Elegant Japan Tour - with Turkish Airlines - Additional Tours Included

1. Day  ISTANBUL – OSAKA 

We meet three hours before the flight at the international departures terminal of Istanbul New Airport. After baggage, ticketing, and check-in procedures, our flight with Turkish Airlines scheduled service will depart for Osaka.

2. Day  OSAKA

Upon arrival at Osaka, our private vehicle will await at the airport to transfer us to our hotel in Osaka for rest and free time. Accommodation at the hotel.

3. Day  OSAKA

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a panoramic city tour of Osaka. During our tour, we will see Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and playing an important role in the unification of Japan, and the Umeda Sky Building, which consists of two structures connected at the top, offering panoramic views from its 173 meters height. The building has a "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor, providing excellent city views through its windows and open-air terraces. In the evening, during our drive back to the hotel, we will witness the enchanting cityscape illuminated by lights, with streets decorated with colorful signs, shining street lights, and bustling city atmosphere. Transfer to the hotel in Osaka for rest and free time. Accommodation at the hotel.

4. Day  OSAKA – NARA DEER PARK – TODAI-JI TEMPLE – DOTONbori & SHINSAIBASHI – OSAKA

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our tour of Nara. Our first stop is Todaiji Temple, built in 752, established to be the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew and by the 8th century, it began to influence politics. The main hall of Todaiji is the largest wooden structure in the world and houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Next, we visit Nara Deer Park, a large park in central Nara where hundreds of freely roaming deer are present. Since deer are considered messengers of the gods in Japanese mythology, this area is both visually and culturally special. While wandering in the park, you will have the chance to take memorable photos with curious deer approaching you. Afterwards, we explore Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, a vibrant area known for its eccentric atmosphere, large illuminated signs, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. Then, transfer back to the hotel in Osaka for rest and free time. Accommodation at the hotel.

5. Day  OSAKA – KOBE – ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO FOREST – KİYOMIZUDERA TEMPLE – GION – KYOTO

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a city tour of Kobe. We start by enjoying the fresh air at Meriken Park. Then, we take a photo stop in front of Kobe Tower, a famous landmark. We will then head to the Kitano district to explore the historic foreign residences, walking through the streets. Afterwards, we visit Nunobiki Herb Garden for a relaxing nature experience. Next, we depart for Kyoto, a city that was the only major city in Japan not bombed during World War II and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our city tour begins with Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, with a 500-meter walkway through towering bamboo stalks. During this walk, you will experience the sounds of the wind through the bamboo and have opportunities to take photos. After free time, we visit Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock garden and as a Zen sanctuary founded during the Heian period. Its unique garden design ensures that at least one stone is always hidden from view depending on the vantage point. Then, we visit Kiyomizudera (Pure Water) Temple, built in 780, located on the eastern hills of Kyoto, offering panoramic views. Finally, we transfer to Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located between Yasaka Shrine and the Kamo River, and enjoy a walk through the historic streets. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel in Kyoto for rest and free time. Accommodation at the hotel.

6. Day  KYOTO – GINZA – SHIBUYA – TOKYO

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Kyoto station to take the Shinkansen high-speed train to Tokyo. Upon arrival, our tour continues with a visit to Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment district, known for its historical silver coin mint established from 1612 to 1800. We will then have lunch and move on to Shibuya to see the famous scramble crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, located amidst offices and shopping centers. Afterward, we transfer to our hotel in Tokyo for free time and rest. Accommodation at the hotel.

Note: On the day of the tour, when leaving the hotel in the morning, you are required to carry a small daypack. All other items left at the hotel will be transferred to the hotel in Tokyo from Kyoto.