Land Of The Rising Sun: "Japan" | May 17 – May 25, 2027

Meeting at 23:25 in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport international departures terminal.

After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we fly to Osaka on Turkish Airlines flight TK86 at 02:25. We arrive at Osaka Kansai Airport at 19:05 local time. Following our passport and baggage procedures, we proceed to our hotel in Osaka with our vehicle. After our transfer to the hotel, we complete check-in and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our tour with a visit to 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 have free time at Kuromon Ichiba Market, one of Osaka's most popular markets. Here, we will have the opportunity to experience Osaka cuisine with fresh seafood, street food, and local snacks. After free time for lunch, we depart from Osaka and arrive in Nara. First, we visit Todaiji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest wooden structures and famous for its massive bronze Buddha statue. Right next to the temple, we encounter friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Deer Park, where we can feed them and enjoy pleasant moments. We conclude our visit to Nara and return to Osaka. Upon arrival, we proceed to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, two of Osaka's liveliest and most vibrant districts. With its bright signs, shopping streets, and energetic atmosphere, this area represents one of the city's most significant modern hubs. 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 will complete check-out procedures and depart for Kyoto. Upon arrival, we will visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. After free time for lunch at Nishiki Market, we will visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most iconic temples listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temple offers a spectacular sea of colorful cherry blossoms and maple trees that bloom in spring and autumn, as well as beautiful views of the distant city of Kyoto. The main hall, built without using nails along with the stage, houses the temple's principal object of worship, a small statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. Following our temple tour, we will have walking time and free time in the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, known for their traditional wooden houses, souvenir shops, and historic atmosphere. Next, we will visit Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. During our visit to Gion, we will see the shops, restaurants, and ochaya (tea houses) where Geiko (the Kyoto name for geisha) and Maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain and shop. After completing our tour, we will be transferred to our hotel in Kyoto. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto.

After having breakfast at our hotel, we visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In the grove, which features a 500-meter walking trail, we will be able to 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), captivating with its magnificent structure covered in gold leaf. We take unique photos while watching the temple's reflection in the pond. Afterwards, we 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. Then, we visit the Kawaramachi shopping district. Following the program, we return to our hotel in the evening and have free time. Overnight at our hotel in Kyoto.

After breakfast at our hotel, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to Kyoto Station for our journey on the Shinkansen, the world's first high-speed train. After a pleasant 2.5-hour trip, we arrive at Mishima Station. Then, we set off towards Hakone town. Following lunch and free time, we take a pirate ship boat tour on Lake Ashi. On clear days, we enjoy the majestic view of Mount Fuji from over the lake. Next, we visit Hakone Shrine by the shores of Lake Ashi, experiencing traditional Japanese architecture in a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. At the end of our tour, after transferring back to our hotel in Tokyo, we complete check-in and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.

Note: Large suitcases collected this morning will be transferred via cargo to our hotel in Tokyo and will reach us the following day. Therefore, we need to pack only essential items for tonight in a small bag.

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin 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, which is 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, it is one of the rare structures that managed to survive despite the bombings during 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 enjoy an impressive art journey at TeamLab Planets Digital Art Museum, where digital art experiences showcase a unique harmony of light, water, and sound. Following our visit, we proceed to Ginza, one of the city's premier shopping districts. In Ginza, known for its luxury stores, stylish streets, and modern atmosphere, we will have free time for shopping and exploration. At the end of our tour, we return to our hotel in Tokyo. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.

After breakfast at our hotel, we head towards the Chiba region, approximately 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by car. Upon arrival, we visit Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, one of Japan's largest outlet centers. Here, we have free time to shop in stores offering a wide range of products from global brands. Afterwards, we visit the Shinjuku area, famous for its entertainment, restaurants, and neon lights. In Kabukicho, one of Tokyo's most vibrant and colorful districts, we take a short walk to experience the local atmosphere. Following 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 continue to the Tokyo Tour. Our first stop is Meiji Shrine, offering a peaceful break 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, known for its expansive forested area and mystical atmosphere. Next, we visit Harajuku district and Takeshita Street, the heartbeat of youth culture and street fashion. This vibrant street, famous for its colorful boutiques, concept cafes, and energetic ambiance, reflects Tokyo's modern and dynamic side. After free time for lunch, we proceed to Shibuya Crossing, one of the iconic images associated with Tokyo. After a photo stop at one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, we see the Hachiko Statue, renowned for its loyalty. At the time set by our guide, we transfer to Haneda Airport via our private vehicle. Upon arrival at the airport and after completing baggage and passport procedures, we depart from Japan on Turkish Airlines flight TK199 at 21:45.

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:05 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next enjoyable trip.