Spring in Japan! 7 Days, 10 Cities!

After breakfast, we will start our tour of Tokyo. Our first stop is Yasukuni Shrine, one of the most important religious structures in Tokyo. Here, at the Yushukan Museum, which witnesses one of the most significant events in history, you can see the famous "Zero" fighter plane from World War II, the most commonly used submarines, letters from fallen soldiers, and historical uniforms on display.

The massive Torii (Main Gate) at the entrance of the temple is made of steel and is one of the largest gates in Japan. It is one of the most important cultural temples that must be seen in Tokyo.

Afterwards, we visit Chidorigafuchi Park for a photo shoot. Then, we head to Asakusa, one of the areas where you can feel the traditional side of Tokyo, to explore the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji Temple.

As you stroll along Nakamise Street leading to the temple, you'll be captivated by souvenirs unique to Japanese culture, traditional snacks, and small shops. Guests who wish can sample street food specialties of Japanese cuisine here and choose meaningful gifts for their loved ones.

After the lunch break, we will head to the Akihabara district to explore Tokyo's modern and dynamic side. In this area, famous for its electronics stores and anime and manga culture, you will have the opportunity to closely observe Japan's fascination with technology.

Our next stop will be the observation decks on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can take in the entirety of Tokyo. Later in the day, we will head to Ginza, one of Tokyo's most prestigious shopping districts. With world-renowned brands, Japanese boutique shops, and stylish cafes and restaurants, Ginza is the perfect destination for our guests looking to shop or enjoy some leisure time.

At the end of the day, there will be a transfer to our hotel and free time to relax.

After breakfast, we meet our guide and head towards Kamakura, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. In Kamakura, home to hundreds of Shinto and Buddhist temples, we visit the Kotoku-in Temple, the most important temple in the city, which houses the largest Buddha statue.

Our next stop is the area around Mount Fuji, the highest point that has become a symbol of Japan. We will visit Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, where you can see the magnificent reflection of Mount Fuji (3,776 m) in the lake, located on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Here, you will have the opportunity to photograph Mount Fuji from Oishi Park and the shores of Lake Kawaguchi.

Depending on the weather conditions, the unique view of Mount Fuji can offer you unforgettable photo opportunities. In this scene with the lake in the foreground, you might even catch a glimpse of the mountain's reflection on the water during clear days.

After our tour, we head towards Nagano. Depending on the current blooming status of the cherry blossoms, we visit the famous Takato Castle Park, renowned for its stunning views. This park is one of the top three cherry blossom (sakura) spots in Japan, where over 1,500 sakura bloom in spring. Nagano is a mountainous paradise located in the heart of Japan, famous for its magnificent nature, hot springs, and rich history, surrounded by the majestic Japanese Alps.

At the end of the day, there will be a transfer to our hotel and free time to relax.

After breakfast, we meet with our guide and head to Matsumoto city in Japan's Nagano region. Depending on the road conditions, we take a short break at Japan's largest wasabi farm located in Azumino.

Matsumoto Castle, located in the center of Matsumoto city, is commonly referred to as "Crow Castle" due to its dark wooden facade. The five-story main keep, built in the late 16th century, holds significance as one of the 12 castle towers constructed before the Edo period (1603-1868) that still stand in Japan today.

As we pass by Matsumoto Castle, we head to Takayama Jinya, located in Gifu Prefecture (the historic governor's office). Takayama Jinya is the only governor's office in Japan that has survived with its original buildings from the Edo period to the present day. Here, you can visit the enormous main ceremonial hall, which is the size of 49 tatami mats, the historic interrogation room (Oshirasu) where criminals were tried, and Japan's oldest and largest traditional rice granary (Okura) that has reached the present day.

After our tour, we will move on to the Sanmachi-Suji Old Town. It is one of Takayama's most famous areas, known for its traditional houses from the Edo period (1603-1868). Moss-covered cobblestone streets, old wooden houses with gleaming black tiled roofs, and the tranquil atmosphere of a mountain town await you. Don't miss the opportunity to taste Hida beef, one of Japan's finest varieties of beef.

After our lunch, an amazing adventure awaits you: on the Gattan Go!! Valley route, you will ride an electric bike over giant high bridges above emerald green rivers and feel the cool breeze in mysterious tunnels. Stunning natural scenery and a high dose of adrenaline come together in one place.

Our next stop is the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go, where you can closely experience traditional Japanese life. With its gassho-zukuri style steep-roofed houses, this village offers a fairytale atmosphere and opens the doors to a journey beyond time, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the heart of the village, the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen Open Air Museum brings together over 25 traditional structures sourced from the region, transporting visitors back hundreds of years. These massive farmhouses, built without nails and solely with ropes, showcase the remarkable engineering ingenuity developed by the local people in response to the harsh winter conditions of the area.

