- 4.9/5 352 Latest reviews
- Destination: Japan, China
- Duration: 15 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cultural
About This Trip
Now, citizens from many countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European nations, can travel to China without a visa! Thanks to the new 240-hour visa-free transit policy, visiting China has become much easier and more convenient for travelers. This 15-day China and Japan tour takes you straight to the heart of East Asian culture.
China and Japan share a long history, with both countries preserving numerous ancient traditions in today’s modern world. This creates a fascinating mix of past and present. At the same time, their cultures and lifestyles show striking differences. From Beijing to Tokyo, this 15-day journey offers an immersive experience of history, unique culture, and breathtaking natural scenery. It promises to be an adventure you will always remember.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 7
China
Beijing: Forbidden City, The Great Wall, Yonghe Lamasery
Xi'an: Terracotta Army, Local Family Visit
Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden
8 - 15
Japan
Osaka: Himeji Castle, Kobe
Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Fushimi-Inari Shrine, Tea Ceremony at Kodai-Ji Temple
Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Senso-Ji Temple
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Hello and welcome to China! After you arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
- Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing, Explore Downtown Heritage
Today, immerse yourself in some of Beijing’s iconic landmarks.
Begin in the heart of the city at Tiananmen Square, a site of historical and political significance, reflecting China’s modern heritage.
Next, step into the Forbidden City, the vast imperial palace that was home to 24 emperors over five centuries. Your guide will highlight the architectural brilliance and share fascinating stories of the royal household.
Conclude with a visit to Jingshan Park, the former imperial garden, offering panoramic views of the magnificent palace complex below.
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- Beijing
- Day 3: Beijing, Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall
Begin the morning at the Temple of Heaven, once used by emperors to honor the heavens and pray for abundant harvests. Today, it serves as a lively gathering place where locals—especially retirees—practice exercises and enjoy their daily routines. Next, take a comfortable two-hour private drive to the impressive Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy an easy walk along the ancient ramparts while admiring sweeping mountain views and the wall stretching far into the distance. After the visit, return to your hotel for rest and relaxation.
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- Beijing
- Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Rail
Begin the day with a visit to Yonghe Lamasery, the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing and once a Qing Dynasty imperial residence. Accompanied by your guide, explore its halls, shrines, and peaceful courtyards, where the scent of incense and the sound of chanting create a deeply spiritual ambiance.
Later, board the high-speed train bound for Xi’an, a historic city that served as the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties. After an approximately five-hour journey, arrive and check in to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy a restful night.
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- Xi’an
- Day 5: Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors Discovery
Start the day with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an extraordinary archaeological site guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Admire the thousands of life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots, each crafted with distinct expressions and detailed features.
After returning to downtown Xi’an, head to the vibrant Muslim Street. Explore the wide range of local Muslim cuisine and Xi’an specialties while observing the everyday life and traditions of the city’s Chinese Muslim community.
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- Xi’an
- Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai
Spend the morning visiting a local family to experience everyday life up close. Join your hosts in preparing simple home-style dishes, share a genuine Chinese lunch together, and stroll through the neighborhood to observe—or take part in—leisure activities as you wish.
Later, take a flight to the vibrant city of Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
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- Xi’an
- Day 7: Shanghai Highlights – The Bund & Yu Garden
Begin the day with a relaxed walk along the famous Bund, where elegant colonial-era buildings line one side while the Huangpu River flows beside you. Continue to Yu Garden, a 400-year-old classic of Chinese landscape design, known for its pavilions, ponds, and rock formations. Enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant featuring regional specialties.
In the afternoon, explore the historic French Concession, wandering through leafy avenues and stylish shops. End the day with a visit to the Shanghai Tower, ascending to the 118th-floor observation deck for sweeping views across the city skyline.
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- Beijing
- Day 8: Fly from Shanghai to Osaka
Bid farewell to China as you depart Shanghai on a flight bound for Osaka, the vibrant hub of western Japan.
Upon arrival, meet your private driver and transfer comfortably to your hotel in Osaka for check-in and rest.
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- Osaka
- Day 9: Osaka Excursions – Castles, Mountains & Culture
Begin the day with a scenic two-hour drive to Himeji Castle, Japan’s most celebrated fortress, admired for its elegant white façade and layered rooftops. Continue to Kobe, where you’ll ride the Nunobiki Ropeway up Mt. Nunobiki for sweeping views across Osaka Bay.
Later, wander through the fragrant paths of the Nunobiki Herb Garden, enjoying elevated views over Kobe. If you prefer, stop by the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum to learn about traditional brewing methods and taste premium sake from one of Japan’s oldest producers.
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- Osaka
- Day 10: Shinkansen Journey from Osaka to Kyoto
Transfer to the train station by hotel shuttle or taxi and board the bullet train for a brief ride to Kyoto. As Japan’s former imperial capital for more than a millennium, the city is renowned for its rich collection of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and historic castles.
After checking in, enjoy free time to discover Kyoto at your own pace. You may explore its 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites or take part in traditional cultural activities that offer a deeper connection to Japan’s timeless traditions.
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- Kyoto
- Day 11: Timeless Kyoto Experience
Spend the day exploring Kyoto’s historic treasures with your private guide. Begin at UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Walk through the flatland complex to reach Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure famous for its “nightingale floors.” Continue to the lively Nishiki Food Market for an insight into everyday local life, then visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, the principal sanctuary dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice. The shrine is globally recognized for its striking pathway of thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Later, immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most refined traditions—the tea ceremony, known as Sado. Set within the historic Kodai-ji Temple, founded over 400 years ago, the elegant halls and serene Zen gardens provide a tranquil backdrop for a private tea experience led by a skilled tea master.
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- Kyoto
- Day 12: Shinkansen Ride to Tokyo
Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking the Shinkansen on a roughly 2.5-hour journey to Tokyo. After arriving, make your way to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own pace.
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- Tokyo
- Day 13: Tokyo City Essentials
Begin your sightseeing with a peaceful stroll through Meiji Shrine, set within a tranquil forest in the heart of the city. Continue to the beautifully maintained East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only inner grounds accessible to visitors. Then wander along Nakamise Street toward Senso-ji Temple, where you can admire the five-story pagoda and join locals in paying homage to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
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- Tokyo
- Day 14: Tokyo at Leisure
Enjoy a full day free to plan as you wish. You may continue exploring Tokyo’s top attractions such as Ueno Park, Akihabara, and Ebisu, or take an optional day trip outside the city to visit Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic landmark.
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- Tokyo
- Day 15: Departure from Tokyo
Your memorable journey through Japan comes to an end today. After breakfast, take some time to prepare for departure, check out of the hotel, and head to the airport on your own for your return flight home.
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