Japan and Korea Tour

We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport 1 calendar day before the departure flight date, approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Seoul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey continues through the night, with an overnight stay on board. Upon arrival in Seoul, we complete passport procedures and baggage collection, then board the private vehicle waiting for us. Modern life and traditional culture coexist in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. We leave the airport and head to Myeongdong, one of the city’s lively and popular districts. Known for its cosmetics shops, fashion boutiques, street food and restaurants, this area is where we have free time for dinner. Guests who wish can try Korean dishes, shop or explore Myeongdong. At the end of the free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. After check-in, we stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we set off for the Seoul City Tour & Gangnam Square & Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong Antique Street & National Folk Museum of Korea & Bukchon Hanok Village & Myeongdong program. Our first stop is Gangnam Square. Known worldwide through PSY’s song Gangnam Style, the district is noted for its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During the tour, we take a panoramic look at Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library. Our second stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, it is an important example of traditional Korean architecture. Our visit takes place in the palace courtyard. We then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which presents the daily life, culture and history of the Korean people. Next, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean houses called Hanok. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic area, home to approximately 700 Hanok houses, to observe the traditional way of life. Our next stop is Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s busy shopping areas.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Tokyo with local airlines and begin our city tour on arrival aboard the private bus waiting for us. Our first stop is Shibuya, known for its entertainment and cultural events. One of Tokyo’s bustling districts, Shibuya is home to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Hundreds of people cross at the same time whenever the lights change. After seeing the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, and the famous shopping centres, we have free time. We then head to Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara. Here, you can find products from hundreds of electronics brands in one place at reasonable prices, and we have free time for shopping. We then continue to Ginza, a district that reflects the lifestyle of modern Japan. After exploring Ginza, home to world-famous brands, shopping centres and restaurants, we have free time for a meal. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island, southwest of Tokyo. The highest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji is one of Tokyo’s symbols. We first head to Hakone in the Kanagawa region, known for its views of Mount Fuji and natural scenery. Here, we take a boat tour on Lake Ashi to enjoy the views. After a photo stop, we travel by coach to Oshino Hakkai. In this area, melting snow combines with groundwater to form natural pools. The water is naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, becoming clear. You can see the reflection of Mount Fuji in these pools, which vary in size and depth. After our guided visit, we head to Gotemba Shopping Center, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following free time for shopping, we return to our hotel in Tokyo. You then have free time to rest.

After breakfast, we begin our city tour to explore Tokyo's history and modern life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district. Considered Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, it was built, according to legend, in honor of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fisherman brothers found a statue of her. Completed in AD 645, the temple has Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) at its entrance. We pass through the gate and walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches approximately 200 meters toward the temple. On this historic street, which reflects traditional Japanese culture, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and local products. Guests who wish can sample Asakusa's street food and traditional Japanese flavors. We pass through Hozomon Gate at the end of the street and visit Senso-ji Temple. We then continue to Ginza, exploring this district of Tokyo with its wide boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries and cafés. After our guided walk, you will have free time to shop, explore the area and take a meal break. At the end of this free time, we meet at the designated point and depart for our hotel. We spend the night at our hotel.

After breakfast, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). We board our waiting private bus and set off towards the city, known for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Japan’s former capital, Kyoto is one of the places where traditional culture is best preserved. After a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. Kyoto was the only place in Japan not bombed during World War II and is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Our first stop is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Here, you can walk along the 500-metre path, listen to the wind passing through the bamboo and take photographs. We then continue to Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, this Zen temple is also known as the Golden Pavilion because its top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf. Overlooking a large pond, each floor of the building reflects a different architectural style. Our tour continues with Kiyomizu-dera. An independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, it is one of the historic monuments of Ancient Tokyo and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waters of Otowa Waterfall, just below the main hall, flow through 3 channels into a pond.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and depart from Kyoto for our Nara tour. Our first stop is Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was intended to serve as the center of all Buddhist temples. Its influence grew over time, and by the 8th century it had begun to affect politics as well. Todaiji's main hall entered the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. It houses Daibutsu, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. We then visit Nara Park in central Nara. Established in 1880, the park contains many of Nara's main attractions, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. Hundreds of deer also roam freely in the park. After an opportunity to take photos with the deer, we transfer to our hotel in Osaka. We spend the night at our hotel.

After breakfast, we set off by private bus for our Osaka City Tour. We first visit Osaka Castle. Built in the 16th century by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle is an important symbol of Japan’s unification period and is surrounded by a large park. We then head to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s lively districts. As we explore this area known for its neon lights, busy streets and well-known restaurants, we learn about Osaka’s food culture. Next, we visit the shopping street of Shinsaibashi. We give our guests free time in this area, which is home to shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast in Osaka, we check out of the hotel. We transfer to the airport at the time set by our guide. After completing baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Istanbul with Türk Havayolları. Our tour ends upon arrival in Istanbul, local time. We hope to see you again on another tour.