Japan and China Highlights Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Tokyo

  On your arrival at Narita International Airport, our airport assistant will then guide you to take the public transportation to get to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to rest and recover from your journey or explore Japan's capital at your own pace.

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo's Tastes and Temples

  Start your morning in the lively heart of Tsukiji Fish Market, where the clang of knives, calls from vendors, and the scent of fresh seafood create a symphony of sensory delight. Sample melt-in-your-mouth tuna sashimi or enjoy a sushi breakfast fresh off the boat.

  Next, step into the spiritual calm of Senso-ji Temple, where coils of incense rise beneath crimson lanterns. Then, feel the serenity of Meiji Jingu Shrine, set within a lush forest oasis where wishes hang on wooden plaques.

  Dive into Harajuku's kaleidoscope of fashion - pastel skirts, bubble tea stands, and pop-up vintage stores await. Finish your day in bustling Shibuya, where you'll cross the famous scramble surrounded by flashing screens, and pause by the loyal Hachiko statue.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Faces of Fuji - Springs, Shrines & Still Waters

  Take a scenic 2.5-hour drive toward Japan's most iconic natural landmark: Mt. Fuji. Stop at the Oshino Hakkai, a peaceful village of thatched-roof houses and eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt. Peer into the waters to see koi swim beneath the reflection of Fuji's peak.

  Climb the stone steps to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, and be rewarded with one of Japan's most famous views - the red five-tiered pagoda framed by cherry trees, with Mt. Fuji rising majestically beyond.

  Later, board a boat for a serene cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko, where the mountain's snowy crown floats like a painting across the rippling water. After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Hakone for the night.

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  • Hakone

• Day 4: Hakone - Kyoto

  Enjoy a slow-paced morning in Hakone. You might explore a mossy forest trail, sip green tea overlooking mist-shrouded hills, or dip your toes into a soothing onsen footbath.

  In the afternoon, make your way to the station and board the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Watch as towns, rice fields, and mountains blur past your window in this high-speed journey through Japan's heartland.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 5: Timeless Kyoto - Temples, Lanterns, and Quiet Streets

  Step into a city where every stone whispers history. Begin with the golden shimmer of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), reflected in its still pond like a dream. Stroll through the bamboo groves or sip matcha in a nearby teahouse.

  Wander down the sloped paths of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, traditional streets lined with wooden houses and sweet shops selling warm yatsuhashi pastries.

  At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, gaze out from its wooden terrace over a sea of tiled roofs. In the evening, lose yourself in Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, where paper lanterns flicker and kimono-clad figures glide silently past.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

  Head to Nara, where sacred deer roam freely through temple grounds and parkland. Offer a bow and a deer biscuit, and you might get a bow in return. Visit the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha, housed in a massive wooden hall that humbles with its scale.

  Continue to Osaka, the nation's kitchen. As you arrive, the energy shifts - neon signs reflect in the canal, and the air fills with the aroma of takoyaki and sizzling kushikatsu.

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  • Osaka

• Day 7: Osaka, Free Day

  A full day to explore Osaka at your own pace. Food lovers might head straight to Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling grilled scallops, mochi skewers, and street-side sushi.

  Shoppers can dive into Shinsaibashi, where trendy boutiques and quirky stores line the arcade. Or head up to the Umeda Sky Building, where an open-air observatory offers sweeping views of the city skyline.

  At night, the streets of Dotonbori come alive - giant mechanical crabs wave above restaurants, and locals line up for ramen beneath glowing signs.

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  • Osaka

• Day 8: Osaka - Shanghai

  Today you will take public transportation to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On your arrival in Shanghai, China's most modern city, your Shanghai tour guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

  Note: You will have a private guide and driver in each city in China.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 9: Shanghai Full-Day Tour

  Today, dive into the dynamic blend of old and new that defines Shanghai. Start your day with a stroll along the Bund, where colonial-era buildings line the waterfront, offering postcard-worthy views of the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.

  Next, wander through the leafy lanes of the Former French Concession, known for its elegant architecture, boutique shops, and charming cafés - a glimpse into Shanghai's cosmopolitan past.

  Then, step back in time at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, filled with ornate pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries. Just outside, explore the bustling Yu Garden Bazaar, a lively marketplace packed with traditional snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

  Wrap up the day with a visit to the soaring Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 10: Flight to Xi'an

  This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you and accompany you to the hotel. Once the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, Xi'an is a city where history and modern life meet - famed for its city wall, vibrant Muslim Quarter, and as the starting point of the Silk Road. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 11: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter

  Start your day exploring the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of life-sized clay warriors buried alongside China's first emperor. Don't miss the impressive bronze chariots displayed nearby.

  In the afternoon, head back to the city center and immerse yourself in the bustling Muslim Quarter, where colorful stalls and tempting street food create a lively local atmosphere.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 12: High-Speed Train to Beijing

  This morning, board a high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a short rest. In the afternoon, explore the historic hutongs by rickshaw, wandering deep into these traditional alleys while listening to fascinating local stories. Finish with a relaxing break, enjoying a cup of classic Chinese tea.

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  • Beijing

• Day 13: Beijing's Imperial Heart

  Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, the vast public square symbolizing modern China's political center. Then enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient wooden structure and the imperial palace for 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors over nearly 500 years. Wander through its grand courtyards, ornate halls, and beautifully preserved palaces that showcase traditional Chinese architecture, imperial art, and the rich history of China's dynastic rule.

  Afterwards, head to Jingshan Park just across the northern gate. Climb to the top of the artificial hill for a stunning panoramic view of the palace rooftops sprawling beneath you and the city skyline beyond.

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  • Beijing

• Day 14: Beijing, Temple of Heaven & the Great Wall

  Begin your morning at the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors performed ancient rituals to pray for abundant harvests. Today, this peaceful park is a lively gathering place for locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and socializing.

  Next, travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, famed for its stunning scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. Take a leisurely walk along the ancient ramparts, soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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  • Beijing

• Day 15: Beijing, Departure

  Your guide will accompany you to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!

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