16-Day Japan and China Discovery Tour

16 days
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Private Guided
Discover world-famous landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and historical cities such as Xi’an and Kyoto, and witness the vibrant cultures of East Asia, as you experience the best of Japan and China on a 16-day leisurely tour (easily adapted to be a 2-week or 3-week tour). It covers iconic cities like Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Beijing, Xi’an, and Shang...
$7,994
From$6,499
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Enter into the history of China and Japan by visiting UNESCO sites and discovering their hidden corners.
    • Taste the exotic savory flavors of East Asia.
    • Make your own terracotta warriors after finding out the secrets of the Terracotta Army.
    • Delight in the captivating panorama of Tokyo city from the heights of the renowned Sky Tree Tower.
    • Experience the breathtaking scenery of Hakone from multiple perspectives.
    • Listen to the Echoes of History while Cycling or Walking on the ancient Xi'an City Wall.
    • Take a leisurely stroll through Nara Park and interact with over 1,200 tame deer.
    • ndulge in ultimate relaxation and serenity at a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) with an onsen (hot spring bath) in Hakone.
    • Hear untold tales of the Bund and ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic views.

What's this trip about?

    Discover world-famous landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and historical cities such as Xi’an and Kyoto, and witness the vibrant cultures of East Asia, as you experience the best of Japan and China on a 16-day leisurely tour (easily adapted to be a 2-week or 3-week tour). It covers iconic cities like Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. With our carefully-designed itinerary and expert guides, this adventure tour is sure to create unforgettable memories and a comprehensive view of the Far East. Come with us and have the journey of a lifetime!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityTokyo
End CityShanghai

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • History
  • Hot Springs
  • Nature
  • Historic Sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
    • English-speaking local guide
    • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
    • 24/7 helpline while you are traveling

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1 Tokyo Arrival

Welcome to Japan, a country that uniquely blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and tranquil gardens of Kyoto, to flourishing Osaka and the breathtaking cherry blossom season, Japan offers something to delight every...

DAY 2 Tokyo City Highlights

Experience an unforgettable day exploring Tokyo with your own private guide:

Begin your adventure with a visit to Meiji Shrine, where you can witness traditional Japanese weddings and pay your respects to Emperor Meiji. Take a stroll along picturesque Omotesand...

DAY 3 Tokyo Local Highlights

Embark on a memorable journey through Tokyo's most iconic attractions:

Begin by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Tsukiji Fish Market, renowned for its vast array of seafood and bustling market life. Elevate your culinary skills with an authen...

DAY 4 Tokyo to Hakone with Hakone Pass

Embark on an effortless journey to Hakone Yumoto station from Shinjuku station using your Hakone Freepass and Romancecar ticket. Enjoy a relaxing 90-minute direct journey to your destination.

After arriving, board the local train to Gora station with the conven...

DAY 5 Free and Easy in Hakone

Unleash the full potential of your Hakone Freepass and explore all that Hakone has to offer! Enjoy the freedom to get on and off various regional transport at your leisure, with the added benefit of discounted admission to multiple attractions in the region.

Th...

DAY 6 Hakone to Kyoto

In the morning, make your way to Odawara station using your Hakone Freepass and use the train ticket to board the Shinkansen to Kyoto.

On arrival at Kyoto station, make your own way to your hotel. The rest of the day is free time.

DAY 7 Kyoto Highlights

On the seventh day, we would explore the former imperial capital of Kyoto with a knowledgeable local guide and have your own private vehicle to visit some of its World Heritage Sites:

The day begins with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pav...

DAY 8 Full-Day Tour of Nara and Fushimi from Kyoto

Begin your full-day excursion to Nara with a 45-minute train ride from your hotel accompanied by your knowledgeable local guide. As Japan's capital for 74 years during the 8th century, Nara is home to many temples and shrines that were built during that time and still...

