16-Day Japan and China Discovery Tour

Welcome to Japan, a country that uniquely blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and tranquil gardens of Kyoto, to flourishing Osaka and the breathtaking cherry blossom season, Japan offers something to delight every traveler.

Savor traditional sushi, ramen, wagyu beef, and hot springs (onsen) for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. With expert guides and a tailored itinerary, your Japan tour would be an unforgettable journey.

After your arrival at the airport, your private driver will welcome you with a name board and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your own pace.

The dusk of Tokyo with the Rainbow Bridge

Experience an unforgettable day exploring Tokyo with your own private guide:

• Begin your adventure with a visit to Meiji Shrine, where you can witness traditional Japanese weddings and pay your respects to Emperor Meiji.
• Take a stroll along picturesque Omotesando shopping street, famous for its broad tree-lined avenue and flagship stores of the world's top fashion brands.
• Unwind and appreciate the tranquil beauty of Hama-rikyu Gardens, one of Tokyo's most stunning traditional Japanese gardens.
• Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a time-honored practice that embodies the spirit of Japanese culture.
• Visit iconic Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temples. Take in the striking architecture and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural hub.

The Senso-ji Temple in sunlight

Embark on a memorable journey through Tokyo's most iconic attractions:

• Begin by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Tsukiji Fish Market, renowned for its vast array of seafood and bustling market life.
• Elevate your culinary skills with an authentic sushi-making experience, led by a local sushi chef. Savor the exquisite flavors of your handcrafted sushi during a delightful lunch, while basking in the satisfaction of your newfound talent.
• Lose yourself in the energetic streets of Shibuya, home to the famous Shibuya Crossing and an abundance of shopping and entertainment options.
• Finally, ascending the magnificent Tokyo Skytree, where you'll marvel at the city's breathtaking panorama from its towering observation decks.

Have you ever made your own Sushi before?

• Embark on an effortless journey to Hakone Yumoto station from Shinjuku station using your Hakone Freepass and Romancecar ticket. Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute direct journey to your destination.
• After arriving, board the local train to Gora station with the convenience of your Hakone Freepass. Then, hop on the shuttle bus to your accommodation.
• With the hassle of transportation taken care of, you have the rest of the day to unwind and explore at your own pace. Soak in the beauty of the surrounding nature or indulge in the area's famous hot springs for an ultimate relaxation experience.

Train passing valley in Hakone

Unleash the full potential of your Hakone Freepass and explore all that Hakone has to offer! Enjoy the freedom to get on and off various regional transport at your leisure, with the added benefit of discounted admission to multiple attractions in the region.

• The Hakone pass covers eight different forms of transportation, including trains, buses, cable cars, cableway, and boats, making it easy to see all the major sights of the region.

Alternatively, relax at your hotel and soak in the rejuvenating hot spring bath after a day of travel. Take advantage of the luxurious amenities and soak up the stunning scenery around you.

The picturesque view of Hakone

In the morning, make your way to Odawara station using your Hakone Freepass and use the train ticket to board the Shinkansen to Kyoto.

• On arrival at Kyoto station, make your own way to your hotel.
• The rest of the day is free time.

An old alley of Kyoto

On the seventh day, we would explore the former imperial capital of Kyoto with a knowledgeable local guide and have your own private vehicle to visit some of its World Heritage Sites:

• The day begins with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, this iconic temple was later converted into a Buddhist temple, making it one of Kyoto's most famous and revered landmarks.
• Don't miss the chance to explore Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. Surrounded by stunning gardens, this castle's main building was completed in 1603 and is renowned for its unique architecture, decorated sliding doors, and 'chirping' nightingale floors.
• Take a leisurely stroll down Nishiki Market, a narrow, five-block long shopping street lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this vibrant retail market specializes in all things related to food, including fresh seafood, knives, and cookware. There, you can indulge in seasonal delicacies and Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.
• To cap off your day, choose between visiting Kiyomizu ('Pure Water') Temple or Sanjusangen-do ('Thirty-Three Halls') Temple. Both are magnificent examples of traditional Japanese architecture and offer unique cultural experiences that will leave you in awe.

The Kiyomizu Temple is so high!

Begin your full-day excursion to Nara with a 45-minute train ride from your hotel accompanied by your knowledgeable local guide. As Japan's capital for 74 years during the 8th century, Nara is home to many temples and shrines that were built during that time and still remain today:

• Your first stop will be at the Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.
• Visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its numerous bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers.
• Take a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, also known as Deer Park, where you can interact with over 1,200 tame deer that call the park home.
• Quench your thirst at a traditional sake brewery, where you can sample different types of sake and discover your favorite.
• On the way back from Nara, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". This shrine is home to over 10,000 red torii gates that form a beautiful path up the mountain behind the temple.

The giant buddha in Todai-ji Temple

Day 9 of our Japan adventure is your chance to relax or explore Osaka on your own before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Beijing, the capital of China.

Upon arrival in Beijing, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

The night at Shichahai in Beijing

Ready for Beijing? Let's begin the day trip by visiting the symbol of new China — Tian'anmen Square.

• From there, proceed to the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace, with a rich 500-year history. While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, your private guide will help you explore 12 carefully-selected places to fully experience the grandeur and beauty of this historic site.
• Indulge in a delicious lunch of Beijing Roast Duck, where you can watch the chef's exquisite cutting skills, savor the crispy duck skin, and learn the proper way to eat it.
• After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the charming hutong alleyways, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and learn about the daily lives of Beijing residents.

Birds flying above the Forbidden City

• Start the day's touring at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for a good harvest. Arrive early to witness locals practicing martial arts and engaging in other unique activities that you may not see in your home country.
• In the afternoon, visit Mutianyu, the top-ranked section of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor due to its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. Although it is about a 2½-hour drive from downtown Beijing, the stunning views and unforgettable experience make it well worth the journey.

Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in autumn

• Marvel at the stunning imperial garden of the Summer Palace, originally the summer retreat of the imperial court and now a peaceful escape from the summer heat.
• Experience China's technological development as you race towards Xi'an on a high-speed train. This is a unique and exciting way to travel and witness the modern advancements of China's transportation system.

The bridge and pagoda at the Summer Palace

• Start your day by uncovering the mysteries of the underground army that dates back to 206 BC at the Terracotta Army Museum. Then, visit a local craftsman's cave dwelling to learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior.
• Return to the city area and visit Xi'an City Wall, which has been guarding the inner city for over 600 years. Walking along the wall provides a stunning view of the city, or you can rent a bike to cycle around the 14 km (9-mile) wall for a unique leisurely experience.

Inside the Terracotta Army Museum

• Explore more of Xi'an's rich history at Shaanxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then head to the Muslim Quarter to wander through the alleys and savor the local Muslim cuisine.
• In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel, where you can rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.

Treasure of the Shaanxi History Museum

• Experience more than just taking a few selfies on the Bund during our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour, where you will travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s.
• Explore some of the old Bund buildings and listen to their fascinating stories. Then, ascend the tallest building in China, Shanghai Tower, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Shanghai and witness the vastness of the largest city in China.

The night of the Bund

On the last day of this itinerary, your private car, driver, and guide will be awaiting you at your hotel lobby, ensuring a timely arrival at the airport.

As you sit back and relax, they will provide check-in assistance and escort you to the correct security gate. Experience stress-free travel and a delightful journey home as they cater to your every need.

The waiting hall of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport