The captivating culture, enriching history, and remarkable modernity will bring the highlights of the East into your view during your custom-tailored best of China and Japan tour. Walk along the iconic Great Wall of China, watch the graceful movements of a geisha in training, meet an entire army made out of clay to protect an emperor’s throne in the afterlife, and embrace the code of the samurai inside the preserved ambiance of former Edo Era capital. Explore the distinctive heritage and delightful...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo – The Capital of Japan with the Remaining Day at Leisure
Tokyo is a vibrant, modern capital city highlighting a futuristic ambiance with endless attractions crisscrossing through internationally celebrate restaurants, renowned baseball, and soccer games, traditional sumo wrestling, and captivating museums. The combination of lights, movement, and traditional culture creates a dazzling effect as you arrive at Narita Airport, where your private transfer greets you at customs. You pass through the streets ablaze with neon signs and sleek, soaring structures hosting hidden mega-malls, designer boutiques, offices, and the apartments. The modernity of Tokyo adheres to the strict structure of traditional patterns giving way to bars made of wood hidden in quiet alleys and small restaurants lit with lanterns serving chicken cooked over coal-grills.
After settling into the comforts of your luxury accommodations, you will have the remainder of the day for an immersive look into the culture of the city at your leisure. The Tsukiji Outer Market holds packed rows of vendors offering culinary delights and showcasing merchandise ranging from dried fish to seaweed, kitchen knives to crock pots. The scent of boiled freshwater eel dabbed in a sweet, savory sauce fills the air emanating from the small restaurants and cafes. The Ginza shopping district reflects the busiest commercial area in Tokyo while the centuries-old shopping center takes place at the center where the five roads connecting Japan’s major cities all meet.
What's Included:
Day 2
Tokyo – Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple, Harajuki, and Shibuya Districts
Day 3
Tokyo – The First Streets of Japan’s Feudal Capital at Kamakura
Day 4
Tokyo – The Popular Tokyo Edo Museum and Relish a Free Afternoon
Day 5
Kyoto – Scenic Train Ride before Discovering Historic Kyoto
Day 6 - 7
Kyoto – Nijo Castle and the Golden Pavilion before Free Time
Day 8
Shanghai – Travel to China from Osaka Airport with the Day at Leisure
Day 9
Shanghai –Tour of Shanghai’s Historic and Modern Beauties
Day 10
Xi’an – Suzhou’s Gorgeous Canals and Classic Ming Dynasty Garden
Day 11
Xi’an – Explore Xi’an’s Architecture and Famous City Wall
Day 12
Beijing – The Renowned Terracotta Warriors and a Clay Workshop
Day 13
Beijing – The Remarkable Highlights of Beijing on a Guided Tour
Day 14
Beijing – The Famous Great Wall to Walk along a Selected Route
Day 15
Beijing – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Wander the myriad of streets in Japan’s feudal capital at Kamakura leading to stunning monasteries, Zen Buddhist gardens, and a fascinating classic castle
- View the exceptional collection of Terracotta Warriors in Xian, China housing over 8,000 soldiers crafted with unique facial characteristics for Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb
- Ride the scenic bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji decorating the landscape outside of Yokohama Station
- Walk a section of the remarkable pathway winding over the mountains defending China for over 1,700 years at the Great Wall of China
- Witness the elegant drama of the gilded halls of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto with the ceiling reflected in the stoic waters of the mystical pond
- Explore the gorgeous scenery in the tranquil canals parallel to the quiet streets of Suzhou accompanied by preserved serene gardens
- Enjoy the comforts and customs of staying in a refurbished a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn in the historic city of Kyoto
- Join the seemingly endless crowd crossing the street at one of the world’s busiest intersections at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
- Experience the elegance and sophistication of a traditional artistic performance of a Maiko recital, apprentices to true geiko or geisha
- View a captivating acrobatic performance in Beijing for surprising aerial visions and fluid movements of the entertainers
Detailed Description
Embrace the timelessness of preserved customs as ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the evolving architecture and pace of the modern world during your 14-day tour of China and Japan. On the surface, the countries seem to push the edge of modernity with soaring high-rises and technological advances, but the heart of the past shines through in unexpected ways, from boutique hotels to restaurants maintaining ancient recipes, preserved scenic spaces and dynamic antique temples hosting relics, statues, and countless legends. Travel Tokyo to Kyoto, Shanghai to Beijing to uncover the great charms and extravagant artifacts combining contemporary luxuries with the bold developments of human history.
Your adventure begins in Japan with four nights in Tokyo. Using the capital city as a base to showcase the modern, natural, and historical marvels in and around the city provides a comfortable way to discover the sensational prefectures of Tokyo at your preferred pace. Visit temples, wander through fashionable shops, pay your respects at historic shrines, and wander across one of the busiest intersections in the world. Step back in time into the Edo Period at Kamakura for deeper insight into the workings of the Feudal system in Japan and linger in the fascinating galleries of the Edo Museum for a view of the collections bringing the past back to life in the modern capital city. Two nights in Kyoto create a different view of Japan, including a stunning view of the famous peak of Mount Fuji. The historic city immerses you in the past through traditional architecture and the maintained customs of geisha performances, Zen gardens, and the lavish decorations of the Golden Pavilion.
Your grand exploration continues with your arrival in China and begins with two nights in Shanghai. The bustling port city offers a fascinating combination of modern architecture and antique design along the banks of the Huangpu River with fashionable shopping districts and marvelous colonial aesthetics. Enjoy a day wandering along the streets, canals, and gardens of Suzhou for a glimpse into the classical ambiance of the Ming Dynasty ranging from silk studios to picturesque walkways. Two nights in Xian allow the fascinating history of the Qin Dynasty develop around the Bild Wild Goose Pagoda, preserved city walls, and vibrant Muslim Quarter. Allow the enchantment of viewing the Terracotta Warriors in person to overtake you when visiting the different areas unearthed since the 1970s before visiting a clay workshop to learn more about crafting the renowned figures.
Your last stop is in Beijing for three nights, bringing an end to your time exploring the enrapturing wonders of China and Japan. Before your trip ends, the capital city, like Tokyo, represents a unique balance of the past and present cultures of the country juxtaposed between the elegant skyline and the conserved grandeur of the Forbidden City. Visit Tiananmen Square and enjoy the remarkable tricks of a Chinese acrobat performance. The most iconic image of China crowns your ultimate exploration when visiting the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section for a fantastic panorama over the countryside and a view of how the wall winds along the upper contours of the meandering mountain range.
Starting Price
$7,700 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.83 stars based on 727 reviews.
Reviewed By Tonya T.
Reviewed By BOLIVAR A.
Reviewed By Jim A.
Reviewed By Tejas N.
Reviewed By Jeanine B.
Reviewed By Jennifer C.