tour china and japan

• East Asia Tours

Japan and China Highlights Tour

• Duration 16 Days
• Tour Type Private & Bespoke
• Tour Style Classic
• ITINERARY SUMMARY
• DETAILED ITINERARY

About This Trip

Itinerary summary.

• DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS

Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi-Inari Shrine Hiroshima: Itsukushima Jinja, Hiroshima Castle

Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town Guilin: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Tour Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven

Day 1: Arrival, Tokyo

On your arrival at Narita International Airport, our airport assistant will then guide you to take the public transportation to get to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to rest and recover from your journey or explore Japan's capital at your own pace.

Day 2: Tokyo

Get up early to explore the world's biggest fresh fish market - Tsukiji Fish Market (closed on Sundays and some Wednesdays). This is also a great place to try some delicious sushi. Later, you will visit the famous Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Harajuku nearby. After that, you can stroll along the Shibuya area, where Hachiko Dog Statue is located.

Day 3: Tokyo - Kyoto

This morning, you will travel to Kyoto by express train. Your local private guide in Kyoto will meet you and escort you to your hotel by public transportation. You will visit the distinguished Nijo Castle this afternoon, and then you can enjoy your free time at Gion District. You might encounter some beautiful Geisha at Hanami-koji Street if you are lucky.

Day 4: Kyoto

Enjoy a full-day guided tour by public transportation in Kyoto, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjusangendo Hall. Continue by visiting the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. 

Day 5: Kyoto - Hiroshima

Enjoy free time on your own in the morning. At noon, you will make your way to take Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima. Arriving in Hiroshima, you will be met by a local assistant and guided to your hotel. 

Day 6: Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima

At 9:00 in the morning, your private English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. You will then be escorted to Miyajima by local train and ferry boat.

After arriving at Miyajima, you will pay a visit to the Itsukushima Jinja, also known as Itsukushima Shrine on the sea when the tide rises at Miyajima. Afterward, you will be escorted back to Hiroshima, and visit the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle.

Day 7: Hiroshima - Shanghai

Today you will take public transportation to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On your arrival in Shanghai, China's most modern city, your Shanghai tour guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

Note: You will have a private guide and driver in each city in China.

Day 8: Shanghai

After breakfast, your private guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby at the appointed time to start your city exploration from the Bund and the former French Concession. While walking on the streets full of Western flavor, a vivid picture of this cosmopolitan city in old times may come to mind.

Later, you will visit Yu Garden and stroll around Yuyuan Market, and then visit a silk workshop to see how the small cocoons are transformed into elegant silk. After that, get on the top of Shanghai World Financial Center to enjoy a bird-view of the skyline of the city.

Day 9: Shanghai - Zhujiajiao Water Town - Guilin

After breakfast, firstly head to Zhujiajiaoto visit the well preserved ancient town and enjoy its unique water features by boat before going to the airport for your flight to Guilin. On your arrival in Guilin, the most scenic city in China, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Day 10: Guilin - Yangshuo

Today, you'll go on a leisurely Li River Cruise, which sails downstream to Yangshuo County. During this journey, enjoy the breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral views of rice paddies and water buffaloes. After disembarkation, transfer to your hotel in Yangshuo. Later, take a countryside tour and feel the laid-back ambiance by a bicycle or a private car at your pleasure.

Day 11: Yangshuo - Guilin - Xi'an

After breakfast, drive back to Guilin to have a relaxing walk along the Banyan Lake and Cedar Lake to taste the pleasant atmosphere of this beautiful city. Later, continue to South China Sea Pearl Museum and Reed Flute Cave, and then go to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 12: Xi'an

The highlight of today is the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. You will have enough time to marvel at the grand array of thousands of life size and lifelike clay soldiers, horses and chariots in life size. After that, you will visit Xi'an Art Ceramics Factory, Muslim Street and the Great Mosque.

Day 13: Xi'an - Beijing

After breakfast, you will be escorted to visit the Ancient City Wall.As a well-preserved ancient fortress, the city wall is so thick that you can cycle on the top to get a better view of both the old and new Xi'an. Later, set off to the railway station for your high-speed train to Beijing. On your arrival in Beijing, a local tour guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 14: Beijing

On this day you will first visit Tiananmen Square. Then, passing through the iconic Tiananmen Gate, you will enter the splendid Forbidden City, China's No.1 palace complex, famous for its grand royal buildings, exquisite ornaments and priceless treasures. When leaving the royal palace, continue to Jingshan Park and climb to the top of the hill to enjoy the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Day 15: Beijing, Great Wall Tour

No Beijing tour is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Today you will tour the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car up and down, the 8th Wonder of the World. Walking on the venerable ramparts, you will be amazed at the unbelievable construction and appealing landscape that surrounds the Wall.

Descending from the Great Wall, you will stop by a jade gallery and then take a leisure stroll along the Sacred Road, a royal path noted for vivid stone statues and afterlife stories.

Day 16: Beijing, Departure

After breakfast, you will visit Beijing's spectacular Temple of Heaven where emperors in ancient times worshiped heaven each year for a national good harvest. Here you can also enjoy watching locals doing their special morning exercises. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

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Best of China & Japan (19 days)

Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Shanghai – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima – Tokyo

This meticulously curated itinerary takes you on a remarkable journey of discovery showcasing China and Japan’s iconic landmarks, serene landscapes, and ancient traditions. Combining most popular destinations of China and Japan, this fully guided small-group tour is a perfect introduction to these East Asian countries for first-time visitors. 

Important Features

• Best quality in this price category backed by 25 years of stellar reputation.
• Outstanding guides handpicked by company owners.
• Small group size – average 15, maximum 20.
• Inter-city travel by high-speed train except for one city pair.
• No annoying forced shopping of any kind.
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants.
• Great Wall visit at Mutianyu including cable car rides.
• Kaiseki dinner with dancing geisha (maiko/(舞妓) performance.
• Farewell dinner featuring premium Japanese beef (wagyu).

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing for Beijing The trip starts with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing Meet the driver on arrival for transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will get in touch with you tonight.

Day 3/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D) The capital of China, Beijing is a world-class cultural and educational centre with a population of 21.9 million (2020), ranking it China’s second largest city behind Shanghai. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates – treasures that make it the most popular tourist city in China by the number of visitors it receives every year.

We begin today with a visit to the Forbidden City. Officially known as the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was the place where the emperors of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties lived and carried out their administration. Construction of the Forbidden City took 14 years (1406-1420) to complete. The complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares or 180 acres. It exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. Though the Qing Dynasty was overthrown in 1912, the royal family was allowed to continue to live in the Forbidden City till 1924, when the last emperor, Pu Yi, was driven out of the imperial palace. One year later the Forbidden City was turned into a museum. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, this is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

Next up is Tian’anmen Square. Located in the heart of Beijing, the square measures 880 metres from north to south and 500 meters from east to west. Said to be the largest public plaza in the world, Tian’anmen Square has the capacity to hold one million people. The imposing Tian’anmen Tower sits at the north end of the square while the Monument to the People’s Heroes dominates the centre. The square is flanked by The Great Hall of the People (west) and the National Museum (east). Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and Qianmen (Front Gate) are located in the south of the square. One of the top 16 tourist attractions in Beijing, Tian’anmen Square is also the witness of the Chinese people’s great struggles for democracy and personal freedom since 1919.

Afternoon sightseeing takes place at the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in southeastern Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is China’s largest extant sacrificial temple where, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the emperors conducted the elaborate and most exalted sacrifices addressed to “the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.” Construction of the temple started in 1406, during the reign of the Ming Emperor Yongle, and took 14 years to complete. The temple was expanded under the Qing emperors Qianlong (1736-1796) and Jiaqing (1796-1820). Occupying 2.73 square kilometres (roughly 1,700 by 1,600 metres), the area of the Temple of Heaven is more than twice that of the Forbidden City.

The famous Hongqiao Pearl Market, the largest pearl market in the world, is right across the street from the Temple of Heaven. Recommended by numerous guidebooks for freshwater pearls, Hongqiao teems with domestic and international shoppers. If you are interested, please ask the guide to drop you off there. However, you’ll need to get back to the hotel by taxi, which costs about 8 US dollars.

Today we enjoy a delicious dinner at a popular Peking Roast Duck restaurant. Peking Roast Duck is a famous Beijing dish prized for the thin and crispy skin with authentic versions serving mostly the skin and little meat, sliced in front of the diners. The meat is wrapped in a thin layer of pancake (Chinese tortilla) together with shredded scallion, cucumber, and a sweet and salty sauce made of wheat flour. Condiments may also include pickled garlic and white sugar.

Day 4/Sun: Beijing (B/L) After an early breakfast we embark on a full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall at Mutianyu, 75 km northeast of the city.

Zigzagging over 6,000 kilometres from east to west along the undulating mountains, the Great Wall was built to hold off tribal invaders from the north. As history shows, the Wall failed the Chinese rulers miserably, especially in the case of Kublai Khan who and his men swept across China from the Mongolian steppe, thus the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).

