Comfort Japan & Korea Tour with Qatar Airways, 8 Nights Including Extra Excursions (ICN-HND)

ISTANBUL – DOHA - SEOUL

We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. Following the baggage, ticketing and boarding procedures, our flight to Doha begins with Qatar Airways scheduled service, and we arrive in Doha at local time. After a short wait here, we fly to Seoul with a Qatar Airways scheduled flight. We spend the night on the plane.

SEOUL

Upon arrival at Seoul Airport and after completing the baggage procedures, we proceed to our hotel and have free time to rest.

SEOUL – BUCKHON VILLAGE - MYEONGDONG - GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE -  INSADONG ANTIQUE STREET

We begin our tour after breakfast. During our tour, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Myeongdong Street are among the places we will see panoramically. Our first stop, Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is generally referred to as the Northern Palace because it is located farther north compared to the neighboring palaces, Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace). Afterwards, we will visit Bukchon Hanok Village, whose name means Northern Village. Hanok are Korea’s traditional residences, and there are approximately 700 Hanok in this village. Afterwards, we proceed to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s liveliest shopping areas. We enjoy free time in this area, which is famous for its cosmetics stores, shops, and street food. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

SEOUL – OSAKA CASTLE - DOTONBORI - SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and transfer to Seoul Airport. We fly to Osaka with a local airline. Upon arrival, after completing our passport and baggage procedures, we depart in our private bus waiting for us for the Osaka City Tour & Osaka Castle & Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, this magnificent structure is one of the most important symbols of Japan’s unification period and, together with its extensive park grounds, offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we proceed to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic districts. In this area, which reflects the spirit of the city with its colorful neon lights, bustling streets and famous restaurants, we enjoy a pleasant exploration and have the opportunity to get to know Osaka’s identity as a “gastronomic center” up close. We then continue to the Shinsaibashi district, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle area. We give our guests free time in this area filled with long shopping arcades, international brands and local boutiques. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA  – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – KYOTO

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and depart for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed with the aim of becoming the head of all Buddhist temples. As its influence grew over time, the temple also began to influence politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has also earned a place in the record books as the largest wooden structure in the world. The enormous building is home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Afterwards, we visit Nara Park, a large park in the center of Nara. Established in 1880, it is home to many 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.

KYOTO - ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST - KINKAKUJI TEMPLE – KIYOMIZU DERA – FUSHIMI INARI  - KYOTO 

Following breakfast, we depart by private vehicle for Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and one of the best-preserved centers of its traditional culture, renowned for its temples, gardens, and traditional neighborhoods. After a journey of approximately 1 hour, we begin our city tour. Kyoto is the only place in Japan that was not bombed during World War II. The city of Kyoto is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We begin our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It welcomes visitors to the bamboo forest with a 500-meter walking trail. During this walk along the trail, you will enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo and will be able to take photos of the forest. We then continue with our tour of Kinkakuji Temple. Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. Each floor of this impressive structure overlooking a large pond represents a different architectural style. We then head to Kiyomizu-dera.  Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto. One of the historical monuments of ancient Tokyo, the temple has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Otowa Waterfall is located just below the main hall, and its waters flow into a pond through three channels. According to belief, these channels respectively symbolize knowledge, health, and longevity. We then proceed to Fushimi Inari, another important temple in the city. After our visit to the temple, which is one of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines and is particularly known for its thousands of orange torii gates, we proceed to our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Following our visit to the shrine, accompanied by a beautiful view of Kyoto, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

KYOTO - MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE – LAKE ASHI – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA OUTLET – TOKYO

After breakfast, we depart by Shinkansen (high-speed train) to Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island, southwest of Tokyo, and one of the city’s symbols as well as Japan’s highest mountain. First, we proceed to Hakone, located in the Kanagawa region and famous for its views of Mount Fuji and its natural beauty. Here, we will take a boat tour on Lake Ashi with our guests to enjoy this magnificent scenery. Following our photo stop, we continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, a region where melting snow combines with underground waters to form natural pools. The waters, naturally filtered as they pass through volcanic rocks, make the pools crystal clear. These pools, each of different size and depth, are formed by these waters, and you can capture a magnificent reflection of Mount Fuji in their reflections. After our tour accompanied by our guide, we set off for Gotemba Premium Outlet Shopping Center, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. Following the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

Transportation between Kyoto and Tokyo will be provided by high-speed train for time savings and comfort. For this day, it is sufficient for our guests to bring only hand luggage containing their needs for one night. Large suitcases will be collected from the hotel and delivered directly to the accommodation hotel in Kyoto.

TOKYO – SHIBUYA – SHINJUKU - AKIHABARA – YODOBASHI ELECTRIC TOWN - GINZA

After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour in our private vehicle. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as a center 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 at once every time the lights change offers a unique experience for feeling Tokyo’s energy. We will see the Hachiko statue, built in memory of a dog known for its loyalty and also a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, as well as many famous shopping centers, and enjoy our free time. Our next stop will be Yodobashi Electric Town, located in Akihabara, where you can find hundreds of electronics brands together at affordable prices. After the free time we will provide for shopping, we proceed to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. Following our visit to Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo’s most prestigious shopping centers and restaurants, we will have free time for lunch. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

TOKYO – ASAKUSA SENSO-JI TEMPLE – NAKAMISE - GINZA  

After breakfast, we begin our city tour, where we will discover Tokyo's past and modern life together. Our first stop will be Senso-ji Temple, one of the city's landmarks, located in the Asakusa district. Regarded as Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was reportedly built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon, after two fisherman brothers found her statue. Completed in 645 AD, the temple welcomes visitors with the magnificent Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). After passing through the gate, we enjoy a pleasant walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches approximately 200 meters toward the temple. On this historic street, which brings the traditional Japanese atmosphere into the present day, you can browse handmade souvenirs, kimonos, folding fans, and a variety of local products, while guests who wish may sample Asakusa's famous street foods and traditional Japanese flavors. We visit Senso-ji Temple by passing through the Hozomon Gate at the end of the street. Continuing our city tour, we proceed to Ginza, one of Tokyo's most popular and prestigious districts. With its wide boulevards, modern architecture, luxury shops, art galleries, and elegant cafés, this area offers the opportunity to discover Tokyo's refined side. After our guided tour, we have free time for shopping, exploring the area at your leisure, and taking a meal break. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

TOKYO  - DOHA - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel. Then, we have free time. At the time determined by our guide, we transfer to the airport and, after completing the baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Doha with Qatar Airways. Following our connection in Doha, our flight to Istanbul begins.

ISTANBUL 

Upon our arrival in Istanbul, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on another trip..