JAPAN TOUR

17 Days Best East Asia Tour Package – Discover South Korea, Japan & China

Discover the Land of the Rising Sun

Duration

17 Days

Price From

$3,400

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

This is the price per person, based on a group of 6 people, 4-star hotel accommodation, and travel during the regular season.
Early-bird rates apply to bookings made at least 6 months prior to the departure date.
The price is subject to change depending on your travel season, group size, hotel class, and potential fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
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Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

안녕하세요! Welcome to Seoul , the capital of South Korea! Upon your arrival at Seoul Incheon International Airport, your driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to the hotel. Enjoy a restful night at your hotel and prepare to explore Seoul the following day. Your adventure begins in Seoul, a sprawling metropolis located in the Han River basin. It’s a city of contrasts, where ancient palaces, towering skyscrapers, and bustling markets coexist harmoniously. If you arrive early, explore this modern Asian metropolis at your own pace and discover how ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity in one of Asia’s great cities. Free Time Idea in Seoul (Explore on your own based on your time): Take the Seoul Namsan Cable Car , which will transport you up to the magnificent Nams

Day 2

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Today is a highlight of your Seoul trip, featuring amazing attractions and experiences. You’ll explore the grand palace, the traditional Hanok Village, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local life and culture. Plus, you’ll have the chance to try typical Korean snacks. Your first stop is the Presidential Blue House (Cheongwadae), a symbol of South Korea’s political power. Take in the distinctive blue roof and modern architecture from the outside . Next, walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace , the largest and best-preserved palace in Korea, which served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395 by King Taejo Lee Seong-gye, this palace witnessed the rise and fall of the dynasty. Its layout is meticulous, and its ar

Day 3

On this day, you will go for a fascinating journey into the world’s most heavily guarded border: Korea’s DMZ . Venture into the heart of the DMZ, where the echoes of history and the yearning for unity reverberate. After breakfast, depart from Seoul and embark on an immersive journey through time and conflict. Explore the hallowed grounds of Imjingak Park and feel the weight of the past as you traverse the Freedom Bridge , retracing the steps of those who sought solace and freedom. Witness the audacious 3rd Infiltration Tunnel , a chilling testament to a divided land. Immerse in the DMZ Theater and Exhibition Hall , where tales of valor and strife paint an indelible portrait. From the Dora Observatory, glimpse the enigmatic North Korea, a realm s

Day 4

This morning, We’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport in Seoul for your flight to Tokyo. 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. As 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 innovat

Day 5

Full day explore Tokyo. You will visit Meiji Jingu Shrine (a Shinto Shrine; meet Japanese Wedding Procession), Shibuya Crossing (Hachiko, the loyal dog Statue), Senso-ji Temple (a Buddhist Temple; view Tokyo Skytree), Tsukiji Outer Market (Tsukiji Fish Market). 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 a popular venue for traditional weddings, where you will have the opportunity to witness a Japanese Wedding Procession , experiencing the charm of Japanese traditional culture. Founded in 1915 a

Day 6

Today, it will be a full-day round trip (300 km) to admire the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from the Mount Fuji 5th Station , Lake Kawaguchi . 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 (3,776 m) 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 ‘. Hokusai, one of the "Three Greats of Ukiyo-e," is best

Day 7

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

Day 8

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 9

In this morning, depart from Kyoto and head to Nara , an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. Before Kyoto, there was Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and one of the country’s most rewarding destinations. Nara boasts 8 World Cultural Heritage sites, making it Japan’s second most culturally rich city after Kyoto. 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 over 16m high and consists of 437 tonnes of bronze and 130kg of gold. It represents Vairocana Buddha and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Todaiji’s main hall, Daibutsu-den (Big Buddha Hall), is one of the world’ ‘s largest all-wood buildi

Day 10

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 Yuyuan Bazaar Shanghai Snacks The most iconic and historical landmarks in Shanghai Night View of the Bund

Day 11

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 12

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 Delicious Local Food of Muslim Quarter Local snacks in the Muslim Quarter Xian Bell & Drum Tower Square Impressive Ancient City Wall in Xian

Day 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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

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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