Japan and Korea Tour

Istanbul – Seoul We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, approximately 3 hours before the flight. After completing baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Seoul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey to Seoul continues through the night, and we will spend the night on the aircraft.

SEOUL Upon our arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle that awaits us. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the captivating 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, which gained global fame through 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 proceed to Myeongdong, one of the most vibrant and popular districts of the city. In 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 experience the exquisite flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong. After free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. Following check-in procedures, we overnight at our hotel.

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 one of the most important structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, it is one of the principal examples of traditional Korean architecture. During our visit to the palace courtyard, we experience the area’s historic atmosphere up close. We then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the Korean people’s way of life and historical development. We continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, known 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 ways of life. We then continue to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s bustling shopping destinations. We enjoy free time in the district, which is known for its cosmetics stores, shops, and street food. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline and, after completing passport and baggage procedures upon arrival, meet our private coach and begin our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city’s principal historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century and considered one of the important symbols of Japan’s unification period, the castle and its extensive park are ours to explore. We then continue to Dotonbori, whose colorful neon lights, bustling streets, and well-known restaurants reflect the spirit of Osaka. During our visit, we discover why Osaka is known as a “culinary center.” We then visit Shinsaibashi, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques, where guests have free time. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After breakfast, we 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. Over time, its influence grew, and in the 8th century it began to influence politics as well. The main hall of Todaiji has also entered 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 area is where most of Nara's main attractions, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum, are located. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. After having the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer back to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE – KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – KYOTO After breakfast, we depart for Kyoto with our private vehicle. Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centers of traditional culture, is 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 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 with Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visitors to the bamboo grove are greeted by a 500-meter walking trail. Along this trail, you will enjoy moments with the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboos and will be able to take pictures of the forest. We then continue with our Kinkakuji Temple tour. 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. Each floor of the impressive building overlooking a large pond represents a different architectural style. We then proceed to Kiyomizu-dera.

KYOTO – SHINKANSEN (HIGH-SPEED TRAIN) – SHIBUYA – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (high-speed train). We begin our Tokyo city tour with our waiting private bus. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after passport and baggage procedures, we depart for our Tokyo city tour with our waiting private vehicle. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the center of entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous and vibrant districts, is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Feeling the energy of Tokyo as hundreds of people move at once with each light change offers a unique experience. 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 breakfast, we set off for Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo on Honshu Island and recognized as one of the city’s landmarks and Japan’s highest mountain. We first continue 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 a photo stop, we travel by coach to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow water combines with underground water to form natural pools. Naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, the water makes the pools crystal clear. You can see Mount Fuji reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. After exploring with our guide, we continue to Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

TOKYO - ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout. At the time arranged by our guide, we transfer to the airport, and after completing baggage and ticketing procedures, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. Following our arrival in Istanbul (local time), our tour comes to an end. We look forward to seeing you again on another tour.