Discovery of China and Japan

breakfast and lunch

Today, we'll pay a visit for Tiananmen Square, which is the largest public square in the world. Then visit today's highlight: the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. In its 500 years of history, there were 24 emperors living here. Experiencing several times renovation and expansion during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is still remaining its original layout.

At last, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, which was used to pray for harvest by the emperors. It's China's existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven. This Chinese monument is built entirely in wood, without using a single nail, which has become the symbol of Beijing. For the Chinese the ground is sacred, so the emperor used to celebrate the main rites here.

Forbidden City

Temple of Heaven

breakfast and lunch

Continue your journey today with a high-speed train to Xi'an. Xi'an - ancient capital of China with a 2000 - year history. Arrive in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites and is a great place to explore.

You will be impressed by this close-up experience! The Ancient City Wall, which stretches round the old city is the first landmark visitors will encounter in Xi'an. It is also one of the most famous attractions in Xi'an. Today, this wall represents one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Cycling on the Ancient City Wall

breakfast and lunch

Today you'll journey out in to the countryside surrounding Xi'an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots – each individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expressions – stand in battle formation.

After lunch, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda - a landmark building of Xi'an. It is a well-preserved holy place for Buddhist with a history of over 1300 years.

The next stop of your journey is the Great Mosque. It is the largest and best-preserved mosque in Xi'an. It assumes the striking features of Chinese pavilions, with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. You will be amazed by the not so typical construction of this mosque.

Terracotta Warriors

breakfast and lunch

Free on your own in the morning. Then take a flight to Shanghai.

Upon arrival, take a stroll on the Bund. It is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai.

Continue to down to the Nanjing Road which enjoys the reputation as China No.1 commercial center. It was the earliest commercial street in Shanghai since the city opened to the outside world.

The Bund

breakfast and lunch

Today you will make a journey through the old city of Shanghai. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the old town, there is the oasis of peace, the Yu Garden. As a paragon of the south Chinese landscaping style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is a MUST-SEE for all visitors to Shanghai.

Then visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to learn more about the history of Shanghai. A look at the miniature model of the city is especially recommended. It is regarded as the 'Window of the City' where people can know about Shanghai.

Round off the day with the panorama hall of the more than 630-meter-high Shanghai Tower with a breathtaking panoramic view over the city. It is also the tallest building in China.

Shanghai Tower

breakfast

Today is your chance to relax or explore Shanghai on your own before your private driver takes you to the airport for a flight to Osaka, Japan's third largest city, known for its cuisine and nightlife.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Osaka, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and historical landmarks.

breakfast and lunch

Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.

Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.

Then, absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum. Embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you would learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, create your own ukiyo-e masterpiece, taking with you a tangible piece of Japanese artistic tradition.

Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the Umeda Sky Building.

Osaka Castle

breakfast and lunch

Depart for Nara in the morning, less than one hour from Osaka. Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture and a former capital of Japan (710 – 794). Eight temples, shrines and ruins together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest collectively form “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.

Take a wander through Nara Park, called Deer Park by locals, due to the 1,200-plus tame deer living there. Here, get ready to encounter wild deer, considered the messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roaming freely under the cherry trees inside the Nara Park.

Afterwards we continue on to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries.

Nara Park

breakfast and lunch

Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji Temple, which is covered in shimmering gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens and ponds. It's now one of Kyoto's most famous temples.

Nijo Castle is an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603-C1868) as his Kyoto residence. It is surrounded by stunning gardens and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and 'chirping' nightingale floors.

Take a walk down Nishiki Market for some free time. It is a traditional food market known by locals as “Kyoto's Pantry” which is a great place for seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties.

Embark on a leisurely walk uphill to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views of Kyoto city from the 13-meter-high veranda of the Main Hall.

Kinkakuji Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

breakfast and lunch and dinner

In the morning, you will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. This shrine is home to over 10,000 red torii gates that form a beautiful path up the mountain behind the temple.

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

Travel with your guide from Kyoto bullet train station to Odawara, which is the closest Shinkansen station to Hakone. From Odawara, we will transfer to take a bus to reach Hakone. From here, you will have many opportunities to view Mt. Fuji, if the weather is in your favor.

Upon arrival, you will arrive at your Japanese-style hotel, known as a Ryokan. Here, you can experience a traditional Kaiseki dinner and enjoy the onsen (hot spring) bath.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Bamboo groves in Arashiyama

breakfast

A day at leisure for further explore Hakone by using your pass. The Hakone Free Pass allows you to get on and off freely within a specified area, as well as providing discount admission to various attractions in the area. It covers eight forms of transport including trains, buses, cable cars, cableway and boat.

Recommended Activities:

Board the world's second longest cable car above the wooded slopes, sulfurous fumes and hot springs for inspiring views of Mount Fuji.

A visiting for cruise on Lake Ashinoko, admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship. And The Gora Park, a western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It is a relaxing place for unwinding and enjoying the scenery and views of Hakone.

Hakone cable car

Cruise on Lake Ashinoko

breakfast and lunch

Today, you may board a bullet train to Tokyo. Our tour guide and driver will transfer you to hotel.

Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a beautiful forest and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then take a walk along Omotesando Street, a broad tree-lined avenue.

Continue to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji, which is Tokyo's oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that for centuries has been providing temple visitors with many traditional local snacks and souvenirs.

Meiji Shrine

Sensoji Temple

breakfast and lunch

Kick off the day with a walk around the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Your guide leads you through the sprawling, 80-year-old market to visit fishmongers and food vendors. Sample a range of sushi, Japanese-style omelets, fried fish cakes, sake, and Japanese tea on this in-depth experience of the legendary market.

After, learn the art of sushi making firsthand – it's the quintessential Edo-era specialty and possibly Japan's most famous culinary gift to the world. Hear about the history of sushi, how to choose the best fish, learn proper slicing and rice-making techniques and sample some seriously fresh sushi.

Soar to the summit of the world's tallest structure, Tokyo Skytree, and witness the city's breathtaking panorama unfold beneath you. Marvel at the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape, from the Imperial Palace to the Tokyo Tower, and capture unforgettable memories from this unparalleled vantage point. On a clear day, you should be able to see the peak of Mount Fuji, which is located about 84 km to the west.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Sushi-making class

breakfast

You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.