South Korea and Japan Tour , May 14

ISTANBUL – DOHA - TOKYO We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing our baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Doha on Qatar Airways' scheduled flight. Following our arrival in Doha and after our connection, we depart for Tokyo. Our journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night and we will spend the night on the aircraft.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures, then transfer to our hotel by private bus waiting at the airport. Overnight at our hotel.

TOKYO – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE - KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU DERA – FUSHIMI INARI - KYOTO After breakfast at the hotel, we complete our check-out procedures. We take only a small bag with items we will use during the day. (Our large suitcases will be transferred separately to our Kyoto hotel by the transfer company arranged by our company.) Then we depart for the train station. We travel to Kyoto by high-speed train (Shinkansen). Upon arrival in Kyoto, we depart for our Kyoto city tour in our private vehicle, heading to the former capital of Japan, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods, and one of the best-preserved centers of traditional culture. During World War II, Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed. Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. We begin our city tour with Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visitors to the bamboo grove are welcomed with a 500-meter walking trail. During this walk along the trail, you will enjoy moments with the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboos, and you will be able to take photos of the forest. Then we continue with our Kinkakuji Temple tour.

Kyoto – Todaiji Temple - Nara Deer Park – Osaka After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and depart for our Nara tour. Our tour begins with Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed to serve as the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew, and by the 8th century it began to exert influence over politics. The main hall of Todaiji holds the record as the world's largest wooden structure. This massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Next, 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 to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi, by private coach. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city’s important historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the main symbols of Japan’s unification period. Together with its extensive park grounds, it offers visitors a historic atmosphere. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. We explore the area, whose colorful neon lights, bustling streets, and famous restaurants reflect the spirit of the city, and discover Osaka’s identity as a “gastronomic center.” Next, we visit the Shinsaibashi district, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques. You will have free time on Osaka’s popular shopping and lifestyle street. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and pack the items we will need during the day in a small bag. (Our large suitcases will be transported separately to our Tokyo hotel by the transfer company arranged by our company.) We then head to the train station and travel by high-speed train (Shinkansen) toward Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island southwest of Tokyo. Mount Fuji is one of the city’s landmarks and Japan’s highest mountain. Our first stop is 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 a photo stop, we continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with groundwater 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, which vary in size and depth. After exploring with our guide, we head to Gotemba Outlet Shopping Center, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and offer free time to rest.

TOKYO – ASAKUSA SENSO-JI TEMPLE – NAKAMISE – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we begin our city tour, discovering both Tokyo’s past and modern life. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district, considered one of the city’s landmarks. Regarded as Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was built, according to legend, in honor of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fisherman brothers found her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple is entered through Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate. After passing through the gate, we walk approximately 200 meters along Nakamise Shopping Street, which extends to the temple. On this historic street, where the traditional Japanese atmosphere lives on, 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. At the end of the street, we pass through Hozomon Gate and visit Senso-ji Temple. We then continue to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular and prestigious districts.

After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as a hub for 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). Feeling hundreds of people move at once with every light change offers a unique experience of Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty, which is also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centers, and enjoy some 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 some free time for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After our tour of Ginza, home to Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centers and restaurants featuring world-famous brands, we give you free time for lunch.

ISTANBUL Upon arrival in Istanbul at local time, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on another one of our tours.