. Dedicated to Tenjin, the god of education and wisdom, it is especially visited by students and scholars wishing for success in exams. Kushida-Jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in the city, holding an important place in Hakata festivals as a Shinto shrine. Accommodation: Fukuoka Bay Hotel 3 or similar Meals: Breakfast, lunch at a local restaurant

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Return flight with a layover in Singapore. Flight: Singapore Airlines | Hakata (FUK/HND) Singapore (SIN) Istanbul (IST) | 09:55 07:45 (+1) Overnight: In the plane

Arrival in Istanbul at 07:45. We hope our guests have experienced a tour filled with beautiful memories. Our 15-day adventure across 2 countries in the Far East comes to an end here. From the K-Pop streets of Seoul to the neon lights of Tokyo, from the historical tension of the DMZ to the history of the Turkish Brigade in Kuru-ni, from the tranquility of Mount Fuji to the charming deer of Nara, and from the comfort of the Shinkansen's speed to the peace message of Hiroshima, we thank you for choosing us for this unique journey. We look forward to seeing you on your next Ejder Tourism trip...