Construction of the earliest sections of the Wall started in the 7th century BCE. A major renovation started with the founding of the Ming Dynasty in 1368 and took 200 years to complete. The wall we see today in Beijing is almost exactly the result of this effort.

Day 5/Mon: Beijing – Xi’an (B/L/D) We begin our sightseeing today with a visit to a traditional hutong neighbourhood. Hutong refers to an ancient alleyway with siheyuan or ”4-sided courtyard house” on both sides. The name hutong dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1279 – 1368 CE). According to some experts, the word originated from the Mongolian language, in which it is pronounced as hottog and means “well.” In ancient times, people tended to gather and live around wells. So the original meaning of hutong should be “a place where people live around”.

Next on our schedule is the Summer Palace, a well preserved UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The imperial resort was first named Garden of Clear Ripples, which was burnt down by the allied forces of Great Britain and France in 1860 at the end of the Second Opium War (referred to as Arrow War by the British). Reconstruction started 25 years later and was completed in 1895 when the name was changed to Yi He Yuan (Garden of Good Health and Harmony). The design gives prominence to Longevity Hill, as well as Kunming Lake south of the hill. The sprawling complex covers an area of 290 hectares and the buildings inside consist of over 3,000 bays.

We travel to Xian by high-speed train (#G87, 14:00/18:23). The 4-hour-23-minute rail journey through fertile farmland dotted with villages provides the visitor with an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful countryside. The track we travel on between Beijing and Zhengzhou is part of the new 2,298 km high-speed railway linking Beijing and subtropical Guangzhou and is also the longest high-speed rail line in the world. In the past 20 years China has been on a building spree expanding the country’s rail network and upgrading existing railways. Its new high-speed rail service rivals France’s TGV and Japan’s “shinkansen” in terms of safety, speed, comfort and punctuality.

Day 6/Tue: Xi’an (B/L) With a history going back over 3,000 years, Xi’an served as China’s capital of several ruling dynasties including the Han (206 BCE – 220 CE) and the Tang (618 – 907). It is home to the famous Terracotta Army and the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road – a network of trade routes connecting China proper with regions as far as the Mediterranean beginning in the Second Century BCE.

We spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army. Built on the excavation site, the museum is located 30 km east of the city. Designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) into eternity, the Terracotta Army represents one of the greatest archeological discoveries of the 20th century.

After lunch we return to the city for a stroll on the ancient city wall. Declared a national treasure by the State Council in 1961, the wall (first built in 1370) encircles an area of 14 square kilometres. It runs 13.7 kilometres long and measures 12 metres in height with a thickness at the base between 15 to 18 metres.

Day 7/Wed: Xi’an – Chengdu (B/L/D) Morning sightseeing begins at Shaanxi Provincial Museum. The modern, well-organized museum was completed in 1992 and traces the history of Xian from prehistory to the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). The extensive galleries and exhibitions offer the visitor an excellent introduction to the area that greatly improves understanding of the numerous historical sites in and around the city.

We then visit the grand mosque in the old town centre and the adjacent Muslim bazaar. The mosque was established in the 8th century but the majority of the complex was constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was further expanded in the Qing Dynasty. Unlike most mosques in Middle Eastern or Arab countries, this mosque is completely Chinese in architectural style. It has neither domes nor traditional minarets.

This afternoon we ride the bullet train (G1975, 14:34/18:25) to Chengdu, the capital of populous Sichuan Province. The ancient city has a population of 14 million with half of that within the urban centre and the remainder in the surrounding districts. The fertile Chengdu Plain, on which Chengdu is located, is also known as “Country of Heaven”, a phrase also often translated as “The Land of Abundance”. The discovery of the Jinsha site suggests the area of Chengdu had become the centre of the Bronze Age Sanxingdui culture around the time of the establishment of the state of Shu, prior to its annexation by Qin in 316 BCE.

Day 8/Thu: Chengdu (B/L) Morning sightseeing at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The giant panda, unrelated to the red or lesser panda, is a bear native to south central China, living in mountainous regions. It is easily recognized by the large, distinctive black patches around its eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Though it belongs to the order Carnivora, the panda’s diet is over 99% bamboo. The giant panda has an insatiable appetite for bamboo. A typical animal eats half the day – a full 12 out of every 24 hours – and relieves itself dozens of times a day. Giant pandas are solitary creatures. They have a highly developed sense of smell that males use to avoid each other and to find females for mating in the spring. After a five-month pregnancy, females give birth to a cub or two, though they cannot care for both twins. The blind infants, born fully white, weigh only 5 ounces (142 grams) at birth and cannot crawl until they reach three months of age.

The panda is a conservation reliant endangered species. Recent statistics (late 2022) shows 637 pandas living in captivity with most of them inside China. The most authoritative estimate as of late 2022 puts the number of giant pandas living in the wilderness at 1864.

We spend most of the afternoon at Jinsha Museum. In February 2001, construction workers chanced upon a significant archaeological discovery in modern China. The discovery led to the naming of Jinsha culture (1200 – 650 BCE) and a museum was erected at the excavation site. Jinsha culture flourished around 1000 BCE and shares similarities in burial objects with the Sanxingdui site located 50 km from Chengdu. Objects made of ivory, jade, bronze, gold and stone were unearthed at the site. Unlike the site at Sanxingdui, Jinsha did not have a city wall. Jinsha culture is believed to be a final phase of Sanxingdui civilization and represents a relocation of the political center in the ancient Shu Kingdom.

Day 9/Fri: Chengdu – Shanghai (B/L) Free morning to explore on your own.

Afternoon sightseeing after lunch includes Wang Jiang Lou Park and a typical local tea house. Wangjianglou means “river-overlooking tower” and the park is so named because of the ancient pagoda-shaped wooden tower onsite. The beautiful little park dotted with verdant bamboo groves has long been a favourite spot among locals for leisure.

We fly to Shanghai late in the day.

Day 10/Sat: Shanghai (B/L/D) With a population of 24.9 million (2021), Shanghai is China’s largest city, which delights the visitor with its futuristic skyline and historical landmarks. As China’s leading gateway to the world, Shanghai plays a prominent global role as a hub of commerce, finance, cultural exchange, fashion, technology and transport.

We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple located in an old neighbourhood. Later on we tour the famous waterfront promenade known as the Bund, which is followed by the Yu Garden in the old town centre. We wrap up the day with a drive through the glitzy financial district of Lujiazui on the opposite side of the Bund across Huangpu River.

Day 11/Sun: Shanghai (B) Free day to explore on your own. We recommend Shanghai Museum and the Urban Planning Exhibition Center nearby. Shanghai Museum, a great place to explore on your own, is frequently cited by visitors as one of the best of its kind in China with a huge collection of precious national treasures.

Day 12/Mon: Shanghai – Kyoto (B) Fly to Kansai International Airport today. Please make your way to the hotel on your own on arrival. Detailed information on how to get to the hotel will be provided later on. 

Day 13/Tue: Kyoto (B/L/D) Nicknamed “City of Ten Thousand Shrines”, Kyoto (literal translation: capital city) served as Japan’s capital for more than one thousand years before the imperial court moved to Tokyo in 1868 with the onset of the Meiji Restoration (1868 to 1912, a historical period associated with the emergence of Japan as a modernized nation). Kyoto is a scaled replica of the Chinese Tang Dynasty’s capital Chang’an, present-day Xi’an. The Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) was a golden era in Chinese history and a time when Japanese adoption of Chinese culture reached its peak. Kyoto today, with a population of 1.5 million, forms a major part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area.

Our first stop this morning is Kinkaku-ji (Temple of Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen Buddhist temple and one of 17 locations comprising the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.

We then proceed to Arashiyama (Storm Mountain) area where our sightseeing takes in Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Forest. Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is famous for its immense natural beauty as well as its historical and cultural prominence due to the large number of well-preserved ancient Buddhist temples.

After lunch, we tour the magnificent Nijo Castle. Construction of the castle began in 1601 under the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, but was not completed until 1626 during the reign of Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun and grandson of Ieyasu. The Tokugawa shogunate was headquartered in Edo, present-day Tokyo, and Nijo Castle was the shogun’s residence in Kyoto where the imperial court was located. Nijo Castle is also the site that witnessed the ending of the Tokugawa shogunate. In late 1867, the last shogun, Yoshinobu, announced in the castle his decision to the return his power back to the emperor. This was a watershed moment that helped usher in the Meiji Restoration, which, in turn, led to Japan’s industrialization and fundamentally transformed the Japanese society. 

We then go back to the hotel for a quick break before heading out for dinner, a traditional kaiseki banquet accompanied by the private performance of a dancing geisha known as maiko in Japanese.

Day 14/Wed: Kyoto (B) Today is set aside for you to explore on your own.

Our recommendations include Kiyomizu-dera (Buddhist temple), Fushimi Inari Shrine (good for hiking), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple), Kyoto National Museum, Kyoto Imperial Palace (subject to frequent closure), and Gion – the famous geisha entertainment district.

