South Korea and Japan Tour , April 10

ISTANBUL – DOHA - TOKYO You will meet at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop-off and passport procedures, you will depart for Doha on Qatar Airways' scheduled flight. Following your connection after arrival in Doha, you will continue to Tokyo. Your journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night and you will spend the night on the aircraft.

TOKYO Upon arrival in Tokyo, we complete our passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle that will be waiting for us, beginning our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the center of entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts, is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Witnessing hundreds of people crossing at once with every light change offers a unique experience to feel the energy of Tokyo. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty, which is also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop will be Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all in one place at affordable prices. After the free time we allocate for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. Following our tour of Ginza, home to world-renowned brands and Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centers and restaurants, we provide free time for dinner.

After breakfast, we set out towards Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. It is one of the city’s landmarks and Japan’s highest mountain. We first travel 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 our photography stop, we travel by coach to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. The water is naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, making the pools crystal clear. You can see Mount Fuji reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. After exploring with our guide, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centres. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and provide free time to rest.

After breakfast, we set out on a city tour exploring Tokyo’s past alongside its modern life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district, one of the city’s landmarks. Regarded as Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was built, according to legend, in honour of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fishermen brothers found her statue. At the entrance to the temple, completed in AD 645, stands Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate. After passing through the gate, we walk along the approximately 200-metre-long Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple. On this historic street, which preserves a traditional Japanese atmosphere, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and various regional products. Guests who wish may also sample Asakusa’s famous street food and traditional Japanese flavours. At the end of the street, we pass through Hozomon Gate and visit Senso-ji Temple. We then continue our city tour to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular and prestigious districts. With its broad boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries and refined cafés, this district offers an opportunity to discover Tokyo’s elegant side.

After breakfast, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). Here, we meet our private coach and set off for Kyoto, Japan’s former capital and one of the best-preserved centers of its traditional culture, known for its temples, gardens, and traditional neighborhoods. After a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. Kyoto is the only place in Japan that was not bombed during World War II and is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Our first stop is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The bamboo forest welcomes visitors with a 500-meter walking trail. As you follow the trail, you can listen to the wind rustling through the bamboo and take photographs of the forest. We then continue our tour at Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen temple whose upper two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. It is also known as the Golden Pavilion. Overlooking a large pond, each floor of the building reflects a different architectural style. We then depart for Kiyomizu-dera. Located in eastern Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple.

KYOTO – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and depart for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed with the aim of being the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple's influence grew over time and began influencing politics in the 8th century. Todaiji's main hall has also earned its place in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). We then visit Nara Park, a large park in the center of Nara. Established in 1880, it is home to most of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. After getting the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart by private coach for our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city’s main historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification period. The castle and its extensive surrounding park offer visitors an atmosphere reflecting the history of the period. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. We explore this area, which reflects the spirit of the city with its colourful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, and discover why Osaka is known as a “culinary centre.” Afterwards, we proceed to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle district. Guests are given free time in this area, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

OSAKA - SEOUL After breakfast, transfer to Osaka airport. We take our flight to Seoul with local airlines. Upon arrival in Seoul, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the fascinating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. We then depart for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The area that gained global fame with PSY's world-famous song "Gangnam Style" today stands out with luxury living, shopping and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library are among the places seen panoramically. We then head to Myeongdong, one of the most lively and popular districts of the city. We provide free time for dinner in this area, famous for its cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants. Our guests who wish can experience the exquisite flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong. After free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. After check-in procedures, overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we complete the hotel check-out procedures and depart for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea and Bukchon Hanok Village. We first visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 and one of the most important buildings of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, it is one of the leading examples of traditional Korean architecture. During our visit to the palace courtyard, we experience the historic atmosphere of the area. We then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which presents the culture and historical development of the Korean people. Our tour continues to Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its Hanok buildings, which are traditional Korean houses. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic district, home to approximately 700 Hanok houses, and observe traditional Korean culture at close range. Afterwards, we proceed to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s lively shopping areas. We enjoy free time in this district, known for its cosmetics stores, shops and street food. Following the tour, we transfer to the airport at the time specified by our guide.

ISTANBUL With our arrival in Istanbul, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on our next journey together.