Turkey
Basic Information
A country spanning two continents: Europe and Asia
Population: Approximately 85 million
Area: About twice the size of Japan
Average Monthly Temperature: Around 10–30°C
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
(As of January 2025, 1 TRY ≈ 4.2 JPY)
Credit cards are accepted at most places frequented by tourists.
Average Annual Income: Approximately USD 11,000 (about JPY 1.6 million, source: Global Note)
Tipping: Generally not necessary in most situations.
＜Major Tourist Destinations＞
Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Strait, and more
Cappadocia: Unique rock formations made of volcanic tuff created by ancient volcanic activity
Ephesus: Ancient Roman city ruins (Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, etc.)
Pamukkale: “Cotton Castle” – stunning white travertine terraces formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich thermal waters
And many more
English is spoken in most major tourist areas.
Tourist areas are generally considered safe.
Turkey is a large country, so we joined a guided tour to visit the major attractions efficiently.
<Istanbul>
Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Inside Hagia Sophia Mosque
Topkapi Palace Entrance
Imperial Hall of Topkapi Palac
Grand Bazaar
Bosphorus Strait (15 July Martyrs Bridge, formerly the Bosphorus Bridge)
Belly Dance
<Ephesus>
Curetes Street
Library of Celsus
Odeon (Ancient Concert Hall)
<Pamukkale>
Famous for its spectacular white travertine terraces
<Cappadocia>
Famous for its extraordinary rock formations.
Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock
Rock dwellings believed to have sheltered persecuted early Christians
Inside the rock dwelling
One of the highlights of Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride over the unique landscape at sunrise. Although it is quite expensive, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have the opportunity to visit Cappadocia, I highly recommend it.
<Turkish Cuisine>
Airline Used: Turkish Airlines (TK), Business Class
Turkish Airlines is well known for its Flying Chef service
In-flight Meal (Outbound)
In-flight Meal (Return)
Istanbul Airport Lounge
Turkey, where the cultures of Europe and Asia blend together, is a fascinating destination filled with magnificent historical sites, breathtaking natural scenery, and delicious cuisine. Although it is a long journey from Japan, it is truly a destination worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
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