Day 15/Thu: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima (B/L) We depart for Nara at 07:45. The 45 km drive to the magnificent Todai-ji temple takes about an hour. This ancient Buddhist temple is well-known not only for its splendid architecture and the huge bronze statue of the Buddha in the main hall but also for the 1,200 wild deer roaming freely on the grounds of the temple.

Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture and a former capital of Japan (710 – 794). With a population of roughly 370,000 and an area of 280 square kilometres, the city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture. Eight temples, shrines and ruins together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest collectively form “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterwards we continue on to Osaka, where we visit the historic Osaka Castle and Osaka’s legendary shopping and entertainment district known as Dotonbori. Situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, Osaka is Japan’s third most populous city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) and plays a significant role in Japanese economy. Osaka was once known as the “nation’s kitchen” because of its function as Japan’s rice trading centre during the Edo period.

We then transfer to the Shin Osaka Station for the late afternoon rail journey to Hiroshima (Sakura 563, 16:23/17:51).

Day 16/Fri: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima (B/D) Hiroshima, literally meaning ‘broad island’, is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region with a population of 1.2 million. Hiroshima is best known as the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces dropped an atomic bomb on the city (and later on Nagasaki) at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, near the end of World War II. The highlight in Hiroshima, understandably but sadly, is the Peace Memorial Park which includes the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome that once served as the industrial promotion hall of the local prefect.

After a tour of the Peace Memorial Park complex including two hours in the museum onsite, we proceed to Miyajima Island by a combination of taxi, commuter train and ferry.

Officially known as Itsukushima, Miyajima is a small island (30 square kilometres, population 1,760) in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. The seaside Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “floating” torii gate in front of the shrine is the main reason for most visitors to come here.

Day 17/Sat: Hiroshima – Tokyo (B/D) The rail journey back to Tokyo this morning takes 3 hours 50 minutes (Nozomi 14, 09:43/13:33).

Transfer to  the hotel on arrival and spend the balance of the day exploring on your own. Our recommendations include shopping at Ginza and Akihabara, which even non-shoppers would find exciting. Be sure to carry your passport with you. Merchandise purchases over 5,000 yen qualify for sales tax-exemption at many stores (this policy may change in 2025), but you’ll have to show your passport to claim it.

Farewell dinner tonight features premium Japanese beef (wagyu).

Day 18/Sun: Tokyo (B/L) Tokyo, literally meaning “eastern capital” and officially named Tokyo Metropolis, is one of the most populous mega-cities in the world with a population of 14 million. Formerly known as Edo, the city has been the de facto seat of the Japanese government since 1603 when shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu chose the city for his headquarters. The shogun (general) was a hereditary commander ceremoniously appointed by the emperor but held real power over the country during the shogunate period between 1192 and 1867. Edo was renamed Tokyo after Emperor Meiji moved his seat from Kyoto in 1868 when the last shogun was forced to return power to the imperial court. The city covers an area of 2,187 square kilometres following the merger in 1943 of the city of Tokyo and Tokyo Prefecture.

Our full-day sightseeing begins at Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo dating back to 628.

We then drive through ritzy Ginza shopping district to arrive at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace (the palace itself is closed to tourists) for a stroll.

After lunch, we tour the grounds of the tranquil Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852 -1912) and his wife.

We end the day with a visit to the observation deck inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. On a clear day, the visitor should be able to see the peak of Mount Fuji which is located about 84 km to the west.

Day 19/Mon: Tokyo – Return Home (B) The tour ends this morning. The Airport Limousine Bus is highly recommended for your transfer to the airport. The shuttle bus costs 3,600 yen (US$25) to Narita airport and 1,500 yen (US$11) to Haneda airport. Private transfer can also be arranged on request.

Post-tour Extension Are you a couple interested in experiencing Japanese hospitality in a traditional onsen (hot springs) resort? You can do it if you have 2 or 3 days available. For $1,500 or more per person, you’ll be treated like royalty. Contact us for details.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. 

* Land Only price does NOT include international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.

Travel Visa

We’ll provide necessary assistance to ensure your  China travel visa is secured hassle-free. 

You do not need a visa to enter Japan.

PERFECT FOR:

• Families, couples & travelers of all ages
• Seeing the highlights of China and Japan
• History, Culture & Architecture Lovers
• Nature Lovers & Foodies
• First time travelers of Japan and China

A China & Japan Tour – Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Hong Kong

16 Days / 14 Nights – Tour Code (JCA) – Daily departure

This incredible tour of Japan and China showcases each country’s flagship cities, boasting a myriad of unforgettable experiences for all ages – everything from awe-inspiring landmarks to picturesque landscapes to heart-warming traditions.

Your voyage begins in Tokyo and Kyoto ,  two of Japan’ s top spots offering a fascinating land of contrasts, an engaging combination of futuristic cities, ancient culture and inspiring architecture. It’s contrasts between the old and the new, the traditional and modern, East and West have lured millions to this mystifying kingdom. Journeying from Japan’s new capital to the old is like traveling in a time capsule – quickly transcending Tokyo’s ultra-modern cityscape, where one virtually has the world at his or her fingertips, to Kyoto’s cobbled streets, dotted with ancient traditions, classical Japanese gardens and magnificent architectural masterpieces. In just four days, we catch a glimpse of Tokyo’s bustling atmosphere, Kyoto’s unsurpassed charm reminiscent of Old Japan, and Nara’s inspiring temples, shrines and enchanting ambiance.

Next, visit two of China’s greatest capitals – Beijing and Xian, where ancient civilization flourished dating back several millenniums. Here, you’ll experience first-hand a few of China’s legendary landmarks, including the Forbidden City ,  the Great Wall ,  and the incredible Terracotta Warriors and impregnable City Wall. We then embark on a scenic journey to beautiful Guilin, where visitors are forever mesmerized by the art of Mother Nature, with landscapes that are literally out of this world. Last but not least, whisk over to Hong Kong, forever known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” a sophisticated, diverse and bustling metropolis with a tasteful blend of East and West. We explore Hong Kong’s famed Victoria Peak, Wan Chai’s local markets, Causeway Bay’s mega shopping district, plus a ride on the iconic Star Ferry and 100 year-old double decker Tramway.

Your most unforgettable journey through the Orient awaits.

• Tour Overview
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TOUR INCLUDES:

• Economy Class Air via All Nippon Airways / UNITED from USA
• Air & Ground Transportation per itinerary
• 14 nights hotel accommodations per itinerary
• Hotel Breakfasts Daily and other meals as specified per itinerary
• Private airport transfers and sightseeing in China and Hong Kong by private car, driver and guide
• Airport transfers and sightseeing in Japan on joint basis by motorcoach

TOKYO (2 nights)

• 2 nights at ANA InterContinental | Shibuya Excel Stream (Superior) OR Cerulean Tower Hotel (Deluxe)
• Morning private city walking tour of  Tokyo

KYOTO (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel | Royal Park Hotel Sanjo (Superior) OR Hotel Okura Kyoto (Deluxe)
• Private sightseeing of Kyoto and Nara

BEIJING (3 nights)

• 3 nights at the Park Plaza Beijing Hotel (Superior) OR The Regent Beijing (Deluxe)
• 2 full days of private sightseeing, including the Great Wall at Mutianyu with cable car ride, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven and Hutongs by rickshaw.
• “Legends of Kung Fu” Performance

XIAN (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Sofitel Xian Renmin Square (Superior) OR Westin Hotel Xian (Deluxe)
• Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show
• Full day private sightseeing, including the Terracotta Army excavation site, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Museum and the City Wall
• Tour of Night Market at Muslim Quarters

GUILIN (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Shangri-la Guilin*
• International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
• Private half-day tour and full-day Li River excursion
• Evening Cormorant Night Fishing Tour

HONG KONG (3 nights)

• 3 nights at The Royal Garden Hong Kong (Superior) OR InterContinental Grand Stanford (Deluxe) | New World Millennium (Deluxe)
• Private half day walking tour of Hong Kong Island with visits to Victoria Peak, Causeway Bay & Central via public transportation

Notes:  * Deluxe option features Deluxe River View Room at Shangri-la Guilin

Day 1 Depart North America Depart USA for Tokyo via All Nippon Airways / United Airlines

Day 2 Arrive Tokyo Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel by private reserved taxi for your next 2 nights’ accommodations.

