Land Of The Rising Sun: "Japan" | January 21 – January 30, 2027

Meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport's international departures terminal at 12:25. After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Tokyo on Turkish Airlines flight TK50 at 15:25. We will spend the night on the plane.

Arrival at Narita Airport at 08:45 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, we will proceed to central Tokyo with our waiting vehicle. Upon arrival in the city, after a free period for lunch, we begin exploring some of Tokyo's most iconic spots. Our tour starts with a visit to Akihabara, one of Tokyo's world-famous neighborhoods. Akihabara is an extremely busy shopping district known for its diverse range of electronics stores, from small street stalls to large shopping malls. After a free period for lunch, we visit Asakusa Temple, also known as Senso-ji Temple, which is considered one of Tokyo's oldest and most colorful temples and is a Buddhist temple. Also called Santa-jama (Temple of the Three Gods), this temple attracts significant interest from both tourists and locals. It is one of the few temples that survived the bombing attacks in the final year of World War II, and therefore the building's original structure remains intact. Built in 1649, the temple was reportedly constructed to honor three deified brothers who discovered a statue of the goddess Kannon in a river. Later, we move to Nakamise, a shopping street in the area. At the end of the day, we check into our hotel in Tokyo and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.

After breakfast at our hotel, we depart. Our first stop is Meiji Shrine in the Shibuya district, one of Tokyo's busiest areas, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Then we move to Harajuku, Tokyo's youth and fashion center, where we stroll along the colorful Takeshita Street. After free time for lunch, we walk through the famous Shibuya Crossing, seeing the bronze statue of Hachiko, an Akita dog renowned for his loyalty, whose sad story has inspired films. Next, we head to the Shinjuku area, home to the iconic Godzilla Head sculpture, a symbolic landmark and tourist attraction. In Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most vibrant and colorful districts, we take a short walk to experience the local atmosphere. Afterwards, we visit TeamLab Planets Toyosu, one of the most impressive examples of digital art, stepping into what feels like a virtual universe. TeamLab Planets Toyosu, one of the most unforgettable stops on our tour, is not just an exhibition; it is an interactive digital art world created with light, sound, water, color, and movement. We return to our hotel at the end of the day. 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 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 set off towards the Hakone region. Upon arrival, we visit Owakudani Valley, famous for its volcanic activity and hot steam vents. Here, we take a photo break amidst nature's unique landscapes. Afterwards, we enjoy a one-way cable car ride via the Hakone Ropeway to get a panoramic view of the area. Then, we embark on a pleasant boat tour on Lake Ashi. After free time for lunch during the day, we transfer to Odawara Train Station and from there take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, we proceed to our hotel and complete check-in. The remaining time is free. Overnight at our hotel in Kyoto.

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

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin the Kyoto Tour. Our tour starts with a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. In this grove, which features a 500-meter walking trail, you will be able to walk, listen to the sounds created by the wind passing through the bamboo, and feed wild monkeys. Next, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple is internationally recognized as a perfect example of Kitayama garden design art. Thanks to these features, it has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994 as an important cultural asset of the former capital, Kyoto. After free time for lunch, we will visit a Kimono shop where we will experience one of the most colorful moments of our tour. After putting on our kimonos, we will experience Japan's traditional tea ceremony. Then, 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 name given to geishas in Kyoto) and Maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain and shop. We will spend the night at our hotel in Kyoto.

After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our Kyoto Tour. We follow a pleasant route covering Japan's most cultural and historical cities. First, we visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most iconic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the temple tour, we will have walking time and free time in Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, famous for their traditional wooden houses, souvenir shops, and historic atmosphere. Next, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of orange torii gates. In this area, one of Kyoto's most impressive and photogenic spots, we take a guided walk. Later, we take a lunch break at the famous Nishiki Market. After our tour, we head toward Nara. Upon arrival, we will visit Todai-ji Temple, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Todai-ji is not only the world's largest wooden structure but also houses the Daibutsu, the world's largest Buddha statue. After Todai-ji, we visit Nara Park. Nara Park is a public park located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of Japan's oldest parks. The park is home to over 1,200 wild Sika deer roaming freely. Due to these deer, Nara is also known as Deer Park. At the end of the day, we head toward Osaka. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our Osaka city tour. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most important historical structures. Here, we learn about the city's history and admire the castle's grandeur up close. Next, we ascend to the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observation Deck, one of the city's most impressive structures, to enjoy Osaka's panoramic views. Then, we visit the Shin Sekai area, famous for its nostalgic atmosphere, restaurants, and colorful streets. We spend time in this sacred place with its traditional architecture and peaceful ambiance. Later, after free time for lunch at Kuromon Market, one of Osaka's most famous local markets, we will have walking and free time in the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas, known for their neon lights, restaurants, and shopping streets. After the tour, we return to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Osaka.

After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Transfer to Tokyo Narita Airport at the time specified by our guide. After completing ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK87 at 22:50. Overnight stay on the plane.

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.

Explanations of abbreviations >>> (K): Breakfast | (A): Dinner | (Ö): Lunch