1. Day / Istanbul – Seoul – Tokyo (Flight Time: 17:40 – Arrival: 17:20+1)

On the day of the tour, we meet with TOURISM officials at Istanbul Airport International Departure Terminal at 14:30. After our ticket and passport procedures, we start our journey to the capital of Japan, Tokyo, via a layover in Seoul with Asiana Airlines. Overnight is spent on the flight.

2. Day / Arrival in Tokyo

We arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport at 17:20 local time. After our passport and luggage procedures, we are transferred to the city center with our private vehicle. We check into our hotel and have free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo.

 Our hotel: Washington Hotel Shibuya 3* or similar

3. Day / Tokyo City Tour

After breakfast at our hotel, we start our city tour to get to know Japan's fascinating capital Tokyo more closely. Our first stop is the Meiji Shrine, one of the most visited religious sites in the country. Here, we learn about the Japanese Shinto belief and take a short walk along peaceful forest paths. Then, we take a photo break around Tokyo Tower and see the Japanese Parliament Building (National Diet Building) panoramically. For the end of the day, we have free time on the famous shopping and fashion street, Ginza Street. Guests can explore the boutiques and cafes here at their leisure.

Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo: Washington Hotel Shibuya 3* or similar.

4. Day / Hakone – Mount Fuji & Ashi Lake Tour (Includes Lunch)

We leave our hotel early in the morning to head to the Hakone region, which has become a symbol of Japan along with Mount Fuji. We approach the foothills of Mount Fuji and, if weather conditions permit, we ascend to the 5th Station. We take unforgettable photos with magnificent views. Afterwards, we have lunch prepared with local flavors from Japanese cuisine. We then move to the shores of Ashi Lake and join a traditional boat tour on this sacred lake. We get captivated by the charm of nature and Japanese aesthetics with the help of our guide's explanations. In the evening hours, we return to Tokyo.

 Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo: Washington Hotel Shibuya 3* or similar.

5. Day / Kamakura Tour – Great Buddha & Bamboo Gardens

This morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we head to the historic Kamakura region, located south of Tokyo. Kamakura, one of Japan’s ancient capitals, is famous for its traditional culture and nature-integrated atmosphere.

The first stop of our tour is the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the country. This impressive structure, located outdoors, offers visitors a peaceful return to the past. Then we proceed to Hokoku-ji Temple to explore the mesmerizing Bamboo Forest hidden behind it. This area, with its tranquility, nature, and mystical ambiance, seems to have sprung from a Japanese film.

We are served Japanese green tea at the traditional teahouse in the temple garden. Here, we experience the simple and peaceful atmosphere of the Japanese tea ceremony. At the end of our tour, we return to Tokyo and check into our hotel.

 Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo: Washington Hotel Shibuya 3* or similar.

6. Day / Tokyo – Osaka | “Shinkansen” High-Speed Train Journey & Half-Day Osaka City Tour

After breakfast, we check out from our hotel and transfer to Tokyo Station. At 10:00, we begin our journey to Osaka with Japan's world-famous high-speed train, Shinkansen. During this comfortable and impressive train journey, which lasts about 2.5 hours, we experience the pinnacle of Japanese technology at speeds exceeding 300 km/h.

Upon arrival in Osaka, we transfer to our hotel and, after a short rest, we start our half-day city tour. During the tour, we will see Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most significant castles, the Umeda Sky Building reflecting the city's modern face, and the famous Dotonbori district known for its colorful streets, neon lights, shopping, and dining options.

In the evening hours, we complete our tour and return to our hotel.

 Overnight at our hotel in Osaka: Sarasa Hotel Osaka 3* or similar.

7. Day / Full Day KYOTO & NARA Tour – Includes Lunch

After breakfast, we depart from our hotel at 07:30 to visit two significant cities reflecting Japan's traditional and historical aspect.

Our first stop is Kyoto. Here, we will visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and presents a breathtaking view with its gold leaf-covered structure. Then we will have our lunch consisting of traditional Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we proceed to Nara, one of Japan’s former capitals. Here, we will see the Todai-ji Temple, famous for its Great Buddha statue, and Nara Park, known for its freely roaming charming deer.

In the evening hours, we complete our tour and return to our hotel in Osaka.

 Overnight: Sarasa Hotel Osaka 3* or similar.

8. Day / Kobe Tour – Half-Day Trip

After breakfast, we depart from our hotel to head to Kobe, one of Japan’s significant port cities. Notable for its natural beauty, modern port, and historical texture, our first stop is the Earthquake Memorial Park built to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. Here we will learn about Japan's precautions against disasters.

The tour continues with a walk and photo break around Kobe Harbor. Then we explore the Chinatown (Nankinmachi) district, which reflects the city's cosmopolitan nature. In the last part of our tour, we visit the Hakutsuru Sake Museum, where we will learn how Japan’s traditional alcoholic drink, sake, is produced.

Around noon, we return to Osaka. The rest of the day can be spent as free time.

 Overnight: Sarasa Hotel Osaka 3* or similar.

9. Day / Osaka – Seoul Flight & Half-Day Seoul City Tour

Early in the morning, we depart from our hotel to the airport. With Asiana Airlines, we take off from Osaka Kansai Airport at 09:00 and arrive in the South Korean capital, Seoul, at 11:00 after a 2-hour journey.

Accompanied by our local guide, we start our panoramic Seoul city tour. Our first stop is the Namsangol Hanok Village. Here we explore the traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty. Then we go up to Namsan Tower, one of Seoul's iconic landmarks, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. We take a short break on the famous "Love Locks" walkway surrounding the tower.

In the last part of our tour, we visit the Gangnam district, which has gained worldwide fame for pop culture. After a photo break and a short shopping time, we transfer to our hotel.

 Overnight: Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel 4* or similar.

10. Day / Seoul – Korean Historical and Cultural Heritage Tour

After breakfast at our hotel, we start our full-day culture tour with our guide. Our first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Korea's largest and most magnificent palaces.

Constructed in the 14th century, we watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and take a brief journey into the history of the Joseon Dynasty.

After the palace, we move to Bukchon Hanok Village, one of Korea’s traditional neighborhoods. Here, we walk among the historical Hanok houses and have the opportunity to closely observe traditional Korean architecture.

After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the National Museum of Korea, where we can learn about many aspects of Korean culture. In the last part of the day, we have free time at Gwangjang Market, known for its colorful streets, local delicacies, and traditional texture.

 Overnight: Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel 4* or similar.

11. Day / Seoul – North & South Korea Border Zone Tour

After breakfast, we head towards one of the most critical points in Korean history, the North-South Korea border, i.e., the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). With our guide, we will explore important visit points such as Imjingak Peace Park, Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Tunnel, and Dora Observatory.

In this area, which still bears the traces of the Korean War (1950-1953), we will have the opportunity to commemorate Turkey's heroism during the war when it participated under the United Nations Forces.

During the tour, we will have lunch with a menu consisting of local delicacies at a local restaurant. After the tour, we return to Seoul and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free time.

 IMPORTANT NOTE: It is mandatory to carry a passport for entry into the DMZ area. Security procedures must be followed at military checkpoints.

 Overnight: Ramada Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel 4* or similar.

12. DAY / SEOUL – ISTANBUL | Return Journey and Arrival

After breakfast at our hotel, we leave the hotel at the time determined by our guide for our transfer to the airport. With Asiana Airlines' scheduled flight, we will perform our direct return flight from Seoul Incheon Airport at 09:35 to Istanbul. After approximately a 12-hour journey, we arrive at Istanbul Airport on the same day at 15:40.

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