DAY 1: ISTANBUL – TOKYO

We meet with Face to Face Travel officials at the Istanbul Airport International Terminal at 12:00. After our passport and ticket procedures, we depart for Tokyo, the capital of Japan, at 15:50 with Turkish Airlines flight TK 50. Overnight on the plane.

DAY 2: TOKYO ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR

We land at Tokyo Narita Airport at 09:05 local time. After customs and passport procedures, we transfer to the city center by private bus. Then we start our Tokyo city tour. First, we visit the Meiji Shrine; This sacred site, built in memory of Japan’s first emperor Meiji, offers a fascinating atmosphere with its traditional architecture and peaceful garden. Then we watch the panoramic view of the city from Tokyo Tower. Along the way, we see the National Diet Building in panoramic view. At the end of our tour, we have free time on Ginza Street, Tokyo’s luxury shopping and cultural center. At the end of the day, we go to our hotel and settle into our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo.

DAY 3: MOUNT FUJI & HAKONE TOUR

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we set out on a full-day tour to explore Mount Fuji, one of the symbols of Japan, and its surroundings. We set off towards the Hakone region by private bus. We climb up to the 5th station of Mount Fuji and enjoy the magnificent view, accompanied by information about Japanese culture and history from our guide. We have lunch at a local restaurant with a menu consisting of traditional Japanese cuisine. Then, we go to the shores of the Lake, which is under UNESCO protection. Watching the reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake during the boat tour we will take will be an unforgettable experience. At the end of our tour, we return to Tokyo. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo.

DAY 4: TOKYO – KAMAKURA – TOKYO

After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will start our full-day Kamakura tour to get to know Japan’s cultural heritage up close. Kamakura, located approximately 1 hour south of Tokyo, is one of Japan’s old capitals and is known for its temples, historical buildings and peaceful atmosphere. Our first stop will be Kotoku-in Temple, which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, the “Daibutsu” (Great Buddha). Then we will go to Hokoku-ji Temple, one of the important centers of Zen Buddhism. We walk in the temple’s famous bamboo garden and enjoy this mystical atmosphere with traditional Japanese tea. Throughout the tour, we learn interesting information about the region’s history and Japanese culture from our guide. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Tokyo. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo.

DAY 5: TOKYO

Today we will have free time in Tokyo. After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, our guests can spend their day as they wish. Overnight at our hotel in Tokyo.

DAY 6: TOKYO – OSAKA “Shinkansen” Bullet Train Journey & Osaka City Tour

Today, we will leave Tokyo in the morning and travel to Osaka on Japan’s famous “Shinkansen” bullet train. After leaving our hotel at 08:00 in the morning, we go to the train station. During this unforgettable train journey that will last approximately 2.5 hours, we will experience the comfort of the Shinkansen, which can reach speeds of 300 km/h. After our arrival in Osaka, we start our panoramic city tour with our private vehicle. Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo), Umeda Sky Building and Dotonbori, one of the liveliest parts of the city, are among the places to be seen on our tour. At the end of the tour, we go to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Osaka.

DAY 7: OSAKA – KYOTO & NARA TOUR

Today will be a day where we will feel the traditional culture of Japan in the best way. After breakfast, we will start our full-day Kyoto and Nara tour. In Kyoto, our first stop, we will visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Temple), which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and famous for its structure decorated with gold leaf. Then, we will have lunch consisting of traditional Japanese cuisine. In the afternoon, we will depart for Nara, one of the first capitals of Japan. Here, we will visit the Todai-ji Temple, famous for its giant Buddha statue, and the Nara Park, famous for its cute deers roaming freely. We return to Osaka in the evening. Overnight at our hotel in Osaka.

DAY 8: OSAKA – KOBE TOUR

After breakfast, we set off for a half-day Kobe tour. Kobe, one of Japan’s important port cities, draws attention with its natural beauty and historical texture. First, we visit the Earthquake Memorial Park built in memory of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. Then, we take a short walk and take a photo break around Kobe Port. Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi) will be another stop on our tour. Finally, we visit the Hakutsuru Sake Museum, famous for the production of sake, a traditional Japanese drink. At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel in Osaka. Overnight at our hotel in Osaka.

DAY 9: OSAKA – SEOUL | Flight & Half-Day Seoul City Tour

We will leave our hotel early this morning and go to Kansai Airport (KIX). We will fly to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, on an Asiana Airlines scheduled flight at 09:00. After arriving at Incheon Airport (ICN) at 11:00 local time, we will be transferred to the city center by private vehicle. We will start our first exploration tour in Seoul.

