Japan - Through the Ancient Capitals of the Land of the Rising Sun, 2027

Departure from Sofia on a Turkish Airlines flight at 21:50. Arrival at Istanbul airport at 22:35 local time.

Departure from Istanbul on a direct Turkish Airlines flight to Osaka at 02:25. Arrival at Kansai International Airport at 19:05 local time. After passport control and border formalities, we will meet our local guide. Transfer to the hotel in Osaka.

Check-in at the Intergate Osaka Umeda 4* or similar. Free time for dinner and rest. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Today takes us to some of the most interesting places in the Osaka and Kobe area.

We will set off for Himeji to see the famous Himeji Castle - one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Japan. Also called “the White Heron Castle” for its elegant white façade and exquisite architecture, it is among the most impressive symbols of Japan's feudal past. We will also stroll through the Koko-en Garden - a picturesque complex of traditional Japanese gardens right next to the castle. Here we will immerse ourselves in the harmony of Japanese garden art - among stone paths, ponds, little bridges, tea pavilions and precisely shaped greenery.

Then we head for Kobe - a city famous for its cosmopolitan spirit, elegant atmosphere and beautiful harbour. We will visit the Hakutsuru Sake Museum, where we will learn more about the traditional way of making Japan's national drink and discover the centuries-old culture of sake.

The day ends with a stroll around Kobe Harborland - a modern waterfront area with shops, restaurants and panoramic views of the harbour. Return to Osaka. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Check-out. Today reveals two different faces of Japan - the energy of modern Osaka and the spiritual heritage of ancient Nara.

We begin with Osaka Castle, one of the city's emblems and one of the best-known fortresses in Japan. Its massive stone foundations, gilded ornaments and distinctive curved roofs make it a true architectural masterpiece, and the park around it offers lovely views of the city's modern skyline. This is followed by a visit to the Umeda Sky Building - one of Osaka's most recognisable modern buildings, whose observation deck reveals a breathtaking view of the metropolis.

In the afternoon we leave for Nara - the country's first permanent capital and a city with an exceptionally rich historical and cultural heritage. Our first stop is Todai-ji - one of the most important Buddhist temples, home to the imposing bronze statue of the Great Buddha, one of the largest in Japan. The wooden building itself is also impressive for its scale and exceptional craftsmanship. Then we will stroll through Nara Park, where hundreds of deer roam freely, revered as sacred animals and the emblem of the city. Meeting them is one of the most characteristic and memorable experiences in Nara. We continue to the Kasuga Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns stretching among centuries-old trees and lush greenery. Its tranquillity and mystical atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful Shinto shrines in Japan.

Departure for Kyoto. Check-in at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo 4* or similar. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Today we have a half-day tour of Kyoto - a city of majestic temples, Zen gardens and centuries-old traditions.

Our first stop is Ginkaku-ji - the famous “Silver Pavilion”. This Zen temple captivates with its clean architecture and beautiful Japanese gardens, which bring a sense of silence, harmony and contemplation. Then we will visit Kiyomizu-dera - one of the most iconic temples in Kyoto. It is famous for its large wooden platform, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills. The temple is among the best-loved sights in Japan and is especially impressive in spring. Return to the hotel and free time for lunch.

Optional in the afternoon: a traditional tea ceremony and dressing in a kimono - a chance to immerse yourself more deeply in Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Today we immerse ourselves in the spirit of ancient Kyoto.

We begin with Fushimi Inari Taisha - one of the most revered Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the deity Inari, patron of rice, trade and prosperity. The shrine is especially famous for its thousands of red torii gates, which form long tunnels up the slopes of the sacred hill. Then we will explore Nijo Castle - the imposing residence of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu from the Edo period. As well as its magnificent interiors and exquisite wall paintings, the castle is known for its so-called “nightingale floors”, which make a distinctive sound when walked on and served as protection against unwelcome visitors.

We continue to Kinkaku-ji, better known as “the Golden Pavilion” - one of Kyoto's most iconic sights. Its upper floors, covered in gold leaf, are reflected in the calm waters of the pond, creating one of the most beautiful and characteristic views in Japan.

In the afternoon we will stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - one of the most photographed places in the country. The tall bamboo stalks rising on both sides of the path create a feeling of calm, harmony and closeness to nature.

Return to the hotel. Free time for dinner. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Check-out. Transfer to Kyoto station and departure on the Shinkansen high-speed train to Mishima station. Travelling on the legendary Japanese bullet train is one of the unforgettable experiences of our journey - a symbol of the technological progress, flawless organisation and precision for which Japan is famous all over the world.

