Land of the Rising Sun: "Japan" | May 16 – May 24, 2027
LAND OF THE RISING SUN: "JAPAN"
TOKYO (3 NIGHTS) - HAKONE - 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 23:00 in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport international departures terminal.
After our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we will fly to Tokyo on Turkish Airlines flight TK198 at 02:05. After approximately 11 hours of flight, we will land at Tokyo Haneda Airport at 19:20 local time. Following our passport and baggage procedures, we will be transferred to our hotel in Tokyo by our private vehicle. We will complete check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is the Meiji Shrine, located in a lush green forest in the heart of Tokyo. This sacred site, built in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken who played a significant role in Japan's modernization, offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the city's hustle. Next, we head to Harajuku – Takeshita Street, Tokyo's youth and fashion hub. We explore the area with its colorful shops, boutique stores, and unique street culture. Afterwards, we visit one of the first images that come to mind when thinking of Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing (Shibuya Scramble Crossing). After taking a photo break 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, known for its entertainment, restaurants, and neon lights. In Kabukicho, one of Tokyo's most vibrant and lively districts, we take a short walk to experience the area's atmosphere. After the tour, we are transferred back to our hotel in the evening. Overnight stay at our hotel in Tokyo.
After breakfast at our hotel, we continue our tour to see both the traditional and modern faces of Tokyo. 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 sanctuary. 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 among 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 explore Nakamise shopping street, famous for its traditional shops and souvenir stalls surrounding the temple. Next, we head to Akihabara, renowned for its electronics stores, anime culture, and pop culture shops, where we will experience the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Later in the day, we will enjoy an impressive art journey at TeamLab Planets Toyosu, which showcases digital art experiences where light, water, and sound come together in a unique harmony. This sensory-engaging interactive exhibition offers visitors an unforgettable experience. After this captivating experience where light, sound, and space converge, we take a short stroll through the Ginza district. We will spend the night at our hotel in Tokyo.
After having breakfast at our hotel, we will complete our check-out procedures and head towards the Kisarazu area, located approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo by car. Upon arrival, we will proceed to Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu, one of Japan's largest outlet centers. Here, we will have free time for shopping in stores offering a wide range of products from global brands. After the free time allocated for lunch, we will depart for Hakone town. Next, we will cross Lake Ashi. Following a pleasant 30-minute boat ride on a wooden pirate ship on the lake, we will be transferred to Mishima Station. From there, we will board the Shinkansen, the world's first high-speed train, and after an approximate 2.5-hour journey, arrive at Kyoto Station. After transferring from the station to our hotel, we will complete our check-in procedures and settle into our rooms. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto.
Note: When leaving the hotel this morning, please bring only a small overnight bag with you. Your large suitcases left at the hotel will be transferred ahead to our hotel in Kyoto and will reach you the following day.
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for the magnificent Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple), enchanting with its gold-leaf-covered structure. We take unique photos while admiring the temple's reflection in the pond. Next, we visit 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 provided for lunch, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Following our visit, we head to Osaka. We check into our hotel in the evening to rest. Our overnight stay is at our hotel in Osaka.
After breakfast at our hotel, we begin the final part of our Osaka city tour. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, one of the city's most important historical landmarks. During our walk in the castle grounds, we will have the opportunity to photograph this impressive structure and learn about Osaka's history. After free time for lunch at Kuromon Market, we proceed 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. Following the tour, we transfer to Kansai Airport with our private vehicle according to the time set by our guide. After arrival at the airport and completing baggage and passport procedures, we depart from Japan on Turkish Airlines flight TK087 at 22:10.
After breakfast at our hotel, 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. Following free time for lunch at Nishiki Market, we will visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto's most iconic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple offers vibrant cherry blossoms and maple trees that bloom in spring and autumn, as well as beautiful views of distant Kyoto city. Its main hall, constructed without nails alongside the stage, houses the temple's primary object of worship: a small statue of the thousand-armed, eleven-faced Kannon. After the temple visit, we will have walking time and free time in the historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, famous for their traditional wooden houses, souvenir shops, and historical atmosphere. Afterwards, 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 the program, we will return to our hotel in the evening with free time. Overnight at our hotel in Kyoto.
After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, home to the colossal Buddha statue, and Nara Deer Park, where adorable deer roam freely. At the end of the free time allocated for lunch, we visit the Naramachi district. The day concludes with a return to the hotel and free time. Overnight stay at our hotel in Osaka.
Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 04:55 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again on our next enjoyable trip.