Day 3 Tokyo This morning, enjoy a private walking tour (via public transportation) of Tokyo, visiting the Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Sensoji Temple and its Nakamise Shopping Street. Afternoon free at leisure to relax and explore Tokyo on your own. (B)

Day 4 Tokyo / Kyoto This morning, board a Shinkansen (bullet train) for Kyoto. Upon arrival, be met and commence sightseeing of Kyoto, visiting Inari Fushimi Shrine, Golden Pavilion and the famed Gion District. Check in to your hotel in Kyoto for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. (B)

Day 5 Kyoto (Nara) This morning, enjoy a tour of Japan’s first permanent Capital – Nara. Visits today include the Todaiji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 6 Kyoto/Beijing Transfer to the airport by SHARED minibus for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 7 Beijing Today, visit the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with a cable car ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Beijing City and enjoy a tour of its Old Quarters (Hutongs) by rickshaw, visiting a local family residence, and Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy a Peking duck dinner, followed by a Legends of Kung Fu Performance. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Beijing Today, enjoy a full day city tour of Beijing visiting the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square. (B,L)

Day 9 Beijing/Xian Transfer to the airport for your flight or high speed train to Xian. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief tour of the city visiting Muslim Quarters, with a stroll along its colorful night market. (B)

Day 10 Xian Today’s full-day tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Museum and the City Wall. This evening, enjoy a dinner and cultural show at the Tang Dynasty Theater. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Xian/Guilin This morning, visit the Yangling Tombs before transferring for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy an International Buffet Dinner at your hotel, followed by a Cormorant Night Fishing tour along the Li River (time permitting). (B,D)

Day 12 Guilin Today’s unforgettable journey takes you on a cruise down the majestic Li River to the charming, western-inspired artisan village of Yangshuo. Enjoy sightseeing of Yangshuo and its surrounding area before returning to Guilin in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 13 Guilin / Hong Kong Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car (driver only). (B)

Day 14 Hong Kong Enjoy a morning private walking tour via public transportation to explore Hong Kong’s Central and Western Districts. Starting with a ride on the Star Ferry, we visit Central District, the business and financial hub of Hong Kong – a glittering show of mirrored towers, multi-million dollar high-rises and designer shops. Take a tram ride up to Victoria Peak, one of Hong Kong’s must-sees offering panoramic views of the Hong Kong Harbor. Afterwards, visit a local market and take a ride on the historic double-decker Tramway (time permitting) before returning to your hotel by subway (MTR). Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 15 Hong Kong Full day free at leisure to relax, shop and explore Hong Kong on your own. (B)

Day 16 Return Home Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges.
• Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
• Land-only price includes China Domestic Airfares only (excludes flight between Osaka and Beijing)
• ***Tour does NOT operate during 2020 Tokyo Olympics from July 10 – August 20, 2020
• Holiday surcharges at hotels apply for stays during Dec. 24 – Jan. 05; Feb. 8-18.
• When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Fri-Sun), add $50 per person each direction.
• U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $300 – subject to change)
• Add-on fares from/to eligible connecting U.S. cities to the above gateways are available. Please contact us for fares & availability.
• **A peak season airfare supplement of $500 applies for departures between December 14-26
• *A supplement of $400 applies for departures between Dec. 17 – 24
• A visa is required for China. NOT included in package. Passport must be valid at least 6 months from date of trip return
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation

China & Japan Gallery

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• Li River Cruise in Guilin
• Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak & Star Ferry

  Price Starting From:    $7,995

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ACCOMMODATIONS

Tokyo – Shibuya Excel Stream Hotel

Kyoto – Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel

Beijing – The Regent Hotel

Xian – The Westin Hotel

Hong Kong – Royal Garden Hotel

Tokyo – ANA Intercontinental

Kyoto – Royal Park Sanjo Hotel

Beijing – Park Plaza Hotel

Guilin – Shangri-La Hotel

Hong Kong – Intercontinental Stanford

Tokyo – Cerulean Tower

Kyoto – Hotel Okura

Xian – Sofitel on Renmin Square

Hong Kong – New World Millinium

WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS

Travel with those you love

With a private tour, you travel with the only people you know and love. In the age of COVID-19, this is especially important, both in terms of safety and peace of mind. Why not make it your very own journey!

Flexibility

Personalized service, guaranteed departure.

Depart when you want, at your convenience. At Explorient, we guarantee your departure once we confirm your services, usually within 48 hours from time of reservation. So no need to worry about your trip being cancelled at the last minute! 

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Thank you for your interest in our China Vacations. Currently, our China programs (excluding Hong Kong) are operating only on a limited basis resulted from the after effects of COVID-19. The vast majority of our standard programs remain suspended until the country’s tourism infrastructure rebuilds itself to support the service levels we require for our esteemed travelers. 

Depending on your requirements, a custom trip is still possible on a request basis. If traveling to the Middle Kingdom is on your bucket list, please contact our office for consultation. Our travel specialists would be delighted to help make this trip a reality. Rest assured our teams here and abroad are working feverishly to bring China back on the tourist map!

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10-Day Highlights Of Japan & China

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Personalized

Places You’ll See

• Explore Tokyo with an optional discovery tour
• Cruise Lake Ashi and view Mount Fuji
• Visit Kyoto's historic temples and shrines
• Experience the Great Wall of China
• Optional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing
• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrival in Tokyo, Japan
• Day 2 Tokyo, Japan( Breakfast)
• Day 3 Tokyo-Hakone-Shizuoka/Aichi(Breakfast)
• Day 4 Mt. Fuji Area/ Shizuoka-Kyoto(Breakfast)
• Day 5 Kyoto(Breakfast)
• Day 6 Kyoto-Tokyo(Breakfast)
• Day 7 Tokyo, Japan-Beijing,China
• Day 8 Beijing(Breakfast)
• Day 9 Beijing-The Great Wall(Breakfast)
• Day 10 Beijing -Home

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Beijing Chun Hui Yuan Resort or Similar

Adventure Type

• Group of 40 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Travel with your own group of min. 4 travelers
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

Operated by

Number of tours

2 to 88 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

InterTrips is a tour operator located in Southern California. Since 2002, InterTrips has been committed to bring the best of sceneries of the world to customers’ doorsteps. We are passionate travelers, enthusiastic about showing the world and present the most authentic travel experiences for our...

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Tour Operator Intertrips 4.3
• Wendy · 2nd May 2024 Just got back from the most incredible trip to Japan! We saw everything - the crazy lights in Tokyo, beautiful... Show more
• Stephen · 21st April 2024 Group organization wasn’t great, but overall the guides did reasonably well. Kaylie’s English was much better than... Show more
• Cynthia · 23rd October 2023 Overall we were pleased with the trip. The hotel in Tokyo was quite far away from the city center but had wonderful... Show more

Dates & Availability

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To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Austria, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

• Upcoming departures
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Thursday 17 Oct, 2024 Saturday 26 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,172 + €135 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 27 Nov, 2024 Friday 6 Dec, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,172 + €135 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 4 Dec, 2024 Friday 13 Dec, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,172 + €135 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Thursday 16 Jan, 2025 Saturday 25 Jan, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Thursday 20 Feb, 2025 Saturday 1 Mar, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Thursday 6 Mar, 2025 Saturday 15 Mar, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Thursday 13 Mar, 2025 Saturday 22 Mar, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Thursday 20 Mar, 2025 Saturday 29 Mar, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Thursday 3 Apr, 2025 Saturday 12 Apr, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Tuesday 6 May, 2025 Thursday 15 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,262 + €180 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates

Good to Know

• Currencies ¥ Yuan Renminbi China ¥ Yen Japan

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types G, I. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, I. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G, I.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for China and Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for China. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for China and Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for China. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for China and Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 11th November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 11th November 2024, a minimum payment of 100% is required to confirm your booking with Intertrips. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intertrips will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intertrips" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Intertrips. Please familiarise yourself with the Intertrips payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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China and Japan Highlights

• Classic route through China’s Golden Triangle cities and west-east Japan.
• Touch 5,000 years of Chinese history through Great Wall & Terracotta Army.
• Discover authentic local food in alleys of Beijing and markets of Tokyo.
• Upgraded Mt. Fuji tour: adjustable visit date; cruise and ropeway experience.
• Glimpse backstreets in Gion of Kyoto, where geishas live and work.

• Prices are per person on twin sharing basis.
• The prices in red reflect 12% discount.
• Service of private English-speaking guide
• Accommodation with daily breakfast
• Lunch specified in the itinerary
• Private car with driver, airport pick-up & drop-off in China
• Public transfer in Japan
• Economy class airfare of Xi'an - Shanghai, and Shanghai - Osaka
• Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited
• International flights of arrival and departure
• Tokyo airport see-off
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses
• China and Japan visa fee
• Easter, Christmas and New Year supplement

• Inquiry Form

• China and Japan

China and Japan Tours and Trips 2024/2025

We offer 4 tours, trips and vacation packages to China and Japan supported by many customer reviews. Our handpicked China and Japan tours and trip packages are delivered by qualified local and international tour operators.

Showing  4 Trips in China and Japan

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Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji

Legends of China and Japan

Asiatic Triangle

Beijing, Shanghai and Essential Japan

China and japan tour reviews.

• Maia Whitaker

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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 Prices & Includes --> Expand All

Day 1 Arrival Bangkok

Transfer service to hotel

Day 1 Arrival Beijing

Day 2 Beijing

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

Day 3 Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird Nest and Water Cube

Day 4 Beijing-Xi'an

Summer Palace, High speed train to Xian

Day 5 Xi'an

Ancient City Wall, TaiChiChuan Course, Terracotta Warriors

Day 6 Xi'an-Shanghai

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, fly to Shanghai

Day 7 Shanghai

Shikumen, Yuyuan Garden Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Old Street, 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.

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:

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.

