South Korea and Japan Tour , May 12

ISTANBUL - TOKYO We meet our valued guests at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport, approximately 3 hours before the flight. After completing our baggage check-in and passport formalities, we depart for Tokyo on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Our journey to Tokyo will continue overnight, and we will spend the night on the aircraft.

TOKYO After arriving in Tokyo and completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us and begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the center of entertainment and cultural experiences. Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous and vibrant districts, is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Experiencing hundreds of people moving at once with each light change 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, which is also popular as a meeting point for locals and tourists, 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 move to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. Following our tour of Ginza, home to Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centers and restaurants featuring world-famous brands, we provide free time for lunch. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. It is a symbol of the city and Japan’s highest mountain. 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 and enjoy the views. After a photo stop, we travel by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. As the water passes through volcanic rock, it is naturally filtered and creates crystal-clear pools. Mount Fuji can be seen reflected in these pools, which vary in size and depth. After exploring with our guide, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlets, among Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, exploring Tokyo’s past alongside its modern way of life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district, one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Considered Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was built, according to legend, in honour of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fishermen brothers found her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple is entered through Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate. After passing through the gate, we walk along the approximately 200-metre Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple. On this historic street, which keeps the traditional Japanese atmosphere alive, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and a variety of regional products. Guests who wish may also sample Asakusa’s famous street food and traditional Japanese flavours. We 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. With its wide boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries and refined cafés, the area introduces us to Tokyo’s elegant side.

TOKYO – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE - KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – KYOTO After breakfast, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train). We begin with our private bus that awaits us. We set off towards Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the best-preserved centers of traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods. 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. Kyoto is listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. We begin our city tour with Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visitors to the bamboo grove are greeted by a 500-meter walking trail. Along the trail, you will enjoy memorable moments as the sound of wind reaches you through the bamboo, and you will be able to take photos of the forest. We then continue with our Kinkaku-ji Temple tour. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. The impressive structure overlooking a large pond features a different architectural style on each floor.

Kyoto – Todaiji Temple – Nara Deer Park – Osaka After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and depart for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed to serve as the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple's influence grew over time and by the 8th century it began to influence politics. The main hall of Todaiji has also 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). We then visit Nara Park, a large park in the center of Nara. Established in 1880, the hotel 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 wandering around, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart by private bus for our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, a major historic symbol of the city. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is an important symbol of the period when Japan was unified. The castle and its extensive surrounding park offer visitors an opportunity to learn about its history. Our tour continues to Dotonbori, among Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. As we explore the area, with its colorful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, we 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 our hotel.

OSAKA - KOBE - OSAKA After breakfast, we depart towards Kobe. On our city tour in Kobe, whose name means "Gate of God," we first visit the Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest and most important Shinto temples in the city. During our tour, the main sights we will see panoramically include the Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park, and Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi). After our visits, we return to Osaka and provide free time to shop, explore the area, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, two of the city's most lively districts. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

OSAKA - SEOUL After breakfast, transfer to Osaka airport. We take our flight to Seoul with a local airline. Upon arrival in Seoul, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of the enchanting cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. We then depart for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The district that gained global fame through PSY's world-famous song "Gangnam Style" stands out today with luxury living, shopping and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and Starfield Library are among the places seen panoramically. We then proceed to Myeongdong, one of the most vibrant and popular districts of the city. This area, famous for its cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques and delicious street food and restaurants, we provide free time for dinner. Our guests who wish can experience the exquisite flavors of Korean cuisine, go shopping or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong. After free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, the National Folk Museum of Korea and Bukchon Hanok Village. Built in 1395 and regarded as a prominent 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 historical development. 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. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast we complete our hotel checkout. At the time arranged by our guide we transfer to the airport, and after completing the baggage and check-in procedures here, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. Upon arrival in Istanbul according to local time, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on another one of our tours.