Japan & Korea Tour Mystic Routes V2

Tour details

EXAMPLE (etc.) HOTELS

SEOUL

4* Kukdo Hotel etc.

OSAKA

4* Sarasa Shinosaka Hotel etc.

TOKYO

4* Hotel Monday Toyosu etc.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT 

This trip is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people.  If sufficient participation is not achieved, the final cancellation notification date is 20 days before the tour start date. The tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through your agency.

VISA  (KOREA)     

Ordinary Passport - Easy Visa                     

Green Passport - Easy Visa    

Service Passport - Easy Visa    

You must have a passport valid for 6 months from the end date of travel and not older than 10 years.

VISA  (JAPAN)

Ordinary Passport - Visa not required                    

Green Passport - Visa not required

Service Passport - Visa not required

You must have a passport valid for 6 months from the end date of travel and not older than 10 years.

HEALTH

It is recommended that those who take regular medication bring more medication than they need with them, because not all kinds of medicine can be found in the country. In addition, if you have a serious health problem (heart, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), it would be useful to carry a signed document from your doctor. Also, we recommend that you do not drink tap water and that you drink bottled water whose seal you open yourself for the first time.

FLIGHT TIMES              

Istanbul - Seoul 12 hr 30 min

Tokyo- Istanbul 10 hr 00 min

OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Optional tours and activities are organized by the local agency we work with with a minimum participation requirement of 20 people, and participation is not mandatory. If sufficient numbers are not reached, the excursions cannot be carried out, or optional tour/activity prices, content, and the vehicle to be used may vary depending on the number of participants. In addition, the days and times of optional tours/activities may be changed by the guide according to the open/closed status of museums, archaeological sites, or venues in the places to be visited and according to weather conditions.

ACCOMMODATION   

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used at a distance greater than the stated km.

Triple rooms may be provided depending on hotel availability, and the bed offered to the 3rd person in such rooms may be smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are fold-up or coach beds, participants are deemed to have accepted the possible congestion in the rooms and the bed type in 3rd person and/or child reservations.

Child discounts are valid for only one (1) child staying with 2 adults and falling within the age group specified in the pricing section.

Breakfasts included in the hotel services in the tour program are served according to the breakfast culture of the country you are in and generally with a limited menu called continental breakfast, consisting of butter, jam, bread, tea or coffee, and may be served in a separate hall allocated to the group.

CURRENCY    

The currency of Japan is the Yen (JPY). The currency of South Korea is the Won (KRW). For this trip, we recommend that you bring USD with you and also small denominations of it.

TIME ZONE     

There is a +6 hour difference between Turkey and both countries. While it is 12:00 in Turkey, it is 18.00 in the countries we will travel to

TELEPHONE USE    

All mobile phone operators can be used if your phone is open to international roaming. However, there may be no network in some parts of the country.

CLOTHING AND NECESSARY ITEMS  

We recommend that you bring T-shirts that you can easily put on and take off, short- and long-sleeved shirts, cotton trousers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket or cardigan. We advise you to prefer non-synthetic and cotton clothing. You may also bring a raincoat and umbrella in case of rain. In addition, you may bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs against possible noise, a camera, a video camera, and their chargers and spare memory cards.

FOOD CULTURE          

The cuisine in the region is dominated by Far Eastern food culture. We recommend that you do not buy anything from street vendors. In addition, you will notice that the meals we will have in the restaurants and hotels we visit suit your palate.

SHOPPING          

Both countries are truly shopping paradises, especially for electronics. Besides that, traditional clothes and souvenirs can be purchased.

IMPORTANT NOTES            

Having a valid passport and/or having obtained a visa (for a destination/passport requiring a visa) does not mean that entry into the country will be allowed. The passport police have the authority to deny you entry into the country. The agency is not responsible for this situation; responsibility belongs to the passenger.

The agency is an intermediary institution between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the Hague Protocol dated 28.09.1955. There may be a risk of delay on scheduled and special flights, or times may change before the current trip and flight. The agency is obliged to notify these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change. Children aged 0-2 do not pay airport tax and airport service fees

Panoramic city tours included in the tour package are tours of up to 2-3 hours, organized for the general introduction of the cities and carried out panoramically with guide commentary from inside the vehicle, not including museum or archaeological site entrance fees. The agency is not responsible for the inability to carry out panoramic tours, including the other tours stated in the program, if they cannot be visited or entered by local authorities on the day and time corresponding to the tour, or if they do not take place due to closed roads because of any event, or when weather conditions make it impossible to carry out the tour. Some tours may, where possible, be carried out by public transport or on foot at locations where roads are closed or vehicle entry is not permitted.

