Faraway Hong Kong and Japan Tour

Overnight Flight to Hong Kong

We meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal 3 hours before the flight. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Hong Kong at 17.05 on Turkish Airlines flight TK170.

Arrival and City Tour

After arriving at 08.05 local time, we begin our city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. With its modern skyscrapers and traditional culture, Hong Kong is one of Asia’s lively, cosmopolitan cities. Sights on the city tour include Aberdeen, the Fishing Village, Victoria Peak and Repulse Bay. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Guests who wish may join the optional Hong Kong Boat Tour with Dinner at an extra cost. (120 USD) Departing from the harbour by boat, we view Hong Kong from the sea and have dinner accompanied by music and views. After the boat tour, we transfer to our hotel. We spend the night at the hotel.

Optional Trip to Macau

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Macau Island tour at an extra charge. (270 USD) We depart from the hotel in our private vehicle for the port, where we board the ferry. After a ferry journey of approximately 1 hour, we arrive on Macau Island and begin our island tour.

Macau Island is a special administrative region on the southern coast of China, known as the Las Vegas of Asia. Governed as a Portuguese colony for centuries, Macau is now part of China and retains traces of both Western and Eastern cultures.

Sights on the tour include the Guia Circuit (the venue for the Macau Grand Prix), the statue of the goddess Kum Lam, A-Ma Temple, the world’s largest casino, identical to the one in Las Vegas, Macau city centre, which is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, and the cathedral. After the tour, guests can try their luck at the casino. We then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

On to Osaka

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport. After completing baggage and check-in procedures, we depart for Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival, local time, we board our waiting vehicle at the airport and begin our Osaka city tour. Located in Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka is the country’s third-largest city. Its historic buildings and modern urban life attract visitors, and it is known for its street food, lively atmosphere and friendly people. Osaka is also known as Japan’s culinary capital. On our city tour, we see Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and instrumental in the unification of Japan; the Umeda Sky Building, consisting of two structures standing 173 metres tall; and the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Kyoto Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Kyoto Tour at an extra charge. The tour costs 190 USD and includes visits to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Temples. We set off for Kyoto, known for its temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods. Japan’s former capital, Kyoto is one of the places where the country’s traditional culture is best preserved. After a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. Described as the only place in Japan that was not bombed during World War II, Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Our first stop is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in the Arashiyama district. One of Kyoto’s well-known attractions, this bamboo grove has narrow walking paths winding between tall, slender bamboo stalks. The grove offers a quiet setting, especially in the early morning and at sunset, and is visited for nature walks and photography. As we follow the 500-meter walking trail, we listen to the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo.

We then continue to Kinkakuji Temple. Also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, it was built in the 14th century as a villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and converted into a Zen temple after his death. The temple’s upper two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, and its reflection appears in Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond) in front of it. A landscaped Japanese garden surrounds the building. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinkakuji is one of Kyoto’s most visited and photographed historic buildings, known for its architecture and garden.

Our next stop is Kiyomizu-dera. Known for its history and architecture, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a Buddhist temple founded in 780 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes its name from the nearby pure water spring; Kiyomizu means pure water in Japanese. The waters of Otowa Waterfall, just below the main hall, flow through 3 channels into a pond. According to local belief, these channels represent knowledge, health and longevity, respectively.

After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Nara and Kobe Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Nara Deer Park & Todaiji Temple, Kobe Mosaic and China Town tour at an extra cost. (190 USD)

Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan, is considered one of the country’s most important Buddhist temples. Built in the 8th century, in 752, it stands in the centre of Nara, one of Japan’s former capitals. The temple is known for Daibutsu (Great Buddha), the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. The statue is housed in Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) at the centre of the temple. This hall is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the temple offers an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and Buddhism.

After the temple tour, we visit Nara Deer Park in central Nara. Located in Nara, Japan, Nara Deer Park (Nara Park) is known for its hundreds of freely roaming deer. Established in 1880, the park welcomes millions of tourists each year with its natural and cultural features. Around 1.000 sika deer, a species found in Japan, live in the park. Local people consider these deer sacred. According to legend, the deer were placed under protection because a deity arrived in Nara in the form of a deer in ancient times. Visitors can feed the animals by purchasing special deer crackers called shika senbei from the stalls. Accustomed to tourists, the deer are also known for occasionally bowing slightly in a gesture that resembles a greeting.

We then head to Kobe, Japan’s sixth-largest city, with a population of approximately 1,5 million. This port city brings together a modern urban landscape and traditional Japanese culture. The city has an orderly layout. Our first stop is Kobe Mozaik, one of the most visited spots in the port area. This waterfront dining and shopping complex has shops, restaurants and panoramic harbour views. During free time here, guests who wish can taste the world-renowned Kobe beef. Considered one of Japan’s finest meats, Kobe beef is known for its tender texture and rich flavour.

Later in the day, we visit Nankinmachi (Chinatown), established in 1868 and Japan’s first and largest Chinatown. With streets decorated with red lanterns, ornamental gates, street food and lively daily activity, Nankinmachi offers an opportunity to experience different aspects of Asian culture in one place. During our walk here, we will have plenty of time for shopping and taking photographs. After the visit, we conclude our tour, transfer to our hotel in Osaka and settle into our rooms.

On to Tokyo

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Tokyo by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour of Tokyo. The capital of Japan and one of the world’s most populous metropolises, Tokyo brings together modern life and traditional Japanese culture. Known for its technology, skyscrapers and lively streets, the city also has temples, parks and historic neighbourhoods.

Our first stop is Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Located among business and shopping centres in one of the city’s busiest districts, it is known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. After a walk here, we continue to our second stop, Ginza. After exploring Ginza, one of Tokyo’s luxury shopping districts, we have free time.

We then visit Asakusa (Sensoji) Temple. Construction of Tokyo’s oldest temple was completed in 628, and the temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. We pass through Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and enter Nakamise Street, which stretches for more than 200 metres. During our stop on this shopping street, you can buy Japanese souvenirs such as kimonos and folding fans, and try traditional local snacks from the Asa kusa district.

Our next stop is Mejii Temple, where torii gates greet us at the entrance. After visiting the temple, built in 1920 in memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Mount Fuji Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Ashi Boat Trip & Mount Fuji & Hakone & Gotemba Outlet tour at an extra cost. (190 USD) The tour includes a boat trip on UNESCO-protected Lake Ashi. During the trip, you can photograph the silhouette of Mount Fuji and the scenery around the lake. With its calm waters and many shades of green along its shores, Lake Ashi offers a chance to observe Japan’s natural surroundings.

After the boat trip, we stop for shopping at Gotemba Outlet, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centres. This open-air shopping centre at the foot of Mount Fuji has more than 250 stores. Gotemba Outlet has stores for lifestyle brands such as Nike and Lacoste, as well as luxury brands such as Armani and Burberry. Seasonal sales, special promotions and holiday offers can provide discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. These options offer a range of choices for guests looking to shop at affordable prices or find designer items.

During the shopping stop with views of Mount Fuji, guests who wish can relax at the cafés or try local dishes at the restaurants within the outlet.

Return from Tokyo

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time. You will then be transferred to the airport at the time specified by the guide. After baggage and ticket procedures are completed, you will depart for Istanbul at 10.10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 51. Our tour will end upon arrival at 18.00 local time.