South Korea and Japan Tour , May 15

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. Upon arrival in Doha, after our connection, we continue on to Tokyo. Our journey to Tokyo will continue through the night, with an overnight flight.

TOKYO After arriving in Tokyo and completing passport and baggage procedures, we transfer to our hotel by private bus waiting at the airport. Overnight at our hotel.

TOKYO – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE – KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – KYOTO After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout. We pack only our daily essentials into a small bag. (Our large suitcases will be transferred separately to our Kyoto hotel by a transfer company arranged by our agency.) Then we head to 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. Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and one of the best-preserved centers of traditional culture, is famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods. 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. We begin our city tour with Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visitors to the bamboo forest are greeted by a 500-meter walking trail. During this walk along the trail, you will enjoy memorable moments with the sound of the wind reaching through the bamboo, and you will be able to take photos of the forest. Then we continue with our Kinkaku-ji Temple tour.

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. Over time, its influence grew, and by the 8th century it began to influence politics. The main hall of Todaiji has also made its name in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Next, we visit Nara Park, a large park located in the center of Nara. Established in 1880, the park is where most of Nara's main attractions can be found, 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 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 our daily essentials 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. At the end of our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

TOKYO – GINZA – SHIBUYA – AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI – TOKYO After breakfast, we begin our city tour where we will explore Tokyo's past and modern life together. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the center of 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). Witnessing hundreds of people move at once with each traffic light change offers a unique experience to feel Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in honor 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 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 the free time we allocate for shopping, we proceed to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After our visit in Ginza, home to Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centers and restaurants featuring world-famous brands, we allow free time for dinner.

After breakfast, we complete our checkout procedures at the hotel and are transferred to the airport at the time arranged by our guide. After completing baggage and ticketing formalities, we fly to Doha with Qatar Airways. Following our connection in Doha, our flight to Istanbul begins.

ISTANBUL Arrival in Istanbul at local time marks the end of our tour. We hope to see you again on another one of our tours.