What's included
  • Round-trip economy class airline ticket on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight from Istanbul – Seoul / Tokyo – Istanbul
  • Airport taxes
  • Transportation service between Osaka & Tokyo by Shinkansen
  • Round-trip economy class airline ticket and taxes on local airlines between Seoul and Osaka
  • 3 nights accommodation in 4* hotels in Tokyo with bed & breakfast included
  • 2 nights accommodation in 4* hotels in Osaka with bed & breakfast included
  • 2 nights accommodation in 4* hotels in Seoul with bed & breakfast included
  • Panoramic city tours of Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul
  • Transfers between airport – hotel – airport
  • Turkish-speaking guide service
  • TURSAB mandatory professional liability insurance
  • Travel and health insurance (a surcharge applies for those over 65 years old).
  • Ket-a Visa
Not included
  • Fees for personal and official items such as exit tax, visa, etc.
  • All kinds of personal expenses and hotel extras
  • All services not explicitly stated in the program and included services
  • Optional excursions / activities, if included in the program
  • Alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages taken during included meals, if any in the program
  • Domestic connecting flights and domestic transportation fees
  • Driver tips and gratuities are excluded
Tour Program
Istanbul - Seoul
We meet at Istanbul Airport International Terminal. After ticketing and baggage procedures, we take our flight to Seoul on a Turkish Airlines service. Overnight on board.
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After arriving in Seoul in the morning, we will carry out our Seoul city tour. In today’s program, we visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most important structures in Korean history. Built in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, this magnificent palace served as the dynasty’s main residence, the center of state administration, and one of the most impressive examples of Korean architecture. Sections within the palace, such as Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the Queen’s Living Quarters, reveal the splendor of the Joseon period. During our visit, we may also have the chance to witness the traditional changing of the guard ceremony as we walk through the palace’s spacious courtyards. After our palace tour, we head to the Insa-dong district, famous for its unique atmosphere. Located in the very heart of Seoul, Insa-dong is one of the places where you can experience Korean culture in its most authentic form, with antique shops, traditional handicraft stores, tea houses, and art galleries. Here, you can both shop and enjoy a pleasant walk through the narrow streets of the area. Our next stop is Myeong-dong Street, one of the city’s most vibrant shopping districts. Famous for its luxury brand stores, world-renowned cosmetics chains, street food, and colorful signs, this area best represents Seoul’s modern face. Here, we provide free time for both shopping and tasting Korean street food. After the meal and shopping break determined by our guide, we meet again and transfer to our hotel. After free time to spend the evening as you wish, overnight at our hotel.
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After breakfast at our hotel, free time; those who wish may join our optional tour organized by our guide, “Seoul’s Underground and Aboveground, Both Sides of the Han” (90 USD). On this tour, we will experience Seoul as the locals do and travel around the city using the metro network. With a metropolitan population of approximately 24.5 million, Seoul is home to half of the country’s population, and therefore its residents prefer to use the carefully woven transportation network, both underground and above ground, instead of wheeled vehicles. First, after leaving our hotel, we will use this network to go to the popular district on the other side of the river, namely Gangnam, known from the once-famous song “Gangnam Style.” In Korean terms, Gangnam is a district of high-rise buildings inhabited by what they call “newly rich” people, and the song and dance are actually a reference to this. Here, we will go to the point where Gangnam’s symbol, the hand gesture, is located, and then proceed to the iconic “Starfield Library,” where we will have free time. After that, we head to Hongdae, Seoul’s Istiklal Avenue, the new center of university youth and the K-pop trend. On this street, where you can see a variety of scenes—from concept cafés where pet animals are kept inside and you can pet them as long as you are a customer, to young people performing live in the middle of the street—we will spend free time before moving on to one of the city’s historical centers, Insadong. In this area, where old Korean houses once stood but have today been overshadowed by plazas and high-rise buildings, we will have free time for shopping on Insadong Street, a remnant of old Seoul. Afterward, we will conclude our tour at our hotel, following an experience of Korean street foods and desserts, as well as cafes and restaurants that blend old and new with their original Hanok-style traditional Korean houses preserved intact, and the famous Korean barbecue restaurants, where those who wish may return to the hotel and rest until the next day, or continue exploring with the guide. Overnight at our hotel.
Seoul - Osaka
