JAPAN TOUR

16 Days Japan China Tour: Ancient and Modern Faces of East Asia

Discover the Land of the Rising Sun

Duration

16 Days

Price From

$1430

Tour Type

Private Tour

Destination

Japan

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Japan on this carefully crafted journey. From ancient temples and traditional gardens to modern cities and natural wonders, discover why Japan captivates travelers from around the world.

Tour Highlights

Wear modest clothing: Respect the sacred nature of the shrine by dressing appropriately.
Be mindful of noise levels: Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
Inner Garden (Optional; self-pay; once Imperial Property), and Meiji Jingu Museum (Optional; self-pay; items used by the imperial couple).
Early mornings often provide the best visibility before clouds obscure the view. Different locations around Mount Fuji offer varying perspectives, with some spots known for their clear views.
Join a Geisha Experience.It offers a chance to see a performance by a geisha, experience the tea ceremony, and learn all about its artful rituals.
Kyoto traditional kimono experience.Wear a traditional kimono and stroll through scenic districts like Gion or around Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Enjoy photo opportunities and the feel of traditional Japan.
United Kingdom (+44)
United Arab Emirates (+971)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Konnichiwa(こんにちは)！Welcome to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan! Upon your arrival at the airport in Tokyo, your driver (not English-speaking) will meet you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel. You can have a good rest in your hotel and get ready to explore Tokyo with your guide the next day. Tokyo, the capital of Japan , is one of Japan and Asia’s largest economic centers. Tokyo is a hub for Japanese culture and art, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and cultural venues, serving as a vital platform for artistic activities and cultural exchanges. Tokyo stands as a significant base for technological advancement, nurturing numerous high-tech companies and innovative talents, holding leading positions globally in areas lik

Day 2

First to visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (Meiji Shrine), a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken (1849-1914), who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan while excelled in writing Waka (traditional Japanese poems of 31 syllables in the pattern 5-7-5-7-7). Meiji Shrine is also a popular venue for traditional weddings, where you will have the opportunity to witness a Japanese wedding procession and experience the charm of Japanese traditional culture. The Meiji Shrine is nestled within a tranquil forest that covers an area of 70 hectares, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city. This forest is home to over 100,000 trees that were donated from regions across Japan during

Day 3

Today, enjoy a full-day trip to admire breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from three vantage points: Mount Fuji 5th Station, Arakurayama Sengen Park, and Lake Kawaguchi. Afterwards, drive back to Tokyo for accommodation. Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. It’s a famous volcano with a perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Visiting Mount Fuji is essential for any traveler in Japan. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Fuji (3,776m) stands as an iconic symbol of Japan, a cultural and spiritual landmark (recognized as a holy mountain in Shintoism), and a natural marvel. When picturing Mount Fuji, its distinctive perfect cone shape and snow-capped peak likely come to mind. Among the most renowned depictions is Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji

Day 4

Today, you will take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto . A driver will wait for you at the hotel entrance at the scheduled time and transport you to Tokyo Station . Shinkansen Ride : At Tokyo Station, board the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Kyoto Station (about 2.5 hours). This fast and comfortable journey offers a chance to enjoy the changing landscapes of urban and rural Japan. Upon arrival in Kyoto , a driver holding a sign will wait in the designated area to greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and rest. Kyoto , located in the Kansai region of the country, was once the capital of Japan. It epitomizes ancient Japan and is famous for tranquil temples, exquisite gardens, colorful shrines, grand imperial pa

Day 5

Kyoto , once the capital of Japan, epitomizes ancient Japan. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is among the world’s most culturally rich cities. Known for traditional arts like tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, and ikebana (flower arranging), Kyoto is also one of the best places to observe geishas. Start morning in Kyoto bright and early at one of its most iconic sites – the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to beat the crowds. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Layers upon layers of vermilion torii gates line the lush, wooded hillside, forming a seemingly endless corridor. The vibrant orange and black gates contrast be

