Cherry Blossom Season South Korea - Japan Tour
Tour Detail
From South Korea to Japan, Spring at Its Most Beautiful
Get ready to discover the captivating atmosphere of the Far East with the unique beauty of the sakura season. This special tour brings together the rich history, modern cities, magnificent temples, and unique cultures of Japan and South Korea; an unforgettable journey awaits you, stretching from the energy of Tokyo to the traditional texture of Kyoto, from the lively streets of Osaka to Seoul's modern lifestyle.
Accompanied by enchanting views brought to the cities by cherry blossoms, you will visit UNESCO heritage historical sites, get to know traditional Japanese and Korean cultures up close, experience local delicacies, and witness the most special season of the Far East.
With Niltur's experienced guidance, carefully planned itinerary, and comfortable service approach, you are invited to an unforgettable sakura journey where you will discover the most beautiful colors of spring in Japan and South Korea.
Tour Region
SEOUL - OSAKA - NARA - KYOTO - HAKONE - TOKYO
Tour Code
JAPAN-S.KOREA
Departure Point
Bursa - Istanbul Airport
Transportation
Airplane and Bus
Duration
8 Nights 9 Days
Tour Program
Our journey begins with our meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in the Istanbul Airport international departures terminal at 13:50. After completing our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Seoul at 16:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK20. We will be spending the night on the plane.
Upon our arrival at Seoul Incheon Airport at 08:35 local time, we complete passport and baggage procedures and begin our city tour. Our first stop is the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most magnificent palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Next, we visit Namsangol Hanok Village, where we can closely experience traditional Korean architecture and lifestyle culture. During our tour, we also view the Blue House (Former Presidential Residence) and Gwanghwamun Square panoramically. Afterwards, we have free time on Insadong Street, famous for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and souvenir shops. At the day's final stop, we explore Myeongdong Street, Seoul's busiest shopping and fashion hub; we enjoy our time among cosmetic stores, local delicacies, and world-renowned brands. After our program, we have dinner and transfer to our hotel to settle into our rooms.
Accommodation: Seoul
In the early morning hours, we depart from our hotel and transfer to the airport. With flight OZ112, we depart at 07:55 for Osaka, arriving at Osaka Kansai Airport at 09:40 local time. After completing passport and baggage procedures, we begin our city tour of Osaka. Our first stop is Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most important historical structures. This magnificent building, located within a spacious park area, stands out as one of the symbols of Japanese history. Next, we have free time at Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its fresh seafood, local delicacies, and street food. Continuing our tour, we explore Dotonbori, one of Osaka's most vibrant areas, and Shinsaibashi, the city's popular shopping street. After the program, we enjoy dinner, transfer back to our hotel, and settle into our rooms.
Accommodation: Osaka
After having breakfast at our hotel, we depart and head towards Nara and Kyoto. Our Nara tour begins with Todai-ji Temple. In addition to being the world's largest wooden structure, Todai-ji also houses the world's largest Buddha statue. Following Todai-ji, we visit Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild Sika deer roam freely. Due to these deer, the area is also known as Nara Deer Park. After completing our Nara sightseeing, we continue our journey towards Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, we will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine. After the designated free time, we proceed to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temple is internationally recognized as a perfect example of Kitayama garden design art. We complete our visit here and then set off for dinner. After dinner, we return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel in Kyoto.
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we visit one of Kyoto's symbols, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. After a pleasant walk among the towering bamboo, we rent a kimono for one of the most special experiences of Japanese culture and participate in the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Following free time for lunch, we visit the Kiyomizu Temple, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During cherry blossom season, the temple is adorned with colorful sakura flowers, creating a magical atmosphere, and offers one of Kyoto's most beautiful views. Continuing our tour, we walk through the historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, known for their traditional wooden houses, boutique shops, and historical charm, before exploring Kyoto's famous geisha district, Gion. Here, we have the opportunity to closely observe traditional tea houses, restaurants, and traces of Geiko and Maiko culture. After the program, we enjoy dinner and return to our hotel in Kyoto.