In our half-day tour, Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day are located, welcomes us with its historical atmosphere. Then, Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace, which witnesses Korean history, are among the places to be seen panoramically. We will have the opportunity to watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony held in the palace. Finally, we will have free time in Myeongdong Shopping Street to discover the modern face of Seoul.

DAY 10: SEOUL | Korean History and Heritage Village Tour

After breakfast this morning, we begin our full-day tour exploring the historical and cultural heritage of South Korea. Our first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built by the Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century and preserved to this day. After exploring the magnificent architecture of the palace, we visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about the country's past.

Our next stop will be Bukchon Hanok Village. In this historical village surrounded by traditional Korean houses, we will be able to closely observe the structures called hanok and the traditional lifestyle of Korea. Then, we will have the opportunity to walk on Insadong Street, one of the historical markets of Seoul, and discover unique Korean souvenirs and handicrafts. After having lunch at a local restaurant with selected flavors of traditional Korean cuisine, we continue to the second part of our tour. We visit Changdeokgung Palace and its magnificent Secret Garden (Huwon) and explore in nature. At the end of the day, we have the chance to climb Namsan Hill and watch the panoramic view of Seoul.

After our tour, we transfer to our hotel. Free time in the evening.

DAY 11: SEOUL | NORTH-SOUTH KOREA BORDER ZONE - KOREAN WAR MEMORIALS TOUR (Half Day - With Lunch)

After our breakfast this morning, we will start our North-South Korea Border Zone and Korean War Memorials tour, one of the most important points in Korean history. As part of our tour, we will visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which separates the two Koreas and is still one of the most heavily guarded areas in the world.

Our first stop will be the Imjingak Peace Bridge. This is a historical place where families separated by war come together and is considered a symbol of peace. Then, we will explore one of the tunnels known as the 3rd Tunnel, which North Korea dug to secretly enter South Korea. After receiving detailed information about the area from our guide, we will go up to the Dora Observation Point. From here, we will have the chance to observe the North Korean side with binoculars.

After lunch at a local restaurant serving regional specialties, we will visit the Korean War Memorial and the United Nations Memorial. Here, we will see the memorials built for the soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean War between 1950-1953. In a special section about the heroism of the Turkish Brigade, we will also learn about the contributions of Turkish soldiers. After our tour, we return to Seoul and transfer to our hotel. Free time in the evening.

DAY 12: SEOUL – ISTANBUL *RETURN FLIGHT

Today is the last day of our tour. After breakfast, we leave our hotel in Seoul and transfer to the airport. We depart for Istanbul at 10:45 with Turkish Airlines flight TK 21. After a flight of approximately 12 hours, we arrive at Istanbul Airport at 16:55 local time.

Our Japan & South Korea tour, full of beautiful memories, ends here. See you on the next Face to Face Travel  trip!

• Airport – hotel – airport transfers
• All tours and excursions specified in the program
• Tokyo – Osaka "Shinkansen" Bullet Train Experience
• DMZ (North-South Korea Border Zone) tour in Seoul
• Kyoto & Nara tour
• Kobe tour
• All museum and site entrance fees specified in the program
• Korean History and Heritage Village tour
• Meals:

- Daily hotel breakfasts

- 4 lunches specified in the program

• Personal expenses
• International departure fee
• Alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages purchased at included meals
• Minimum tip of 140 USD per person for guides, bus drivers and service personnel (recommended)

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flight Route Airline&Flight

İstanbul – Tokyo (Narita) THY 12 Hours 15 Minutes

Osaka Seul (Incheon) Asiana Airline 2 Hours

Seul İstanbul THY 12 Hours 10 Minutes

✔ Flights:

* Direct flights from Istanbul to Tokyo and Seoul to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines

* Osaka to Seoul with Asiana Airlines

* Tokyo to Osaka with Shinkansen High Speed ​​Train

✔ Accommodation:

* Tokyo: Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3* (4 Nights)

* Osaka: Sarasa Hotel 3* (3 Nights)

* Seoul: 4 Star Hotel (3 Nights)

VISA & K-ETA (ENTRY PERMIT) DETAILS ✅ Japan:

* Visa-free entry for Turkish passport holders. ✅ South Korea:

* Visa-free for Turkish passport holders, but an online entry permit called K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required.

* K-ETA application:

o Made online (https://www.k-eta.go.kr)

o Must be completed at least 72 hours in advance.

o Fee: Approximately 10 USD, Face to Face Travel provides support to its guests but cannot guarantee approval.

o Validity period: Valid for 2 years when approved and offers multiple entry rights.