South Korea and Japan Tour

Overnight flight to Tokyo

ISTANBUL - TOKYO

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately three hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the departure flight date). After completing baggage drop-off and passport procedures, we depart for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night, and we will spend the night on board. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private transfer vehicle and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Shibuya and Ginza

TOKYO

After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre of entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo's most famous and vibrant districts, Shibuya is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people cross at every change of the lights is a unique experience that lets you truly sense Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of the dog known for his loyalty and also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, along with many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time.

Our next stop is Yodobashi Camera (Yodobashi Electric Town) in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all in one place at affordable prices. After our free time for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. Following our tour of Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centres and restaurants, we are given free time for dinner.

After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, one of the symbols of the city and Japan’s highest mountain, located southwest of Tokyo on Honshu Island. We first 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 to enjoy the landscape. After a 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. You can see Mount Fuji reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. After completing our guided visit, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centres. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

Senso-ji and Nakamise Street

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, exploring both Tokyo’s past and modern life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa District, one of the city’s landmarks. Considered Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was, according to legend, built in honour of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fisherman brothers discovered her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple is entered through the Thunder Gate. From the gate, we walk along the approximately 200-metre 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 may also sample Asakusa’s famous street food and traditional Japanese flavours. At the end of the street, we pass through the Treasure-House 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, this district reveals Tokyo’s elegant side. After our guided visit, we provide free time for shopping, exploring the district 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.

Kyoto's temples

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

After breakfast, we transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen (high-speed train). Our private coach is waiting for us and we set off. We head toward Kyoto, one of Japan's former capitals and one of the best-preserved centres of traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods, by private vehicle. After approximately a 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 begin our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors to the bamboo forest are welcomed by a 500-metre walking path. Along this walk, you will enjoy pleasant moments listening to the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo, and you will be able to take photographs of the forest.

We then continue with our visit to 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 this striking 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 the east of Kyoto. One of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, the temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Just below the main hall lies the Otowa Waterfall, whose waters flow into a pond through three channels. According to belief, these channels symbolise wisdom, health and longevity, respectively.

We then proceed to another important temple of the city, Fushimi Inari. After our visit to this temple, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan, known especially for its thousands of orange torii gates, we continue 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 panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

Nara's temple and deer

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 the Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the aim of being the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple, whose influence grew over time, also began to influence 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 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 grabbing 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, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi programme. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the leading symbols of Japan’s unification period. The castle and its extensive surrounding park offer an opportunity to learn about the region’s history. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. As we explore the area, with its colourful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, we discover why Osaka is known as a centre of gastronomy. We then proceed to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most 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 our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

On to Seoul

OSAKA – SEOUL

After breakfast, we transfer to Osaka 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. We then set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The area that gained global fame with PSY’s world-famous song “Gangnam Style” stands out today with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centres. During the tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the places we see panoramically. Afterwards, we move on to Myeongdong, one of the city’s most lively and popular districts. This area, famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques as well as a wide variety of delicious street foods and restaurants, we are given free time for dinner. Guests who wish to may experience the distinguished flavours 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 the hotel check-in procedures, we stay overnight at our hotel.

Palaces and the flight home

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and depart for our Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, National Folk Museum of Korea and Bukchon Hanok Village tour. We first visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 and one of the leading structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, it ranks among the most important examples of traditional Korean architecture. During our visit to the palace courtyard, we experience the area’s historic atmosphere. We then tour the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the culture and historical development of the Korean people. We continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean Hanok houses. Walking through the narrow streets of this historic district, which contains approximately 700 Hanok houses, we observe traditional ways of life. After visiting Insadong Antique Street, we 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 the time specified by our guide. Once our baggage and ticket procedures are complete, we fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Our tour ends following our arrival in Istanbul at local time. We hope to see you again on another tour.