Japan and Korea Tour

Overnight flight to Tokyo

ISTANBUL - TOKYO

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop-off and passport control, we depart for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey towards Tokyo continues throughout the night, with the overnight spent on the aircraft.

Shibuya and Ginza

TOKYO

After our arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us, then begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre of entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts and is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move all at once at every change of the lights offers a unique experience to feel the energy of Tokyo. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog famous for its loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands together at affordable prices. After the free time we give for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After 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.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

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 our photo stop, we travel by coach to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. Naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, the water gives the pools a crystal-clear appearance. 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 provide free time to rest.

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, discovering Tokyo’s past alongside 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 structure was, according to legend, built in honor of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fishermen brothers found her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple has Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, at its entrance. Passing through the gate, we walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which extends for approximately 200 meters toward the temple. On this historic street, where the atmosphere of traditional Japan remains alive today, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans, and various local products. Guests who wish may also sample Asakusa’s well-known 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. We discover Tokyo’s refined side in this area, known for its broad boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries, and exclusive cafés. After exploring with commentary from our guide, guests have free time to shop, explore the area at their leisure, and take a meal break. At the end of the free time, we meet at the designated point and depart for our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Kyoto's temples

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

After breakfast, we head to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). Our private bus is waiting for us. We set off by private vehicle toward Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Following a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only city in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We start our city tour at 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 listening to the sound of the wind passing through the bamboos and you will be able to take photos of the forest. Next, we continue our visit with Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered entirely 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 eastern Kyoto. One of the historic monuments of ancient Tokyo, the temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Just below the main hall is the Otowa Waterfall, and its waters flow into a pond through 3 channels. According to belief, these channels symbolise knowledge, health and longevity respectively. We then move on to another important temple of the city, Fushimi Inari. After our visit to the temple, one of the most famous Shinto temples in Japan and known especially for its thousands of orange torii gates, we proceed to our final stop, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After our temple visit accompanied by a beautiful city view of Kyoto, transfer to our hotel and free time for rest.

Nara's deer, on to Osaka

KYOTO – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and set off for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the aim of serving as the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew, and in the 8th century the temple also began to exert an influence on politics. The main hall of Todaiji has entered the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The enormous 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. 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 having the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Osaka Castle and Dotonbori

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 most important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, this structure is one of the principal symbols of Japan’s unification period. At the castle and its extensive surrounding park, we experience the area’s historic atmosphere up close. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. As we explore the area, whose colorful neon lights, bustling streets, and well-known restaurants reflect the spirit of the city, we also discover why Osaka is known as a “culinary center.” We then visit Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle district. Guests have 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 the hotel.

On to Seoul

OSAKA - SEOUL

Following breakfast, transfer to Osaka Airport. We take a local airline flight to Seoul. Upon arrival in Seoul, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private transfer vehicle. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the fascinating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. We then set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square, the district that gained worldwide fame with PSY’s globally renowned song “Gangnam Style” and today stands out with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During the tour, panoramic views of Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the sights. Afterwards, we head to Myeongdong, one of the city’s most vibrant and popular districts, famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants. We have free time for dinner here. Guests who wish to do so can experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong. After the free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. After check-in procedures, overnight at our hotel.

Seoul to Istanbul

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and depart for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea and Bukchon Hanok Village. Our first visit is 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 leading examples of traditional Korean architecture. During our visit to the palace courtyard, we experience the area’s historic atmosphere up close. We then explore the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the culture and historical development of the Korean people. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean houses, called Hanok. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic district, home to approximately 700 Hanok houses, and observe traditional Korean culture. We then proceed to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s busiest shopping destinations. We enjoy free time in this area, known for its cosmetics stores, shops and street food. After the tour, we transfer to the airport at a time determined by our guide. Once we have completed our baggage and ticket procedures, our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul begins. Our tour ends upon our arrival in Istanbul at local time. We hope to see you again on another tour.