South Korea and Japan Tour , March 29

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the outbound flight date). After completing baggage drop-off and passport control, we depart for Osaka on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey towards Osaka will continue throughout the night and overnight will be on the plane. Upon arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private transfer vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Osaka. After leaving the airport, we transfer to our hotel. After the hotel check-in procedures, overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival, we complete passport and baggage procedures and depart by our waiting 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, 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 the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – TODAIJI TEMPLE – NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA After breakfast, we set off for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with the Todaiji Temple. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the purpose of being the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, as its influence grew, the temple also began to affect politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has made its name in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. 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 major attractions are located, including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. After getting the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST – KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – KYOTO After breakfast, we set off by private vehicle towards Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. Following our journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. During the Second World War, Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Cultural 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. As you walk along the path, you will enjoy the sound of the wind through the bamboo and have the chance to take photos of the forest. We then continue our tour with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The impressive structure overlooks a large pond and each floor represents a different architectural style. We then move on to Kiyomizu-dera.

KYOTO – SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN) – SHIBUYA – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we transfer to Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). We begin our Tokyo city tour on our private coach. Upon arrival in Tokyo, after passport and luggage procedures, we set off on our Tokyo city tour with our private vehicle. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre 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 at once with every change of the lights offers a unique experience to feel Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, as well as many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop will be Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands all in one place at affordable prices. After the free time we will have for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan.

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. One of the city’s landmarks, Mount Fuji is 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 with our guests 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. The water passes through volcanic rocks and is naturally filtered, creating crystal-clear pools. You can see Mount Fuji reflected in these pools of varying sizes and depths. After completing our visit 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 enjoy free time to rest.

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 is entered 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. We continue our tour in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s popular and prestigious districts. With its wide boulevards, modern architecture, luxury stores, art galleries, and refined cafés, the district introduces us to Tokyo’s elegant side.

TOKYO – SEOUL After breakfast, we transfer to Tokyo Airport. We take a domestic flight to Tokyo. Upon our arrival in Seoul, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, one of the fascinating cities that serves as the capital of South Korea and where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. Then we set off for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The district that gained global fame with PSY’s world-famous song “Gangnam Style” today stands out with its luxury lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library will be among the places seen panoramically. Afterwards, we move to Myeongdong, one of the most vibrant and popular districts of the city. Famous for its cosmetics shops, fashion boutiques as well as delicious street food and restaurants, we give free time in this district for dinner. Guests who wish to do so can experience the distinguished flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong.

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea and Bukchon Hanok Village. Built in 1395 and regarded as an important structure of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also known as the Northern Palace. We visit the courtyard of the palace, a leading example of traditional Korean architecture, and experience its historic atmosphere. We then visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which illustrates the Korean people’s way of life and its development throughout history. Our tour continues to 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 traditional Korean life. We then proceed to Myeongdong Street, among Seoul’s busiest shopping destinations. We enjoy free time in this area, known for its cosmetics stores, shops and street food.

SEOUL – ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete the check-out procedures at the hotel. At the time to be determined by our guide, we transfer to the airport, and after the baggage and ticket procedures here, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. After our arrival in Istanbul at local time, the tour ends. We hope to see you again on another tour.