South Korea and Japan Tour

Overnight flight to Tokyo

Istanbul – Tokyo

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop-off and passport control, we set off for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey towards Tokyo will continue throughout the night, and the overnight will be on the plane.

First day in Tokyo, Shibuya

Tokyo

After arriving in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private transfer vehicle to 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 lively districts, is home to one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). Watching hundreds of people move in all directions with every light change offers a unique experience to feel Tokyo's energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of the dog famous for his loyalty and a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, along with many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands all in one place at affordable prices. After our free time for shopping, we move on to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated way of life of modern Japan. Following our tour of Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo's most exclusive shopping centers and restaurants, we give free time for dinner. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

After breakfast, we set off for Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo on Honshu Island and known as one of the city’s symbols and Japan’s highest mountain. First, we travel to Hakone in the Kanagawa Region, known for its views of Mount Fuji and natural scenery, and take a boat tour on Lake Ashi. After a photo stop, we travel by bus to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. Naturally filtered as it passes through volcanic rock, the water creates these crystal-clear pools. Mount Fuji can be seen reflected in the pools, which vary in size and depth. After completing our visit with our guide, we continue to the Gotemba Premium Outlet Shopping Center, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centres. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel in Tokyo and have free time to rest.

Senso-ji Temple and Ginza

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, during which we discover Tokyo’s historic character and modern life together. Our first stop is Senso-ji Temple, located in the Asakusa District and considered one of the city’s landmarks. Regarded as Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, it was built in honour of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fishermen brothers found her statue, according to legend. We enter the temple, completed in AD 645, through Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate. Beyond the gate, we take a walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches for approximately 200 metres to the temple. On this historic street, which preserves a traditional Japanese atmosphere, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans and various regional products. If you wish, you can also sample Asakusa’s famous street food and traditional Japanese flavours. 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 sought-after and prestigious districts. Accompanied by our guide’s commentary, we explore the area, known for its broad boulevards, modern architecture, luxury stores, art galleries and refined cafés. Afterwards, we offer free time for shopping, exploring 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 temple trail

TOKYO – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST – KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – KYOTO

After breakfast, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train). Our private tour begins as we set out by our private vehicle towards Kyoto, one of Japan's former capitals and one of the best-preserved centres of traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. After a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only city in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We start our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors to the bamboo forest are greeted 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 bamboos and you will be able to take photographs of the forest.

We then continue with our visit to Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Each floor of this impressive structure, which overlooks a large pond, represents a different architectural style.

We then move on 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 inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Just below the main hall is the Otowa Waterfall, where the waters flow into a lake through 3 channels. According to belief, these channels symbolise wisdom, health and longevity, respectively.

We then proceed to another important temple of the city, Fushimi Inari. After our visit to the temple, one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, known especially for its thousands of orange torii gates, we move on to our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After our temple visit accompanied by a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest.

Nara's deer park, 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. The temple, built in 752, was constructed with the aim of being the head of all Buddhist temples. The temple, whose influence grew over time, also began to have an impact on politics 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 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. The park, established in 1880, 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.

Osaka Castle and Dotonbori

After breakfast, we depart by private coach for our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of the city’s principal historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, the castle is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification period. We explore the area’s historic atmosphere together with the extensive parkland surrounding the castle. We then continue to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s lively and iconic districts. As we explore this area, which reflects the spirit of the city through its colourful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, we discover why Osaka is known as a “centre of gastronomy.” Our next stop is Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s popular shopping and lifestyle street. We provide free time in this district, noted for its long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. After completing our tour, we transfer to our hotel in Osaka. Overnight at our hotel.

Return to Istanbul

OSAKA - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we complete the check-out procedures at the hotel. We are transferred to the airport at the time determined by our guide, and after the baggage and ticket procedures there, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. Upon arrival in Istanbul at local time, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on another tour..