Japan Adventure Tour with Turkish Airlines, 6 Nights NRT–KIX

ISTANBUL – TOKYO – SHIBUYA – TOKYO

We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After completing baggage, ticketing, and boarding procedures, we depart for Tokyo at 15:25 on Turkish Airlines flight TK50. We spend the night on the plane.

TOKYO – SHIBUYA – TOKYO

Upon our arrival in Tokyo at 08:45 local time, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we begin our Tokyo City Tour with our private vehicle waiting for us. 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 all at once with every change of the lights offers a unique experience to feel 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 malls, and enjoy our free time. In addition, Ueno Park and Tokyo Tower are among the places we will see panoramically during our tour. At the end of the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest.

TOKYO SENSOJI – YODOBASHI ELECTRIC TOWN AKIHABARA– GINZA – TOKYO

Free time after breakfast. Guests who wish may join the Extra Tokyo & Sensoji & Akihabara & Ginza Tour (€150). First, we visit Sensoji Temple, built in 645 and the oldest temple in Tokyo, which has been regarded as one of Tokyo’s most important religious centers since the Edo period. After our visit here, we proceed to Yodobashi Electric Town, where we can find hundreds of electronic brands together at affordable prices. Following the time we will set aside for shopping, we continue to Ginza, a district that can be described as reflecting the sophisticated side and elegance of modern Japan. We will have free time for dinner after our visit to this area, filled with world-famous brands, Tokyo’s largest shopping centers, and finest restaurants. At the time indicated by our guide, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest.

TOKYO – MOUNT FUJI – HAKONE BOAT RIDE – OSHINO HAKKAI – GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLET – TOKYO

Free time after breakfast. Guests who wish may join the Extra Mount Fuji & Hakone & Oshino Hakkai Tour (€200). We set off for Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island, southwest of Tokyo, one of the symbols of the city and the highest mountain in Japan. First, we head to Hakone, located in the Kanagawa region, famous for its views of Mount Fuji and its natural beauty. We take a boat ride on Lake Ashinoko accompanied by a unique view of Mount Fuji, then board the cable cars from the point where we arrive and climb to the viewing summit of Mototsumiya Shrine. After our photo stop, we continue by bus to Oshino Hakkai, a region where melted snow combines with underground waters to form natural pools. The waters, naturally filtered through volcanic rocks, create pools of crystal clarity. In these pools, each of which is different in size and depth, you can capture a magnificent reflection of Mount Fuji in the reflections on the water. After our tour accompanied by our guide, we set off for Gotemba Premium Outlet Shopping Center, one of the largest outlet shopping centers in Japan. Transfer to our hotel at the time specified by our guide, followed by free time to rest.

TOKYO – (SHINKANSEN) – DOTONBORI – OSAKA 

After breakfast, we depart from our hotel at the time determined by our guide and head to the train station for our Shinkansen (bullet train) journey to Osaka. We take only the items we need for the day with us. (Our large suitcases will be transferred separately to our Osaka hotel by the transfer company arranged by our company.) We arrive in Osaka after approximately 2.5 hours of travel on the bullet train, which can reach speeds of approximately 320 km per hour. We take a city tour of Osaka, Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. During our tour, the Umeda Sky Building, consisting of two structures 173 meters long, is among the sights to be seen. The Umeda Sky Building consists of two 173-meter-high, 40-story towers. These towers are connected at the top by an “observatory platform.” During our tour, we will go up to the observatory on the 39th floor and enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka. After the Umeda Sky Building, we head to the Dotonbori area, which became famous for its theater stages and performing arts during the Edo Period and has today become a lively and entertaining tourist attraction blending traditional Japanese culture with modern entertainment. Osaka is known as Japan’s culinary capital, and the Dotonbori area is full of restaurants that confirm this title. After enjoying the time allocated to the area, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

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

Following breakfast, guests who wish may join the full-day Extra Kyoto & Bamboo Forest & Kinkakuji Temple & Kiyomizu Dera & Fushimi Inari Tour (200€).. With our private vehicle, we set off for Kyoto, the former 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 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. The bamboo forest welcomes visitors with a 500-meter walking trail. During this walk along the trail, you will enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by the sound of the wind moving 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 in 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 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 beneath the main hall, and its waters flow into a pond through three channels. According to belief, these channels symbolize knowledge, health, and long life, 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 our final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha Temple, 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. 

OSAKA – NARA – TEA CEREMONY –  OSAKA

Following breakfast, guests who wish may join the Osaka Castle & Nara and Tea Ceremony Tour (200€). 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 earned a place in the record books as the largest wooden structure in the world. The colossal building houses 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 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 having the chance to take photos with the deer wandering around, we participate in a traditional Tea Ceremony. After experiencing the preparation of traditional Japanese tea firsthand, sipping our tea, and enjoying the pleasant time allocated to the area, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest. 

OSAKA – OSAKA CASTLE – OUTLET – ISTANBUL 

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel. Osaka Castle, a five-story castle dating back approximately 450 years, is not only one of the country’s most visually magnificent creations, but also a beautiful testament to traditional Japanese architecture, from its subtle balance of colors to the elegant patterns and shapes adorning each floor. Following Osaka Castle, we enter the large outlet mall and complete our final shopping. Transfer to the airport at the time advised by our guide. After passport and baggage procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 22:30 on Turkish Airlines flight TK87. Our tour ends with our arrival at 05:20 the following day, local time.

 We hope to see you on another journey