11 Days China and Japan Discovery

Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji

Tour Code: TAT-Japan-02

Tour Type: Private Tour

Price from: US$3588 Free Inquiry

Tour Feature

  • Handpicked private tour covering China and Japan
  • Explore the world heritages like The Great Wall and Meiji Jingu
  • Go through the culture differences between China and Japan

Tour Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Arrival Beijing

Transfer service to hotel

Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Beijing or similar ★★★★

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will be greeted by our local guide at the airport with TCT signboard. Then our guide will transfer you to check in hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day for you to get over the jet lag.

Beijing City View
Beijing City View

Day 2 Beijing

Temple of Heaven, Hutong, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City

Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A la carte Chinese lunch
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Beijing or similar ★★★★

TCT local guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at the appointed time. It will be an exciting day as we will explore the world well-known wonders today. The 1st stop is Temple of Heaven, the existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven and a place where the emperors prayed for a year of abundance. In the visit of Temple of Heaven, you will be astonished by the exquisite ancient Chinese architectures. Besides, you will see local seniors doing morning exercises in the square and full of vigor. You will have chance to watch Chinese Kongfu, Taichi, square dancing, playing cards, playing chess etc.

Then our group will move to a less commercial Hutong nearby. A short walking along the authentic Beijing Hutong will give you a deep impression of the local residents’ live. A la carte lunch is served at a local restaurant to have a taste of the authentic Chinese food at noon time and have a break at the restaurant.

Then continue this Beijing city treasure city by a visit to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, the locality of numerous major political and historical events. It is the witness of Chinese development. It is only a walking distance from Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden City, the world's existing largest and most complete ancient wooden structure buildings. You will explore the glorious palace halls and gardens for more than 2 hours in Forbidden City, learning the legendary story of the emperors and how the royal family lived there. You will be stunned by the numerous old art treasures exhibited in halls. Drive back to hotel, we will have a stop at pearl store en route. Please feel free to consult with your local guide about the evening activities in Beijing, such as the night shows of Beijing.

Forbidden City
Forbidden City

Day 3 Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird Nest and Water Cube

Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A la Carte Lunch
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Beijing or similar ★★★★

It will be an exciting day today. In the early morning, guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. Today we will visit the must-visit spot in Beijing--- Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the famous sections of China Great Wall. It takes about 2 hours driving from the downtown of Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. (***Cable car and slideway are available at Mutianyu Great Wall. It is optional and excluded from our price***)

A la carte lunch is arranged at a good restaurant at the foot of Mutianyu. Drive back to downtown of Beijing. We will have a stop at a tea store en route. When we reach Beijing, we will have a photo stop outside the Bird Nest and Water Cube, which were the famous sites constructed for 2008 Beijing Olympic. The tour finishes by dropping off at your hotel. If you would like to try local specialty tonight, you could ask for some suggestion about Peking Roast Duck Restaurant.

Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall

Day 4 Beijing-Xi'an

Summer Palace, High speed train to Xian

Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an or similar ★★★★

In the morning, check out from hotel and start to visit the last spots in Beijing --- Summer Palace, the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. The Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are regarded as the representative of Summer Palace. In the park, you could choose to take a boating trip on the lake, enjoying the beautiful royal garden view. Walk along the Long Corridor--- the longest corridor in the world, admiring the extremely rich and prestigious paintings on the beams of the corridor.

A la carte lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on the way to Beijing West Railway Station to take high speed train (2nd class seat, duration: about 5-5.5 hours) from Beijing to Xi'an. TCT guide will wait at the exit of Xi'an train station with our signboard and transfer you to check in hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the time.

Summer Palace
Summer Palace

Day 5 Xi'an

Ancient City Wall, TaiChiChuan Course, Terracotta Warriors

Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an or similar ★★★★

Today we will have a full day to explore this historical and cultural city in China. Pick up from hotel in the morning, and then have a visit to the landmark of Xi'an---Xian City Wall. You could choose to have a bicycle riding on the city wall (***Bicycle riding is optional and excluded from our price***). An impressive Tai Chi Chuan course is arranged at the City Wall for you. Originating from the roots of classical Chinese culture, Tai Chi Chuan absorbed a variety of sources including the Book of Changes, Taoism and Buddhism. With a professional Tai Chi Master's teaching, you will understand Chinese culture better.

