Fantastic Cultural Display of China and Japan

It will be a long trip to Tokyo, but, well worth it as you arrive to meet a city brimming with energy and Japanese spirit pouring from the traditional districts dotting a cityscape dressed in modernity. Images of soaring neon-draped skyscrapers flanking steamy bathhouses and decadent restaurants peppering bustling streets are but a few that will let you know you have officially arrived in the humming Japanese capital city. From the very moment you arrive, you will be overwhelmed by the otherworldly sights and sounds that flood every corner of Tokyo’s dazzling skyline.

The journey here will take it out of you, meaning a day to relax and unwind from the comfort of your accommodation, with brief walks around the neighborhood here and there, will revitalize you for the many adventures to come. Tokyo is a museum of Japanese culture that yearns to be explored, so use moments between the downtime to take advantage of the leisurely activities on offer such as a rejuvenating spa therapy or a cup of bubbling coffee.

Relaxed and reset, you will be brimming with excitement to uncover the fascinating cultural and spiritual highlights sweeping the skyline today. Joined by a tour guide, you will stroll from the country’s busiest intersection, the Shibuya crossing, to the empirical era Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. The impressive sacred grounds, dotted with flowering trees and acres of emerald forest, is an oasis within a technologically advanced cityscape, providing refuge from the high-octane atmosphere. You will continue to districts showcasing Japan’s artistic flair through the colorful garments worn by residents and museums spotlighting the country’s talent.

Tokyo’s skyline is a breathtaking display of future-forward thinking that you will best appreciate atop the roof of the towering Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Observatory. Panoramic views will overlook the immense skyline, and a museum housed up here in the clouds presents a few masterpieces curated by local Japanese artists. Afterward, you will tour Tokyo’s upmarket shopping district, Ginza, and spend the day lavishly splurging at the boutique stores and fine dining restaurants composing its royal allure. A final stop at the TeamLab Borderless will further showcase the visionary thinking of Tokyo’s creatives.

In the early hours of the morning, you will head over to the Tokyo train station and hop aboard one of the world’s fastest bullet trains, the Shinkansen. Winding through the Japanese countryside, you will be treated to vistas of sprawling flower fields and mountainous landscapes stretching into the distance. Shortly after arriving in the beloved city of Kyoto, you will discover the cultural highlights sweeping its antique districts. From the shimmering golden facade of the Kinkakuji Temple to the age-old geisha district of Gion, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese heritage.

Temples represent the tip of the iceberg of Japanese culture to discover in Kyoto, and today your morning will be kicked off in style by exploring the country’s culinary culture from within the world-famous Nishiki Market. You will be dazzled by the staggering assortment of eateries lining the buzzing market, which will be enveloped in the wondrous aromas of sizzling local dishes. Afterward, connect with the spiritual ambiance of Kyoto from within the archaic zen Buddhist complexes such as Daitoku-Ji Temple. Surrounded by thick bamboo forests, this sanctuary is a sanctified marvel to behold.

After breakfast, you will transfer to the international airport to catch your plane bound for China. Arriving in Beijing, you will be swept up by the exuberant atmosphere of this colossus megacity, a former imperial capital with a Mongolian legacy. Strolling through the Houhai Hutong District, you will stumble upon scenes of ancient China depicted in the small courtyard homes flanking narrow alleyways. The roads will lead to a hiking trail weaving to the top of Coal Hill Park, where panoramas of the cityscape will unfold from behind the Forbidden City.

Different dynasties have ruled China over the millennia, each leaving an imprint on the country in one way or another. Today, you will discover the origins of the Ming Dynasty as you tour one of their exemplary constructions, the Temple of Heaven. An incredible feat of architecture and symbolism, the remarkable spiritual palace realizes the vision of heaven on earth the Ming people yearned to attain. Visiting the National Museum and Summer Palace afterward will further enrich your understanding of ancient China.

Imperial China is embodied within the walls of the Forbidden City, the first stop on your tour of Beijing today. Thousands of workers toiled tirelessly to create this impressive symbol of the long-standing Chinese empire, a tapestry of historic knowledge flecked between stately architecture and lush gardens composing the iconic old-world complex. You will then leave the borders of Beijing, headed for the Great Wall of Mutianyu. The rugged section of the Wall towers above the ground, rising and falling with the surrounding luxuriant hills, showing off its might and magic to those fortunate to witness the world wonder.

Today, you will retreat from the high-octane cityscape of Beijing and head for the hills where you will find refuge in the evocative ancient Tang dynasty capital, Xian. Blending its archaic traditions with those of the new settlers, Xian is a culturally complex destination that presents a myriad of world views amidst its former ruling glory. After checking into your accommodation and settling into the new destination, you may grab a bicycle and pedal along the country’s oldest Ming Dynasty City Wall to see what lies yonder.

In Xian, within the tomb of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, you will be blown away by the extraordinary terracotta warrior statues that stand in the exact spots where they were first discovered in 1974. The fascinating symbols of the old world lie abundantly within the tomb, sharing a look at the artistry of Chinese people living here 2,300 years ago. Afterward, you will continue to the Wild Goose Pagoda, where iconic Buddhist sutras dating back to the Tang dynasty are housed.

The final leg of your tour will be spent in the extravagant city of Shanghai, a postmodern blend of historic charm and new world glamour. Shanghai is set to sweep you off your feet from the minute you arrive as you drop off your belongings in your hotel and head Yuyuan Gardens. Composed of six unique parts, the luxuriant manicured gardens are delightful to explore, with their fragrant flowers and the gentle melody of birdsong tickling your senses. Your evening will conclude fabulously as you watch a flamboyant Shanghai Acrobatics performance.

Spend the morning of your final full day in China walking along the French Concession in Shanghai’s historic district before appreciating the phenomenal collection of Chinese ceramics, art, and decor within the Shanghai Museum. Crossing the Huangpu River after lunch, you will arrive at the Pudong district, where soaring skyscrapers will reveal sweeping vistas of the cityscape, which spreads towards the horizon. Enjoy one last dinner in China as you tuck into sumptuous gourmet cuisine prepared at a coveted traditional restaurant before returning to your room.

As your journey to the East comes to an end on the 14th day of your vacation, you will look back on your experiences pleasantly having submerged yourself in the culture and highlights of Japan and China. There will be few things left to do before you leave other than cherishing the scenes from a quiet cafe where you may savor the tantalizing flavors of a wholesome Chinese breakfast. You will be collected from your hotel shortly after breakfast and transfer to the international airport to board your plane headed home.