Explore Japan & Korea: 12-Day Tour from Istanbul

Adventure Begins Meet the Ejder Tourism team at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport. After luggage handling and check-in procedures, we will depart for Tokyo on Turkish Airlines flight TK 50 at 15:50. The night will be spent on the plane. Enjoy a pleasant journey with films introducing Japanese culture and warm refreshments throughout the flight. Flight: TK 50 | Istanbul (IST) to Tokyo (Narita / NRT) | Departure 15:50 - Arrival 09:05 (+1) Accommodation: On the plane

First Impressions Arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport at 09:05 local time. After passport and luggage procedures, you will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to the city center in a private vehicle. On the way, we will take a short panoramic introduction tour: Meiji Shrine (external visit) - a sacred site in the wooded heart of Tokyo Tokyo Tower - photo stop Panoramic drive past Ginza Street and the National Diet Building After the tour, transfer to the hotel and check into your rooms. After a short rest, guests who wish can join an evening walk in the Shinjuku area with the guide (optional). Accommodation: Tokyo - Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar

A Day in the Heart of Nature Enjoy a full day of free time in Tokyo. You can create your own personal itinerary for shopping, museum visits, or leisurely walks around the city. For those interested, we offer an optional extra tour: FUJI MOUNTAIN AND HAKONE FULL DAY TOUR - 185 USD / Person (Includes lunch, private vehicle, and guide) Departing from the hotel in the morning, we will journey to Japan's living symbol, Mount Fuji: Fuji Mountain 5th Station - the highest point accessible depending on weather conditions Ashi Lake Boat Tour - enjoy the reflection of Fuji on the lake Hakone Cable Car - experience the volcanic steam vents of Owakudani Valley and panoramic mountain views Lunch at a local restaurant Return to Shinjuku in the afternoon A day where nature, culture, and Japanese engineering come together. Accommodation: Tokyo - Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar

Zen Serenity in Little Kyoto Enjoy a day of free time in Tokyo. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the city on your own, shop, or experience local life. For those interested, we offer an optional extra tour: KAMAKURA AND BAMBOO TEMPLE - ZEN EXPERIENCE - 165 USD / Person (Includes lunch, private transportation, and guide) A journey to Kamakura, known as "Little Kyoto," located south of Tokyo: Great Buddha (Daibutsu) - Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue, sitting outdoors since 1252 Hokoku-ji Temple - a walk through a serene bamboo forest and Zen atmosphere Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Komachi Street - local delicacies and souvenir shopping Lunch at a local restaurant Return to Tokyo in the afternoon A special day that combines Japanese elegance with the tranquility of nature. Accommodation: Tokyo - Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar

UNESCO Heritage Shinto Lands Free time in Tokyo. Guests who wish can explore the city individually or join the trip to Nikko, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Optional extra tour: NIKKO FULL DAY TOUR - 185 USD / Person (Includes lunch, private vehicle, and guide) Journey to Nikko, located north of Tokyo - a sacred area where Japanese architecture, nature, and sacred temples converge: Toshogu Shrine - Japan's most ornate Shinto shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shinkyo Red Bridge - the symbol of Nikko, photo stop Kegon Falls - one of Japan's highest waterfalls Lake Chuzenji - a walk with a view of the volcano Lunch at a local restaurant Return to Tokyo in the afternoon A peaceful route that brings together nature, history, and Japanese aesthetics. Accommodation: Tokyo - Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar

300 km - The Peak of Speed After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Following a transfer to Tokyo Station, depart for Osaka on Japan's pride, the Shinkansen (bullet train). During the approximately 3-hour comfortable journey, enjoy the rural landscapes of Japan, and if the weather is clear, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji's silhouette along with modern cities flowing by the windows. Upon arrival in Osaka, take a panoramic city tour in our private vehicle: Osaka Castle (outside) - 16th-century samurai era Umeda Sky Building - panoramic city view Dotonbori Street - the center of colorful signs and street delicacies After the tour, transfer to the hotel and check into the rooms. In the evening, enjoy free time to relax or explore the city center individually. Accommodation: Osaka - Sarasa Hotel Dotonbori 3 or similar

The Spirit of Japan Free time in Osaka. Guests who wish can join a full-day cultural tour that includes Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and Nara, famous for its deer. Optional extra tour available: KYOTO AND NARA FULL DAY TOUR - 200 USD / Person (Including lunch, private vehicle, and guide) Morning departure to Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Zen temple is covered in gold leaf and is the most photographed structure in Japan, reflecting beautifully on the pond. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - A walk through the seemingly endless corridors of bamboo. Gion Geisha District - The heart of geisha culture with its traditional wooden architecture. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to Nara: Todai-ji Temple - Home to a massive bronze Buddha statue, this is the world's largest wooden structure. Nara Park - A photo stop with over 1,300 freely roaming sacred deer. Return to Osaka in the evening. Accommodation: Osaka - Sarasa Hotel Dotonbori 3 or similar.