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

Jul 07 ,2022

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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. 

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

May 18 ,2019

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apr 13 ,2017

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Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji

16 days, beijing to tokyo.

• Dec 19 2023 - Dec 31 2024
• From Jan 1 2025

Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Explore two ancient nations in 16 well-packed days on this unique journey that takes you from the epic lengths of the Great Wall of China to the poetic views of Mt Fuji. Hop aboard trains and ferries and face an army of Terracotta Warriors for a historical encounter you won't soon forget. Spend nights in a traditional ryokan and a shukubo temple lodging for an authentic Japanese experience. Our CEOs will take you off the beaten track to reveal the cultural treasures of the region’s ancient sites.

Beijing to Tokyo

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: rail.

Get closer to the big cities, isolated communities, and stunning landscapes of the world's greatest destinations via train-based adventures on iconic rail routes.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 16

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 78

More from Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji

Places visited

Itinerary notes.

Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.

We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.

Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 beijing.

Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall.

Day 3 Beijing/Xi'an

Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.

Day 4 Xi'an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. After, the day is yours to explore as you wish.

Meals included:

Day 5 xi'an/shanghai.

Say goodbye to Xi'an this morning and hop on the fast train to the bustling city of Shanghai.

Day 6 Shanghai

Take the train to Suzhou today for a day exploring in the city. Visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the impressive Tiger Hill Pagoda and its surrounding landscape.

Day 7 Shanghai

After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights of this modern Chinese city. In the evening, head to the theatre for an intense acrobatic performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Day 8 Shanghai/Osaka

Hop on a flight from Shanghai to Osaka. Take the evening to explore the city.

Day 9 Osaka/Kōyasan

Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).

Day 10 Kōyasan/Hiroshima

Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon.

Day 11 Hiroshima

This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.

Day 12 Hiroshima/Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.

Day 13 Kyoto

Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time.

Day 14 Kyoto/Hakone

Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs.

Day 15 Hakone/Tokyo

Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.

Day 16 Tokyo

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Discover Moment: Shanghai
• Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, Kōyasan
• Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing)
• Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
• Terracotta Warriors excursion (Xi'an)
• Master of the Nets Garden visit (Suzhou)
• Shanghai orientation walk
• Chinese acrobat performance (Shanghai)
• Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
• Miyajima excursion with floating torii gate visit
• Nijo Castle and gardens visit (Kyoto)
• Fushimi Inari shrine visit
• Lake Ashino-ko boat ride
• Traditional ryokan stay with kaiseki meal
• Internal flight
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nts), mountain monastery (1 nt, shared facilities), traditional inn (1 nt, shared facilities).

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners Allow USD575-750 for meals not included.

Transportation

Train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, walking, metro, bullet train, plane, ferry.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout except on the flight from China to Japan, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $929.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

China Tours & Vacations

Welcome to China – one of the world's oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

The Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, the giant panda and the flowing Yangzi – China is home to some of the world’s most remarkable places. And as you venture deep into the cityscapes from  Shanghai to Beijing , float past Yangshuo's limestone karsts and explore the tranquil monasteries in  Emei Shan  and Lhasa, you’ll be struck by how diverse this land can be. The rich tapestries of history, the charm of local villagers, the diversity of regional culinary traditions and sublime natural beauty, all coming together to create an experience like nothing else. Welcome to China – one of the world’s oldest and most enduring cultures; all yours to explore.

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China at a glance

Capital city.

Beijing (population approximately 21.5 million)

Approximately 1.4 billion

Renminbi (CNY)

Mandarin, Cantonese and many other dialects

(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type C (European 2-pin) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)

Learn more about China

Culture and customs, from ancient cultures....

As one of the world's oldest cultures, China has so much history to observe, taste, admire and learn about. Ancient mythology and spirituality are infused throughout the traditional dance, art, music and literature of China, with many contemporary customs directly attributed to centuries-old traditions.

Much of Chinese philosophy is interwoven with interactions and relationships between people and things – the Five Elements theory of wood, fire, earth, metal and water; the yin and the yang; the Chinese Lunar Calendar and Zodiac – and underpin many rituals and customs still present in China.

Ancient cultures and ruling dynasties of China in times’ past are present in philosophy, religion (Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism) and customs (tai chi, fengshui, fortune-telling and tea ceremonies). Culturally, China has gifted the world everything from martial arts to mah-jong, and we all continue to enjoy the rich cuisine, delicate art and evocative dance.

...to modern times...

China’s cultural identity is dominated by the Han – the largest ethnic group in mainland China, accounting for approximately 92 percent of Chinese citizens. There are, however, another 105 million people who identify as one of over 50 other ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (southern China), Hui (northwest China), Uyghur (Central Asia) and Tibetan (Tibet autonomous region). Together, these ethnic groups have constructed a much more diverse China than new travelers may initially be aware of – all with unique customs, longstanding traditions and countless stories to tell. Over 800 million Chinese citizens speak Mandarin while many others use Cantonese, especially along the southeastern coastline. Although both languages may be considered very difficult to learn, it is important to learn at least a few phrases when traveling to show respect to the locals.

...and the balance of the two

While modern China is changing at a rapid pace, much of China still clings to age-old traditions and ways of life. This culture clash is particularly evident when visiting large cities like Beijing that are home to ancient hutongs alongside modern skyscrapers, time-worn temples and glorious World Heritage sites, all found within walking distance of each other. With centuries of dramatic history and ethnic identities key to uncovering the diversity of the country’s people, China remains one of the world's most fascinating places to travel.

History and government

Early history.

As one of the world's oldest civilizations, China has an intriguing history that spans thousands of years. The Yellow River is known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilization as it is thought that what we now know as ‘China’ originated on the banks of this river.

China's early history is dominated by periods of dynastic rule, fragmentation and imperialist expansion, with each dynasty contributing something different to the history books. Construction of the Great Wall of China was thought to have started during the Qin Dynasty, with the Ming Dynasty enhancing the wall at a later stage. The Tang Dynasty is known as a time of prosperity and artistic expression, the Song Dynasty is famed for being a time of scientific and technological discovery, and Kublai Khan's Yuan Dynasty saw an overall population decline that has been attributed to everything from an administration error to the arrival of the Bubonic Plague.

Once the Yuan Dynasty was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368, population numbers began to increase again and urbanization grew quite rapidly. Private enterprise flourished, with small-scale paper, silk and cotton trading providing trade income to the masses. The following period of rule known as the Qing Dynasty stretched from 1644 to 1911. This is generally seen as a time of rebellion and upheaval with the Taiping Rebellion, Nien Rebellion, Panthay Rebellion and Boxer Rebellion all testing the Qing's ability to rule. Thankfully, remnants of most of these periods of history can be found in China today.

Recent history

The Republic of China was formed in Nanjing in 1912 after a military uprising. Leadership changed hands many times throughout the following years until the People's Liberation Army succeeded in ousting the US-backed Chiang Kai-Shek after a long and bloody battle.

Mao Zedong became Chairman, or leader, of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and China's society was systematically converted to communism. Land reforms and the collectivisation of agriculture significantly altered the structure of society and daily life. Dramatic population, cultural and economic changes led to events that Western societies remember as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Mao's death in 1976 triggered leadership changes and economic reforms, the impact of which has rippled into the future.

More recently, China has seen  Hong Kong  and Macau returned from foreign rule and enjoyed a period of increased economic growth. The country basked in the international spotlight as the host city of the 2008 Summer Olympics and with a strengthening economy, wide-scale global influence and dominant rule by the Communist Party of China, China is now one of the world’s global superpowers.

For travelers, China’s rich and engaging history, especially through dynastic rule and its cultural philosophies, has created a country so fascinating, so layered and so rewarding to explore. Opening the first chapter of China’s history book begins the moment you arrive.

Eating and drinking

Whether it’s slurping down a bowl of noodles at a Silk Road street market, having a mouth-numbing Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu or waving down the dim sum trolley at a morning yum cha, you won’t go hungry in China.

Chinese cuisine focuses on color, aroma and taste, and nearly every region and minority group has its own cooking style. Chinese cuisine has traditionally been broken down into eight major schools of cooking: Anhui, Cantonese, Fuijan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan and Zhejiang. They’re also grouped into northern, southern, western and eastern cooking styles.

Rich and hearty northern cuisine – flavored with lots of salt, ginger, garlic and soy sauce – is what fed the emperors. Southern cuisine – particularly from the Cantonese school – is what you’ve likely sampled at your local Chinatown, such as dim sum. Western cuisine brings the heat thanks to ample use of Sichuan peppercorn and piping hot chili peppers, and eastern cuisine tends to be sweeter in flavor and features a wide variety of vegetables, shellfish, fish and other types of seafood.

Dishes to try in China

• Sichuan hot pot Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chili. While each region in China has different varieties, Sichuan lays claim to the spiciest.
• Cantonese dim sum (Yum Cha) Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will leave you feeling very full.
• Green tea China is home to one of the world's largest tea drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. Green tea may have recently risen in popularity in Western societies, but it’s been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years.
• Peking duck This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. It’s one of the best flavor combinations in the world: succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and a sweet dark sauce.
• Street snacks A lot of  Asia’s  best food is found in markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street-side stalls. Think baozi (steamed stuffed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), jianbing (fried chive pancakes), yang rou chan (lamb kebabs) and so much more. China may be famous for giant feasts served on a lazy susan, but don’t dismiss what can be found on a budget.