DAY 9 Osaka to Beijing

Day 9 of our Japan adventure is your chance to relax or explore Osaka on your own before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Beijing, the capital of China.

Upon arrival in Beijing, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

DAY 10 Beijing City Highlights

Ready for Beijing? Let's begin the day trip by visiting the symbol of new China — Tian'anmen Square.

From there, proceed to the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace, with a rich 500-year history. While most tour groups only vis...

DAY 11 Beijing Historical Highlights

Start the day's touring at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for a good harvest. Arrive early to witness locals practicing martial arts and engaging in other unique activities that you may not see in your home country. In the afternoon, visit Mutianyu, the t...

DAY 12 Beijing to Xi'an

Marvel at the stunning imperial garden of the Summer Palace, originally the summer retreat of the imperial court and now a peaceful escape from the summer heat. Experience China's technological development as you race towards Xi'an on a high-speed train. This is a unique and exciting way to travel and witness the modern advancements of China's transportation system.

DAY 13 Xi'an City Highlights

Start your day by uncovering the mysteries of the underground army that dates back to 206 BC at the Terracotta Army Museum. Then, visit a local craftsman's cave dwelling to learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior. Return to the city area and visit Xi'an City Wall,...

DAY 14 Xi'an to Shanghai

Explore more of Xi'an's rich history at Shaanxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then head to the Muslim Quarter to wander through the alleys and savor the local Muslim cuisine. In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Shan...

DAY 15 Shanghai City Highlights

Experience more than just taking a few selfies on the Bund during our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour, where you will travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s. Explore some of the old Bund buildings and listen to their fascinating stories. T...

DAY 16 Shanghai Departure

On the last day of this itinerary, your private car, driver, and guide will be awaiting you at your hotel lobby, ensuring a timely arrival at the airport.

As you sit back and relax, they will provide check-in assistance and escort you to the correct security gate. Experience stress-free travel and a delightful journey home as they cater to your every need.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $6,499
Price per day$406
Last Updated: 2/24/2025

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with China Highlights.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International travel expenses to enter or leave Asia.
    • Visa Fees
    • Excess Baggage Charges.
    • Personal Expenses
    • Meals: Any meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.
    • Insurance
    • Single Room Supplement
    • Gratuities, Tips to Guides or Drivers

