South Korea and Japan Tour , April 18

ISTANBUL – DOHA - OSAKA We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing our baggage drop and passport procedures, we depart for Doha on a scheduled Qatar Airways flight. Following our transfer upon arrival in Doha, we continue on to Osaka. Our journey towards Osaka will go on through the night, and we will spend the night on board.

OSAKA After arriving in Osaka, we will complete our passport and baggage procedures, meet our private transfer vehicle waiting for us, and 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. We first visit Osaka Castle, one of the city’s important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the main symbols of Japan’s unification period. Together with its extensive park, it offers an opportunity to discover the history of the area at close range. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s lively and 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 popular shopping and lifestyle district, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. Guests are given free time here. At the end of our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

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 serving as the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple, whose influence grew significantly over time, also began to affect politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has earned its place in the record books as the largest wooden structure in the world. 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 center of Nara. The park, established in 1880, 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 having the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

KYOTO - ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST - KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI - KYOTO After breakfast, we set off by private vehicle towards Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Our journey takes approximately 1 hour, after which 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 Heritage List. We start our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors to the bamboo forest are welcomed by a 500-metre walking path. During this walk along the path, you will enjoy pleasant moments with the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboo, and you will be able to take pictures of the forest. Next, we continue our tour with Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is 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.

After breakfast, we depart by 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. First, we travel to Hakone in the Kanagawa Region, known for its views of Mount Fuji and natural scenery. Here, we take our guests on a boat tour of Lake Ashi to enjoy the views. After a photo stop, we travel by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with groundwater to form natural pools. Naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, the water gives the pools a crystal-clear appearance. Mount Fuji can be seen reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. Following our guided tour, we visit Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. After the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest. Travel between Kyoto and Tokyo will be by bullet train to save time and provide an easier journey. On this day, guests only need to bring hand luggage containing their essentials for one night. Large suitcases will be collected from the hotel and delivered directly to the accommodation hotel in Kyoto.

TOKYO – SHIBUYA – SHINJUKU - AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI ELECTRIC TOWN - GINZA After our arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle, then begin 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). Watching hundreds of people move 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 his loyalty and also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town, situated in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all together at affordable prices. After the free time we will have for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, reflecting the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan.

After breakfast, we set out on a city tour to explore Tokyo’s past and modern life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa district and considered one of the city’s landmarks. Regarded as Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was, according to legend, built in honor 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. We pass through the gate and walk along the approximately 200-meter-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 local products. Guests who wish may also sample Asakusa’s famous street food and traditional Japanese flavors. At the end of the street, we pass through Hozomon Gate and visit Senso-ji Temple. We then continue to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular and prestigious districts. With its broad boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries, and refined cafés, the area offers a glimpse of Tokyo’s elegant side.

TOKYO – SEOUL After breakfast, transfer to Tokyo Airport. We take a local airline flight to Seoul. Upon arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the captivating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. Then we set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The district that gained global fame with PSY's world-famous "Gangnam Style" song today stands out with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During the tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the places seen panoramically. Afterwards, we head to Myeongdong, one of the liveliest and most popular districts of the city. In this area, famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques as well as a wide variety of delicious street foods and restaurants, we give free time for dinner. Guests who wish to do so can experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we complete our 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 considered one of the most important structures 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 learn about the history of the area. We then continue to the National Folk Museum of Korea, which presents the culture, daily life, and historical development of the Korean people. Our tour continues to Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean houses called hanok. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic district, which contains approximately 700 hanok houses, and observe traditional ways of life. We then visit Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s bustling shopping destinations. We enjoy free time in this area, known for its cosmetics stores, shops, and street food. At the time specified by our guide, we transfer to the airport.

ISTANBUL After our arrival in Istanbul according to local time, our tour ends. We hope to see you again on another tour.