The best of China & Japan

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’ll head to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshipped the Gods of Heaven. If possible, your guide will take you to a part of the park where locals practise morning activities like tai chi or traditional dances.

Afterwards, visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre to learn how herbal treatments and ancient practices have helped people for thousands of years.

Later, transfer to the train station to take the bullet train to Shanghai. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour along Nanjing Street and the Bund to take in Shanghai’s modern views. Then visit a Silk Factory to see how these beautiful fabrics are made. Next, head to the Old City Bazaars near Yuyuan Garden, where you’ll find plenty of interesting souvenirs and spots serving typical Shanghai dishes.

We recommend joining our optional afternoon Shanghai city tour.* In the evening, you could also enjoy a fantastic acrobatic show.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.

*Optional visit to Shanghai Museum and Pudong: This includes a visit to the Shanghai Museum, famous for its extensive cultural collection. Afterwards, explore the Pudong area with included entry to Jinmao Tower.

**Optional Chinese acrobatic show: Experience one of the world’s oldest performing arts and immerse yourself in a night of culture and entertainment.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring at your own pace. We recommend joining our optional visit to the Gardens of Suzhou* and a night cruise on the Huangpu River.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Please note: Today’s optional activities can be combined.

*Optional full-day trip to Suzhou with boat tour: Travel to Suzhou, one of China’s most famous historic and cultural cities, known as the “Venice of the East.” First, visit the Lingering Garden, showcasing the Chinese skill in blending art, nature, and architecture. Then, explore the Suzhou Museum, noted for its modern architecture and antiques collection. Later, enjoy a boat ride along the Pingjiang River in the Old Town. Before returning to Shanghai, see Wumen Bridge and the Prince Zhong Mansion.

**Optional Huangpu River night cruise: Take in the city skyline from the comfort of a river cruise and enjoy a night with spectacular views of Shanghai.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Japan.

Arrival at Tokyo Airport and transfer on your own* to the hotel. If you do not include a private transfer service, we recommend that you use Japan’s public transportation, which is one of the best in the world: reliable, clean, and extremely punctual. Take some time to settle in and relax after your journey before your adventure begins. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

*You'll have the option to book a private transfer from and to the airport in the next step of the booking process.

Note: You can also add an optional meet-and-greet at the airport with one of our representatives, who will assist you with your transfer, itinerary, and travel documents.

Today you have free time during the morning to further explore Tokyo at your own pace. Consider visiting the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a tranquil forested area near Harajuku, or take a walk through the stylish streets of Omotesando for architecture and boutique shopping.

Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Shibuya to experience the essence of Tokyo through one of its most iconic neighborhoods. Begin at Shibuya Station with “The Myth of Tomorrow,” a powerful mural by Taro Okamoto. Feel the energy at Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. Stroll through Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley) to get a glimpse of local life and post-war history. Take a break in Miyashita Park, a multi-level urban oasis, and soak in the youthful vibe of Center Gai. Explore the historic streets of Maruyama-cho, now a hotspot for nightlife. End the tour at the famous Hachiko Statue, a beloved symbol of loyalty. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Enjoy a full day to explore Tokyo at your own pace, discovering the city’s endless attractions and hidden gems. For an added adventure, we recommend you to join our optional Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour.* This excursion offers stunning views of Japan’s iconic peak and the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi, making for an unforgettable experience. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

*Optional Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour: Experience the majesty of Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this hassle-free day tour from Shinjuku. Visit popular spots like Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, and Gotemba Premium Outlets. Enjoy seamless travel between scenic locations, stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and plenty of time to shop for souvenirs.

Board the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto*, Japan’s ancient capital. The trip takes only around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the train can reach speeds of 300 km/h! Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Kyoto at your own pace. Wander through serene streets, visit hidden temples, or unwind at a local onsen.

Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years and is one of the best-preserved cities in the country. It’s a vibrant blend of modern life and traditional culture, surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and that offers a wide variety of restaurants, and is easy to navigate. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

*The transfer between the hotel and the train station is not included.

Enjoy the morning exploring Kyoto at your own pace. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle or, for a more interactive experience, explore the Samurai & Ninja Museum to learn about Japan’s legendary warriors.

In the evening, take part in a guided walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s most iconic geisha district. This is the time when geishas—known locally as geiko—and maiko (apprentices) begin to appear as they head to evening appointments, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into this refined world of traditional arts and entertainment. Wander through atmospheric alleyways lined with teahouses and wooden machiya townhouses, as your expert guide shares stories and insights into Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Wander through the city's peaceful streets, browse traditional craft shops, or visit one of its many charming teahouses. For a deeper cultural experience,we highly recommend joining our optional Kyoto & Nara Full-Day Tour*—an exceptional and comprehensive coach excursion that offers incredible value. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

*Optional Kyoto & Nara full-day tour: Begin with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning three-story temple is covered in gold leaf on its upper floors and reflects beautifully in the surrounding Mirror Lake. Next, walk through the famous Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of deep red torii gates form a captivating tunnel through the forest. In the afternoon, explore Nara Park, a vast area home to cultural treasures such as Todai-ji Temple (housing the Great Buddha), Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, the Nara National Museum, and the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest. The park is also known for its approximately 1,300 friendly wild deer that roam freely among the trees, gardens, and historic landmarks.

Travel to Osaka aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train)* for a short 15-minute ride to the final city on your itinerary: vibrant, modern Osaka. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and the central hub of the Kansai region. The city has two main districts: Kita (north), a bustling business and shopping area, and Minami (south), known for its entertainment and nightlife. Among Osaka’s top attractions are its impressive, fully restored castle and the world-renowned Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). Osaka also boasts bold modern architecture, a thriving nightlife scene, and some of Japan’s most beloved local cuisine—don’t miss the street food in Dōtonbori, packed with neon lights, restaurants, and bars. Overnight stay in Osaka.

*The transfer between the hotel and the train station is not included.