Learn more about Chinese food

Find out what to drink in China

Geography and environment

Located in east Asia along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, China is the third-largest nation in the world by total land area, behind  Russia  and  Canada . It shares its border with 14 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan and  Mongolia  in the north, and India, Laos and  Vietnam  in the south.

Soaring peaks, high plateaus and desert occupy the western half of this vast country. In the southwest, Mount Everest and the Himalayas form the border with  India ,  Nepal  and Bhutan. In the north, the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts stretch from west to east along the border with Mongolia. The terrain slopes into broad plains and deltas in the east. Two major rivers flow through central China – the Yellow River in the north and the Yangzi in the south – where rice paddies flourish.

China, as well as 16 other countries around the world, is known as ‘megadiverse’ – a grouped classification of biodiverse countries that contain over 70% of the world’s endemic flora and fauna. China itself is home to over 550 species of mammals, 1221 species of birds, 146,000 types of flora and 10,000 species of fungi.

Despite this, China has a series of challenges in terms of safeguarding its environment and biodiversity. China’s industry is booming and air pollution is on the rise. It has become the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter and to deal with this, China has become the world’s leading investor in renewable energies and is making a big effort to reduce widespread air pollution in its major cities.

China has a multitude of different shopping experiences, from the massive malls of Beijing to the fashion boutiques of Shanghai and the small village markets that are dotted around the country.

In Beijing, your best bet for shopping is along Wangfujing Street for designer labels, Hongqiao Market for a wide range of pearls and Yaxiu Market for gifts and souvenirs. Nanjing Road and Xujiahui are Shanghai’s shopping hotspots and the eclectic Huaihai Road has been likened to Tokyo’s Harajuku fashion district, so that’s also worthwhile visiting.

Things to buy in China

• Silk As the home of this popular fabric, China’s silk is undoubtedly legendary. It’s been greatly admired by the world for centuries, so don’t leave China without picking some fabric, handmade clothing or a scarf or two.
• Chinese calligraphy art This beautiful art form has been practised in China for centuries. Buy an antique artwork or get a customized piece featuring your name made on the spot.
• Paper cut art This traditional art is a painstaking process that ultimately creates an intricately beautiful result. Associated with Chinese New Year, paper art souvenirs can be found all year round, with designs of flowers, animals and people the most common.
• Chinese knots These traditional, decorative handicrafts are seen as a symbol of health and prosperity and make brilliant gifts for friends back home. The tassel-style gifts are said to ward off evil spirits and are often given as good luck charms during Chinese New Year celebrations.

It's a good idea to check with customs to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws, especially with food, plant or wood-related products.

Festivals and events

Festivals in China are an integral part of celebrating local cultures and traditions. They are a time for families to return home and gather for a day – or days – filled with food and festivities.

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important holiday in the country, Chinese New Year is such a big deal that it’s celebrated over 15 days. The main event is New Year’s Eve, when red decorations are hung all around and people travel home to celebrate. Children receive red envelopes stuffed with cash and fireworks and firecrackers go off at midnight. Lanterns, bracelets, cards and tokens are all coloured red as this is considered to be the color of good fortune.

Lantern (Yuan Xiao) Festival

Though it marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival is a festival in its own right that takes place 15 days after Chinese New Year. It’s a fantastic time to be in China as the country lights up with colorful lanterns.

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

Ever wanted to visit a real-life winter wonderland? Then head to Harbin in January to see massive illuminated sculptures made of snow and ice. Past creations have included the Great Wall (which doubled as an awesome slide), the pyramids of  Egypt  and even a Disney castle.

Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival

Equal parts frantic dragon-boat racing and sticky-rice consumption, this three-day festival – meant to commemorate ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan – is celebrated all across China. On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, people flock to waterways to feast on zongzi (rice dumplings) and realgar (or xionghuang) wine as they watch the colorful boats race.

Learn more about festivals in China

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Chinese New Year

Spring Festival

Qingming Festival

Dragon Boat Festival

National Day

Please note dates of China's public holidays may vary.

China travel FAQs

Do you need a visa for china.

Visitors from most nations are required to obtain a visa for trips to mainland China. Be sure to apply before leaving your home country – if you don’t, your applications might be denied.

For most travel plans, you will need a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Generally, a standard 30-day single-entry visa can be issued in four to five business days and at a higher cost for an express application. Once issued, the visa must be used within three months.

For immigration purposes, Hong Kong is not considered part of mainland China and most nationalities, including EU, Australian, US, Canadian and South African citizens, do not require a visa to visit for varying periods of stay.

Please check with your local embassy for specific requirements for Hong Kong and mainland China, as requirements and conditions continuously change. Check with your Chinese embassy or a registered Visa Application Service Centre about what you need to do to apply well before your departure date.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 20 March 2023

When is the best time to visit China?

From the rugged mountain interior of Emei Shan to the glittering coastal city of Shanghai, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes and climates. We recommend checking out our regional breakdown to help you figure out the best time to visit China.

Tourism is generally at its peak in summer, so if you’re not into crowds, you may want to avoid June, July and August. If you’d still like the weather to be somewhat warm, a shoulder season month like November or May might be best – you’ll usually only need a light jacket or fleece, but the bulk of the crowds are gone.

Is tipping customary in China?

Generally, tipping is not expected in mainland China, although leaving spare change at restaurants and giving a small amount to hospitality staff is becoming more commonplace (although not mandatory). For example, tipping porters and bartenders a small amount is no longer unusual. The culture of tipping is different in Hong Kong, where taxi drivers and restaurants will usually round up the bill, and service staff will generally expect a tip.

What is the internet access like in China?

Internet access is generally good in hotels and tourist areas, but it's limited in rural and remote areas. Some fast food chains, restaurants and cafes have free wi-fi available, but may require a Chinese phone number to receive the login code. The login prompts may also be in Chinese.

Chinese governments and authorities keep strong controls over internet access and many Western websites, including social media and news outlets, are censored. Sites and apps including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google products (YouTube, Maps, Gmail, Drive), WhatsApp, Snapchat and Dropbox, as well as many international news outlets, will not work.

You may wish to download the WeChat app during your visit, which is the country’s most popular method of communication. It’s like WhatsApp crossed with Facebook, kind of.

For many expats and travelers, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to limit this censorship. If you are insistent on using certain websites abroad, look into purchasing a reputable VPN – keep in mind most of the free ones, and some of the paid VPNs will not work. If you do decide to go down this route, still consider what you search for online or access while in China, as some of this content could land you in hot water with authorities if found out.

With all this in mind, you’ve got the opportunity to switch off and enjoy the sights around – that’s one way of looking at it!

Will my mobile phone work in China?

Mobile phone coverage is generally excellent in China's cities, and still very good in remote and rural areas.

If you have an unlocked phone, purchasing a local SIM on arrival is probably the cheapest and most reliable option to use your phone on the go.

If you wish to use global roaming while in China, be sure to contact your service provider to understand how much this will cost, as it's often extremely expensive.

What are the toilets like in China?

Squat toilets are most common in China, though Western-style flushable toilets can sometimes be found in modern hotels and restaurants. Be sure to carry your own toilet paper or tissue and hand sanitiser as these are rarely provided, especially in public places.

Can I drink the water in China?

While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in China?

Credit cards may work in big vendors in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong but it's not guaranteed and less likely to work in smaller cities or towns.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent online payment methods in China. We strongly suggest you set up either WeChat or Alipay on your device before arriving.

This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and also set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally. A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions when setting up an account.

What is ATM access like in China?

Bank of China or HSBC ATMs are the most widely accessible and reliable. However, it's rare to make cash payments in China nowadays, and even if vendors accept cash, they may not have the right change.

WeChat and Alipay are the most prominent payment methods now. We strongly suggest you set up WeChat or Alipay on your device prior to arriving. This will require you to link a credit or debit card to the app and set up a data roaming package so that you can make payments locally.

A 3% transaction fee may also be charged for foreign accounts. Please check the terms and conditions carefully.

What is the weather like in China?

China is huge – and so its weather is super diverse. Depending on what time of year you visit China and where you go, you can experience unrelenting heat and humidity in summer and thick snow cover throughout  winter .

China’s northern regions have hot and dry summers, while destinations on the eastern coastlines and in the south are more humid with a larger chance of monsoon rains and typhoons.

There’s a chance of snow across most of the country; however, this is much more likely in the northern reaches (Beijing and surrounds). Late winter and early spring can often bring a dust storm rolling in from the Gobi Desert to Beijing and northern China. Rainfall in Shanghai and the east coast is abundant between April and September, but almost non-existent for large chunks of the year in Central and Western parts of the country.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is China a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Equal rights have a long way to go in China. The government heavily censors portrayals of same-sex relationships and, up until 2001, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. Same-sex couples are unable to marry or adopt in China, and discrimination laws and legal protections are not equal between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ identifying citizens.

