Japan and Korea Tour, 26 Days from Istanbul

We meet our guide at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport at 23:30. Our flight departs after midnight, at 02:35. Turkish Airlines flight TK 198 flies direct to Tokyo Haneda, a journey of around 11 hours 10 minutes. We land at Haneda Airport at 19:45 local time. Entry to Japan is visa-free, a passport stamp is all that is needed. After passport and baggage formalities we transfer to central Tokyo by private bus and check into the hotel. There is no dinner service at the hotel today, though guests who wish can join the guide for a short orientation walk around the area. Flight details: Turkish Airlines TK 198, Istanbul 02:35, Tokyo Haneda 19:45 local time, direct. Accommodation: Hotel Wing International Shinjuku, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we set off for Kamakura, a pleasant hour's drive from Tokyo, a historic coastal town known as Japan's first samurai capital. At Kotoku-in Temple we see the Great Buddha, the Daibutsu, an enormous bronze statue displayed in the open air and one of Japan's most iconic images. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, reached through a pine forest, carries the marks of both Shinto and Buddhist tradition. Lunch is at a local restaurant. We then have free time on Komachi Dori, a shopping street known for souvenirs, handmade goods and local delicacies, before returning to Tokyo in the evening. Meals: Breakfast and lunch included. Accommodation: Hotel Wing International Shinjuku, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast our full-day tour of Tokyo begins. Senso-ji Temple, in the Asakusa district, is the city's oldest temple, dating to the 7th century. Nearby, Nakamise Street offers a short shopping stop at a traditional street market. We then take in Shibuya Crossing, known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. We visit Meiji Shrine, set within a vast forest at the heart of the city, and walk through Harajuku, the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Passing through the skyscraper district of Shinjuku, we stop for photographs around Tokyo Tower and its panoramic views before returning to the hotel in the evening. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel Wing International Shinjuku, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we head to Nikko, one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage cities, a journey of around two and a half hours. Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the Tokugawa shoguns and a masterpiece of gold-laden wooden architecture, is a UNESCO site. We see Kegon Waterfall, one of Japan's three great waterfalls, standing 97 metres high, and stop for photographs at Lake Chuzenji, one of the most beautiful views in Nikko. We return to Tokyo at the end of the day. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel Wing International Shinjuku, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we head towards Mount Fuji and the lakes around it. When the weather is clear, the summit can be seen from the lakeside. We take the Hakone cable car up to the mountain station and visit Owakudani Valley, known for its active sulphur vapours and volcanic landscape. On Lake Ashinoko, a crater lake reflecting Mount Fuji, we take a boat cruise. We settle into our hotel in Hakone in the late afternoon. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Yumoto Fujiya Hotel, 3-star or similar, Hakone.

After breakfast we set off for the Japanese Alps, a drive of around four hours. We visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in the country. Known as "Crow Castle" for its black colour, it is counted among Japan's national treasures. We walk through the traditional streets around the castle, with free time in the local shops. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel Iidaya, 3-star or similar, Matsumoto.

After breakfast we head to Kanazawa, a journey of around three hours. We walk through Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three great gardens, a classic Japanese garden famous for its seasonal changes. In the Nagamachi Samurai District we walk among houses dating to the Edo period. Kanazawa is known as Japan's gold leaf capital, and we take a look at local handicrafts and gold leaf products. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Trinity, 3-star or similar, Kanazawa.

After breakfast we head to Shirakawago, an enchanting village on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The village is known for its gassho-zukuri houses, with steep triangular roofs said to resemble hands folded in prayer. Famous worldwide for its winter photographs, it is also said to have inspired Studio Ghibli. We then continue to Takayama, known as "Little Kyoto" for its narrow streets, wooden houses and historic market district, which still carries the atmosphere of the Edo period. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Best Western Hotel Takayama, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we take a short walk through the streets of Takayama, past Edo-period buildings, sake producers and antique shops in the old town centre. We then continue on to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital, a drive of around four hours. We check into the hotel in the evening. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: The B Kyoto Sanjo, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we set out on a full-day tour of Kyoto's cultural heritage. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, is counted among Japan's most photogenic temples and is also a UNESCO site. After lunch we walk through Gion, a traditional Kyoto street known for its geisha culture. A traditional tea ceremony is arranged for those who wish to take part. Meals: Breakfast and lunch included. Accommodation: The B Kyoto Sanjo, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we head to Nara, Japan's first capital. Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the 15-metre bronze Buddha statue, the Daibutsu. In Nara Park we spend time among the freely roaming Nara deer, which are tame and can be fed. We stop for photographs in this city where nature and history meet, then return to Kyoto for some free time. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: The B Kyoto Sanjo, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we travel to Osaka, around an hour away. We visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous castles and a symbol of the samurai era. We then walk through Dotonbori, the city's liveliest district, known for its neon lights, animated signs and food stalls, and often seen as the face of modern Japan. Our guide introduces local specialities such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu along the way. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel MyStays Shinsaibashi, 3-star or similar, Osaka.

