South Korea and Japan Tour

Departure for Tokyo

We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately three hours before the flight time (one calendar day before the outbound flight date). After completing baggage drop-off and passport control procedures, we depart for Tokyo aboard a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival in Tokyo, we complete passport and baggage procedures, meet our private transfer vehicle, and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Shibuya and Ginza

Tokyo

After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour. 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 all at once with every change of the lights offers a unique experience to feel the energy of Tokyo. 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, as well as many well-known shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop is Yodobashi Electric Town in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands all together and at affordable prices. After the free time we give 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 world-famous brands and Tokyo's most prestigious shopping centres and restaurants, we give free time for dinner. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Mount Fuji and Hakone

After breakfast, we depart for Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo on Honshu Island. It is one of the city’s landmarks and 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 to enjoy the views. After a photo stop, we continue by coach to Oshino Hakkai, where melting snow combines with underground water to form natural pools. Filtered naturally as it flows through volcanic rock, the water gives the pools a crystal-clear appearance. You can see the reflection of Mount Fuji on the surfaces of these pools, which vary in size and depth. After our guided visit, we depart for Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel in Tokyo and provide free time to rest.

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, where we will explore both Tokyo’s past and its modern life. 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, this historic structure was built, according to legend, in honor of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, after two fishermen brothers discovered her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple has Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate, at its entrance. We pass through the gate and walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches approximately 200 meters toward the temple. On this historic street, which preserves a traditional Japanese atmosphere, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans, and various local products. If you wish, you can also sample traditional Japanese flavors through Asakusa’s well-known street food. 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. With its broad boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries, and refined cafés, this area offers a glimpse of Tokyo’s elegant side. After exploring the district with commentary from our guide, we provide free time for shopping, exploring the surroundings at your own pace, and taking a meal break. At the end of the free time, we meet at the designated point and proceed to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Kyoto's temples

After breakfast, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen high-speed train. We meet our private coach and set off for Kyoto, Japan’s former capital and one of the best-preserved centres of its traditional culture, known for its temples, gardens and traditional districts. After a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. Kyoto, the only place in Japan that was not bombed during World War II, is included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Our first stop is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where a 500-metre walking trail welcomes visitors. As you follow the trail, you can listen to the sound of the wind through the bamboo and take photographs of the forest. We then visit Kinkakuji Temple in northern Kyoto. Also known as the Golden Pavilion, the top two floors of this Zen temple are completely covered in gold leaf. Overlooking a large pond, each floor represents a different architectural style. Afterwards, we continue to Kiyomizu-dera, an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. One of the historic monuments of ancient Tokyo, the temple has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The waters of Otowa Waterfall, located directly below the main hall, flow into a lake through 3 channels. According to tradition, these channels represent knowledge, health and longevity respectively. Our next stop is Fushimi Inari, one of the city’s important shrines. After visiting this shrine, one of Japan’s best-known Shinto shrines and famous for its thousands of orange shrine gates, we continue to our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After completing our visit with views of Kyoto, we transfer to our hotel and provide free time to rest. Travel between Tokyo and Kyoto will be by high-speed train to save time and provide greater convenience. For this day, guests only need to take hand luggage containing what they require for one night. Large suitcases will be collected from the hotel and delivered directly to the accommodation hotel in Kyoto.

Nara's temple and deer

KYOTO – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out procedures and set off for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with the Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed with the aim of being the head of all Buddhist temples. Its influence grew over time, and by the 8th century the temple had also begun to influence politics. The main hall of Todaiji has earned its place in the record books as the world's largest wooden structure. The enormous building is home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Next, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the centre of Nara. Founded in 1880, the park is home to most of Nara's main attractions, 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

OSAKA - OSAKA CASTLE - DOTONBORI - SHINSAIBASHI - OSAKA

After breakfast, we begin our Osaka City Tour, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi, by private coach. We first visit Osaka Castle, one of the city’s principal historic landmarks. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, it is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification period. The extensive park surrounding the castle also offers an opportunity to experience the area’s history up close. We then visit Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts, with colorful neon lights, bustling streets, and well-known restaurants. As we explore, we discover why the city is known as a “culinary center.” We then continue to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle district, known for its long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques. Guests have free time here. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Return to Istanbul

OSAKA - ISTANBUL +1

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