Platinum East Asia's Three Treasures “Japan, South Korea, China” (HND-PEK) with THY 11 nights Tokyo (2) - Hakone - Osaka (3) - Kyoto - Kobe - Nara - Seoul (2) - Shanghai (2) - Beijing (2) | All tours and entrance fees included | 4 lunches included

Platinum East Asia’s Three Treasures “Japan, South Korea, China” (HND-PEK) with THY

Tokyo (2 nights) – Mount Fuji – Hakone – Osaka (3 nights) – Kyoto – Kobe – Nara – Seoul (2 nights) – Shanghai (2 nights) – Beijing (2 nights)

11 nights 13 days | All tours and entrance fees included | 4 lunches included

 

Day 1 | Istanbul

Meeting at 23.05 in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport international departures terminal. Our overnight stay will be on the plane.

 

Day 2 | Istanbul – Tokyo

After our ticket, baggage and passport procedures, flight to Tokyo at 02.05 with Turkish Airlines on flight TK0198. Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport at 19.20 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, transfer from the airport to our hotel by our vehicle. After check-in, we settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel (or similar) in Tokyo.

 

Day 3 | Tokyo | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our Tokyo tour. Our first stop will be Asakusa Temple, also known as Senso-Ji Temple, considered one of Tokyo’s oldest and most colorful temples and a Buddhist temple. The temple, also called Santa-jama (Temple of the Three Gods), is highly popular with both tourists and locals. It is one of the few temples in Tokyo that survived the bombings in the final year of World War II, and for this reason its original structure has remained intact. Built in 1649, the temple was reportedly erected to honor the three brothers who were deified after finding a statue of the goddess Kannon in a river. After seeing the shopping street called Nakamise in the area, we continue with our visit to Akihabara, one of Tokyo’s world-famous districts. Akihabara is an extremely crowded shopping area famous for its electronics stores, from small street stalls to large shopping centers. After free time for lunch in Akihabara, also known as the city of electronics, we will visit Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. After this, we will tour Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most crowded districts. An important place in the city for young people, Shibuya stands out with its developed structure, cafes, and world-famous stores. At the end of the tour, return to our hotel. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel (or similar) in Tokyo.

 

Day 4 | Tokyo – Mount Fuji – Hakone – Osaka | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, departure for the Mount Fuji and Hakone tour. We will start our tour with Mount Fuji, about 2.5 hours away. Mount Fuji, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013, is considered Japan's highest mountain and the sacred symbol of the country. Although Mount Fuji is generally thought of as a single mountain, it is actually made up of three separate volcanoes. Located on Honshu Island and on the border between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, Mount Fuji is only 100 kilometers from Tokyo and can even be seen from tall buildings in Tokyo on a cloudless day. After the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, we head to the town of Hakone. We start our Hakone tour with Owakudani Valley, a volcanic formation. Owakudani is a valley around a crater formed about 3000 years ago during the last eruption of Mount Hakone. Today, most of the area is an active volcanic region with sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers. We will go up by cable car from Togendai and enjoy the view of this stunningly beautiful valley. After free time for lunch, we will head to Ashi Lake. After an enjoyable boat ride of about 30 minutes on the lake with a wooden pirate ship, transfer to the train station. With Shinkansen, the world’s first high-speed train, we arrive at Shin-Osaka train station after a journey of about 3 hours. From here, transfer to our hotel by vehicle. After check-in, we settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai (or similar) hotel in Osaka.

Note: This morning, when leaving the hotel for the tour, we need to leave a small overnight bag in our room. The large suitcases we leave at the hotel will be transferred to our hotel in Osaka before us and will reach us the next day.

 

Day 5 | Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, departure for the Kyoto tour. After about a 1-hour journey, our first stop will be Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Covered in gold leaf, this three-story pavilion is one of the most famous and well-known historic structures in Kyoto and is recognized worldwide as a perfect example of Kitayama garden design art. Thanks to these features, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 as an important cultural asset of the former capital Kyoto. We will continue our tour with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a Buddhist temple also known as the pure water monastery. In spring and autumn, the temple offers beautiful views of the distant city of Kyoto as well as numerous cherry trees and maples bursting into a colorful sea. The main hall, built without nails together with the stage, houses the temple's principal object of worship, a small statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon. After free time for lunch, we will tour the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Sannenzaka is a stone-paved pedestrian path and a tourist attraction. Surrounded by traditional buildings and shops, the path is often used together with the similar Ninenzaka. Sannenzaka is a narrow sloping road filled with about 60 shops and restaurants selling Kyoto's traditional products and foods. There are also important shops where visitors can closely experience Japanese culture, including Ochaya (tea houses) where tea ceremonies are held, and make-up used by Geiko (the name given to geishas in Kyoto) and Maiko (Geiko apprentices). In the final part of the tour, we will visit Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. At the end of the tour, return to Osaka and to our hotel. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai (or similar) hotel in Osaka.

