South Korea and Japan Tour

Overnight flight to Tokyo

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. (1 calendar day before the outbound flight date). After completing baggage drop-off and passport control procedures, we depart for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey towards Tokyo will continue throughout the night, with overnight on the aircraft. After our arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures, 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 center of entertainment and cultural experiences. One of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts, Shibuya is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move all at once with 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 known for his loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town, located in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronic brands all in one place at affordable prices. After our free time for shopping, we head 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 centers and restaurants, we will have free time for dinner. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA OUTLETS – TOKYO

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. It is one of the city’s landmarks and Japan’s highest mountain. 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 to enjoy the views. After our photo stop, we continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. As the water passes through volcanic rocks, it is naturally filtered, giving the pools their crystal-clear appearance. You can see Mount Fuji reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. After exploring with our guide, we depart for 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

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 city tour, we travel to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular and prestigious districts. Known for its wide boulevards, modern architecture, luxury stores, art galleries, and refined cafés, the district offers an opportunity to discover Tokyo’s elegant side. After exploring with commentary from our guide, we provide free time for shopping, discovering the area 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 bus awaits us and our journey begins. We set off by private vehicle towards Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional heritage, renowned for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. 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 included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We begin 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 bamboo 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, 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 structure, which overlooks a large pond, represents a different architectural style. We then proceed 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 UNESCO World Heritage List. Just below the main hall is the Otowa Waterfall, where the waters flow into a lake through three channels. According to belief, these channels symbolise wisdom, 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 Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and particularly known for its thousands of orange Torii gates, we proceed to our final stop, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Following our temple visit with a beautiful view of the city of Kyoto, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to 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 the Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed with the aim of serving as the head of all Buddhist temples. Growing in influence over time, the temple also began to have a political impact in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has earned its place in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The massive building houses 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 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 taking 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. We first visit Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, the castle is an important symbol of the period when Japan was unified. Together with its extensive parkland, it offers an opportunity to learn about the region’s history. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s lively and iconic districts. As we explore the area, known for its colorful neon lights, bustling streets, and famous restaurants, we also experience the side of Osaka known as its “culinary center.” Next, we visit Shinsaibashi, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques. We provide our guests with free time in this district, one of Osaka’s popular shopping and leisure destinations. At the end of our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

A day in Kobe

OSAKA – KOBE – OSAKA

After breakfast, we set off towards Kobe, whose name means "Gateway of God." On our city tour in Kobe, we first visit Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in the city. The main highlights we will see panoramically during the tour include Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park, and Kobe's Chinatown (Nankinmachi). After our visits, we return to Osaka and have free time to shop, explore the surroundings, and experience the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, two of the city's most vibrant districts. We meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. The remaining hours are free time for rest.

On to Seoul

OSAKA – SEOUL

After breakfast, transfer to Osaka Airport. We take a flight to Seoul with a local airline. 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 (Gangnam Plaza). The district, which gained worldwide fame with PSY's globally 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 visited panoramically. Afterwards, we head to Myeongdong, one of the most vibrant and popular districts of the city. We give free time for dinner in this area, which is famous for its cosmetic shops, fashion boutiques, as well as delicious street food and restaurants. Guests who wish to do so may 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 at the hotel, overnight at our hotel.

Seoul to Istanbul

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and depart for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and Bukchon Hanok Village. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the leading structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace and regarded as an important example of traditional Korean architecture, the palace offers an opportunity to learn about the region’s history as we visit its courtyard. We then tour the National Folk Museum of Korea, which presents the culture and historical development of the Korean people. Our tour continues at Bukchon Hanok Village, known for its traditional Korean houses called hanok. We walk through the narrow streets of this historic district, which contains approximately 700 hanok houses, and observe its traditional way of life. We then continue to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s lively shopping destinations. We enjoy free time in this area, famous for its cosmetics stores, shops, and street food. After the tour, we transfer to the airport at the time designated by our guide. After completing our baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Our tour ends upon our arrival in Istanbul at local time. We hope to see you again on another tour.