At the end of the day, there will be a transfer to our hotel and free time to relax.

After breakfast, we will head to Kanazawa, a historic city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, that preserves traditional Japanese culture.

We start the day at Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens located in the heart of Kanazawa. This magnificent strolling garden is designated as a "Special National Cultural Asset" of Japan. Inside the garden, you can admire the iconic two-legged lantern (Kotoji-toro) of Kanazawa and Japan's oldest fountain, showcasing their elegance. If you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms (sakura) towards the end of April.

We have the opportunity to see the impressive castle structures like the massive "Goju-Jikkoku Nagaya," which has been rebuilt using traditional wooden architectural techniques without the use of nails, as well as the pinnacle of traditional Japanese garden art, by visiting Kanazawa Castle within Kenrokuen Garden.

Our next stop is the Myoryuji Temple, commonly known as the "Ninja Temple" in Kanazawa. Far beyond an ordinary temple, it is a military outpost filled with engineering and intelligence. This fascinating and trick-laden architectural marvel is found only in Kanazawa, Japan.

Next up is the historic Higashi Chaya District, famous for its atmospheric charm. This area is home to beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses with lattice windows from the Edo period and cobblestone streets, making it an important conservation area for the country's traditional architecture. Here, where gold leaf production is prevalent, you can indulge in luxurious gold leaf ice cream and exquisite handicrafts.

After our tour, we will head to Fukui, our second stop, via the Shinkansen high-speed train. This historic port city, located on the Sea of Japan, has gained significant importance as the final stop of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line since March 2024. You will have the opportunity to experience the high-speed train on this new line.

Our next stop is Shiga. Lake Biwa (Biwako), located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, is the country's largest and oldest freshwater lake. With a rich history of approximately 4 million years, it is considered one of the oldest lakes in the world.

Covering an expansive area of approximately 670 square kilometers, this massive lake is a vital water source for millions of people in the Kansai region, especially in Kyoto and Osaka. Additionally, Lake Biwa boasts a unique biodiversity, hosting over 1,000 species of plants and animals. The historic temples, beaches, and islands surrounding the lake make it a popular tourism hub.

We are heading towards Kyoto after our tour.

At the end of the day, there will be a transfer to our hotel and free time to relax.

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Kyoto. Our first stop is the heart of a thousand years of art and culture, the Kyoto National Museum. With over 14,000 unique artworks, we invite you on an exciting journey through the heart of Japan.

Our next stop is the Arashiyama area; here we will take a walk in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Afterwards, we will touch the heart of Japan at the famous Kinkaku-ji Temple, known for its golden exterior.

After our tour, we will visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red gates (Torii). This impressive shrine features one of Japan's most iconic images.

Fushimi Inari is not an ordinary temple; it is a mystical gateway that opens into a magical world hidden behind thousands of red gates. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of fertility, this sacred site features 10,000 red Torii gates that stretch towards the summit of the mountain, enveloping you in their embrace. With every step, the enchanting red of the gates intertwines with the lush green of nature, making you feel as if you are at the very center of a Japanese fairy tale.

The fox statues watching you with their mysterious gazes along the path will accompany you as the ambassadors of this spiritual adventure. As you climb to the summit, the breathtaking view of Kyoto spread out beneath your feet will make you forget your fatigue in an instant.

Next up is the historic atmosphere of the famous Gion and Kawaramachi districts. There will be free time in the Kawaramachi area, one of the most vibrant spots in Kyoto. You can enjoy your time in this area filled with shops, cafes, and boutiques.

At the end of the day, there will be a transfer to our hotel and free time to relax.

After checking out of our rooms and completing our procedures, we will meet our local guide in the hotel lobby and head towards Hyogo Kobe.

We provide free time to shop and enjoy lunch in the Motomachi and Sannomiya areas, considered the heart of Kobe. If you wish, during this break, you can try the world-famous Kobe beef, made from specially raised cattle, synonymous with Kobe and known for its European-influenced architecture.

Our next stop is Nankinmachi, the Chinatown in Kobe. This area, one of the three major Chinatowns in the country, is famous for its street food and steamed dumplings. The colorful gates and square are popular photo spots.

We are visiting the Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, symbolizing an important turning point in the city's history. We will crown our program by seeing the historic Kobe Port Tower, one of Kobe's most magnificent landmarks. After some free time, we will return to Osaka from Kobe.

We trace the traces of the samurai era by exploring Osaka Castle and the National Park. After visiting the historically rich Osaka Castle and National Park, we head down to the city center to explore Namba, one of the city's most important residential areas, and Dotonbori Square, known for its shopping centers.

We are heading to the airport to return to Istanbul on our scheduled flight TK87 at 22:10.

Arrival in Istanbul and end of the program.