Elegant Japan with All Nippon Airways for 6 Nights (FLY131)

We meet at Istanbul New Airport’s international departures terminal three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we begin our flight to Tokyo on an All Nippon scheduled service.

Upon our arrival in Tokyo, we make an internal transfer at the airport and continue with local airlines to Osaka, one of the cities where Japan’s cultural heart beats. Upon arrival, we depart for our panoramic city tour of Osaka. On our tour, Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and having played an important role in the unification of the Japanese nation, and the Umeda Sky Building, consisting of two structures with a total length of 173 meters, are among the places to be seen panoramically. The Umeda Sky Building is a magnificent high-rise located near Osaka and Umeda stations. The 173-meter-high building consists of two towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. The observatory offers wonderful views of the city from its windows and open-air deck. Then, until the time announced by our guide, free time in the city center. Afterwards, on our journey to the hotel in the evening, we will witness a mesmerizing cityscape accompanied by Osaka’s light-adorned streets and the silhouettes of modern buildings illuminating the night. Colorful signs, shimmering street lamps, and the vibrant city atmosphere will add a visual feast to our journey. Transfer to our hotel in Osaka and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our Nara tour. We begin our tour with Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, the temple was constructed with the aim of becoming the head of all Buddhist temples. Over time, its influence grew and it began to affect politics in the 8th century as well. Todaiji’s main hall has also entered the record books as the largest wooden structure in the world. The massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues (Daibutsu). Then we visit Nara Deer Park, a large park in the center of Nara. Established in 1880, the park is home to many of Nara’s major attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. The fact that deer are considered messengers of the gods in Japanese mythology makes this area special not only visually but also culturally. While strolling through the park, you will have the chance to create unforgettable memories and take photos with the curious deer approaching you. Afterwards, we continue our tour of Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, a popular nightlife, shopping, and entertainment district characterized by its eccentric atmosphere and large illuminated signs, despite historically being a theater district. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Osaka and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our Kobe city tour. We begin our tour by enjoying the open atmosphere of Meriken Park. Then, after a photo stop in front of the famous Kobe Tower, we head up to the Kitano district and walk through the streets lined with old foreign residences. Afterwards, we will enjoy a pleasant nature walk in the Nunobiki Herb Gardens. After the tour, we depart for our Kyoto city tour. During World War II, Kyoto was the only place in Japan that was not bombed. The city of Kyoto is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. We begin our city tour with the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The bamboo forest welcomes visitors with a 500-meter walking path. On this walk, you will enjoy the sound of the wind passing through the bamboo and be able to take photos of the forest. After our free time, Ryoanji Temple, a Zen temple, is among the places to be seen panoramically. The temple is home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Originally the villa of an aristocrat during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450. An interesting feature of the garden design is that from any point, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer. Then we visit Kiyomizudera (Pure Water) Temple, founded in 780 at the site of Otowa Waterfall in the forested hills east of Kyoto and named after the pure waters of autumn. Afterwards, we transfer to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Boulevard between Yasaka Shrine to the east and the Kamo River to the west. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Kyoto and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Kyoto train station. We arrive in Tokyo by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we depart for Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment district, home to numerous stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, and cafés. From 1612 to 1800, the present-day Ginza area was the site of a silver coin mint, and thus Ginza took its name, which means “silver mint” in Japanese. We continue the tour with a lunch break. Afterwards, we visit the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in Shibuya, one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan’s capital. Located in one of the busiest parts of the city amid business and shopping centers, the crossing is regarded as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Tokyo and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our Oshino Hakkai tour. Oshino Hakkai is a Japanese village hidden in nature at the foothills of Mount Fuji. In this village, where crystal-clear spring waters come to life in eight sacred ponds, traditional Japanese houses, bamboo bridges, and the silhouette of Mount Fuji create an experience where peace, tranquility, and the depth of Japanese culture can all be felt together. After the tour, we depart for our Hakone & Mount Fuji tour. With an altitude of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 and is Japan’s highest mountain, known for its elegant conical shape. It is the sacred symbol of the country, and temples and shrines are found around and on the volcano. Weather permitting, using the fifth station, you will find yourself in a wonderful ambiance as you admire the magnificent view of Mount Fuji from above the clouds. Then we depart for our Hakone tour. Among the most distinctive features of Hakone are the unique views it offers due to its close proximity to Mount Fuji. Here, we will enjoy this magnificent view with our Lake Ashi boat tour. Afterwards, we head to the outlet. Gotemba Premium Outlet is a large outlet shopping center located in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji. Opened in 2000, this center is one of Japan’s largest outlets and stands out with its 290 stores. During our outlet visit, you may shop as you wish and enjoy your free time. Afterwards, transfer to our hotel in Tokyo and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our tour with a visit to Akihabara, one of Tokyo’s most internationally famous neighborhoods. Today, in addition to the popular anime and manga symbols visible in the district’s shops, Akihabara is also known as Electric Town, as it became a major shopping center for electronic household goods and the post-war black market shortly after World War II. After the free time we will give for lunch here, we depart for our Nakamise & Shopping Arcade tour. During our break on the shopping street, you can buy typical Japanese souvenirs such as various kimonos and folding fans, or taste the traditional local snacks of the Asakusa area. After the tour, transfer to our hotel in Tokyo and free time to rest. Overnight at our hotel.

After the rooms are vacated early in the morning, we transfer to Tokyo Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After baggage, passport, and ticket procedures, we depart on an All Nippon scheduled service. With our arrival at Istanbul New Airport, our tour and services come to an end.