Flower and Sun of the Far East: "South Korea and Japan" | March 5 – March 14, 2027
THE FLOWER AND SUN OF THE FAR EAST: "SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN"
SEOUL (2 NIGHTS) – TOKYO (3 NIGHTS) – HAKONE – KYOTO (2 NIGHTS) – NARA – OSAKA (1 NIGHT)
ALL CITY TOURS, TEAM LABS DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, KIMONO RENTAL, TEA CEREMONY, ENTRANCE FEES INCLUDED, FLIGHT BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN INCLUDED
EXPERIENCE TRAVEL ON THE WORLD'S FIRST HIGH-SPEED TRAIN, SHINKANSEN, INCLUDED
Round-trip economy class air tickets on Turkish Airlines scheduled flights for the Istanbul-Seoul / Osaka-Istanbul route
One-way economy class air ticket for the Seoul/Tokyo route
Airport taxes
Journey via Shinkansen high-speed train
Total 8 nights accommodation at specified or similar hotels
Morning breakfasts as specified in the program
Tour of Aeigibong (Korean Border Area)
Seoul Tour
Osaka Tour
Kyoto Tour
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tour
Nara Park Tour
Tokyo Tour
Kimono Rental
Tea Ceremony
TeamLab Digital Art Museum
Airport – hotel – airport transfers
All tours and entries specified in the program
Turkish-speaking guide service
Professional liability insurance (as required by Law No. 1618)
Exit tax
K-ETA South Korea electronic travel authorization
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)
Japan is an island nation in East Asia consisting of 6,852 islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean, the country extends from the Sea of Japan eastward to China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia, from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The kanji characters that form Japan's name mean "sun" and "origin." Therefore, Japan is also known as the "Land of the Rising Sun." The country is divided into 47 prefectures across eight regions. Most of the islands are mountainous, and some consist of volcanoes. Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, is a volcano. With a population of 126 million, 98.5% of whom are Japanese, Japan is the eleventh most populous country in the world.\n\nSouth Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia occupying the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea. The name Korea originates from Goguryeo, one of the powerful kingdoms of ancient East Asia that, under King Gwanggaeto the Great, ruled over the Korean Peninsula, most of Manchuria, parts of the Russian Far East, and some regions of Inner Mongolia. Its capital, Seoul, is a major global city; more than half of South Korea's 51 million people live in the Seoul Capital Area, home to the world's fourth-largest metropolitan economy.\n\nVisa Information\n\nNo visa is required for Turkish citizens traveling to Japan.\n\nA K-ETA application is mandatory for travel to South Korea. Since the K-ETA application contains personal information, it must be completed by the traveler themselves via the link below. Please note that any errors such as typos or missing letters in the K-ETA application may result in denial of boarding. This applies to all travelers, including those holding green passports. Payment is made by credit card; on the final screen, the site automatically converts the fee into the user's local currency.\n\nhttps://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/viewstep1.do\n\nAll passengers must possess a chip-enabled passport. Old dark blue chipless passports are not accepted. For this tour, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the tour is required. Passengers whose passports do not meet this validity requirement may be denied boarding by the airline. Immigration authorities have the right to refuse entry to any passenger. In such cases, all responsibility lies with the passenger.\n\nIMPORTANT NOTES:\n\nOur tour program operates subject to a minimum participation requirement. If sufficient participants are not secured for a package tour, the tour may be canceled up to 30 days prior to departure. Cancellations due to insufficient participation will be communicated to you.\n\nWhen only category information is provided without specific hotel names in the tour program, and/or when multiple options exist for the same destination, the hotel(s) will be notified by our agency no later than 48 hours before the tour departure.\n\nThis price list and program remain valid until a new price list is issued, at which point this version becomes entirely void.\n\nAll prices in our package programs are limited to a maximum of 10 participants per group. Additional participants beyond this number may incur price increases. Please inquire about pricing details.\n\nIn the case of normal passports issued more than 10 years ago, or other passport types issued more than 5 years ago, travelers acknowledge that Sora, acting solely as an intermediary and not as the operator, bears no liability for service deficiencies arising from such passport issues. All international departures requiring customs clearance must be attended by the passenger at the port of departure at least three hours prior to the scheduled tour departure time. Especially for guests arriving from other cities via domestic flights to ports or airports, flight schedules must be adjusted accordingly to ensure timely arrival. Consequently, any delays or failure to join the tour due to late arrival are the sole responsibility of the passenger, and Sora has no obligation to provide compensation.\n\nSora acts as an intermediary between airlines and passengers and is subject to the Hague Protocol of September 28, 1955. Flight times may change prior to departure. All flight times must be confirmed by the passenger at least 48 hours before the scheduled tour departure. By purchasing the tour, passengers acknowledge and accept that flight details may change.