Japan & South Korea Tour During November Midterm Break & Koyo Season 7N/8D

Day 1: TOKYO

We meet at our agency counter at Istanbul Airport. After check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Tokyo (Haneda Airport) on Turkish Airlines flight TK0198 at 02:15. After an approximately 11-hour flight, we arrive in Tokyo at 18:20 local time. Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport, our private vehicle and guide transfer us to our hotel. After completing check-in and having our dinner as a Dinner Box, we stay overnight at the hotel. (5* Grand Nikko)

Day 2: TOKYO

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is the Meiji Shrine, built in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, founders of modern Japan. This Shinto shrine, considered a peaceful sanctuary by locals away from modernization, may offer a chance to witness religious rituals and Shinto weddings. Next, we visit the famous Hachiko Statue in Tokyo’s busiest area. We experience the Shibuya Crossing, used by millions daily. Our tour continues with Tokyo Tower, 333 meters high, modeled after the Eiffel Tower and 3 meters taller, symbolizing Japan’s rebirth after the war, painted in Japan’s national color. We then visit Asakusa/Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Shinto temple (est. 645), famous for its massive lanterns. Passing through Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), we stroll along Nakamise Street with over 70 shops to buy gifts and try local street food. We conclude at Senso-ji Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, and continue to Ginza, Japan’s luxury shopping district and one of the world’s most famous streets. After shopping, we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (5* Grand Nikko)

Day 3: TOKYO

After breakfast, we start our tour to see Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, and taste its water. We visit Oshino Hakkai Village, a picturesque village with mountain views, where we drink Fuji’s water and try local delicacies. After viewing the Aokigahara “Suicide Forest” at the base of Fuji, we head to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes surrounding the mountain, offering the clearest view of Mount Fuji. We take a boat tour on the lake to fully admire Fuji from the front and understand why Japanese call it the “Great Mountain.” Next, we visit Chureito Pagoda, part of Sengen Shrine, built 400 steps uphill as a peace monument. Climbing the five-story pagoda, each step offers more stunning views of Mount Fuji. After capturing photos, we conclude our Mount Fuji tour and return to Tokyo for dinner and overnight stay. (5* Grand Nikko)

Day 4: TOKYO – OSAKA

After breakfast and check-out, we travel to Osaka via the Shinkansen high-speed train. We begin our tour with Osaka Castle, once the largest castle of its time, featuring artworks depicting civil wars. Each floor contains informative materials about Japanese martial arts. Next, we visit Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, featuring traditional Japanese architecture and a five-story pagoda. We continue to Kuromon Market, the center of traditional Japanese cuisine in Osaka, famous for seafood. Here, we can taste freshly prepared snacks and explore shops selling Japanese kitchenware. We then visit Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s famous tourist district and food & shopping hub, offering a variety of street foods and renowned brands. After exploring, we return to our hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay. (4* Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower)

Day 5: OSAKA – KYOTO

After breakfast, we continue to the ancient city of Nara. First, we visit Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure. Then we see the sacred deer in Nara Park, friendly creatures that can be fed with crackers sold nearby. We then continue to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial city. Our first stop is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a serene natural spot showcasing Japanese culture and aesthetics. Next, we visit Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple with its upper floors covered in gold leaf and a beautifully designed pond garden, part of UNESCO World Heritage. Walking within the temple grounds, we reach Sekkatei Teahouse, dating back to the Edo period. Our last stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for over a thousand Torii gates and fox statues representing the deity Inari, featured in the Hollywood film Memoirs of a Geisha. After the tour, we return to Osaka for dinner and overnight stay. (4* Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower)

Day 6: OSAKA – KUSHIMOTO

After breakfast, we travel to Kushimoto, the southernmost point of Japan’s main island. The region is known for its rich marine life and coral reefs, ideal for diving and snorkeling. We visit the Ertuğrul Frigate Memorial and Museum, commemorating the 550 Ottoman sailors who perished in a storm in 1890, marking the beginning of Turkish-Japanese friendship. After our visit, we return to Osaka for dinner and overnight stay. (4* Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower)

Day 7: OSAKA – SEOUL

We depart early from the hotel to Osaka Airport. After check-in and baggage procedures, we fly to Seoul on Korean Air flight KE722 at 09:15, arriving at 11:05. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. After settling in, we visit Seoul Central Mosque, opened in 1976, for Friday prayers. Returning to the hotel, we meet our group and begin a Seoul city tour. Our first stop is Namsangol Hanok Village, covering 7,934 m², featuring traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty. Next, we ascend Namsan Tower (262 meters) for panoramic city views. Our final stop is Gangnam, Seoul’s lively district, where participants can shop or relax in cafes. After free time, we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (4* Seoul Garden Hotel)

Day 8: SEOUL – ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), created after the Korean War. We explore the area where UN forces are still active, visit Imjingak Peace Bridge, and the Korean War Memorial. Our local guide provides detailed information about the border and war. Strict security measures are in place. After the tour, we return to central Seoul for free time before our flight at 22:05. We fly back to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK91, arriving at 05:40, marking the end of our tour.