That being said, China is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ tourists who travel with discretion. Chinese people are generally tolerant and homophobic-related violence is incredibly rare. Low-key gay scenes/communities can be found in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. While it’s common for friends of the same sex to hold hands, keep in mind any further displays of affection are frowned upon for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

As with any public display or protest in China, there is much resistance from authorities and the government to any form of mass demonstration organised within China. Various events have been banned in recent years, not because they are promoting LGBTQIA+ rights, but because they are publicly promoting anything at all.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. For travellers who do not wish to share a room, most of our tours have the option to pay for an individual room.

Is China accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Accessibility varies in China depending on where you are. Things are improving every year but given the vast size of China and varying rates of growth, you may find old areas are a lot more difficult to travel through than modern cities. In Shanghai, for example, most  public transport  is wheelchair-friendly, as are a lot of the sites, whereas Beijing is a lot more difficult to navigate.

In Chinese culture, disability has traditionally been seen as something to overcome rather than something to accommodate, which has hampered efforts to improve both cultural acceptance and access. This is changing, which is fortunate not only for travelers, but also for the 80+ million Chinese people living with physical and mental limitations.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in China?

What you decide to pack and wear in China will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The climate across China can vary a lot. Besides the usual lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes, you may want to consider packing a reusable dust mask as dust storms are common in certain regions across China.

Is it safe to travel to China?

China is generally a safe country to travel to as long as you know where you’re going and stay alert. China is visited by travelers from all around the world and is of no danger to any person who understands local cultures and obeys local laws.

In saying this, China’s government does keep quite a tight lid on foreign influences, such as websites and news coverage, with internet censorship and public surveillance a common occurrence all over the country. Demonstrations and protests are prohibited in public places in China, and if you find yourself in one or take a photo or video of the event, you could land yourself in trouble.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

19-Day Japan, China, Singapore and Bali

This trip takes you to the core of Asian cultures in Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, Beijing and Xi'an in China, plus a flamboyant outlook at Singapore before you kick back on the beach of Bali. Encounter with beautiful Geisha ladies and cute pandas, sample authentic sushi and hotpot, no need to think twice, just get under the spell of the real Asia!

• Best For: First-timers
• Departure date: up to you
• Sample Price: from US$ 8,299 each (2 per room); 4-6 persons, save US$ 600 each!

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Tour Highlights

Walk in shibuya just as what scarlett johansson did in her movie., ride on the romance car to visit mt. fuji and shinkansen to kyoto ., delicate japanese dinner with beautiful geisha ladies in kyoto., learn the hidden stories of the forbidden city and scale the great wall with your footsteps., sip tea at a local teahouse and meet pandas before you all sweat up with a hotpot in chengdu., go on a food hunt at chinatown of singapore with a local insider., enjoy the tranquillity of nusa dua beach of bali., journey route, suggested itinerary.

No matter when you come and how many times you've seen Japan, it is always hard to resist from its charms. Make your arrival in Tokyo today and you will be escorted to your hotel in a private car.

Entry flight and jetlag:

Tokyo has two international airports, Narita (about one hour from downtown Tokyo) and Haneda (about 40 minutes from downtown Tokyo). It is easy to find direct flights connected Tokyo with most major cities in western countries, with the flight duration up to 12 hours with no stop en route. Since check-in time of the hotels in Japan is after 0200pm, we would suggest you take a flight that arrives between 0100pm and 0400pm, so that you won't meet traffic jam on the way from the airport to hotel and also you will have plenty of time to recover from jetlag.

Today you will step in some major sites in Tokyo such as Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Tsujiki Fish Market and a rickshaw ride in Asakusa taking in Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine.

Highlights of Today: Lost in Tokyo Shibuya Walking Tour Take a 2-hour walking trip in the famous Shibuya Area with a local insider. Walk on the grounds of the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which is a stage for the movie "Lost in Translation" featuring Bill Murray and Scarlet Johnanson, Takashita Street, Harajuku Street and Cat Street. Take a break at a Cat Cafe (or Maid Cafe based on your own interest) and your tour guide will teach you something about the Kawaii cultures (cute cultures). Wrap up the trip with a simple sushi dinner at Genki Sushi.

What makes it special for me? - Not on the hot list: Get to the corners of the streets and a local sushi parlor where you meet more locals and few tourists. - Interesting talk with an interesting person: Your tour guide, a local insider, sits you down with a cup of coffee and entertain you with amusing introduction of Japan's cute cultures.

Get on the Romance car to travel to Hakone, a famous destination not only for its Onsen (hot spring) but also for great views of Mt.Fuji, Japan's symbol. Explore Mt.Fuji National Park and take a ropeway up Mt.Owakudani. Try out hot-spring-boiled eggs before you take a boat trip in Lake Ashinoko. At Hakone Tozan, be amazed by the world's one and only train that zig-zags up the mountain. Get back to Tokyo before night.

Make your own way to the train station and ride on Shinkansen. You will be in Kyoto within less than 2 and a half hours. Feel the speed!

Take a day tour in Kyoto to immerse yourself in her charm. Sites will include Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple, which are both in the outskirt of Kyoto. When you are back in Kyoto city, blend in with the locals at Nishiki Market before getting to Gion District for a special dinner with geisha ladies.

Highlight of Today: Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha (Maiko) Ladies Despite of offering the same art perform as a mature Geisha, a Maiko is referred to a young lady in the training to become a Geisha officially. Tonight you will enjoy some elegant dancing and singing by a couple of Maiko ladies while your host prepares you with a Kaseiki Dinner.

What makes it special for me? - Rarely-seen Maikos: No matter how Gion District sells itself as the place to meet Geisha ladies in their daily routine, it is highly unlikely to spot any Geisha in the streets nowadays. A private dinner cuts you from the common tourists and allows you a chance to learn about their lives and stories. - Kaiseki Dinner: The very kind of special dinner that you deserve, even the serving proceedure is interesting to watch!

Take a short train ride to Uji, where you will attend a traditional tea ceremony at Nakamura Tokichi Honten for about one hour. After a simple braekfast in Uji, get to Nara where you can see saki deers roaming freely, near the temples, in the woods and by the sidewalks. Visit Todaji Temple and Nara Deer Park. Get back to Kyoto before evening.

Highlight of Today: The Way of Tea Japanese Tea Ceremony, also called Chado, literally meaning the way of tea, is an important art form and often presented in sophisticated social gatherings or serious events. Take the chance to be a part of it at the time-honored teahouse of Nakamura Tokichi Honten in Uji. It begins with a brief introduction of the ceremony, including the meanings, tools, tea powders and etiquettes. Later, you will be taught how to grind tea powder; walk in a traditional Japanese garden to wash your hands and mouth; get inside a small private tea room for the ceremony. (Photo and video-taking are not allowed during the ceremony.)

What makes it special for me? - A moment of peace: Take the first round of ceremony at 1100am before big crowd flushes into the teahouse and deprives you of tranquility. - Back to the origin: Uji is wrought with history of tea and one of the most important tea produce bases in Japan; there is no better place to experience a traditional Chado than Uji. - Exclusively for you: The experience is performed exclusively for up to 6 guests, perfect set for families or small groups looking for real experiences.

Transfer to Kansei International Airport in Osaka and fly to Beijing. Transfer to hotel and free at leisure.

Proudly China's capital for centuries, Beijing holds some fascinating stories just waiting for your attention. Today you will visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and get on a rickshaw into the Hutongs of Dongcheng District (about 20 to 40 minutes) with a chance to sample some "Baijiu" (Chinese sake, wine) at a local house.

Gear up for your visit at the Great Wall. After 1 1/2 hours of driving, you will reach the section of Mutianyu, a relatively less-crowded and more picturesque section of the wonder. A round-way cable car is included. Visit Temple of Heaven when you are back in the afternoon. At the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner served at a famous local chain restaurant.

Take a flight to Xi'an. After check-in and a short break, you will be picked up for a visit at the Muslim Quarter and then the Ancient City Wall, which stands in its best viewing time at sunset.

China's first emperor Qinshihuang has made his ambition for immortality very clear by building himself an army. Pay a visit at Terracotta Warriors and Horses. How were these clay warriors made? How were them sized? And to be moved? Today you can have the answers by visiting a local workshop where life-size terracotta warriors are being brought out of the kiln.

Today's Highlight: How is it made? Back in the days, there was no factory to make terracotta warriors. Every figure was hand-made in a life size by local farmers, craftmen and potters. Today, some farmers in Xianyang are still practicing the art. They will teach you the process in details and you may have a chance to try moulding or painting. At the end of the visit, you will bring home a miniture terracotta warrior.

What makes it special for me? - Close set: Not a common attraction but an Asia Highlights' exclusive site, only opens for your visit. - Relive the history: Learn about every detail in making a terracotta warrior just in the same way back in history. Something to tell your friends back home or a reason to excite your kids.

