Japan & China Highlights

Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will meet you and assist you to board your transfer to your hotel.

Explore Tokyo like a local would. 

Learn how to purify yourself at the entrance of Meiji-jingu shrine. Stroll down colorful Takeshita street in Harajuku with its youthful fashionable atmosphere and Kawaii culture. You may even run into some cosplayers all decked out as their favourite anime character. Next is the elegant tree lined Omotesando with its high style buildings and one of a kind architecture housing designer luxury boutiques.

The Asakusa traditional district in the northwest section of the city boasts the magnificent Senso-ji temple and its five story pagoda. Here, incense burning worshippers are oblivious to the selfie taking tourists. Let our guide help translate the good fortunes printed on your Omikuji and save as a souvenir of Tokyo. Some shopping time for souvenirs or Japanese rice crackers is in order along Nakamise shopping street which leads to the outer gate of the temple. 

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Travel by bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa (~2 hours 30 minutes)

Meet your guide and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Omicho market with its many stalls full of sea creatures fresh out of the Sea of Japan. It has over 170 local shops providing the locals including restaurant chefs with fresh fish, meat, oysters, pickles, produce, sweets, sake, coffee and more.

Proceed to the well preserved historic Higashi Chaya district. The beautiful wooden chayas (tea houses) were the venues where Geishas once entertained nobility and rich merchants. The number of Geishas have dwindled over the years but there remains a few active tea houses here where Geishas still entertain their well off clients on a nightly basis. You will tour the Kaikaro Chaya, a still active tea house which is open to visitors during the non operating daytime hours.

You will have a hands-on experience. A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter. It is so thin that it will disappear when you rub it with your fingers. The production of gold leaf started in Kanazawa at the end of the 16th century. You will have the opportunity to get hands on and create your own gold leaf masterpiece.

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Take the train from Kanazawa to Kaga (around 30min).

You will stay at a ryokan and experience Japanese onsen (hot spring bath). Tonight, a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal will be served.

Travel by bullet train / local train from Kanazawa to Kyoto (~2h40)

Upon meeting our guide, you will head to the south of Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine dedicated to the Shinto God of rice is famous for its thousands of vermillion colored torii gates leading through the wooded forest to Mount Inari.  Next, you will visit Kiyomizudera (pure water) temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Make your way up to the wooden stage of the main hall with beautiful views of city of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.

The tour ends in Gion, the most famous Geisha neighborhood of Kyoto. Here you will see the many well preserved traditional wooden houses (machiya) of old Japan, many of which are tea houses where Geishas entertain their well to do clientele. 

Learn about the history of tea and the formalities of the tea ceremony, then you can try making a cup of tea under an expert tea master’s guidance.

The rest of the day is free at leisre.

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Travel by Bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima (~1 hour 45 minutes).

Our guide will meet you and you will board a local train followed by a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island. As the ferry approaches the island, to your right will be the giant floating Torii gate marking the entrance to Itsukushima shrine. The shrine was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996. Following the visit to the shrine, our guide will show you around the island.

Board the train for the approximately 1h30 hour ride to Osaka.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Explore Dotonbori area which is a popular shopping and entertainment district and also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs.

Head to the airport and fly to Beijing (flight not included). Transfer to your hotel.

Discover the rich tapestry of Beijing’s imperial past with a captivating tour that begins at the iconic Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a symbol of modern China. From there, step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Ming and Qing emperors. As you wander through its majestic halls and intricate courtyards, you’ll be immersed in centuries of royal history and architectural splendor.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tranquil escape to the enchanting Summer Palace, a stunning example of Chinese landscape garden design. Stroll along the scenic Kunming Lake, explore the intricately painted Long Corridor, and marvel at the grandeur of the Marble Boat.

As the day draws to a close, indulge in a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the crispy, flavorful delicacy that has become a hallmark of Beijing cuisine.

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture and a spiritual symbol of harmony between heaven and earth. Wander through the vast ceremonial grounds where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and admire the stunning Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, renowned for its exquisite blue-tiled roof and precise symmetry. The surrounding park offers a glimpse into local life, with morning tai chi sessions and traditional music adding to the cultural ambiance.

In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and less crowded stretches of this world wonder. Take a scenic round-trip cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of the wall snaking across forested hills. Once on the Wall, stroll along its ancient stone paths, explore watchtowers, and absorb the grandeur of this monumental feat of engineering.

Take the High Speed train to Xian (about 5.5 hours). Arrive Xian, transfer to your hotel.

Begin your day in Xi’an with a captivating morning excursion to the world-renowned Terra Cotta Museum, home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974, this archaeological wonder features thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots that have stood guard for over two millennia at the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. As you explore the vast excavation pits, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and historical significance behind one of China’s greatest ancient discoveries.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Xi’an’s rich heritage with a visit to the Forest of Stone Steles, a fascinating museum housing over 3,000 ancient stone carvings and calligraphic works that chronicle the city’s literary and cultural legacy. Then, step onto the ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved in China. Whether you choose to walk or cycle along its impressive ramparts, the wall offers sweeping views of the old city below and a unique perspective on Xi’an’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Today, fly to Shanghai (included). Arrive Shanghai, pick up and transfer to your hotel.

Start your day with a journey into the heart of Shanghai’s heritage at the enchanting Yu Garden and Old Town. This classical Chinese garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offers a peaceful retreat with its delicate pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and intricately carved rockeries. Just outside, the bustling Old Town invites you to explore its lively streets lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and vibrant markets, offering a perfect blend of culture and local flavor.

For lunch, delight in one of Shanghai’s most beloved culinary traditions with a serving of steaming soup dumplings at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transition from the old to the new with a visit to the iconic Bund, where colonial-era buildings stand proudly along the Huangpu River. Then, ascend the futuristic Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, for panoramic views of the city’s ever-evolving skyline. This tour offers a seamless blend of ancient charm and modern marvels, showcasing the dynamic spirit of Shanghai.

Departure transfer to airport for your onward flight.