After arriving in the Hakone area we will visit Oshino Hakkai - a picturesque village with eight crystal-clear spring ponds fed by the melting snows of Mount Fuji. In clear weather it offers some of the most beautiful views of the sacred mountain. Then we will enjoy a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, surrounded by green hills and volcanic landscapes that create one of the most romantic scenes in the area. When visibility is good, the lake reveals an impressive panorama of majestic Mount Fuji.

Our journey continues on the Hakone Ropeway - a cable car passing over the volcanic valleys of Hakone. Along the route we will reach Owakudani - an active geothermal area with hot sulphur springs, rising clouds of steam and a distinctive volcanic landscape.

Check-in at the Susukinohara Ichinoyu 4* onsen hotel or similar in the Hakone area. Dinner at the hotel, included in the price. Overnight stay.

After dinner you can relax in an open-air mineral bath in your own hotel room.

Breakfast. Check-out. Today we head for Kamakura - once the political centre of Japan and one of the most spiritual places in the country.

Our sightseeing begins at Hase-dera - a beautiful Buddhist temple known for its gardens, ocean view and statue of the goddess Kannon. The harmony between nature and architecture makes this place a true oasis of calm. Then we will visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura at the Kotoku-in temple. The majestic bronze statue of Amida Buddha, set among green hills under the open sky, radiates genuine serenity and leaves a lasting memory with everyone who sees it. We will also have time for a stroll along Komachi Street - a busy shopping street with traditional shops, cosy cafés, local specialities and a wide variety of souvenirs.

We continue to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine - the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura, dedicated to the patron god of the samurai. Its wide avenues, majestic staircases and iconic red gates create a sense of solemnity and reveal the rich history of the former capital of the shoguns.

Departure for Tokyo. Check-in at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier 4* or similar. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Today reveals a different face of Tokyo - a city where centuries-old traditions and the modern pace of life exist in perfect harmony.

We begin with a visit to the Meiji Shrine - one of the most revered Shinto shrines in the Japanese capital. Set in a vast forest in the heart of the metropolis, it is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and offers a tranquillity that contrasts sharply with the dynamic pace of modern Tokyo.

Then we will soak up the atmosphere of Harajuku - the youth district that has become a symbol of Japanese street fashion, creative freedom and unconventional urban culture. Our walk continues along Omotesando - an elegant avenue known for its impressive contemporary architecture, designer boutiques and refined atmosphere. It is no accident that it is often called Tokyo's answer to the boulevards of Paris.

The day ends in Shibuya - one of the busiest areas of Tokyo. Here we will see the famous Shibuya Crossing, which has become a world symbol of the energy and constant rhythm of the Japanese capital. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Today we meet some of Tokyo's most iconic symbols - from imperial history and ancient traditions to the impressive architecture of the modern metropolis.

We begin with a walk around the Imperial Palace - the official residence of the Japanese imperial family. Built on the grounds of the former Edo Castle, the palace is surrounded by massive stone walls, moats and beautiful gardens that create a sense of calm in the middle of the bustling capital. Then we head for Asakusa - the district that keeps the spirit of old Tokyo. Here we will see Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, and a stroll along busy Nakamise Street will immerse us in the atmosphere of traditional Japan with its souvenirs, traditional crafts, Japanese sweets and local delicacies.

In the afternoon we will go up the Tokyo Skytree - the tallest tower in Japan and one of the most impressive observation decks in the world. From a height of 450 metres we will enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Tokyo, and in clear weather we may even glimpse majestic Mount Fuji. Our walk continues in Ginza - the capital's most elegant shopping district, famous for its luxury boutiques, designer shops and refined urban atmosphere.

Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast and check-out.

Our last day in Japan gives us the chance to enjoy Tokyo's unique atmosphere once more. We begin with a stroll through Shinjuku Golden Gai - a colourful district of narrow lanes and dozens of tiny bars that have kept the spirit of old Tokyo. Its authentic atmosphere contrasts strikingly with the modern skyscrapers rising just a few steps away.

Then we head for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - the seat of the Tokyo city government and one of the most recognisable modern buildings in the capital. From its observation decks we will enjoy our last views of the vast metropolis. We continue to Odaiba - a futuristic district built on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Its contemporary architecture, waterfront promenades and beautiful views of the Rainbow Bridge make it one of the most attractive areas of the Japanese capital.

Transfer to Haneda Airport for the 21:45 flight to Istanbul.

Arrival at Istanbul airport at 05:05 local time. Departure for Sofia on a Turkish Airlines flight at 07:30. Arrival at Sofia Airport at 08:45 local time.