Japan & Korea Tour

Overnight flight to Tokyo

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop and passport procedures, we depart for Doha on a scheduled Qatar Airways flight. Upon arrival in Doha, we transfer and continue to Tokyo. Our journey to Tokyo continues throughout the night, with overnight accommodation on the aircraft.

Arrival in Tokyo

TOKYO

Upon arrival in Tokyo, after completing passport control and baggage claim, we will transfer to our hotel by private bus waiting at the airport. Overnight at our hotel.

On to Seoul, Gangnam and Myeongdong

TOKYO – SEOUL

After breakfast, we complete the check-out procedures at the hotel and transfer to Tokyo Airport. We take a local airline flight to Seoul. Upon arrival, we set off with our private vehicle waiting at the airport for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The district, which gained global fame with PSY’s world-renowned song “Gangnam Style,” 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 city’s most lively and popular districts. We are given free time for dinner in this area, famous for its cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques, and a wide variety of delicious street food and restaurants. Guests who wish to do so may experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong. After the free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. After the check-in procedures, we have an overnight stay at our hotel.

Seoul's palace and Hanok village

After breakfast, we set out on our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and Bukchon Traditional House Village. Built in 1395 and one of the most important structures of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also known as the Northern Palace. We visit the courtyard of the palace, one of the leading examples of traditional Korean architecture, and experience the area's historic atmosphere firsthand. We then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the culture and historical development of the Korean people. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Traditional House Village, known for its traditional Korean houses. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic district, home to approximately 700 traditional houses, and observe the traditional way of life. We then proceed 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.

On to Osaka, castle and Dotonbori

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival, we board our private vehicle waiting at the airport and set out 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, the castle is an important symbol of Japan's unification period and offers a historic atmosphere together with its expansive park. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka's most vibrant and iconic districts. As we explore its colorful neon lights, lively streets, and famous restaurants, we experience the city's reputation as a center of gastronomy. We then visit Shinsaibashi, Osaka's popular shopping and lifestyle district. Guests are given free time in this area, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Nara's free-roaming deer

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE – NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA

After breakfast, we set out for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed to serve as the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew, and by the 8th century, the temple also began to shape politics. Todaiji's main hall 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). Next, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the centre of Nara. Established in 1880, the park is where most of Nara's main attractions are located, 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

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

After breakfast at the hotel, we complete our check-out procedures. Then, by private vehicle, we set off towards Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centers of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods. Following our approximately 1-hour journey, we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only city in Japan that was not bombed. 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-meter walking path. During this walk along the path, you will enjoy pleasant moments with the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboos, and you will be able to take photos of the forest. Then, we continue our tour with the Kinkakuji Temple. In northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The impressive structure overlooking a large pond represents a different architectural style on each floor. Then we 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 included on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Right below the main hall is the Otowa Waterfall, and the waters flow into a pond through 3 channels. According to belief, these channels symbolize wisdom, health and longevity, respectively. Then we proceed to another important temple of the city, Fushimi Inari. After visiting the temple, one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and especially known for its thousands of orange Torii gates, we move on to our final stop, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, on the UNESCO World 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.

Bullet train back to Tokyo

After breakfast, we travel to Tokyo by bullet train. In Tokyo, we begin our city tour aboard our private coach. Upon arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and luggage procedures before departing in our waiting private vehicle. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as a center for entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo’s most famous and lively districts, Shibuya is home to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. We experience Tokyo’s energy as hundreds of people cross simultaneously whenever the lights change. After seeing the Hachiko statue, a popular meeting point for locals and tourists that commemorates a dog known for its loyalty, and several famous shopping centers, we enjoy free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where hundreds of electronics brands are available together at affordable prices. After free time for shopping, we continue to the Ginza District, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After exploring Ginza, home to world-famous brands as well as Tokyo’s exclusive shopping centers and restaurants, we have free time for a meal. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Transportation between Kyoto and Tokyo will be by bullet train to save time and provide a convenient journey. On this day, guests only need to bring carry-on luggage containing their essentials for one night. Large suitcases will be collected from the hotel and delivered directly to the accommodation hotel in Kyoto.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

After breakfast, we set out for Mount Fuji, one of the city's landmarks and Japan's highest mountain, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. First, we 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 with our guests to enjoy the views. After a photo stop, we travel by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. As the water passes through volcanic rock, it is naturally filtered, giving the pools their crystal-clear appearance. Mount Fuji can be seen reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. After exploring the area with our guide, we proceed to the Gotemba Premium Outlet Shopping Center, one of Japan's largest outlet shopping centers. After the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and are given free time to rest.

Asakusa's historic streets

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our 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. 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, the district introduces us to Tokyo’s elegant side. After exploring with commentary from our guide, we have free time for shopping, discovering the area at your leisure and taking a meal break. At the time specified by our guide, we transfer to the airport. After completing our baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Doha with Qatar Airways. Following our connection in Doha, our flight to Istanbul begins, and we spend the night on the plane.

Arrival in Istanbul

TOKYO - DOHA - ISTANBUL

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