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we will transfer to Seoul Airport to catch our flight to Osaka. After completing our baggage and ticket procedures, we will fly to Osaka on a local airline. Upon arrival, we will take part in our Osaka City Tour. Osaka is traditionally regarded as the “Kitchen of the Nation” or the culinary capital of Japan. The simple meaning of Osaka is “Great Hill” or “Big Slope.” During our city tour in Osaka, we will first visit Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture. The castle was constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ruled Japan from 1585 to 1598 and established national unity, and it is known that an average of 100,000 workers took part in its construction. After Osaka Castle, we will visit Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Japan. Shitennoji is one of the oldest temples in Japan and was built in 593 by Prince Shotoku of Japan. Following these visits, we will have free time in Osaka’s markets and have the chance to explore the city’s culinary spots, which can be considered a paradise for shopping and dining. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Osaka
After breakfast at our hotel, we have free time. For those who wish, we will take part in the optional Kyoto city tour organized by our guide (195 USD). First, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. Then we will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was featured in the filming of Memoirs of a Geisha. You will be very impressed by the hundreds of torii gates lined up one after another. Afterwards, we will visit the mystical atmosphere of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, located in the Arashiyama district, one of the most interesting forests in the world. At the end of our tour, we will have free time in the Gion district, famous for its geishas, where you can enjoy yourself and take photos. At the end of the tour, we return to Osaka. Overnight at our hotel.
Osaka - Tokyo
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel. Then we head to the train station and begin our journey to Tokyo by Shinkansen (Bullet Train). It won’t take long before we start feeling the energy of this captivating city! Upon our arrival, we begin our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple, which best reflects Tokyo’s traditional spirit. Built in 645 and famous for its giant red lanterns, this Shinto temple invites us into the mystical atmosphere of the past as one of Japan’s oldest and most visited sacred sites. Right in front of the temple lies Nakamise, Japan’s first open-air shopping street, where we feel as if we are taking a journey through time. Here, in more than 70 authentic shops lined up one after another, we will have the opportunity to discover many things, from Japanese handicrafts and traditional clothing to local snacks and unusual souvenirs. If you wish, you can taste local street food and pick up small surprises for your loved ones. At the end of our tour, we head to the Ginza district, one of the country’s most prestigious shopping and fashion avenues, to explore Tokyo’s modern face. With its modern architecture, luxury boutiques, stylish cafés, and lively street atmosphere, Ginza offers both the elegance and dynamism of Tokyo. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and rest for our first night in Tokyo. Overnight at our hotel.
Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchi
After our breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy a full day at leisure. Guests who wish may join the optional Fuji Mountain tour organized by our guide for 190 USD. The first stop of our tour will be the Fuji Mountain Museum, where we will learn about Mount Fuji. Next, we head to Oshino Hakkai Village, where we can experience natural spring waters and traditional Japanese life. Here, you can drink the icy water from Mount Fuji, taste local delicacies, and enjoy shopping among authentic souvenirs. If you wish, you can also try mochi, the traditional Japanese rice cake snack. The final stop of the tour is Lake Kawaguchi, which offers one of the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji. During a peaceful boat tour here, you will admire the magnificent view of Mount Fuji. At the end of the tour, we transfer back to our hotel in Tokyo. Overnight at our hotel.
Tokyo - Kamakura
After breakfast at our hotel, a full day at leisure awaits you to spend the day as you wish. Those who wish may join the optional Kamakura & Outlet tour (190 USD) organized by our guide. On our journey to the city of Kamakura, where Japan’s shogunate system was born, we first visit the Kotoku-in Temple, famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura, one of the country’s symbols. We then proceed to Hokokuji Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and bamboo groves. Here, we have the opportunity to experience mochi, a traditional Japanese dessert, accompanied by green tea. In the final part of our tour, we stop at a large open-air outlet center and enjoy free time for shopping. At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Tokyo. Overnight at our hotel.
Tokyo - Istanbul
After breakfast at our hotel this morning, we will have free time until the time determined by our guide (check-out time is 12:00). At the end of the day, we transfer to the airport. We will take our scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Overnight on the plane.
Istanbul
The tour ends after our arrival in Istanbul in the morning.