This trip takes you to the core of Asian cultures in Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, Beijing and Xi'an in China, plus a flamboyant outlook at Singapore before you kick back on the beach of Bali. Encounter with beautiful Geisha ladies and cute pandas, sample authentic sushi and hotpot, no need to think twice, just get under the spell of the real Asia!
Journey Route
Tour Highlights
Walk in Shibuya just as what Scarlett Johansson did in her movie.
Ride on the Romance Car to visit Mt. Fuji and Shinkansen to Kyoto.
Delicate Japanese dinner with beautiful Geisha ladies in Kyoto.
Learn the hidden stories of the Forbidden City and scale the Great Wall with your footsteps.
Sip tea at a local teahouse and meet pandas before you all sweat up with a hotpot in Chengdu.
Go on a food hunt at Chinatown of Singapore with a local insider.
Enjoy the tranquillity of Nusa Dua Beach of Bali.
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
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Sharon has been very helpful since the…
Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More
May,
Jul 2023
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When I first book I was scared of what…
When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More
Saul Velez,
Jul 2023
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Albee was very helpful and responsive…
Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More
Bhavini Patel,
Jul 2023
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Alisa was a perfect tour consultant
Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More
Matha Goram,
Jul 2023
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I highly Recommend Asia Highlights
For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More
Jessalynn Flores,
Jul 2023
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Working to put together a custom trip…
Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience More
Marc,
Jul 2023
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Wonderful Service from Sharon!
Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More
Ali Tahir,
Jul 2023
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Wonderful trip
We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip! More
Happy Customer,
Jun 2023
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Just got to say
Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica! More
Teri,
Jun 2023
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Monica is fantastic
Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend. More
Philip Sheldon,
Jun 2023
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Me and my son are traveling to Japan
Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More
Ana Letícia Urbanin,
Jun 2023
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A great way to plan a dream vacation
Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More
KC,
May 2023
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Yeliz - Asia Highlights
Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More
Cyndie,
May 2023
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Sharon’s was very patient and helpful…
Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More
Jonny Abad,
May 2023
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Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!!
Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More
Lianne Stone,
May 2023
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11 days trip to Japan
I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More
LE,
May 2023
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Japan trip
Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More
Serene Storslett,
May 2023
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Quick, easy and detailed service
Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More
Lynette Whittle,
Apr 2023
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Japan Tour
Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More
Madhu,
Apr 2023
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I organized a trip to Japan for my
I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More
Luisa,
Apr 2023
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Suggested Itinerary
No matter when you come and how many times you've seen Japan, it is always hard to resist from its charms. Make your arrival in Tokyo today and you will be escorted to your hotel in a private car.
Entry flight and jetlag:
Tokyo has two international airports, Narita (about one hour from downtown Tokyo) and Haneda (about 40 minutes from downtown Tokyo). It is easy to find direct flights connected Tokyo with most major cities in western countries, with the flight duration up to 12 hours with no stop en route.
Since check-in time of the hotels in Japan is after 0200pm, we would suggest you take a flight that arrives between 0100pm and 0400pm, so that you won't meet traffic jam on the way from the airport to hotel and also you will have plenty of time to recover from jetlag.
Today you will step in some major sites in Tokyo such as Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Tsujiki Fish Market and a rickshaw ride in Asakusa taking in Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine.
Highlights of Today: Lost in Tokyo Shibuya Walking Tour
Take a 2-hour walking trip in the famous Shibuya Area with a local insider. Walk on the grounds of the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which is a stage for the movie "Lost in Translation" featuring Bill Murray and Scarlet Johnanson, Takashita Street, Harajuku Street and Cat Street.
Take a break at a Cat Cafe (or Maid Cafe based on your own interest) and your tour guide will teach you something about the Kawaii cultures (cute cultures). Wrap up the trip with a simple sushi dinner at Genki Sushi.
What makes it special for me?
- Not on the hot list: Get to the corners of the streets and a local sushi parlor where you meet more locals and few tourists.
- Interesting talk with an interesting person: Your tour guide, a local insider, sits you down with a cup of coffee and entertain you with amusing introduction of Japan's cute cultures.
Get on the Romance car to travel to Hakone, a famous destination not only for its Onsen (hot spring) but also for great views of Mt.Fuji, Japan's symbol.
Explore Mt.Fuji National Park and take a ropeway up Mt.Owakudani. Try out hot-spring-boiled eggs before you take a boat trip in Lake Ashinoko. At Hakone Tozan, be amazed by the world's one and only train that zig-zags up the mountain. Get back to Tokyo before night.
Make your own way to the train station and ride on Shinkansen. You will be in Kyoto within less than 2 and a half hours. Feel the speed!
Take a day tour in Kyoto to immerse yourself in her charm. Sites will include Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple, which are both in the outskirt of Kyoto. When you are back in Kyoto city, blend in with the locals at Nishiki Market before getting to Gion District for a special dinner with geisha ladies.
Highlight of Today: Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha (Maiko) Ladies
Despite of offering the same art perform as a mature Geisha, a Maiko is referred to a young lady in the training to become a Geisha officially. Tonight you will enjoy some elegant dancing and singing by a couple of Maiko ladies while your host prepares you with a Kaseiki Dinner.
What makes it special for me?