Day 6

Today, you’ll be visiting some of Kyoto’s most iconic spots, then head to the Arashiyama and Sagano areas located in the northwest of Kyoto. This itinerary will not only allow you to deeply experience Kyoto’s culture and history but also bring you closer to nature, letting you feel the changes of the seasons. Start your day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning golden exterior. The temple’s stunning visual appeal comes from its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden structure shimmering in the pond in front of it, makes it perfect for photos and quiet reflection. It was originally built in 1397 as a r

Day 7

Today, you’ll journey from Kyoto to Osaka , with a stop in Nara along the way. After beakfast, depart from Kyoto and head to Nara , an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. Nara holds a special place in Japanese history as the country’s first permanent capital, predating Kyoto. Nara boasts eight World Cultural Heritage sites, making it Japan’s second most culturally rich city after Kyoto. In autumn, you’ll witness a stunning blend of ancient landmarks, charming deer, and vibrant fall foliage in Nara, making for an exceptionally beautiful experience. Visit Todaiji Temple , one of Japan’s most historically significant temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, which stands just ove

Day 8

Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departure flight. Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai , China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai’s long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai’s unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Shanghai, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel. Dining: Breakfast Accommodation: Shanghai Kansai International Airport Kansai International Airport The most iconic and historical landmarks in Shanghai Night View of the Bund

Day 9

On this day, your guide will take you to Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai Pudong New Area to the highest building in China – the Shanghai Tower . It features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world’s fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the " Top of Shanghai Observatory" located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you’ll have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a cultural landmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (the third tallest buildin

Day 10

This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to Suzhou (about 1.5 – 2 hours). Welcome to Suzhou , reputed as the "City of Gardens" and "Venice of the East," offering an elegant and picturesque atmosphere. Upon arrival in Suzhou, you will be escorted to explore this charming, poetic city. Your first stop is a brief visit to the Suzhou Garden Museum to gain a clear understanding of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, which consist of nine gardens in the historic city of Suzhou listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, continue your discovery at the serene Humble Administrator’s Garden , the largest garden in Suzhou, which is considered one of the greatest examples of quintessential Chinese landscape design. Built i

Day 11

Today, you will head to the airport for your flight to Xian (about 2.5 hours). Welcome to Xian , the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival in Xian, the local guide and driver will greet you at the exit of the airport, and then escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown area. Enjoy some free time on your own after the hotel check-in. Dining: Breakfast Accommodation: Xian Xian Bell & Drum Tower Square Impressive Ancient City Wall in Xian

Day 12

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and Horses : an army of around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry entirely made of baked clay or terracotta. This Terracotta Army has silently stood guard over the soul of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, for more than 2,000 years. Until an accidental local farmer digging a well in 1974 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Upon stepping into this " underground military museum, " you will encounter two awe-inspiring shocks. The first is the magnitude of the archaeological marvel before you: thousands of life-sized clay soldi

Day 13

This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to visit the Ancient City Wall . Xi’an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12-meter-high walls, form a rectangle with a perimeter of 14 kilometers. To get an idea of Xi’an’s former grandeur, take a leisurely walk on the wall. Each step here is a chance to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Or cycling ( optional ) the full extent of the wall offers a rewarding panoramic view of the city – a tangible contrast between the old and new, and a testament to Xi’an’s historical significance and modern vibrancy. Once you’ve delved into the city’s historical narrative, don’t for

Day 14

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, epic imperial grandeur and royal gardens. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian’anmen Square , which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day. Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City , the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. Listed as a world heritage site, Forbidden City has about 500 years’ history, and served as the political and ritual center of China d

Day 15

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu . The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the windin

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

This morning you will head to Temple of Heaven . Located in Beijing’s Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City and smaller than the Summer Palace. As a World Heritage, the Temple of Heaven (Taoist temple) is also known for its rigorous symbolic layout, peculiar structure, and magnificent decoration. The Temple of Heaven used to be a place to offer sacrifice to Heaven by 22 Chinese emperors twice a year for good harvests. You can learn more about the grand praying ceremony there, as well as observe the amazing designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. Nowadays, it is also a park for local people to do morning exercise and you are welcome to join them. If there is more time, you can also enjoy the relaxing time exploring the o

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