 

Day 6 | Osaka – Kobe – Nara – Osaka | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, departure for the Kobe tour and Nara tour. Our first stop on the Kobe tour will be the Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum (depending on whether it is open). At Kiku-Masamune, which has maintained the tradition of producing only dry sake since the Edo period, we will both see the stages of sake production and taste it. Almost all of the equipment in the museum is classified as a “national tangible folk cultural asset” and allows visitors to learn more about the lives and work of sake producers. Then we continue our tour with the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, the largest botanical garden in Japan with seasonal flowers and magnificent mountain views. After the park, we will go to Kobe Harborland Umie shopping center, where we will have free time for lunch. After lunch, departure for Nara. We start our Nara tour with a visit to Nara Park. Nara Park is a public park located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. It was established in 1880 and is one of the oldest parks in Japan. The park is home to more than 1,200 wild Sika deer that roam freely. Because of these deer, Nara is also known as Deer Park. After the park, we will continue with Todai-ji Temple. Todaiji is not only the largest wooden structure in the world, but also houses the world’s largest Buddha statue, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. At the end of our tour, return to Osaka and to our hotel. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai (or similar) hotel in Osaka.

 

Day 7 | Osaka – Seoul | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, we complete our check-out procedures and continue with the Osaka tour. Our first stop will be Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century and which played an important role in the unification of the Japanese nation. The castle is located within a park that covers an area of about two square kilometers and includes plenty of green space, sports facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osaka-jo Hall), and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The park becomes one of Osaka's most popular spots during cherry blossom season, which usually takes place in early April. After free time for lunch, we will see Dotonbori, which has become Osaka's entertainment center. At the end of the visits to Dotonbori and the city's main shopping district, Shinsaibashi, transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport. After our ticket, baggage and passport procedures, flight to Seoul at 18.15 with Local Airlines. Arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport at 20.05 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, transfer to our hotel by vehicle. After check-in, we settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Hotel Samjung Gangnam (or similar) in Seoul.

 

Day 8 | Seoul | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, departure for the Seoul tour. Our first stop will be Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, the palace is considered the most beautiful and most magnificent of the Five Great Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty, in addition to being the largest. Inside the palace, we will also have the opportunity to see the National Folk Museum. Our next stop will be Namsangol Hanok Village. This village, a residential area in expanding Seoul with modern structures, is famous for many restored traditional Korean houses called Hanok. After our visit here, we continue our tour with Myeong-dong, Korea's most famous shopping and fashion district. After seeing this street with many shops and restaurants, our next stop will be the Insa-dong area. The center point of lively Insa-dong is the main street closed to vehicle traffic. The street is filled with tea houses and Korean restaurants, as well as shops selling traditional products such as pottery, tea, and handmade "hanji" paper. In the unusual Ssamziegil Complex, there are cafes and stairs decorated with wall paintings leading to the rooftop terrace. Modern artworks are exhibited at the Hakgojae Gallery. At the end of our tour, return to our hotel. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Hotel Samjung Gangnam (or similar) hotel in Seoul.

 

Day 9 | Seoul – Shanghai | [B]

After breakfast at our hotel, we complete our check-out procedures and continue with the Seoul tour. Our first stop will be N Seoul Tower, a communications tower and observatory. After reaching the tower by cable car, we will be able to watch the city from Seoul’s highest point. Our next stop will be Bongeunsa Temple, which has a history of 1200 years. Considered a cornerstone of Korean Buddhism, Bongeunsa is among the structures that attract tourists to the area, with one of Seoul’s largest statues, Maitreya, and its library housing 3479 sacred Buddhist books. After this, we will see the Starfield Library and the Gangnam Style Statue located in the same complex. At the end of our tour, transfer to Seoul Incheon Airport. After our ticket, baggage and passport procedures, flight to Shanghai at 18.55 with Local Airlines. Arrival at Shanghai Airport at 20.10 local time. After passport and baggage procedures, transfer from the airport to our hotel by vehicle. After check-in, we settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Starr Hotel Shanghai (or similar) in Shanghai.

