Japan Tour , September 15

ISTANBUL – OSAKA We meet at Istanbul Airport international departure terminal three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket and boarding procedures, we depart for Osaka at 02:10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK86. Upon arrival at 19:00 local time, we transfer to our hotel by our awaiting coach. After check-in, free time to rest.

OSAKA – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST – KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU-DERA – FUSHIMI INARI – OSAKA Following our breakfast, we set off by private vehicle toward Kyoto, one of the best-preserved centers of traditional culture and the former capital of Japan, famous for its temples, gardens, and traditional neighborhoods. 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 begin our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visitors to the bamboo forest are welcomed by a 500-meter 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 will be able to take pictures of the forest. We then continue with our Kinkakuji Temple tour. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple with its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. The impressive structure overlooks a large pond, and each floor represents a different architectural style. We then move on to Kiyomizu-dera.

OSAKA – OSAKA CASTLE - NARA – TEA CEREMONY – OSAKA After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for our panoramic Nara tour. We begin our tour at Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed to serve as the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, as its influence grew, the temple also began to shape politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has entered 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). Next, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the centre of Nara. Established 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 taking the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we take part in a traditional Tea Ceremony. After the enjoyable time allocated in the area, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest. After our temple visit, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest.

OSAKA - DOTONBORI - KOBE - OSAKA After breakfast, we visit the Dotonbori area. Following the free time given here, we set off by coach towards Kobe. On our tour in Kobe, whose name means "Gateway of God," we first visit Ikuta Shrine, one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in the city. During our tour, Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park and Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi) will also be among the places seen panoramically. After our visits, we give free time for shopping and exploring the surroundings. We meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. Free time to rest during the remaining hours.

OSAKA – TOKYO After breakfast, we depart from our hotel at the time set by our guide and head to the train station for our Shinkansen (high-speed train) journey to Tokyo. We take only our daily-use belongings with us. (Our large suitcases will be transferred separately to our Tokyo hotel by the transfer company arranged by our firm.) After a journey of approximately two and a half hours on the high-speed train, which can reach speeds of up to approximately 320 km per hour, we arrive in Tokyo. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the centre 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 at once at every change of the traffic lights offers a unique experience to feel the energy of Tokyo. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog renowned for his loyalty and also popular as a meeting point for locals and tourists, along with many famous shopping centres, and enjoy our free time. Also during our tour, Ueno Park and Tokyo Tower will be among the places we will see panoramically.

TOKYO SENSOJI – YODOBASHI ELECTRIC TOWN AKIHABARA – GINZA – TOKYO After breakfast, we set off from our hotel by private vehicle. First, we head to Sensoji Temple, built in 645 and the oldest temple in Tokyo, considered one of the city's most important religious centres since the Edo period. After our visit here, we continue to Yodobashi Electric Town, where hundreds of electronics brands can be found together at affordable prices. Following the time set aside for shopping, we move on to Ginza, an area that could be described as reflecting the sophisticated and elegant side of modern Japan. After our tour of the district, home to the world's famous brands, Tokyo's largest shopping centres and the finest restaurants, we will have free time for dinner. Transfer to our hotel at the time announced by our guide and free time to rest.

After breakfast, we hit the road toward Mount Fuji (Fuji Dağı), Japan's highest peak and one of the iconic landmarks of the country, located on Honshu Island to the southwest of Tokyo. First, we head to Hakone, in the Kanagawa region, famous for its views of Mount Fuji and natural beauty. We enjoy a boat ride across Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) accompanied by the unique scenery of Mount Fuji, then board the cable cars from where we disembark and climb up to the Mototsumiya Shrine observation hill. After a photo break, we continue by coach to Oshino Hakkai, an area where melting snow blends with underground waters to form natural pools. As the water filters naturally through volcanic rock, the pools remain crystal clear. Each pool differs in size and depth, and in their reflections you can capture a magnificent mirror image of Mount Fuji. After our guided tour, we set off toward Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of Japan's largest outlet shopping centres. Transfer to our hotel at the time set by our guide and free time to relax.

TOKYO - ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete the hotel check-out. On this final day, our guests may continue for shopping. Following the free time to be given in Shibuya, transfer to the airport at the time designated by the guide, and our flight to Istanbul begins with a scheduled service of Turkish Airlines. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our tour concludes.