- Rarely-seen Maikos: No matter how Gion District sells itself as the place to meet Geisha ladies in their daily routine, it is highly unlikely to spot any Geisha in the streets nowadays. A private dinner cuts you from the common tourists and allows you a chance to learn about their lives and stories.
- Kaiseki Dinner: The very kind of special dinner that you deserve, even the serving proceedure is interesting to watch!
Take a short train ride to Uji, where you will attend a traditional tea ceremony at Nakamura Tokichi Honten for about one hour.
After a simple braekfast in Uji, get to Nara where you can see saki deers roaming freely, near the temples, in the woods and by the sidewalks. Visit Todaji Temple and Nara Deer Park. Get back to Kyoto before evening.
Highlight of Today: The Way of Tea
Japanese Tea Ceremony, also called Chado, literally meaning the way of tea, is an important art form and often presented in sophisticated social gatherings or serious events. Take the chance to be a part of it at the time-honored teahouse of Nakamura Tokichi Honten in Uji.
It begins with a brief introduction of the ceremony, including the meanings, tools, tea powders and etiquettes. Later, you will be taught how to grind tea powder; walk in a traditional Japanese garden to wash your hands and mouth; get inside a small private tea room for the ceremony. (Photo and video-taking are not allowed during the ceremony.)
What makes it special for me?
- A moment of peace: Take the first round of ceremony at 1100am before big crowd flushes into the teahouse and deprives you of tranquility.
- Back to the origin: Uji is wrought with history of tea and one of the most important tea produce bases in Japan; there is no better place to experience a traditional Chado than Uji.
- Exclusively for you: The experience is performed exclusively for up to 6 guests, perfect set for families or small groups looking for real experiences.
Transfer to Kansei International Airport in Osaka and fly to Beijing. Transfer to hotel and free at leisure.
Proudly China's capital for centuries, Beijing holds some fascinating stories just waiting for your attention. Today you will visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and get on a rickshaw into the Hutongs of Dongcheng District (about 20 to 40 minutes) with a chance to sample some "Baijiu" (Chinese sake, wine) at a local house.
Gear up for your visit at the Great Wall. After 1 1/2 hours of driving, you will reach the section of Mutianyu, a relatively less-crowded and more picturesque section of the wonder. A round-way cable car is included.
Visit Temple of Heaven when you are back in the afternoon. At the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner served at a famous local chain restaurant.
Take a flight to Xi'an.
After check-in and a short break, you will be picked up for a visit at the Muslim Quarter and then the Ancient City Wall, which stands in its best viewing time at sunset.
China's first emperor Qinshihuang has made his ambition for immortality very clear by building himself an army. Pay a visit at Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
How were these clay warriors made? How were them sized? And to be moved? Today you can have the answers by visiting a local workshop where life-size terracotta warriors are being brought out of the kiln.
Today's Highlight: How is it made?
Back in the days, there was no factory to make terracotta warriors. Every figure was hand-made in a life size by local farmers, craftmen and potters. Today, some farmers in Xianyang are still practicing the art.
They will teach you the process in details and you may have a chance to try moulding or painting. At the end of the visit, you will bring home a miniture terracotta warrior.
What makes it special for me?
- Close set: Not a common attraction but an Asia Highlights' exclusive site, only opens for your visit.
- Relive the history: Learn about every detail in making a terracotta warrior just in the same way back in history. Something to tell your friends back home or a reason to excite your kids.
Fly to Chengdu, home of pandas.
Get to Panda Breeding and Research Center before the lunchtime for these cute creatures. Learn about the breeding process and life circle of a panda.
Enjoy a hotpot lunch at noon (non-spicy option is available). Locals just love to have a cup of tea whenever they feel like it. Join them at Peole's Park. Fun to watch them doing Taichi, playing Mahjong and getting their ears picked.
Take an afternoon flight to Singapore.
Explore the enchanting city of Singapore, attractions will include Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay (with a 40min visit to the Flower Dome), Little India, Kampong Glam, Arab Stree and a boat trip from Clark Quay.
Take a special discovery tour at Chinatown to sample local cuisine.
Highlight of Today: More than Just Food
Hop on a MRT and your tour guide will lead you to Chinatown where you will try out 3 to 5 local dishes for lunch. Dishes will include rice cakes, poh piah (fresh spring roll), fried rice, Laksa, Hainan chicken rice and etc.
What makes it special for me?
- Local knowledge: Don't get fooled by some long waiting lines! Explore Chinatown with someone who knows where the food serves you best and the line runs shortest.
- Quick lunch in a special place: Leave the big meal at a fancy restaurant for your dinner if you plan to. Save some time by grabbing something quick yet delicious to eat at Chinatown.
- Food with cultures: Almost every vendor at Chinatown has their specialities and anecdotes, take them all into your plate!
Take a morning flight from Singapore to Bali and you will be escorted to your beach hotel in Nusa Dua.
Enjoy your days in Bali!
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
Hotel with view of Nijo Castle in Kyoto
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Hotel with convenient location in Beijing
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Superb hotel for leisure in Xi'an
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Hotel with Tibetan elements in Chengdu
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Unique hotel with fine location in Singapore
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Nice hotel with private beach in Bali
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Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-16
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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