South Korea and Japan Tour

Overnight flight to Tokyo

ISTANBUL – DOHA - TOKYO

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, approximately 3 hours before the flight. After completing our baggage drop-off and passport procedures, we depart for Doha on Qatar Airways' scheduled flight. Upon arrival in Doha, we make our connection to Tokyo. Our journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night, with the overnight stay on the plane.

Shibuya, Akihabara and Ginza

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

After arriving in Tokyo and completing our passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us and begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the center of entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts, Shibuya is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people cross at once with every light change offers a unique experience of Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty that serves as 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 proceed to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After our tour of Ginza, home to Tokyo's most upscale shopping centers and restaurants housing world-famous brands, we allow free time for dinner. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS – TOKYO

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo on Honshu Island. It is one of the city’s landmarks and the highest mountain in Japan. We first travel to Hakone in the Kanagawa Region, known for its views of Mount Fuji and natural scenery. To enjoy the landscape, we take a boat tour on Lake Ashi. After our photo stop, we travel by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with groundwater to form natural pools. The water is naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, creating crystal-clear pools. Mount Fuji can be seen reflected in these pools, which vary in size and depth. After exploring the area with our guide, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and provide free time to rest.

Asakusa's historic streets

TOKYO – ASAKUSA SENSO-JI TEMPLE – NAKAMISE – GINZA – TOKYO

After breakfast, we begin our city tour exploring 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, visitors are welcomed by 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 introduces us to Tokyo’s elegant side. After exploring the district with commentary from our guide, we provide free time for shopping, discovering the surroundings at your own pace, and taking a meal break. At the end of the free time, we meet at the designated point and depart for our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Bullet train on to Kyoto

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

After breakfast in the morning, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). We depart for Kyoto, one of Japan's former capitals and one of the best-preserved centers of traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods, by our private vehicle. 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 listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. We start our city tour at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The bamboo forest welcomes visitors with a 500-meter walking trail. During our walk along the trail, you will enjoy pleasant moments listening to the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboos, 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, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The impressive structure overlooking a large pond features different architectural styles on each floor. We then proceed to Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto. The temple, one of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, has been inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Just below the main hall is the Otowa Waterfall, with water flowing from three channels into a pool. According to belief, these channels symbolize knowledge, health and longevity respectively. We then proceed to another important temple of the city, Fushimi Inari. As one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan and especially known for its thousands of orange Torii gates, after our visit to the shrine, we proceed to Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After our temple visit accompanied by beautiful views of the city of Kyoto, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest.

Transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto will be by high-speed train in order to save time and travel comfortably. For this day, it is sufficient for our guests to bring only a carry-on bag to meet their needs for one night. The large suitcases will be collected from the hotel and delivered directly to the accommodation hotel in Kyoto.

Nara's deer, on to Osaka

Kyoto – Todaiji Temple - Nara Deer Park – Osaka

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and depart for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed to serve as the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple's influence grew over time and began to influence politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji is also listed 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, 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 having the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Osaka Castle and Dotonbori

OSAKA – OSAKA CASTLE – DOTONBORI – SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA

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 important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the key symbols of the period when Japan was unified. The castle and its extensive surrounding park offer an opportunity to learn about the history of the era. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. With its colorful neon lights, bustling streets, and famous restaurants, the area reflects the spirit of the city and offers an enjoyable introduction to Osaka’s reputation as a culinary center. We then proceed to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle district. We provide our guests with free time in this area, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

On to Seoul, Gangnam Square

OSAKA - SEOUL

After breakfast, transfer to Osaka airport. We take our flight to Seoul with a local airline. 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 fascinating cities where modern life and traditional culture blend seamlessly. We then depart for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The area that gained worldwide fame through PSY's globally famous song "Gangnam Style" today stands out for luxury living, shopping and business centers. During our tour, the places seen panoramically include Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library. We then proceed to Myeongdong, one of the most lively and popular districts of the city. This area, famous for its cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants, we provide free time for dinner. Our guests who wish can taste the exquisite 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.

Seoul's palace and Hanok village

SEOUL

After breakfast, we 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 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 experience the historic atmosphere of the area. We then visit 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 continue to 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. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Return flight from Seoul

After breakfast in the morning, we complete our hotel checkout. At the time arranged by our guide, we transfer to the airport, and after completing the baggage and ticket procedures here, we take our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways. Following our connection in Doha, our flight to Istanbul begins.

Arrival in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Upon arrival in Istanbul at local time, our tour comes to an end. We look forward to seeing you again on another of our tours..