\n\nTriple rooms are allocated based on hotel availability. In such rooms, the third bed is smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of one large bed and one additional bed. Since additional beds are foldable or convertible (often referred to as coach beds), participants booking triple occupancy (third adult and/or child) are deemed to have accepted potential room crowding and the type of bedding used. Child discounts apply only to one child per room accompanying two adults, within the appropriate age range. Due to limited availability of TWIN rooms (two separate beds) in hotels, please verify your TWIN room request prior to booking.\n\nChildren under 18 who are not legally considered adults must carry notarized consent forms signed by at least one parent throughout the entire duration of the tour if traveling without both parents.\n\nPanoramic city tours are 2–3 hour sightseeing tours designed to introduce cities and do not include entrance fees to museums or historical sites. These tours may be rescheduled on different dates, provided their content remains unchanged. Extra tours are conducted based on a minimum number of participants determined by the tour leader. If this minimum is not met, extra tours may proceed with an additional charge, and their timing may be adjusted by the tour leader according to the program schedule. Tours may be canceled due to weather conditions. No visits or tours will be conducted to locations where local authorities prohibit access for any reason. Sora cannot be held liable for the inability to conduct such tours.\n\nPassengers must carry documentation regarding any health issues, pregnancy status, medications they regularly use, and relevant medical reports related to these medications.\n\nTour details, airport representative information, tour leader contacts, and hotel notifications will be provided 48 hours prior to tour departure.\n\nA passport is an official document. Immigration authorities have the right to deny entry if the passport is damaged, stained, torn, or otherwise compromised. In such cases, all responsibility lies with the passenger.\n\nFor this tour program, a visa is required for Turkish citizens. Even with a valid visa, immigration authorities retain the right to deny entry. In such instances, all financial and legal responsibilities rest with the passenger. Please carefully review your passport information and details.\n\nWhen departing from Turkish border crossings, regardless of nationality (Turkish or foreign), all passport holders must possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Our agency will not approve bookings for passports failing to meet this requirement. Sora bears no liability for compensation if passengers are unable to join the tour due to insufficient passport validity.\n\nGuests who do not participate in included tours as specified in the program are not eligible for any refund.
Meeting at 14:10 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 Seoul on Turkish Airlines flight TK20 at 17:10. We will spend the night on the plane.
Arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport at 09:05 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, we begin our tour with a vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Our first stop on the tour will be Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, it is not only the largest of the Five Grand Palaces constructed by the Joseon Dynasty but also considered the most beautiful and magnificent. Our next stop will be Namsangol Hanok Village. Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain, this village offers visitors a sense of traveling back in time with its restored traditional "hanok" houses, peaceful gardens, and authentic atmosphere. Here, we will have the opportunity to closely observe Korean living culture, architectural details, and traditional layouts. Passing by, we will also see the former Blue House and Gwanghwamun Square panoramically. After the sightseeing, we will proceed to Insadong Street, famous for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Free time will be provided here. The final stop of our tour will be Myeongdong Street, one of Korea's most popular shopping and fashion streets. After visiting this lively area filled with cosmetic stores, local restaurants, and international brands, we head to our hotel. We complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Seoul.
After breakfast at our hotel, our first stop will be Aegibong Ecopark. Located in the only Demilitarized Zone between South Korea and North Korea, Aegibong Peace Ecological Park stands out as a symbol of peace and harmony. The confluence of the Han River with the Jogang River, which connects different histories and cultures, makes this point even more meaningful. From here, we will have the opportunity to observe the North Korean Propaganda Village on the opposite bank of the Han River and North Korean farmers working in the fields. Additionally, we will have the chance to enjoy our coffee at the first and only Starbucks in Korea with a view of North Korea. We will be able to see North Korean territory and the border line from the observation deck. Our tour will continue with N Seoul Tower, which serves as both a communication tower and an observation deck. After reaching the tower via cable car, we will enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from its highest point. Next, we will head to see the Gangnam Style Statue. Then, we will visit Starfield Library, located just nearby. Our next stop will be Bongeunsa Temple, which has a history spanning 1,200 years. As a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism, Bongeunsa is one of the structures that attract tourists to the area, featuring one of Seoul's largest statues, Maitreya, and a library housing 3,479 sacred Buddhist texts. After our tour, we will return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel in Seoul.
