South Korea and Japan Tour , March 16

ISTANBUL - SEOUL You, our valued guests, will meet at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, approximately 3 hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the departure flight date). After completing our baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Seoul with Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Our journey to Seoul will continue throughout the night and we will spend the night on the plane. Upon arriving in Seoul, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, one of South Korea's captivating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. After leaving the airport, we head to Myeongdong, one of the city's most vibrant and popular districts. We provide free time for dinner in this area, famous for its cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants. Our guests who wish can experience the exquisite flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy Myeongdong's lively atmosphere. After free time, we meet at the specified time and transfer to our hotel. After check-in procedures, we spend the night at our hotel.

After breakfast, we begin our Seoul City Tour, including Gangnam Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village and Myeongdong. We first visit Gangnam Square. Known worldwide through PSY’s song “Gangnam Style,” the district draws attention for its luxury lifestyle, shopping opportunities and business centers. During the tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library are among the places we see panoramically. Our second stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395 and one of the notable structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace and considered an important example of traditional Korean architecture, the palace offers an opportunity to visit its courtyard and experience its historic character. We then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which presents the culture and historical development of the Korean people. Next, we travel to Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean houses. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic district, home to approximately 700 Hanok houses, and observe traditional Korean culture.

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline. After completing passport and baggage procedures upon arrival, we board our waiting 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 main historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification period and offers a historic setting surrounded by extensive parkland. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. As we explore its colorful neon lights, bustling streets and renowned restaurants, we discover why Osaka is known as a “culinary center.” Next, we visit Shinsaibashi, the city’s popular shopping and entertainment street. Free time is provided in this area of long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After morning breakfast, we depart for our Nara tour. Our tour begins 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 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). Then, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the center 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 having the chance to take photos with the deer roaming 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 by private vehicle. Known for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods, Kyoto is Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of traditional culture. 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 Heritage List. Our city tour begins at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visitors to the bamboo grove are welcomed by a 500-metre walking trail. During this walk along the trail, you'll enjoy the sound of the wind through the bamboos and will be able to take photos of the forest. We then continue with our tour of 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. The impressive structure overlooking a large pond has each floor representing a different architectural style. We then head to Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto.

KYOTO – SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN) – SHIBUYA – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). Our private bus awaits us as we begin our Tokyo city tour. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after passport and luggage procedures, our private vehicle takes us on a Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as a center for entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts, is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Experiencing hundreds of people moving at once with every traffic light change offers a unique way to feel Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog famous for its loyalty that has also become a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, and 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 free time for shopping, we proceed to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan.

After breakfast, we set off for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. It is one of the city’s landmarks and Japan’s highest mountain. We first travel to Hakone in the Kanagawa Region, known for its views of Mount Fuji and natural beauty. Here, we take our Boat Tour on Lake Ashi to enjoy the scenery. After a 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 the area with our guide, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlet Shopping Center, 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 – ASAKUSA SENSO-JI TEMPLE – NAKAMISE – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we begin our city tour, during which we will discover Tokyo’s past alongside its 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 honor of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fishermen brothers found her statue. Completed in 645 AD, the temple welcomes visitors through Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate. After passing through the gate, we 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. We then pass through Hozomon Gate at the end of the street and visit Senso-ji Temple. Continuing our tour, we travel to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular and prestigious districts.

TOKYO – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out. At the time arranged by our guide, we transfer to the airport, and after completing the baggage and ticketing procedures, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. Upon arrival in Istanbul (local time), our tour concludes. We hope to see you again on another tour.