After breakfast we head to Himeji Castle in the morning, a journey of around an hour. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Japan's most magnificent castles, known as the "White Heron" for its white walls and architectural elegance. We then continue to Hiroshima, a drive of around three and a half hours, and check into the hotel. In the evening, those who wish can join a short walk into the city centre. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: APA Hotel Hiroshima Peace Park, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast a short ferry ride takes us to Miyajima, one of Japan's most sacred islands. Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its great red torii gate rising from the water, one of the most photographed sights in Japan. We have free time to explore the island and try traditional mochi sweets. We return to Hiroshima in the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: APA Hotel Hiroshima Peace Park, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we visit the key sites of Hiroshima. Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum give a powerful picture of the impact of the Second World War on Japan. In the afternoon we leave the hotel and travel on to Kyushu Island, a drive of around four and a half hours. We arrive in Nagasaki and check into the hotel. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel New Nagasaki, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast our city tour of Nagasaki begins. At Glover Garden we see the city's European influence, in its 19th-century Western-style houses and a striking view over the harbour. Dejima Island, a symbol of Nagasaki's harbour, is the artificial island where Dutch traders once lived, Japan's only gateway to the outside world during the Edo period. We walk on Holland Hill for panoramic views. The evening is free. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel New Nagasaki, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we leave Nagasaki, with a scenic bus journey of around two hours to Fukuoka, also known as Hakata. We take a domestic flight with Japan Airlines from Fukuoka (FUK) to Sapporo / Chitose (CTS), departing 14:25 and arriving 16:40, a flight of around two hours 15 minutes. We arrive in Sapporo, the northern capital known for its snow-covered hills, and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. In the evening, those who wish can take a short walk in the Susukino district. Flight details: Japan Airlines, Fukuoka 14:25, Sapporo 16:40, domestic. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we explore Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Odori Park, one of the city's largest open spaces, is the stage of the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. We see the Former Hokkaido Government Office, a striking red-brick building. The Susukino district is known for its lively nightlife, restaurants and izakaya, traditional Japanese bars. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we transfer to the airport. We take a domestic flight with Japan Airlines from Sapporo / Chitose (CTS) to Tokyo Haneda (HND), departing 19:15 and arriving 21:00. We transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free in Tokyo, for shopping or exploring a restaurant of your choice. Flight details: Japan Airlines, Sapporo 19:15, Tokyo Haneda 21:00, domestic. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we transfer to Narita Airport. Our international flight with Korean Air flies from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Busan (PUS), departing 12:45 and arriving 15:20. Entry into South Korea is made with pre-approved K-ETA and a passport stamp. We transfer to the hotel, and the evening is free. Flight details: Korean Air, Tokyo Narita 12:45, Busan 15:20, international. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Toyoko Inn Busan Station, 2 to 3-star or similar.

After breakfast our city tour of Busan begins. The Korea Memorial Cemetery, the UN Memorial Cemetery, honours the soldiers of the Turkish Brigade who lost their lives in the Korean War. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, known for its unique setting on the coast, is considered one of Korea's most beautiful seaside temples. We visit Jagalchi, South Korea's largest and liveliest seafood market, and spend time at Haeundae Beach, one of Korea's most popular beaches. We return to the hotel in the evening, with free time. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Toyoko Inn Busan Station, 2 to 3-star or similar.

After breakfast a drive of around an hour and a half takes us to Gyeongju, Korea's cultural treasure. Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most magnificent Buddhist temple of the Silla Kingdom. We walk among the ruins and burial mounds of the Silla Kingdom, the heart of ancient Korean history. In the afternoon we head to Seoul, a journey of around four hours, arriving in the late afternoon to check into the hotel. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong, 3-star or similar, Seoul.

After breakfast our full-day tour of Seoul's cultural and historic riches begins. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea's largest palace complex, we have the chance to see the traditional changing of the guard ceremony. We walk through Insadong Street, known for its traditional handicrafts and souvenir shops, and Ikseon-dong, a district of traditional Korean houses known as hanok. We have free time in Myeongdong, Seoul's shopping district and the centre of K-beauty and fashion. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast we visit the DMZ, the Demilitarized Zone that has divided the Korean peninsula since the Korean War. We see the 3rd Tunnel, a secret invasion tunnel dug by North Korea and discovered in 1978, reaching a depth of 73 metres. At the Dora Observatory, the closest observation point to the North Korean border, we can see North Korean villages through binoculars. We visit Dorasan Station, a train station built in hope of reunification but not yet in operation. In the afternoon we return to Seoul, with free time for personal activities and shopping. Along the way our guide tells the history of the battles the Turkish Brigade fought against Chinese forces at Kunu-ri, ground that today lies inside North Korea. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong, 3-star or similar.

After breakfast the day is free in Seoul. Guests who wish can rent a hanbok for photographs in Bukchon Hanok Village, take in the panoramic view from Namsan's N Seoul Tower, or try jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean bathhouse. Gangnam offers modern cafes and luxury boutiques, while Gwangjang and Namdaemun markets are good for a local shopping trip. Our guide can arrange additional activities on request. Meals: Breakfast included. Accommodation: Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong, 3-star or similar.

We leave the hotel at 06:30 in the morning and transfer with our luggage to Incheon Airport. Turkish Airlines flight TK 091 flies direct from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Istanbul (IST), departing 10:45 and arriving 16:55, a flight of around 12 hours 10 minutes. We land in Istanbul at 16:55. After passport formalities and collecting luggage, the tour comes to an end. This 26-day journey across two countries has carried us from the crowds of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the thousand-year-old temples of Kyoto, from Hiroshima's message of peace to the torii gate rising from the water at Miyajima, from the snowy streets of Sapporo to the Korea Memorial Cemetery in Busan and the DMZ border in Seoul. Thank you for travelling with us. Flight details: Turkish Airlines TK 091, Seoul Incheon 10:45, Istanbul 16:55 local time, direct.