Day 2: TOKYO

After breakfast at the hotel, we start our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is the Meiji Shrine, built in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, founders of modern Japan. This Shinto shrine, considered a peaceful sanctuary by locals away from modernization, may offer a chance to witness religious rituals and Shinto weddings. Next, we visit the famous Hachiko Statue in Tokyo’s busiest area. We experience the Shibuya Crossing, used by millions daily. Our tour continues with Tokyo Tower, 333 meters high, modeled after the Eiffel Tower and 3 meters taller, symbolizing Japan’s rebirth after the war, painted in Japan’s national color. We then visit Asakusa/Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Shinto temple (est. 645), famous for its massive lanterns. Passing through Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), we stroll along Nakamise Street with over 70 shops to buy gifts and try local street food. We conclude at Senso-ji Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, and continue to Ginza, Japan’s luxury shopping district and one of the world’s most famous streets. After shopping, we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (5* Grand Nikko)

Day 3: TOKYO

After breakfast, we start our tour to see Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, and taste its water. We visit Oshino Hakkai Village, a picturesque village with mountain views, where we drink Fuji’s water and try local delicacies. After viewing the Aokigahara “Suicide Forest” at the base of Fuji, we head to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes surrounding the mountain, offering the clearest view of Mount Fuji. We take a boat tour on the lake to fully admire Fuji from the front and understand why Japanese call it the “Great Mountain.” Next, we visit Chureito Pagoda, part of Sengen Shrine, built 400 steps uphill as a peace monument. Climbing the five-story pagoda, each step offers more stunning views of Mount Fuji. After capturing photos, we conclude our Mount Fuji tour and return to Tokyo for dinner and overnight stay. (5* Grand Nikko)

Day 4: TOKYO – OSAKA

After breakfast and check-out, we travel to Osaka via the Shinkansen high-speed train. We begin our tour with Osaka Castle, once the largest castle of its time, featuring artworks depicting civil wars. Each floor contains informative materials about Japanese martial arts. Next, we visit Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, featuring traditional Japanese architecture and a five-story pagoda. We continue to Kuromon Market, the center of traditional Japanese cuisine in Osaka, famous for seafood. Here, we can taste freshly prepared snacks and explore shops selling Japanese kitchenware. We then visit Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s famous tourist district and food & shopping hub, offering a variety of street foods and renowned brands. After exploring, we return to our hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay. (4* Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower)

Day 5: OSAKA – KYOTO

After breakfast, we continue to the ancient city of Nara. First, we visit Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure. Then we see the sacred deer in Nara Park, friendly creatures that can be fed with crackers sold nearby. We then continue to Kyoto, Japan’s imperial city. Our first stop is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a serene natural spot showcasing Japanese culture and aesthetics. Next, we visit Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple with its upper floors covered in gold leaf and a beautifully designed pond garden, part of UNESCO World Heritage. Walking within the temple grounds, we reach Sekkatei Teahouse, dating back to the Edo period. Our last stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for over a thousand Torii gates and fox statues representing the deity Inari, featured in the Hollywood film Memoirs of a Geisha. After the tour, we return to Osaka for dinner and overnight stay. (4* Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower)

Day 6: OSAKA – KUSHIMOTO

After breakfast, we travel to Kushimoto, the southernmost point of Japan’s main island. The region is known for its rich marine life and coral reefs, ideal for diving and snorkeling. We visit the Ertuğrul Frigate Memorial and Museum, commemorating the 550 Ottoman sailors who perished in a storm in 1890, marking the beginning of Turkish-Japanese friendship. After our visit, we return to Osaka for dinner and overnight stay. (4* Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower)

Day 7: OSAKA – SEOUL

We depart early from the hotel to Osaka Airport. After check-in and baggage procedures, we fly to Seoul on Korean Air flight KE722 at 09:15, arriving at 11:05. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. After settling in, we visit Seoul Central Mosque, opened in 1976, for Friday prayers. Returning to the hotel, we meet our group and begin a Seoul city tour. Our first stop is Namsangol Hanok Village, covering 7,934 m², featuring traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty. Next, we ascend Namsan Tower (262 meters) for panoramic city views. Our final stop is Gangnam, Seoul’s lively district, where participants can shop or relax in cafes. After free time, we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (4* Seoul Garden Hotel)

Day 8: SEOUL – ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), created after the Korean War. We explore the area where UN forces are still active, visit Imjingak Peace Bridge, and the Korean War Memorial. Our local guide provides detailed information about the border and war. Strict security measures are in place. After the tour, we return to central Seoul for free time before our flight at 22:05. We fly back to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK91, arriving at 05:40, marking the end of our tour.