Comfort Japan & Korea Tour with Turkish Airlines, 9 Nights Including Extra Excursions!! - HND-ICN - March 15

ISTANBUL - TOKYO

We meet you, our valued guests, at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight departure time (1 calendar day before the departure flight date). After completing our baggage drop-off and passport procedures, we depart for Tokyo on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight. Our journey to Tokyo will continue throughout the night, and overnight accommodation will be on the plane. Upon 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 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 with every change of the lights offers a unique experience for feeling the energy of Tokyo. 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 have for shopping, we head to the Ginza district, which reflects the elegance and sophisticated lifestyle of modern Japan. After our visit to Ginza, home to world-famous brands and Tokyo’s most prestigious shopping centers and restaurants, we will have free time for dinner. At the end of our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

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

After breakfast, we set off on Honshu Island to visit Mount Fuji, located southwest of Tokyo and one of the city's landmarks, as well as Japan's highest mountain. First, we travel to Hakone, located in the Kanagawa region, 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 break, we continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, a region where melting snow combines with underground waters to form natural pools. The waters are naturally filtered as they pass through volcanic rocks, making the pools crystal clear. These pools, each of different size and depth, offer stunning reflections of Mount Fuji in their waters. After our guided tour, we set off for Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of Japan's largest outlet shopping centers. Following 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. This historic structure, considered Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, was reportedly built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon, after two fisherman brothers discovered her statue. Completed in 645 AD, 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 regional 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. Notable for its wide boulevards, modern architecture, luxury stores, art galleries and elegant cafés, this area offers the opportunity to discover Tokyo's refined side. Following our tour accompanied by our guide's explanations, we have free time to shop, explore the area as you wish and take a break for a meal. 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 take the Shinkansen (high-speed train) to Kyoto. We begin with our private bus waiting for us. With our private vehicle, we set off for Kyoto, Japan’s former capital 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 is 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 is a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered with gold leaf and 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. The temple, one of the historical monuments of ancient Tokyo, has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Otowa Waterfall is located directly below the main hall, and its waters flow into a pond through three channels. According to belief, these channels symbolize knowledge, health and longevity, respectively. We then proceed to Fushimi Inari, another important temple in the city. After our visit to the temple, one of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines, particularly known for its thousands of orange Torii gates, we proceed to Fushimi Inari Taisha Temple, our final stop, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After 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 becoming the head of all Buddhist temples. As its influence grew over time, the temple also began to affect politics in the 8th century. The main hall of Todaiji has also made its mark 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 deer roaming freely. 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. Built 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 expansive park grounds, offers visitors an impressive historical atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we proceed to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest and most iconic areas. In this district, 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 reputation as a “gastronomic hub” up close. We then proceed to the Shinsaibashi area, Osaka’s most popular shopping and entertainment district. Guests are given 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 – KOBE  - OSAKA

After breakfast, we set off for Kobe. During our city tour in Kobe, whose name means "Gate of God," we first visit Ikuta Shrine, one of the city's oldest and most important Shinto shrines. During our tour, Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park, and Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi) are among the main highlights we will see panoramically. After our visits, we return to Osaka and have free time in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, two of the city's liveliest districts, to shop, explore the surroundings, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the area. We meet at the designated time and proceed to our hotel. Free time to relax for the rest of the day.

OSAKA – SEOUL

After breakfast, transfer to Osaka airport. We take our flight to Seoul with local airlines. Upon 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 blend together. Afterwards, we depart for our Seoul city tour. Our first stop will be Gangnam Square. The area, which gained worldwide fame with PSY’s globally renowned song “Gangnam Style,” is now prominent for its luxurious lifestyle, shopping and business centers. During our tour, Cheongdam Fashion Street, Gangnam Station, Bongeunsa Temple and the Starfield Library will be among the places seen 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 will have free time for dinner. Guests who wish may sample the finest flavors of 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 at the hotel, overnight stay at our hotel.

SEOUL - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel. We then depart for our tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong Antique Street & the National Folk Museum of Korea & Bukchon Hanok Village. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most magnificent structures of the Joseon Dynasty. Also known as the Northern Palace, this impressive structure is among the most important examples of traditional Korean architecture, and we experience its historic atmosphere firsthand during our visit to the palace courtyard. We then 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 way of life 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 our arrival in Istanbul according to local time, our tour comes to an end. We hope to see you again on another tour.