Land Of The Rising Sun: "Japan" | March 20 – March 28, 2027

Meeting at 23:00 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 02:00. We land at Osaka Kansai Airport at 18:55 local time. After completing our passport and baggage procedures, we proceed to our hotel in Osaka with our vehicle. Following 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 capture photos of this impressive structure while learning about Osaka's history. Next, we have free time at Kuromon Ichiba Market, one of Osaka's most popular markets. 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, famous for its massive bronze Buddha statue and as one of Japan's largest wooden structures. Right next to the temple, we encounter friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Deer Park, feeding them and enjoying pleasant moments. We conclude our visit to Nara and move on to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, one of Osaka's liveliest and most vibrant areas. With its bright signs, shopping streets, and energetic atmosphere, this district is one of the key points 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 head to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, we visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. After free time for lunch at Nishiki Market, we visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most iconic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple offers stunning views of distant Kyoto city along with numerous cherry blossom and maple trees that burst into colorful seas during spring and autumn. The main hall, built without nails alongside the stage, houses the temple's principal object of worship: a small statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. After 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 places where Geiko (the Kyoto name for geishas) and Maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain guests and shop, including shops, restaurants, and Ochaya (tea houses). After completing our tour, we transfer to our hotel in Kyoto. We check in and settle into our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Kyoto.

After breakfast at our hotel, we visit a kimono rental shop. After renting our kimonos, we experience Japan's traditional tea ceremony. Next, we visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In this forest, 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. After free time for lunch, we proceed to Kinkakuji (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. Then, we have free time in the Kawaramachi shopping district. After 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 will 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 ride, we arrive at Odawara Station. Then, we set off towards Hakone town. Here, we take a boat tour on Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship. On clear days, we enjoy the majestic view of Mount Fuji from over the lake. Following lunch and some free time, we take a one-way trip on the Hakone Ropeway, observing the region's stunning natural scenery from above. Afterwards, we head to Owakudani Valley. In this valley, famous for its volcanic steam vents and hot springs, we make a brief exploration. At the end of our tour, after transferring to our hotel in Tokyo, we complete our check-in procedures 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 must bring 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 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 return to Tokyo and proceed 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. We then enjoy an impressive art journey at TeamLab Planets Digital Art Museum, where digital art experiences showcase a unique harmony of light, water, and sound. 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 Kisarazu area, approximately 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by car. Upon arrival, we proceed to Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, one of Japan's largest outlet centers. Here, we are given free time for shopping in stores offering a wide range of products from global brands. 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 continue to the Tokyo Tour. Our first stop is 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, known for its expansive forested area and mystical atmosphere. Next, we visit Harajuku, the heart of youth culture and street fashion, and the famous Omotesando Avenue. This vibrant street, renowned 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, famous for its loyalty. We then visit Shinjuku, known for its entertainment, restaurants, and neon lights. In Kabukicho, one of Tokyo's liveliest and most colorful districts, we take a short walk to experience the local atmosphere. At the time set by our guide, we transfer to Narita 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 TK301 at 22:25.

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.