Accommodation: Kyoto
Note: Our large suitcases will be sent via cargo from our Tokyo hotel this morning. Therefore, we must carry personal items needed for one night in a small handbag.
In the early morning hours, we depart from our hotel and enjoy a pleasant journey on Japan's world-famous high-speed train, the Shinkansen, from Kyoto to Odawara. Upon arrival, we transfer to our private vehicle and head to the Hakone area. As part of our program, we take a boat tour on the beautiful Lake Ashi and, weather permitting, have the opportunity to admire the unique view of Mount Fuji. After the boat tour, we allow some free time in the area. Later, we proceed to Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of Japan's most popular shopping centers. You can shop at stores of world-renowned brands and enjoy your time with views of Mount Fuji. At the end of the day, we head to Japan's capital, Tokyo. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and spend the night.
Accommodation: Tokyo
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we visit the teamLab Planets Digital Art Museum, which brings together some of the most impressive examples of digital art. Then, we have free time in Ginza, Tokyo's luxury shopping and lifestyle center. Afterwards, we explore the Akihabara district, famous for its electronics stores, anime culture, and technology world. Continuing our tour, we visit the Senso-ji (Asakusa) Temple, one of Tokyo's oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and take a walk along the historic Nakamise Shopping Street. Next, we see the Sanja (Three Deities) Temple, which has preserved its original structure from World War II to the present day. After the program, we enjoy dinner and return to our hotel in Tokyo.
Accommodation: Tokyo
After breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we continue with our Tokyo city tour. Our first stop is the Meiji Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in the city, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Then, we explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street, famous for youth culture, colorful boutique shops, cafes, and street food, and we are given free time. Continuing our tour, we take a photo break at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of Tokyo's icons, and visit the Hachiko Statue, which has become a symbol of loyalty. For the day's final visit, we tour the Shinjuku district, known for its neon lights, restaurants, and vibrant life. After the program, we have dinner and return to our hotel in Tokyo.
Accommodation: Tokyo
After having breakfast at the hotel, we complete our check-out procedures and board the bus with our guide. Today is entirely ours in Tokyo. We will have free time for shopping or personal activities. Afterwards, we proceed to Tokyo Haneda Airport at the scheduled time. After completing our ticket, baggage, and passport procedures, we fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK199 at 21:45. Our overnight stay will be on the plane. Arrival at Istanbul Airport is at 05:05.
What's Included
- Bursa - Istanbul Airport - Bursa Transfers
- Istanbul - Seoul / Tokyo - Istanbul round-trip economy class airfare
- Economy class airfare between Seoul and Osaka
- Bed and breakfast accommodation in 4-star hotels
- 7 nights of hotel accommodation
- 7 dinners at local restaurants
- Economy class train ticket on the Shinkansen bullet train
- All tours specified in the program
- All airport/hotel/airport and intercity transfers
- Airport Taxes
- Turkish Guiding Services
- Local Guiding Service
- Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance
Not Included
- International Departure Fee
- Lunches
- Drinks consumed with meals
- Personal Expenses
- All expenses not stated as included in the price
- Entrance fees for museums, towers, temples, etc.
- South Korea K-ETA e-visa fee – To be completed individually (approximately 8 USD)
Cancellation Policy
To enable our tours, there is a minimum participation requirement of 15 people.
- If the required number of participants is not reached; international trips and Umra tours may be cancelled at least 15 days before the departure date, while domestic trips may be cancelled at least 7 days before the departure date.
- In case of cancellation by our company, all payments made by participants will be refunded without any deductions.
Applications made via our website, phone, or WhatsApp are considered pre-registrations. To confirm the registration, at least 30% of the tour fee must be paid.
The following conditions apply to cancellations initiated by the participant:
- For cancellations made 30 days or more before the start of the trip, the full amount paid will be refunded.
- For cancellations made 15–29 days before the start of the trip, a deduction of 30% of the tour fee will be applied.
- For cancellations made 10–14 days before the start of the trip, a deduction of 50% of the tour fee will be applied.
