Explore Japan & Korea: 12-Day Cultural Tour

The adventure begins Meet with Ejder Tourism representatives at 12:00 at Istanbul Airport (Istanbul Havalimanı) International Terminal. After passport control and check-in procedures, our journey to East Asia begins with Turkish Airlines flight TK 50, departing at 15:50. Overnight in the plane - sleep well, and we will arrive in Tokyo.

A City Where Tradition Meets Modernity Arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport at 09:05 local time. After passport and customs procedures, transfer to the city with our private air-conditioned bus. Our first stop is the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, Japan's first modernizing emperor - a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by sacred cedar forests. Next, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Tokyo Tower, standing at 250 meters high. Along the way, take in the panoramic sight of the National Diet Building (Japanese Parliament). The day's finale is Ginza Street - the luxury shopping and cultural heart of Tokyo. During free time, explore Japanese coffee shops for a "matcha latte" or discover boutique stores. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3 and similar (Tokyo)

Meeting Japan's Sacred Symbol After breakfast, we depart for Japan's living symbol - Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters. Weather permitting, we will ascend to the 5th Station to capture the closest view of the legendary peak. Lunch will be a regional traditional Japanese menu (tempura, soba, miso soup) at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a boat tour on Lake Ashi, which is under UNESCO protection, to watch Fuji's reflection on the lake surface. We will also explore the volcanic hot spring area in the green mountains of Hakone. In the evening, we return to Tokyo for an overnight stay at the hotel. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3 (Tokyo)

Zen Serenity in the Bamboo Garden After breakfast, we head to Kamakura, located one hour south of Tokyo - the capital of Japan in the early 13th century and the birthplace of samurai culture. Our first stop is Kotoku-in Temple, home to the 13.35 metre tall giant bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) - Japan's second largest Buddha statue, sitting outdoors since 1252. Next, we visit Hokoku-ji Temple, one of the important centers of Zen Buddhism. Enjoy a stroll through the famous bamboo garden + a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (matcha) will be served. This experience, with light filtering through the bamboo leaves, will be one of the most memorable moments for our guests. In the evening, we return to Tokyo. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3 (Tokyo)

Explore the City Your Way Enjoy a full day of free time. With guidance from your tour leader, you can choose from optional extra tours: Sushi breakfast at Tsukiji or Toyosu Fish Market Asakusa Senso-ji Temple + Nakamise Street Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku youth culture Akihabara, the heart of electronics & anime Imperial Palace gardens Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3 (Tokyo)

08:00 AM - Departure from the hotel and transfer to the train station. Experience an unforgettable 2.5-hour train journey on Japan's pride, the Shinkansen, traveling at 300 km/h. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Japan through the windows, the comfort of the quiet carriage, and the precise on-time departures and arrivals. Upon arrival in Osaka, enjoy a panoramic city tour: Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) - a magnificent 16th-century samurai castle Umeda Sky Building - the city's sky garden Dotonbori District - a vibrant street food hub illuminated by neon lights, featuring the famous "Glico Running Man" sign Accommodation: Sarasa Hotel Osaka 3 and similar hotels.

A Thousand-Year-Old Capital and the City of Deer After breakfast, we will embark on a journey to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital for 11 centuries. Our first stop is Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Zen temple, with its entire exterior covered in real gold leaf, is the most photographed structure in Japan, especially with its reflection on the pond. Lunch will be a traditional Kyoto kaiseki menu at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will transition to Nara, Japan's older capital: Nara Park - Over 1,300 sacred free-roaming deer will approach you, offering the chance to feed them "deer crackers" to those interested. Todai-ji Temple - Home to a 15-meter tall giant bronze Buddha, it is the largest wooden structure in the world. In the evening, we will return to Osaka. Accommodation: Sarasa Hotel Osaka 3

The Melancholy and Flavor of the Port City After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour to Kobe, Japan's distinguished port city: Great Hanshin Earthquake Memorial Park - A meaningful stop honoring the 7.2 magnitude earthquake of 1995. An emotional connection point for Turkish visitors. Stroll and take photos around Kobe Port. Nankinmachi (Chinatown) - One of Japan's oldest Chinatowns. Hakutsuru Sake Museum - Explore the museum of Japan's largest sake producer, learn about rice wine production, and enjoy a tasting. In the afternoon, return to Osaka for free time. Accommodation: Sarasa Hotel Osaka 3

Two Countries, One Day Early morning transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport. Depart for Seoul, the capital of South Korea, on Asiana Airlines flight OZ 115 at 10:50. Arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport at 12:50. Transfer to the city center by private vehicle. Half-day introduction tour of Seoul: Iksendong Village - A nostalgic walk among traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty Gwanghwamun Square - The symbolic heart of Seoul Gyeongbokgung Palace (panoramic exterior view) + Changing of the Guard Ceremony (guard change in traditional costumes) Myeongdong Street - Free time in the center of Seoul for K-pop, K-beauty, and street food Accommodation: Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel 4 and similar options

In the Footsteps of the Joseon Empire After breakfast, embark on a full-day cultural tour: Gyeongbokgung Palace - a magnificent interior visit dating back to the 14th century (previously viewed from the outside, today a complete visit) National Folk Museum of Korea - explore traditional life and history Iksendong Hanok Village - a detailed tour of hanok architecture and traditional Korean lifestyle Insadong Street - Korea's antique and handicraft district, ideal for souvenir shopping Lunch: Enjoy exquisite flavors from traditional Korean cuisine including bibimbap, bulgogi, and banchan. In the afternoon: Changdeokgung Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage site, a Joseon palace in harmony with nature Namsan Mountain - a 360° panorama of Seoul, featuring the famous "love locks" bridge Accommodation: Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel 4

The Coldest Front in History + Tribute to the Turkish Soldier Today marks the most emotional and meaningful day of this tour. After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) - one of the world's most heavily guarded borders: Imjingak Peace Bridge - a meeting place for families separated by war 3rd Tunnel - the underground tunnel secretly dug by North Korea into the South Dora Observatory - watch the North Korean side through binoculars Lunch will feature local Korean delicacies. In the afternoon, we will visit THE MOST IMPORTANT STOP OF OUR TOUR: Korean War Memorial + UN Memorial Turkish Brigade Martyrs' Cemetery - a moment of silence in honor of the 721 Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The tour leader will recount the heroics of Turkish soldiers in Kunuri, Gunu-ri, and Kumyangjang-ni. A poignant and proud moment for our Turkish guests. In the evening, we will return to Seoul and relax at the hotel. Accommodation: Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel 4

Farewell Time After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Incheon Airport. Depart for Istanbul at 10:45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 21. After approximately a 12-hour flight, arrive at Istanbul Airport at 16:55. Our East Asia tour comes to an end filled with invaluable memories. We look forward to seeing you on your next Ejder Tourism trip - stay healthy.