 

Day 10 | Shanghai | [B, L]

After breakfast at our hotel, departure for the Shanghai tour. Our first stop will be the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai’s most important Buddhist temple. The temple was founded in 1882 and takes its name from two precious white jade Buddha statues, one seated and one reclining. The temple has special significance because these statues were brought from Myanmar to Shanghai. The temple architecture is in traditional Chinese Buddhist style and it is still an active monastery used by monks. After our visit here, we will go to Yu Garden, a famous classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty located in the Old City area of the city. The garden was built between 1559 and 1577 by an official named Pan Yunduan as a peaceful retreat for his family. It is filled with ponds, bridges, stone structures, traditional pavilions, and old trees, and contains the famous Exquisite Jade Rock. After this visit, we will have our lunch at a local restaurant. After the meal, we continue our tour with The Bund, the famous waterfront promenade on the banks of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Known for its European-style colonial buildings from the early 20th century, it also offers the city’s most iconic view together with Pudong’s modern skyline on the opposite bank. Our final stop on the tour will be Shanghai Tower. The tower was completed in 2015 and is notable for its twisting spiral design. At 632 meters tall, it is the highest in China and one of the tallest buildings in the world. It contains offices, hotels, and some of the world’s fastest elevators. After viewing the panoramic cityscape from the observation areas on the 119th floors, return to our hotel. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Starr Hotel Shanghai (or similar) in Shanghai.

 

Day 11 | Shanghai – Beijing | [B, L]

After breakfast at our hotel, we complete our check-out procedures and continue with the Shanghai tour. First, we will go to Xintiandi, a stylish living and entertainment district where old Shikumen houses have been modernly restored. The area, an elegant and tourist-friendly place where historic texture is blended with modern architecture, is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Our next stop is Tianzifang, which offers a more bohemian and artistic atmosphere. After this creative neighborhood, famous for its narrow streets, art studios, design shops, and small cafes, our final stop on the tour will be Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street. The street, with a wide range of shopping options from luxury brands to affordable stores, is also known as “China’s 5th Street.” At the end of our tour, we will have our lunch at a local restaurant. After the meal, transfer to the train station. With a high-speed train journey of about 5 hours, we arrive at Beijing train station. From here, transfer to our hotel by vehicle. After check-in, we settle into our rooms. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Howard Johnson by Wyndham Paragon Hotel (or similar) in Beijing.

 

Day 12 | Beijing | [B, L]

After breakfast at our hotel, departure for our Beijing and Great Wall tour. By vehicle, we will go to Juyong Pass (Juyongguan Great Wall), one of the Great Wall sections closest to Beijing. The pass was historically used as an important military passage and is located in a strategic valley. Its scenery is especially enjoyable in spring and autumn because it is surrounded by greenery. Although it offers easier climbing options compared to other sections, some parts are quite steep. After our visit here, we will have our lunch at a local restaurant in the same area. After the meal, on our return to central Beijing, we will go to the Olympic Stadium. After viewing and examining the stadium from the outside, return to our hotel. Our overnight stay will be at our 4* Howard Johnson by Wyndham Paragon Hotel (or similar) hotel in Beijing.

 

Day 13 | Beijing | [B, L]

After breakfast at our hotel, we continue with the Beijing tour after completing our check-out procedures. Our first stop will be Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest city squares located in the center of Beijing. It takes its name from the Heavenly Peace Gate to the north, and China’s national ceremonies, flag-raising ceremony, and various official events are held here. Around the square, which is a symbolic center in Chinese history both politically and culturally, there are important structures such as the National Museum, the Monument to the People's Heroes, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, and Qianmen Gate to the south. Then we depart for a local restaurant where we will have our lunch. After the meal, we will proceed to the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, completed in 1420 and called the Forbidden City because public entry without permission was forbidden for centuries. The place where Chinese emperors lived and ruled the country for 500 years is the world’s largest palace complex with about 980 buildings and more than 8,700 rooms. At the end of our tour, departure for Beijing Airport. Our overnight stay will be on the plane.

 

Day 14 | Beijing – Istanbul

After our ticket, baggage and passport procedures, flight to Istanbul at 00.05 with Turkish Airlines on flight TK0089. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05.30 local time and the end of our tour. We say goodbye until we meet again on our next exclusive and enjoyable trip.

 

Explanation of abbreviations: [B] = Breakfast, [L] = Lunch, [D] = Dinner