- For cancellations made less than 10 days before the start of the trip, no refund will be issued.
Cases of force majeure such as serious illness, accidents, death, or contagious diseases that prevent travel must be proven with documents obtained from authorized official institutions. In such cases; after deducting amounts already paid in advance to service providers (such as airline tickets, visas, accommodation, etc.) that cannot be recovered, the remaining balance will be refunded to the participant.
General Information
At Niltur, we value ensuring that our guests are clearly and accurately informed about all details prior to their travel. When reviewing our tour programs, we kindly ask you to consider the following points:
HOTEL INFORMATION
The hotels listed in the tour programs are tentative accommodations. Depending on availability in the region and operational conditions, different hotels of the same or similar standards may be selected. Definitive hotel information can be obtained from Niltur 48 hours before the tour departure.
ALCOHOL SERVICE IN HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
Niltur strives to prefer alcohol-free hotels and restaurants as much as possible, respecting the sensitivities of its guests. However, especially in European countries, alcoholic beverages may be served in the hotels and restaurants where services are provided. This situation falls within the general service policy of the respective establishments and is outside Niltur's direct scope of intervention.
TRIPLE ROOMS
Triple rooms are allocated based on hotel availability. In these rooms, an extra bed may be used for the third person. The extra bed may be smaller than standard beds or of a foldable type. Guests opting to stay in a triple room are deemed to have accepted these conditions.
CHILD DISCOUNTS
Child discounts apply only to children staying in the same room with two adults. Discount rates may vary depending on the child's age, the tour content, and the policies of the hotel and transportation company.
VISA PROCESS AND TOUR REGISTRATION
Guests participating in tours requiring a visa are strongly advised to review Niltur's Cancellation and Refund Conditions before registering. It is recommended to register for European tours at least two months in advance and complete visa procedures at least one month before the tour departure. In cases where the visa is not obtained, results are delayed, or the application is rejected, Niltur's Cancellation and Refund Conditions apply.
VISA CONSULTANCY SERVICE
Niltur provides consultancy and intermediary services regarding the preparation, organization, and submission of required documents for visa applications to the relevant application center. The evaluation and finalization of visa applications are entirely at the discretion of the consulate or competent authorities of the respective country. If the visa is rejected or not finalized in time, the visa service fee will not be refunded. For transactions related to the tour fee, Niltur's Cancellation and Refund Conditions apply.
PRAYER SENSITIVITY
As Niltur, we strive to plan our tour programs while considering the faith and worship sensitivities of our guests. However, due to the conditions of the destination region and the flow of the program, there may not always be access to a mosque or prayer room at every prayer time. Our guide will provide necessary guidance regarding suitable places and times. We strongly request that our guests bring their own prayer rugs and slippers.
PROGRAM CHANGES
Our guide may make changes to the order of the program with the knowledge and approval of Niltur due to weather conditions, transportation arrangements, local circumstances, force majeure events, or operational necessities. In necessary cases, some visit points may be removed from the program or replaced with suitable alternatives. Guests participating in the tour are deemed to have accepted these adjustments.
REFUNDS
In case of tour cancellations initiated by either the consumer or Niltur, refunds will be processed based on the currency and payment method used by the guest. Payments made in Turkish Lira via credit card will be refunded in Turkish Lira to the relevant card; payments made in foreign currency will be refunded in the same currency collected.
SEQUENTIAL USE OF FLIGHTS
According to airline regulations, flights included on the same ticket must be used in the specified order. If a guest fails to use or misses any segment of the flight, subsequent flights covered by the same ticket may be cancelled by the airline. In such cases, cancellation, refund, or change procedures are subject to the airline's ticket rules.
CONNECTED DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
We strongly advise our guests not to purchase domestic flights connected to the tour separately due to potential changes and delays in international flight schedules. Domestic and international flights organized by Niltur as connected segments are planned together. In the event of delays or flight changes, applicable procedures will be carried out in accordance with the relevant airline's transport and ticket rules.