After that, we will drive to the highlights in Xi’an ---the Terracotta Warriors. On the way to Terracotta Warriors, we will have a stop at a pottery workshop, where you will have chance to learn how to make a pottery figure.  A la carte lunch is arranged at a local restaurant nearby Terracotta Warriors. In the afternoon, we will have enough time to visit this world wonder --- Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation.

The tour finishes by dropping-off at the hotel lobby. You could ask your local guide for some information about evening entertainment or night show, such as Tang Dynasty Show.

Terracotta Warriors
Terracotta Warriors

Day 6 Xi'an-Shanghai

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, fly to Shanghai

Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund or similar ★★★★

You will have a leisure morning for your to walk around. We will check out at noon time and drive to have lunch directly. In the afternoon, Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda,  one of the most well-preserved Tang Dynasty buddha temples. It is  reputed as the Tang Dynasty elaborate and valuable Buddhist architectural heritage. While visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, you will have chance to watch the traditional shadow play, visit Jianfu Temple as well as Xi'an Museum.

Take a flight to Shanghai, the local guide will meet you at Shanghai airport and transfer you to check in the hotel.

Shanghai city view
Shanghai city view

Day 7 Shanghai

Shikumen, Yuyuan Garden Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Old Street, the Bund

Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund or similar ★★★★

The last day but still an inspiring day to explore the city of Shanghai,the largest and most modern city in mainland China. We will start the tour by walking into Nong Tang, the alleys in Shikumen, where you could witness the locals' relaxing and plain life. You will also find the unique architectural feature of Shanghai.

Then continue the day trip to Yuyuan Garden which is a Chinese classic garden in city downtown. Then continue to explore the Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street) nearby.

After a la carte lunch is served at a local restaurant, we continue our trip to Shanghai Silk Museum before moving to the foot of The Oriental Pearl TV Tower to visit Shanghai City History Museum(The Former Shanghai Wax Museum), where you will know more about the history and development of Shanghai. Then take the elevator up to the 2nd ball of the TV tower, from which you will have a bird-eye view of Shanghai. Go on driving through Lujiazui, the finance & trade zone in Pudong of Shanghai, where you will find many skyscrapers. We will have a view of the modern skyline of Shanghai.

Then back to the Bund, admire the illuminated buildings lining the Huangpu River. From the Bund, you could see the landmark of Shanghai--- The Oriental Pearl TV Tower as well as other high-rised buildings, just on the opposite of Huangpu River. 

The Bund
The Bund

Day 8 Shanghai-Tokyo

Transfer to airport, fly to Tokyo, transfer to hotel

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sunshine City Prince Ikebukuro or similar ★★★★

After a leisurely breakfast and check out of the hotel, our guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Tokyo.

Upon arrival at Narita/Haneda International Airport, you will meet our English-speaking driver with a name board at the airport exit and transfer to your hotel.. After check-in, the rest of the day is free at leisure on your own.

Notes:

1. Pick-up service: 30 minutes after the flight's actual arrival time. The maximum waiting time is one hour.

2. Airport arrival time should be between 08:00-20:00

Tokyo City View
Tokyo City View

Day 9 Tokyo

Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Garden ( if closed, imperial palace plaza, double bridge instead), Hama Rikyu Garden, Sumida River Cruise, Asakusa Kannon Temple

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sunshine City Prince Ikebukuro or similar ★★★★

Today is your time to explore Tokyo city.

After your early breakfast at the hotel, start a full day exploring Tokyo city.

The first stop is Tokyo Tower (approx. 30 mins), from which you could enjoy a panorama of Tokyo from the main observation platform. Then move to Meiji Shrine (approx. 40 mins). It takes a fine example of Japanese shrine architecture. It is nestled in a peaceful and picturesque area. Passing by the Akasaka Guest House and National Diet Building, we will go to visit Imperial Palace East Garden (approx. 40 mins), and enjoy a pleasant walk through the garden, which is a place of historical interest and scenic beauty. 

 

At noon time, our local driver or guide will advise you of a good place where we will have about 1 hour to enjoy a typical Japanese-style lunch.



