Reason 1: It Was Peaceful When I Went

You could say it was just a coincidence, but during my visit to Turkey, I felt no sense of danger whatsoever. In fact, I've read quite a few blogs from people who have recently visited Turkey, and they all say the same thing.





It is true that a terrorist attack occurred at Istanbul Airport in 2016. However, to prevent such incidents from happening again, baggage checks are conducted at key locations such as airports and hotels.

What about politics? In the national referendum at the end of June 2018, President Erdoğan's faction was re-elected, and the government is stable. While Mr. Erdoğan himself seems to be a strong-willed individual who doesn't shy away from minor disputes with major powers, he was nonetheless confirmed through legitimate procedures, so there is no reason to believe that public safety has deteriorated.

On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website,Overseas Safety Website's Turkey sectionyou'll see that most of the areas designated as dangerous are along the borders with Syria and other Middle Eastern countries. Although there are warnings for the major city of Istanbul, they are far from the rumors heard in Japan.

In fact, the number of travelers from Japan to Turkey has drastically decreased in the past few years. However, travelers from other countries continue to visit, filling the gap, and the tourist spots remain as lively as ever. How one interprets these facts is left to individual judgment.

Reason 2: Compared to 10 Years Ago, the Value of the Japanese Yen is About 6 Times Greater!

Quoted from the TRADING VIEW site, monthly chart of TRY/JPY.https://jp.tradingview.com

This is a chart showing the exchange rate trend between the Japanese yen and the Turkish lira. The downward trend indicates that the value of the Turkish lira has been continuously falling against the Japanese yen. While the lira reached its highest value in October 2007 at ¥99.634 per lira, its lowest was ¥15.552 per lira in August 2018. That's a difference of more than six times.

Of course, this is an FX rate, so when you exchange it for physical currency, fees will be deducted, and the rate will change slightly. Nevertheless, the dramatic fluctuation remains unchanged.

Roughly speaking, if you exchange 10,000 yen for lira and it becomes worth six times as much, isn't that amazing? Let's consider staying in a suite that normally costs 300,000 yen per night. Of course, that's far beyond my budget. But if you could stay for one-sixth of the price, 50,000 yen, now... Yes, a dream that comes true once in a lifetime might be possible now. In Turkey.

Speaking of which, the Nikkei Shimbun on August 15, 2018, published an article titled, 'Lira Plummets, Tourists Flock to Turkish Luxury Brands.' The report stated that in August, as the exchange rate imbalance further accelerated, shoppers from neighboring countries flocked to buy luxury goods. Travelers from Arab countries and China were seen lining up at high-end boutiques such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.

Reason 3: Easy Direct Flights to Istanbul

and the business class meals are produced by Turkish Do & Co, which also caters for the Olympics and Formula 1 races. Their flying chefs are responsible for the beautiful presentation of the meals onboard.Turkish Do & CoTheir flying chefs are responsible for the beautiful presentation of the meals onboard.

Furthermore, the business class lounge at Istanbul Airport, known as one of the most luxurious lounges in the world, has received rave reviews. It offers private relaxation rooms, shower rooms, massage services, a billiard table, and other entertainment facilities, providing a luxurious space for relaxation.

Incidentally, a new airport opened in Istanbul on October 29, 2018. At the same time, the lounge was also revamped, and even as I write this, word is already spreading about its even more enhanced facilities. A brand-new setting, brand-new services. Visiting this new lounge alone could be a reason to travel to Turkey. By the way, since Turkish Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, Star Alliance Gold members can use this lounge even if they are not flying business class.

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