Fly to Chengdu, home of pandas.

Get to Panda Breeding and Research Center before the lunchtime for these cute creatures. Learn about the breeding process and life circle of a panda. Enjoy a hotpot lunch at noon (non-spicy option is available). Locals just love to have a cup of tea whenever they feel like it. Join them at Peole's Park. Fun to watch them doing Taichi, playing Mahjong and getting their ears picked.

Take an afternoon flight to Singapore.

Explore the enchanting city of Singapore, attractions will include Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay (with a 40min visit to the Flower Dome), Little India, Kampong Glam, Arab Stree and a boat trip from Clark Quay. Take a special discovery tour at Chinatown to sample local cuisine.

Highlight of Today: More than Just Food Hop on a MRT and your tour guide will lead you to Chinatown where you will try out 3 to 5 local dishes for lunch. Dishes will include rice cakes, poh piah (fresh spring roll), fried rice, Laksa, Hainan chicken rice and etc.

What makes it special for me? - Local knowledge: Don't get fooled by some long waiting lines! Explore Chinatown with someone who knows where the food serves you best and the line runs shortest. - Quick lunch in a special place: Leave the big meal at a fancy restaurant for your dinner if you plan to. Save some time by grabbing something quick yet delicious to eat at Chinatown. - Food with cultures: Almost every vendor at Chinatown has their specialities and anecdotes, take them all into your plate!

Take a morning flight from Singapore to Bali and you will be escorted to your beach hotel in Nusa Dua. Enjoy your days in Bali!

Depart from Nusa Dua with a full load of good memories. Have a safe flight back home!

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Our Service Includes:

• Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
• All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
• Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
• Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-16

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Viking announces six new Asia itineraries through Japan & China

September 4, 2024

Viking has announced six new itineraries in Asia that will expand exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025.

The new voyages range from 15 to 22 days and explore iconic destinations in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang), as well as Osaka, Japan. The itineraries will continue to highlight rarely-seen destinations and ports in China to which only Viking has access.

Each voyage will offer guests immersive destination-focused experiences, insightful lectures and regionally inspired cuisine.

Now open for booking, the new itineraries will operate from September 2025 to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun —formerly the  Viking Sun —a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.

“We are proud to open our second season of these unique itineraries featuring exploration of the China coast—something that is entirely exclusive to Viking,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “For centuries, these phenomenal destinations in Asia have inspired travelers with ancient history and rich culture. Our guests are curious travellers who travel as a way to broaden their minds, and we look forward to introducing more of Asia to them in 2025.”

New Asia voyages in 2025

• Jewels of Japan & China   (15 days; Beijing to Tokyo)
• Classic China Discovery   (20 days; Hong Kong to Beijing)
• Pearls of Japan & China  (22 days; Tokyo to Beijing)
• Gems of China & Japan (22 days; Beijing roundtrip)
• 2025 Wonders of China    (22 days; Beijing roundtrip)
• 2025 Best of China   (22 days; Hong Kong to Beijing)

Pre and post land extensions

For additional immersion in Asia, Viking is also offering a variety of pre and post land extensions for its 2025 China itineraries, including:

• Beijing  – Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history’s great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city’s eclectic mix of China’s ancient past and bold future.
• Hong Kong  – Delve into one of the world’s foremost metropolises with a three-night extension in Hong Kong. Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China’s lively southern coast.
• Hong Kong & Guilin  – Explore two versions of China – the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves.
• Spirit of Mongolia  –  Immerse yourself in rich traditions and revel in the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert. Explore Ulaanbaatar, an eclectic mix of the ancient and the 21st century. At your desert lodge, admire striking landscapes and enjoy a range of activities curated to bring insight into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
• Tokyo  –  Unravel the mysteries of Tokyo, Japan’s neon-lit capital steeped in imperial history. Zen-like gardens and Shinto shrines mingle with towering skyscrapers in this bustling metropolis, all while the perfectly symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over.

The  Viking Yi Dun

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the  Viking Yi Dun  is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet.

Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.

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Japan hammers China as next round of World Cup qualifying begins

As some of its regional rivals stumbled, there were no problems for World Cup regular Japan on Thursday, as Hajime Moriyasu's side handed China a 7-0 thrashing at Saitama Stadium.

The South Korean players were jeered off the Seoul World Cup Stadium pitch after a 0-0 draw with Palestine before Saudi Arabia was unexpectedly held to a 1-1 draw by Indonesia in Jeddah.

Elsewhere, six-time qualifier Iran secured a 1-0 win over visitor Kyrgyzstan.

Japan was in blistering form as Samurai Blue handed out an embarrassing defeat to an outclassed China.

Premier League stars Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo both scored as Samurai Blue cruised.

Brighton winger Mitoma, who has missed a chunk of this year with injury, was making his first appearance for Japan since the Asian Cup in January.

He announced his return in emphatic style in front of more than 50,000 fans, scoring with a first-half header off a Ritsu Doan cross after Liverpool's Endo had given Japan the lead.

"The home support was overwhelming and that allowed us to play well from the first whistle," Mitoma said.

Takumi Minamino added two more goals after the break to put Samurai Blue on cruise control against a China side looking to qualify for its first World Cup since 2002.

It was a night to forget for China, which squeezed into the third qualifying round thanks only to a superior head-to-head record over Thailand.

Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda and Takefusa Kubo also scored in the dominant win.

The Bahrainis celebrated wildly after the final whistle at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, having beaten Australia for the first time in seven attempts, making the perfect start to their bid to qualify for the finals for the first time.

The Socceroos were already down to 10 men in the Group C contest after the dismissal of Kusini Yengi and Abdullah Al-Khalasi's cross took a wicked deflection off Harry Souttar to wrong-foot goalkeeper Mat Ryan and give Bahrain the points.

Saudi Arabia, also playing in Group C, struggled despite playing on home turf, with Salem Al-Dawsari seeing his 79th minute penalty saved by Indonesia's debutant goalkeeper Maarten Paes.

Rangar Oratmangoen gave the Southeast Asians a surprise lead with a deflected shot after 19 minutes but Musab Al-Juwayr leveled the score three minutes into first half stoppage time.

South Korea was unable to find a way past Palestine goalkeeper Rami Hamada in Group B, provoking the ire of fans in the first game under Hong Myung-bo since the former defender returned to coach the team in July.

The South Koreans now trail Iraq in the standings as Aymen Hussein's header earned his side a 1-0 win over Oman in Basra. Jordan and Kuwait, the other two teams in Group B, played out a 1-1 draw in Amman.

In Group A, the UAE fought back to defeat Qatar 3-1 having gone behind to Ibrahim Al-Hassan's 38th minute opener.

But goals from Harib Abdalla, Khaled Ibrahim and Ali Saleh in the final quarter of the game saw the visitors notch up a victory over the back-to-back Asian Cup winner.

Iran defeated Kyrgyzstan thanks to Mehdi Taremi's 34th-minute goal while Uzbekistan also claimed three points when Jaliloddin Marsharipov's strike handed North Korea a 1-0 loss in Tashkent.

The top two from each of the three groups progresses directly to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the third and fourth placed teams going into another round of qualifying.

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Countries where tipping is offensive - and where you should be doing it

By Sarah Swain | 17 hours from now

It's a subject that comes up whenever you get a restaurant bill when on holiday .

Do you need to tip?

Then there are the taxi drivers and the hotel staff.

READ MORE: Sydney wins big as the local 2024 World Travel Awards are revealed

Well, in some countries, leaving extra cash is actually offensive.

Travel expert Justin Chapman from holiday company Go2Africa said you need to do your research.

"In China , tips are seen as unnecessary and can even be seen as rude," Chapman said.

"In Japan , tipping in considered part of the service and can be considered offensive – a small gift might be better received if you really want to show appreciation.

"Tipping is not expected in South Korea.

"However, in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas. A small tip of around 10 per cent is a nice gesture but isn't expected.

"It can be best to err on the side of caution and not tip in Asia, to avoid accidentally offending someone – but you can ask a local, or staff at your hotel for advice."

Meanwhile in Europe, check if a service charge is included in your bill.

READ MORE: Here are the best places to visit in Japan for each season

READ MORE: Here's everything to know before planning a solo trip to Vietnam

It's common to add a 10 to 15 per cent tip in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

But in other countries, like Belgium, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, tipping is less common.

If you're heading to Africa 10 to 15 per cent of your restaurant bill is customary, but check the bill for a service charge.

When on safari, you should tip staff, like cleaners, cooks, and guards, as well as guides, spotters or trackers, drivers, and waiters or waitresses.

Meanwhile, 9Travel reported on how tipping expectations in the USA have become higher.

"The higher end has become more of the norm", NYC Tourism says, adding "this is the one place where you really must tip; unless you've had awful service, staff may look askance at anything less than 15 percent."

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Japan tries to reclaim its dominance as leader of global tech industry

It has been 40 years since such competitive anxieties about a rising asian power prompted this kind of embrace of government intervention among the biggest free-market economies.

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First Published: Sep 06 2024 | 11:34 PM IST

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