In the afternoon,  visit Hama-rikyu Garden (approx. 40 mins), which is a typical daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) garden in the Edo period with a tidal pond. Then we will enjoy a boat ride on Sumida River from Hinode Pier to Asakusa to see a harmonious blend of old and new Tokyo. In the Asakusa area, we will visit Asakusa Kannon Temple which is a famous temple in the Asakusa district. 

Finish the tour and drop off at your hotel.

Notes:

The Imperial Palace East Garden is often closed on Monday and Friday. Whenever, it is closed, the group will be arranged to visit Imperial Palace Plaza, Double Bridge instead, seeing the inner moat, 15-foot thick walls and pine trees surrounding the 250-acre fortress, home of the Emperor and Empress.

Asakusa Kannon Temple
Asakusa Kannon Temple

Day 10 Tokyo-Hakone

Mt. Fuji 5th station(depends on condition), Kakone Sky Gondora, Owakudani Valley, Cruise at Lake Ashi, back to Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Sunshine City Prince Ikebukuro or similar ★★★★

After breakfast in your hotel, you will start a full-day tour to visit Mt. Fuji & Hakone. The motor-coach rides for about 150 minutes, and we arrive at Mt. Fuji 5th Station, from which we could enjoy a panoramic view for about half an hour and tourists will be amazed by the spectacular and breathtaking views from above the clouds. The tourist will enjoy their own lunch at a local restaurant in Gotemba.

After lunch, we will ride the Hakone Sky Gondola and visit Owakudani Valley. You will also have a chance to have a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, which is a crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone, formed by a powerful volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago. It provides a postcard view of Mt. Fuji.

Then we will drive back to Tokyo.

Notes:

1. Hakone Sky Gondola, Owakudani Valley or Pirate Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi may be omitted or substituted due to weather conditions, heavy traffic, or other operational reasons. In such cases, a tour guide shall take you to one or two locations from among the following alternative sightseeing spots. Please note, however that the tours may not be canceled and the tour fare shall not be refunded. Alternative sightseeing spots: Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, the summit of Komagatake, Hakone Ashinoko (Lake Ashi) Boat Cruise, Hakone Shrine, Hakone Check Point, Hakone GeoMuseum, Narukawa Museum in Hakone, Boat Cruise on Lake Kawaguchi or Kawaguchi Ropeway. The tour guide shall finalize the best alternative under the circumstance.

2. You will drive up to the highest possible point when the road up to Mt.Fuji 5th station is closed due to snow or other reasons, if heavy traffic is expected or the tour is running late. Even under these circumstances, the tours may not be canceled and the tour fare shall not be refunded.

Mt Fuji in a distance
Mt Fuji

Day 11 Departure Tokyo

Transfer service to airport

Meals: Breakfast

Our local representative will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and transfer you to NRT/HRD airport for your flight to next destination.

Service Ends

Remark:
1. Prices are valid from Mar 1, 2023 to Dec 29, 2024, except Japan public holidays, local fairs or events, Spring Sakura season, Autumn Maple season.
2. Prices subject to change without any further notice;
3. Accommodation and tour itineraries are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control;
4. Child rate : Please consulte with us separately.

Price includes:
Sharing transfer service in Japan as specified in the itinerary
Private transfer service in China as specified in the itinerary
English-speaking guides 
Hotel accommodation
Meals as as specified in the itinerary
Entrance fee as specified in the itinerary

Price excludes:
International Airfare to enter China and depart Japan 
China and Japan Entry Visa Fees
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal Expenses such as visa costs, insurance, Beverages, Portrage
Gratuities are not included, Current rate for guide is US$ & driver 10.00 per person per day
Personal comprehensive travel insurance 

What our clients say

4.9/5.0 | Excellent

M

Melissa Dixon

5.0

Jul 07 ,2022

Thank you Yuki - she made this trip perfect. My highlight was seeing a geisha and Mt Fuji.

T

Thaneshan

5.0

Jun 30 ,2022

Special mention of "very good" guide Emiko, she stopped lots to check on us all, which was much appreciated as no one got lost or late for trains, etc. Yuki was friendly and helpful throughout the tour and made our first experience if Japan an excellent experience.

