Day 8 (06.04.2025) Hiroshima – Kobe – Osaka
We will depart for Osaka, with a stop and lunch break in Kobe. Kobe, together with Osaka and Kyoto, forms the Keihanshin metropolitan area and is the seventh-largest city in Japan. In the afternoon, we will visit Kobe Harborland, a famous shopping and leisure district located along the waterfront, featuring numerous shops and restaurants. We will also stroll along Maiko Marine Promenade, a walkway built on the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, about 47 meters above sea level and stretching approximately 317 meters, offering breathtaking views over the Akashi Strait.Accommodation at Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower 4* (rated 8.3 on Booking.com)Hotel details
Day 9 (07.04.2025) Osaka – Kyoto
After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour by bus in Kyoto, one of Japan’s oldest metropolises and a renowned industrial, financial, and commercial hub of the Hanshin economic region. We will visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Zen temple’s top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. In the afternoon, we will explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. In Japan, bamboo symbolizes a barrier against evil forces, which is why many temples are surrounded by bamboo groves. In China, bamboo symbolizes longevity, and in India, it represents friendship. The natural, meditative rustling of the bamboo is so enchanting that it has been included in Japan’s list of "100 Soundscapes."Accommodation at Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower 4* (rated 8.3 on Booking.com)Hotel details
Day 10 (08.04.2025) Osaka
We will go on a city tour of Osaka, visiting Nishinomaru Garden, which houses over 600 cherry trees, a tea house, and the former Osaka Guest House. The tour continues to the bustling commercial artery Dotombori, with a photo stop at Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s culture and history. Osaka, located in the Kansai region on Honshu Island, along the Yodo River, is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo.Accommodation at Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower 4* (rated 8.3 on Booking.com)Hotel details
Day 11 (09.04.2025) Nara
After breakfast, we will depart for a city tour of Nara, where we will visit Kasuga Taisha, the most important Shinto shrine in Nara, set in a dreamlike natural landscape of forests, paths, lanterns, and semi-tame deer. We will continue our walk through Nara Park, also known as the City of Deer, home to over 1,200 deer living in harmony with nature. These deer are considered messengers of the Shinto gods from the earliest generations. Nara was Japan’s capital starting in 710. We will also visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha, Daibutsu (a UNESCO World Heritage site). After the tour, there will be free time. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional dinner (included in the program) in Osaka.Accommodation at Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower 4* (rated 8.3 on Booking.com)Hotel details
Day 12 (10.04.2025) Osaka – Osaka Airport – Istanbul
After breakfast, we will take a final city tour of Osaka, with a photo stop at the Umeda Sky Building, an iconic skyscraper with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city. We will continue to Umeda Shopping, a major retail district known for its wide variety of shops, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options. At 17:00, we will transfer to Osaka Airport for check-in on return flight TK 87, departing Osaka at 21:55 and arriving in Istanbul at 05:00 (+1).
Day 13 (11.04.2025) Istanbul – Bucharest Otopeni
From Istanbul, we will board flight TK 1043, departing at 06:50 and arriving in Bucharest Otopeni at 08:10.