LAND OF THE RISING SUN: "JAPAN"
TOKYO (3 NIGHTS) - KYOTO (2 NIGHTS) - NARA – OSAKA (2 NIGHTS)
ALL CITY TOURS, TEAM LABS DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, KIMONO RENTAL, TEA CEREMONY
AND ENTRANCE FEES INCLUDED
TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON THE WORLD'S FIRST HIGH-SPEED TRAIN, SHINKANSEN
Meeting at 12:50 in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport's international departures terminal. After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Tokyo on Turkish Airlines flight TK050 at 15:50. We will spend the night on the plane.
Arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport at 08:55 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, we head to central Tokyo with our vehicle. Our first stop is the Harajuku district, the heart of youth culture and street fashion, and the famous Takeshita Street. Known for its colorful boutiques, concept cafes, and energetic atmosphere, this street reflects Tokyo's modern and dynamic side. After free time for lunch, we visit Meiji Shrine, offering a peaceful pause in the heart of Tokyo. Dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, this Shinto shrine is one of the city's most sacred sites, renowned for its vast forested area and mystical atmosphere. Next, we proceed to Shibuya Crossing (Shibuya Scramble Crossing), one of the first images that come to mind when Tokyo is mentioned. After taking photos at one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, we see the Hachiko Statue, famous for its loyalty. Later in the day, we visit Shinjuku Kabukicho, an area renowned for entertainment, restaurants, and neon lights. In Kabukicho, one of Tokyo's most vibrant and colorful districts, we take a short walk to experience the area's atmosphere. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in the evening. Following check-in, you have free time. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo.
After breakfast at our hotel, we continue to the Tokyo Tour. Our first stop will be Asakusa Temple, also known as Senso-Ji Temple, one of Tokyo's oldest and most colorful temples and a Buddhist temple. Also known as Santa-jama (Temple of the Three Gods), this temple attracts significant interest from both tourists and locals. Built in 1649, the temple is among the rare structures that managed to survive despite bombings in the final years of World War II. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to visit Nakamise shopping street, famous for its traditional shops and souvenir stalls surrounding the temple. Then, we move on to Akihabara, renowned for its electronics stores, anime culture, and pop culture shops. Here, we will experience the vibrant atmosphere of the area. After the free time given for lunch, we will see the Imperial Palace, which surrounds the residence of Japan's Imperial family, and Nijubashi Bridge, known as a photo spot. Later in the day, we will enjoy an impressive art journey at TeamLab Planets Digital Art Museum, where digital art experiences showcase a unique harmony of light, water, and sound. After the program, we return to our hotel in the evening with free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After breakfast at our hotel, we head towards the Kisarazu area, approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo by car. Upon arrival, we proceed to Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, one of Japan's largest outlet centers. Here, we have free time for shopping in stores offering a wide range of products from global brands. After free time for lunch, we return to Tokyo and move to Ginza, one of the city's most exclusive shopping districts. In Ginza, known for its luxury stores, stylish streets, and modern atmosphere, we will have free time for shopping and exploration. Following the program, we return to our hotel in the evening with free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After having breakfast at our hotel, we will complete our check-out procedures and begin our tour with Mount Fuji, located approximately 2.5 hours away by private vehicle. In 2013, Mount Fuji was awarded a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List; it is Japan’s highest mountain and is regarded as the country’s sacred symbol. Although often perceived as a single mountain, Mount Fuji actually consists of three separate volcanoes. Situated on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, Mount Fuji is only 100 kilometers from Tokyo and can be seen even from high-rise buildings in Tokyo on clear days. After reaching the Fifth Station (note: access to the Fifth Station may vary depending on weather conditions), we will depart for Hakone town. Following a short break for lunch, we will proceed to Lake Ashi. Afterward, we will enjoy a pleasant 30-minute boat ride on a wooden pirate ship across the lake before transferring to Odawara Station. From there, we will board the Shinkansen, the world’s first high-speed train, for an approximately 2.5-hour journey to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel, complete check-in procedures, and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto.
Note: When departing from the hotel this morning, please bring only a small overnight bag. Our large suitcases left at the hotel will be transferred ahead to our Kyoto hotel and will reach us the following day.
After breakfast at our hotel, we will depart and visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In this grove, which features a 500-meter walking trail, we will enjoy a walk, listen to the sounds created by the wind passing through the bamboo, and feed wild monkeys. Next, we head to Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion Temple), renowned for its magnificent structure covered in gold leaf. We will capture unique photos while admiring the temple's reflection in the pond. After free time provided for lunch, we will visit a kimono rental shop where we will experience one of the most colorful moments of our tour. After renting our kimonos, we will experience Japan's traditional tea ceremony. Upon returning the kimonos, we will visit Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. During our visit to Gion, we will see shops, restaurants, and ochaya (tea houses) where Geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha) and Maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain themselves and shop. Following the program, we will return to our hotel in the evening with free time thereafter. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto.
After breakfast at our hotel, we visit Kiyomizu Temple. The temple offers a vibrant sea of blooming cherry and maple trees in spring and autumn, as well as beautiful views of the distant city of Kyoto. The main hall, built without nails alongside the stage, houses the temple's primary object of worship: a small statue of the thousand-armed, eleven-faced Kannon. We then visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Moving on to Nara, we visit Todaiji Temple, home to the colossal Buddha statue, and Nara Deer Park, where adorable deer roam freely. After free time for lunch, our Nara visit concludes and we head to Osaka. We check into our hotel in the evening to rest. Overnight accommodation is at our hotel in Osaka.
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our Osaka city tour. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, one of the city's most important historical landmarks. During our walk around the castle grounds, we will capture photos of this impressive structure and learn about Osaka's history. Next, we head to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, two of Osaka's liveliest and most vibrant districts. With its bright signs, shopping streets, and energetic atmosphere, this area is one of the key spots reflecting the city's modern character. The day ends with a return to the hotel and free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin the final part of our Osaka city tour. First, we ascend to the Umeda Sky Building – Floating Garden Observatory, one of the city's modern architectural landmarks. From the observation terrace, we will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Next, we head to the Shinsekai district, famous for its retro atmosphere, colorful streets, and local flavors, where we take a short walk. For lunch, we are given free time at Kuromon Ichiba Market, one of Osaka's most popular markets. We will have the chance to experience Osaka cuisine with fresh seafood, street food, and local snacks. In the afternoon, we visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines. Known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere, this shrine is one of the finest examples of Japanese spiritual architecture. After the tour, we transfer to Kansai Airport in our private vehicle at the time set by our guide. Upon arrival at the airport, after baggage and passport procedures, we depart from Japan at 22:25 on Turkish Airlines flight TK087.
Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:40 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next enjoyable trip.
Round-trip economy class airfare on Turkish Airlines scheduled flights for the IST-NRT/KIX-IST route
Airport taxes
Total 7 nights accommodation at specified or similar hotels
Morning breakfasts as specified in the program
Journey via Shinkansen high-speed train
Tokyo Tours
Kyoto Tours
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove tour
Osaka Tours
Nara Tour and Nara Park
Mount Fuji (Fifth Station)
TeamLabs Digital Art Museum
Kimono rental
Tea ceremony
Airport – hotel – airport transfers
All tours specified in the program
Turkish-speaking guide service
Professional liability insurance (in accordance with Law No. 1618)
Foreign departure tax
Tours specified as extra
Personal expenses
Tour guarantee and travel health insurance
All services not explicitly included in the tour program
Tips (5 EUR per person per day, to be collected by the guide)