D

David Jaeger

5.0

May 18 ,2020

In case I don’t get a chance to say it in person, I want to thank you personally for a wonderful introductory trip to Japan. I know that I speak for the four of us when I say that we have thoroughly enjoyed this trip from start to finish and we are very grateful for your personal service and the extreme care that you took at every turn. Miki was the best guide we could have wished for – so knowledgeable and so candid – a delightful person.
We will be very happy to recommend Top Asia Tour to our friends, acquaintances, and colleagues in the Canadian civil service.
Many thanks again and I hope that we will have the opportunity to travel with you again in the future.

J

Jessa s.

5.0

Mar 26 ,2020

The Japan trip was fantastic! Due to the virus, we were only 4 girls + our amazing tour guide and we had a blast! A lot of the tourist places were empty which made our trip easier and more relaxing. A huge thank you to our tour guide, Becca, for all of the great memories, advice, and laughs.

P

Peter A. Garza

5.0

Mar 15 ,2020

This has been one of the best tours I've been on, and despite being in Japan during the Corona pandemic Brooke our tour guide managed to make it the best tour ever. There were so many things we saw that normally would have been swarming with people but we had it all to ourselves. It was so amazing especially, with the Senso-Ji Temple in Tokyo, it was nothing short of magical seeing the temple and wandering around with so few people around, it was magical. And the pattern kept repeating itself throughout the tour it really was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure(pun most definitely intended). This tour exceeded all of my expectations and I'm so happy that I chose to go on this adventure.  I'm grateful that I had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Japan.

M

Mircea Ardelean

5.0

Jan 19 ,2020

Rebecca was excellent. She gave clear daily itineraries. She was very organized and friendly! The tour was good. I especially liked the sushi and calligraphy classes and the monkey park. The shrines and palaces; as well as the hikes on the old highways, gave me a historical background for me. I also enjoyed the natural beauty of Japan. The steam vents of the volcano and Mt. Fuji! Rebecca exposed us to different restaurants allowing us to try different foods. All were fantastic!

A

Amritpal Singh

5.0

Jan 03 ,2020

I did this tour in Nov/Dec and had an absolutely amazing time. Japan is a fascinating country and we visited a mix of urban and rural areas. As a keen walker, the highlight for me was walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route on the Kii peninsula walking through the mountain valleys between the 3 holy shrines. The train journey from Osaka to Tanabe on the Kii peninsula is stunning. Another highlight was walking part of the Nakasendo trail an ancient route between Kyoto and Tokyo that is now a walking route in the Kiso valley visiting the old post stations (juku) such as Magome and Tsumago. At Kawaguchiko we were lucky to have a perfectly clear view of Mt Fuji. Travel was mostly by train including bullet trains and buses in some mountainous areas that the train does not go to. Our accommodation was a mix of western-style hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya and ryokan(traditional Japanese style) in the rural areas. We had private guides in nearly all the locations we went to. Each day of walking was followed by a delicious Japanese-style dinner and soaking in the onsen - pure bliss. I would highly recommend this tour if you enjoy walking and would like to see a lesser-known part of Japan.

N

Nadine Engonge

5.0

Nov 28 ,2019

What a great trip. There were some changes needed due to a typhoon arriving the first day...however, Pablo did a great job of adjusting schedules and accommodating everything!

M

Mahdi Ashtari

5.0

Oct 14 ,2019

Very interesting and enjoyable
Very professional from the time I started my inquiry about the tour, everything was detailed and clear. The agent of TopAsiaTour was very helpful and cooperative to solve any issue I had. My Japan tour was very informative and the tour guide was knowledgeable of the subjects that were explored

C

Cami Chau

5.0

Sep 27 ,2019

I have had the most fabulous tour. My guide Yuki made the tour easy with her fantastic organization skills, great sense of humor, and caring nature. I appreciated the balance of guided aspects and free time. Yuki was so helpful and accommodated the needs of all group members. She was so knowledgeable and efficient which meant we could make the most of our time at each place. My first trip with Top Asia Tour has been a blast. A big Thanks to the company and THE BEST tour guide!

S

Stephen

5.0

Sep 15 ,2019

Great way to see the major sights & experience traditional food & culture.
Wow!!! Our Japan and Korea tour has a good balance of historical, traditional, and contemporary sights or experiences. TopAsiaTour managed the logistics of getting around cities and countries which made this effortless for us. The guide was incredibly helpful and always went that extra mile for the group. The size of the group was good and ensured you never missed anything.

