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

ISTANBUL - TOKYO

We meet with you, our valued guests, at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport approximately 3 hours before the flight time (1 calendar day before the departure flight date). Following the completion of our baggage drop-off and passport procedures, we depart for Tokyo on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night, and overnight accommodation will be on the plane. Upon our arrival in Tokyo, we complete our passport and baggage procedures, meet our private vehicle waiting for us, and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

TOKYO

After breakfast, we begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Shibuya, known as the 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 with every light change offers a unique experience for feeling the energy of Tokyo. We will see the Hachiko statue, erected in memory of a dog known for its loyalty and 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 have for shopping, we continue to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After our tour of Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo’s most exclusive shopping centers and restaurants, we will have free time for dinner. Following the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

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

Following breakfast, we set off on Honshu Island to visit Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo and one of the city’s symbols, as well as Japan’s highest mountain. First, we head to Hakone, located in the Kanagawa region, which is famous for its views of Mount Fuji and its natural beauty. Here, together with our guests, we take a boat tour on Lake Ashi to enjoy this magnificent scenery. After a 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 varying in size and depth, offer magnificent reflections of Mount Fuji in their waters. Following our tour accompanied by our guide, we set off for Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of Japan’s largest outlet shopping centers. After the designated free time, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

TOKYO – ASAKUSA SENSO-JI TEMPLE – NAKAMISE - GINZA  – TOKYO

Following breakfast, we begin our city tour, during which 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. Considered Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, this historic structure was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon, according to legend, after two fisherman brothers found her statue. Completed in AD 645, the temple welcomes visitors with the magnificent Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). After passing through the gate, we take a pleasant walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches approximately 200 meters toward the temple. On this historic street, which carries 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 experience 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 sophisticated side. Following our tour accompanied by our guide's commentary, we have free time to go shopping, explore the area as you wish, and take a meal break. At the end of the free time, we meet at the designated point and proceed to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

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

After breakfast, we travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train). We begin with our private bus waiting for us. With our private vehicle, we set off toward Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and one of the best-preserved centers of its traditional culture, famous for its temples, gardens, and traditional neighborhoods. Following our approximately 1-hour journey, we begin our city tour. Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed during World War II. The city of Kyoto is included on the UNESCO World Cultural 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 photographs 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 with gold leaf, is also known as the Golden Pavilion. Each floor of the impressive structure overlooking a large pond represents a different architectural style. We then depart for Kiyomizu-dera.  Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto. The temple, one of the historical monuments of ancient Tokyo, has been included on the World Heritage List by UNESCO. The Otowa waterfall is located directly beneath 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 especially known for its thousands of orange torii gates, we proceed to our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Following our temple visit, accompanied by a beautiful view of Kyoto, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

KYOTO  – TODAIJI TEMPLE - NARA DEER PARK – OSAKA

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 making it 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 world's largest wooden structure. The immense building is home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). We then visit Nara Park, a large park in the center of Nara. Established in 1880, it is home to many of Nara's major 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.

OSAKA - OSAKA CASTLE - DOTONBORI - SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA

After breakfast, we depart by our private bus 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 offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere together with its extensive park grounds. 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 renowned “gastronomic center” up close. We then proceed to the Shinsaibashi district, Osaka’s most popular shopping and lifestyle area. Guests will have free time in this area, filled with long shopping arcades, international brands, and local boutiques. Following our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

OSAKA - SEOUL

After breakfast, transfer to Osaka airport. We fly to Seoul with a local airline. Upon our arrival in Seoul, we complete our passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us. Welcome to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and one of its fascinating cities where modern life and traditional culture intertwine. We then depart for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. Having gained global fame with PSY’s world-famous song “Gangnam Style,” the area stands out today with its luxury lifestyle, shopping, and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple, and Starfield Library will be among the places viewed panoramically. Afterwards, we head to Myeongdong, one of the liveliest and most popular areas of the city. In this area, famous for its cosmetics stores, fashion boutiques, delicious street food, and restaurants, we have free time for dinner. Our guests may wish to sample exquisite Korean cuisine, go shopping, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong. After the free time, we meet at the designated time and transfer to our hotel. Following check-in, overnight at our hotel.

SEOUL - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel. We then depart for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong Antique Street & the National Folk Museum of Korea & Bukchon Hanok Village. Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is one of the most magnificent structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, this splendid structure is among the most important examples of traditional Korean architecture, and we experience its historical atmosphere firsthand during our visit to the palace courtyard. Afterwards, we visit the National Folk Museum of Korea, which reflects the lifestyle and historical development of the Korean people. Continuing our tour, we head to Bukchon Hanok Village, famous for its traditional Korean houses known as Hanok. In this historic area, home to approximately 700 Hanok houses, we walk through the narrow streets and observe the traditional lifestyle up close. Afterwards, we proceed to Myeongdong Street, one of Seoul’s liveliest shopping areas. We enjoy free time in this district, famous for its cosmetics stores, shops, and street food. After our tour, we transfer to the airport at the time designated by our guide, and following the baggage and ticket procedures, our flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines begins. Upon arrival in Istanbul at local time, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on another tour.