South Korea and Japan Tour

Overnight flight to Seoul

ISTANBUL – DOHA – SEOUL

We meet at Istanbul Airport's international departure terminal three hours before the flight. After completing baggage drop-off, ticketing and boarding procedures, our flight to Doha begins with a scheduled Qatar Airways service, and we arrive in Doha local time. Following a short wait here, we fly to Seoul on a scheduled Qatar Airways service. We spend the night on the plane.

Arrival in Seoul

SEOUL

After our arrival at Seoul Airport and baggage handling, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to relax.

Seoul's palace and Hanok village

SEOUL – BUKCHON VILLAGE - MYEONGDONG - GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE - INSADONG ANTIQUE STREET

After breakfast, we begin our tour. During the tour, the places we will see panoramically include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Myeongdong Street. Our first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, which is generally referred to as the Northern Palace because, compared to its neighbouring palaces Changdeokgung (East Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (West Palace), it is located the farthest north. Afterwards, we continue our tour to Bukchon Hanok Village, whose name means North Village. Hanok are Korea's traditional houses, and there are approximately 700 Hanok in this village. Then we move on to Myeongdong Street, one of the liveliest shopping spots in Seoul. We enjoy free time in this area, famous for its cosmetics shops, shopping stores, and street food. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

On to Osaka, castle and Dotonbori

After breakfast, we complete the hotel check-out procedures and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival, we complete our passport and baggage procedures and depart aboard our waiting private coach for our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city’s important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification period and has an extensive park. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. As we explore this area, which reflects the spirit of the city with its colourful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, we 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, filled with long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Nara's deer, on to Kyoto

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – KYOTO

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with the Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the purpose of being the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, the temple's influence grew, and by the 8th century it also began to affect politics. The main hall of Todaiji has earned its place in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The massive building is home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Afterwards, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the centre of Nara. Founded in 1880, the park 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 taking the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Kyoto's temples and bamboo forest

KYOTO - ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST - KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU DERA – FUSHIMI INARI - KYOTO

After breakfast, we set off by private vehicle towards Kyoto, one of the best-preserved centres of Japan's traditional culture and the country's former capital, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Following our approximately 1-hour journey, we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. We start our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors are welcomed by a 500-metre walking path through the bamboo forest. During this walk along the path, you will enjoy pleasant moments listening to the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo, and you will be able to take photos of the forest. We then continue with our visit to Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple is also known as the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Each floor of the impressive structure, which overlooks a large pond, represents a different architectural style. We then move on to Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in the east of Kyoto. The temple, one of the historic monuments of ancient Tokyo, has been inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Just below the main hall is the Otowa Waterfall, and its waters flow through 3 channels into a lake. According to belief, these channels symbolise wisdom, health and longevity, respectively. We then proceed to another important temple of the city, Fushimi Inari. After our visit to this temple, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, known especially for its thousands of orange torii gates, we move on to our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, which is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. After our temple visit accompanied by a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

After breakfast, we set off aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train) for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. It is one of the city’s landmarks and Japan’s highest mountain. Our first stop is 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 continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with groundwater to form natural pools. As the water passes through volcanic rock, it is naturally filtered, giving the pools their crystal-clear appearance. You can see Mount Fuji reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. Following our guided tour, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. After the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel. Free time to rest.

Transportation between Kyoto and Tokyo will be by bullet train to save time and make the journey easier. For this day, guests only need to bring hand luggage containing what they will need for one night. Large suitcases will be collected from the hotel and delivered directly to the accommodation hotel in Kyoto.

Shibuya, Akihabara and Ginza

TOKYO – SHIBUYA – SHINJUKU – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI ELECTRIC TOWN – GINZA

After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour by private vehicle. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre of entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo's most famous and vibrant districts, Shibuya is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move in every direction at each change of the lights offers a unique experience of feeling Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of the loyal dog, a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, as well as many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop will be Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands all in one place at affordable prices. After the free time given 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-famous brands and Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centres and restaurants, we give free time for dinner. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Asakusa's historic streets

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, during which we will discover both Tokyo’s past and its modern way of life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple, one of the city’s landmarks, located in the Asakusa District. Considered Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, this historic building was, according to legend, built in honour of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fisherman brothers found her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple welcomes visitors through Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate. After passing through the gate, we walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which extends approximately 200 metres towards 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 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. We discover Tokyo’s refined side in this area, known for its broad boulevards, modern architecture, luxury stores, art galleries and select cafés. Following our guided visit, we provide free time for shopping, exploring the area as you wish and taking a meal break. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Return flight from Tokyo

TOKYO - DOHA - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we complete the check-out procedures at the hotel. Afterwards, free time. At the time to be determined by our guide, we transfer to the airport and, after completing the luggage and ticket procedures here, we take our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways. After our layover in Doha, our flight to Istanbul begins.

Arrival in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

We conclude our tour upon arrival in Istanbul. We hope to see you again on another journey..