Melancholy and Flavor of the Port City Free time in Osaka. Guests who wish can join the Kobe tour, which combines Japan's gastronomy and port culture. Optional extra tour: KOBE AND PORT CITY TOUR - 155 USD / Person (Includes lunch, private vehicle, and guide) Morning departure to Kobe: Earthquake Memorial Park - In memory of the 1995 Kobe earthquake, the reborn city Nankinmachi (Chinatown) - One of Japan's oldest Chinatowns, with colorful streets and Asian cuisine Hakutsuru Sake Museum - Traditional production process of Japanese rice wine and tasting Lunch at a local restaurant - An optional extra experience of "Kobe Beef" for interested guests Meriken Park and Kobe Port - Walk and take photos in the modern port area Evening return to Osaka, relax at the hotel. Accommodation: Osaka - Sarasa Hotel Dotonbori 3 or similar

Two Countries, One Day After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kansai Airport. Depart for Seoul on Asiana Airlines flight OZ 115 at 10:50. After approximately a 2-hour flight, arrive at Seoul Incheon Airport at 12:50. After passport and baggage procedures, meet with our guide and transfer to the city center. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city introduction tour: Deoksugung Palace (exterior) - watch the traditional Guard Changing Ceremony Ikseon-dong Hanok Village - traditional Korean houses and craft streets from the Joseon Dynasty Namsan Mountain and N Seoul Tower - the most beautiful panorama of the city Myeongdong - shopping street and street food delights At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel and check into your rooms. In the evening, relax or enjoy a free walk around Myeongdong with the guide. Flight: OZ 115 | Osaka (KIX) to Seoul (ICN) | Departure 10:50 - Arrival 12:50 Accommodation: Seoul - Ramada by Wyndham Dongdaemun 4 or similar

On the Border of Two Koreas, In Memory of the Turkish Soldier Free time in Seoul. Guests who wish can join the DMZ and Korean War History Tour, which takes you to the most special area of the Korean Peninsula. Optional extra tour for interested guests: DMZ AND KOREAN WAR HISTORY TOUR - 145 USD / Person (Includes lunch, private vehicle, and guide) Early morning departure to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) - one of the world's most heavily guarded borders. An opportunity to closely understand Korean history and the dramatic division between the two countries: Imjingak Peace Park - a symbol of the Korean people's hope for reunification 3rd Tunnel - a secret passage dug by North Korea Dora Observatory - watch the North Korean side through binoculars Dorasan Station - a planned railway line connecting the two countries Turkish Brigade Monument - a special monument dedicated to Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean War, a point of respect for our Turkish guests Lunch at a local restaurant Return to Seoul in the afternoon. Free time after the tour or a guided walk in the Myeongdong shopping district. Accommodation: Seoul - Ramada by Wyndham Dongdaemun 4 or similar

UNESCO Fortress and Authentic Korean Village Free time in Seoul. For those interested, we offer an optional paid excursion: SUWON AND KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE FULL DAY TOUR - 160 USD / Person (Includes lunch, private vehicle, and guide) In the morning, we will travel from the hotel to Suwon and the Korean Folk Village, located about 2 hours south of Seoul. Morning program - Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Visit the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walk along the fortress walls. See traditional cannons and watchtowers from the Joseon period. Enjoy a photo stop with guided narration in the historic center of Suwon. Afternoon - Korean Folk Village (Yongin): Explore an open-air museum that recreates village life during the Joseon period. Discover traditional hanok houses, craft workshops, and folk dance performances. For those interested, experience wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back, there will be a short shopping stop for local products and handicrafts. Accommodation: Seoul - Ramada by Wyndham Dongdaemun 4 or similar.

Farewell After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Meet your guide for the transfer to Incheon Airport (ICN). After luggage and passport procedures, depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK 21 at 10:45. After an approximately 11-hour flight, arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) at 16:55 local time. Our East Asia tour concludes here, filled with precious memories. Flight: TK 21 | Seoul (ICN) to Istanbul (IST) | Departure 10:45 - Arrival 16:55 Thank you for choosing Ejder Tourism, and we look forward to seeing you on your next journey.