S

Stephen

5.0

Sep 15 ,2019

Great way to see the major sights & experience traditional food & culture.
Wow!!! Our Japan and Korea tour has a good balance of historical, traditional, and contemporary sights or experiences. TopAsiaTour managed the logistics of getting around cities and countries which made this effortless for us. The guide was incredibly helpful and always went that extra mile for the group. The size of the group was good and ensured you never missed anything.

A

Anila Ruparelia

5.0

Aug 21 ,2019

We did this tour for our honeymoon and it was fantastic! I'd recommend this trip to everyone. Our tour guide made Japan extra special. She went above and beyond to find information and recommendations for anything not included on the tour. She was polite, accommodating, and very informative and was one of the main reasons our experience was so very special. We look forward to visiting Japan again and would love to have Lily as our host again. 

S

Sabina Sapkota

5.0

Jun 18 ,2019

Every aspect of planning our trip to China was seamless. Joyce has been amazing. She responds to any and every request immediately and has been incredibly informative about every aspect of our trip. I would definitely recommend the Top Asia Tour team

S

Sabina Sapkota

5.0

Jun 18 ,2019

Every aspect of planning our trip to China was seamless. Joyce has been amazing. She responds to any and every request immediately and has been incredibly informative about every aspect of our trip. I would definitely recommend the Top Asia Tour team

M

Mike Chaloner

5.0

May 18 ,2019

A very interesting time in Japan - the people were great and very experienced guides made it very easy and enjoyable.

D

Dale Tyler

4.0

Nov 12 ,2018

The Tour was excellent, surpassing my expectations. Our guide Yumi was so knowledgeable, attentive, and caring that we learned so much about Japan, its people, and culture than we ever would have done as independent travelers.

Touring is tiring, You pack so much in but the tour had ample free time for further exploration or resting for those who needed it.

I would certainly recommend Top Asia Tour and would use it again. 

A

Anat Segal

5.0

Oct 10 ,2018

The tour was very enjoyable. Pablo, our Guide was superb in providing information regarding Japanese culture and history. The fact that he is passionate about the subject and his job made the tour great.

L

LISA CARON

5.0

May 06 ,2018

The views, meals, service, and onsen at the Ryokan were excellent. Both guides were absolutely wonderful. This was my first experience on an overseas tour and I loved it. I can't speak highly enough of Yuki and Ako. They were both professional, organized, and just fun to hang out with.

R

Ruth Ndila Ndeto

4.0

Mar 16 ,2018

I really enjoyed the tour. Most of the arrangements and organization were very good and our tour guide Yuki was amazing, super polite, the patient really took care of us, and went over and above in making our holiday so enjoyable. From the daily well written with cute drawings on her daily schedules, and tiny treats she bought us, to the knowledge and expertise in the way she took us through all the public transport so efficient, I give her top marks.

Train rides were fine and agree the most efficient. I have a few suggestions...If the tour could add a few alternatives like visiting The monster cafe, team lab, and robot restaurant, just to give it a mix of temples and museums and considering the varying age groups and interests.

On the hotels, Kyoto and the traditional were good and location of hotel accommodations were very good, Tokyo hotel rooms were very tiny and I a single occupant found it difficult so can only imagine how the couple's managed but I guess it's usual and the location was really good so its a plus.

Overall I did have a great holiday. I enjoy using your tours and will continue to do so. Thank you very much and please share our sincere appreciation with Yuki.

H

Hari Chaturvedi

5.0

Dec 05 ,2017

One of the best trips I have done. Our tour guide, Hana, was exceptionally knowledgeable in local culture, places to eat, activities and optional activities, local transportation, etc. Her natural caring for people has shown throughout the trip. She always reassured each member of the group that they are enjoying the time and don’t feel left out. The tour was very well planned and I feel I have learned a lot more about the culture and people of this country. I would strongly suggest anyone do this tour.

M

Marta Alves Pereira

5.0

Apr 13 ,2017

Special mention of "very good" guide Emiko, she stopped lots to check on us all, which was much appreciated as no one got lost or late for trains, etc. Yuki was friendly and helpful throughout the tour and made our first experience if Japan an excellent experience.

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