At the time announced by our guide, we will complete check-out procedures and transfer to the airport. We will fly to Tokyo on flight OZ102 at 09:00. We will land at Narita Airport at 11:20 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, we will begin our Tokyo tour from the airport with our vehicle. After the free time given for lunch, we will visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in the city, and the colorful Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple. Here, we will get to know Japanese culture up close and enjoy a pleasant time for souvenir shopping. At the end of the day, we will transfer to our hotel. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for the Tokyo tour. Our first stop is TeamLab Planets Digital Art Museum, where we will experience an impressive art journey showcasing digital art experiences that uniquely blend light, water, and sound. This sensory-engaging interactive exhibition offers visitors an unforgettable experience. After this captivating experience where light, sound, and space converge, we move to Akihabara, renowned for its electronics stores, anime culture, and pop culture shops. Here, we experience the vibrant atmosphere of the area. After free time for lunch, we take a short stroll in the Ginza district. In the evening, we return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to Shinjuku Kabukicho, a district famous for its lights, entertainment venues, and vibrant atmosphere. We take a short walk to experience the dynamic character of the area and the energy of the modern city. Next, we head to Harajuku – Takeshita Street, Tokyo's center for youth and fashion. We explore the district with its colorful shops, boutique stores, and unique street culture. After free time for lunch, we visit Shibuya Crossing (Shibuya Scramble Crossing), one of the first images that come to mind when thinking of 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 end of the day, we are transferred back to our hotel. We complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After having breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards the Hakone region. Upon arrival, we enjoy a pleasant boat tour on Lake Hakone. Next, we have free time for shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlet. After free time for lunch at Gotemba outlet, we transfer to Mishima Train Station and from there take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, we check into our hotel and complete the check-in process. The remaining time is free. Overnight at our hotel in Kyoto.
Note: Large suitcases collected this morning will be transferred via cargo to our Tokyo hotel and will reach us the following day. Therefore, we need to pack only essential items for tonight in a small bag.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Kyoto Tour. Our first stop is the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, famous for its walking path where bamboo trees stretch toward the sky. Next, we visit Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), one of Japan's most eye-catching structures with its gold-leaf-covered exterior. The view of the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond during our walk through the temple gardens will add a special beauty to your photos. After lunch at Nishiki Market, we experience a tea ceremony while wearing Kimonos specially prepared for our guests; this activity will create an unforgettable memory both culturally and visually. Later in the day, we tour Gion district, one of the areas that best reflects Kyoto's historic charm. After the tour, we return to our hotel and have free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Kyoto Tour. Our first stop is Kiyomizu Temple, located in the hilly area of the city and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From its wooden terrace, we will have the opportunity to capture stunning views of Kyoto. Next, we stroll through the Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets, famous for their traditional Japanese houses, boutique shops, and cafes. Here, we will experience the spirit of Kyoto amidst traditional stores, souvenirs, and historic architecture. Then, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic structures, renowned for its thousands of orange torii gates. As we walk along the shrine path, we will be able to take unforgettable photos surrounded by nature and a mystical atmosphere. After free time for lunch, we leave Kyoto and head to Nara, one of Japan's former capitals. First, we visit Todaiji Temple, home to the massive bronze Buddha statue and one of the country's most important temples. Afterwards, we enjoy some pleasant moments in Nara Park, where we can freely interact with the adorable deer that roam freely. At the end of the day, we continue our journey to Osaka and check into our hotel. After completing check-in procedures, we have free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.
After the breakfast we will have at the hotel, we depart for the Osaka city tour. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, which has become a symbol of the city. We have the opportunity to take photos of this magnificent structure from the outside, which has witnessed some of the most important periods in Japanese history. Afterwards, we provide free time for lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market, one of Osaka's most famous gastronomic stops. It will be an ideal stop for those who want to try Japanese street food. Continuing our tour, we visit the Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi area, famous for its neon lights, entertainment venues, and shopping streets. At the end of the day, we transfer to Kansai International Airport. After check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK87 at 22:50. We will spend the night 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