Accommodation

Requirements
Payment Deposit & Final payment A deposit which is equal to 10% of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. The full or final payment is required 30 days before departure for your China tour. Should the tour booked within 30 days before departure for your China tour, full payment is required. Receipt of your deposit or final payment will indicate that you and your travel agent (when applicable) have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you (and your agent) have accepted them. The Terms and Conditions below form the basis of the contractual relationship between China Highlights International Travel Service Co., Ltd (Business Certificate Number: L-GX00724) and its clients. It is extremely important that our clients understand and accept these Terms and Conditions as well as their quotations, itineraries and other relevant communication from our travel advisors. Methods of Payment We are now able to offer 3 methods of Payment: Visa or Master Card secure online payment via PayPal. Visa or Master Card by email Wire transfer. Cash payment, travelers' check and company check is applicable upon special request, but personal checks cannot be accepted. or click here to enter the "Payment Center" page to know more. If we receive a fraud alert from our credit card processor, we'll require confirmation before your transaction can be processed. If the booking is too urgent to get all required confirmation in time, we have the right to cancel the booking and refund the card holder's account for our own and the card holder's protection. Disclaimer of Difference Caused by Exchange Rate (For clients who make payment by credit card only). China Highlights will draw Chinese currency (CNY) from your credit card. The Credit Card Company or Bank will convert this amount to the currency of your credit card account. China Highlights converts Chinese currency to US Dollars at a rate of CN721 = US$100 for our quotations, but must charge your credit card in CNY (Note: China Highlights will apply the latest exchange rate, which may differ from the one shown above.). Banks and credit card companies must then buy Chinese currency at their local rate to make the payment. The rate may be more or less than our rate. Banks and credit card companies may also make a service charge for the transaction. For these reasons what appears on your bank statement may be more (or even less) than what you were expecting. Click here for an illustration. Note: Before you pay, please check our exchange rate against your bank's exchange rate and your bank's transaction fee policy. China Highlights currently quotes tour prices in US Dollars on our web site to give you an idea of the tour cost and quote in CNY to you at the time when you are making bookings. 1. Should a revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi occur, China Highlights will honor all quotations for tours that have been fully paid at the time of the revaluation. 2. Customers who have not paid for their tour in full at the time of any revaluation will be required to pay the difference between the old and new price calculated in Renminbi. China Highlights will never charge more that our quotation that has been accepted by you, our client. Luggage AllowanceIn accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free baggage allowance within China is 20kg for the economy class, 30kg for the business class, and 40kg for the first class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft. Alteration of Itinerary Alterations to your itinerary before the booking are happily processed free of charge. Alterations after payment of the deposit will attract a fee of $25.00 per request. All expenses incurred by China Highlights in alteration of the booking are the responsibility of the customer. This includes all fees and charges levied by third parties such as cruise operators, airlines and hotels. Liability & ResponsibilityChina Highlights provides tour information and China tour bookings. China Highlights publishes travel information and services gathered from the selected quality hotels, air ticket agencies and tour companies & operators. Chinahighlights will not be responsible for errors, emissions or inaccuracies in information provided by third party providers. China Highlights shall not be responsible for any wrongful or negligent or fraudulent, omissions, changes of itinerary, cancellation or the failure of any equipment operated by those suppliers or any other party not directly owned or controlled by China Highlights. China Highlights shall not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to person or property, alteration of itineraries or cancellation in part or in full, caused by climatic conditions, sea fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, terrorist activities, or any other actions, omissions or conditions beyond China Highlights's control. Neither China Highlights nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses of liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the aforementioned causes China Highlights is not responsible for a client's failure to comply with customs regulations. China Highlights is not responsible for the theft or loss of any customer's valuables or items of personal property due to the negligence of the customer. China Highlights reserves the right to substitute hotels, flights, trains, or cruise ships, to alter itineraries, or to cancel the tour prior to departure. If China Highlights has cancelled any tour prior to the commencement of the tour, China Highlights is liable for a full refund of the money received from the client. Many of China Highlights tour packages include activities which require care and attention. Such activities include boarding and going ashore from boats, climbing hills and entering and exiting tombs and caves etc. You will receive help and advice from our representatives but all activities are undertaken at your own risk. China Highlights, its employees and agents cannot be responsible for any action or event that occurs after its said employees and agents have exercised their duty and taken the necessary care. China Highlights reserves the right to modify or rescind the terms and conditions in whole, or in part at any time with or without notice.Modification or Discontinuance of Service China Highlights reserves the right to modify or discontinue service to clients who behave illegally or objectionably toward its employees and agents. Offensive behavior includes behavior which is obscene, racially offensive or of a sexual nature. CommunicationsYou can contact China Highlights via the web form from www.chinahighlights.com, email, fax, or phone. If for any reason, you fail to receive any reply from China Highlights in regard of your tour status within 48 hours from the time you submitted the request for booking, modifying, or canceling a tour, please contact China Highlights customer service center at customercare@chinahighlights.com to ensure that we are able to deal with your enquiry under the terms of our Terms and Conditions. Contact Us Form Complaints and ClaimsShall you feel unsatisfied with any service China Highlights has provided, please notify your 7x24 hours available travel advisor or China Highlights Customer-care service to avoid the potential for similar problems happening again during your trip. Phone no. or WhatsApp: +86 18007839275 Email: customercare@chinahighlights.com  In the event of a complaint or claim for compensation, you must inform us by email, regular mail, or facsimile in writing within 15 days from the end of your tour. Relevant receipts and substantiating evidence must be attached to the letter of claim. China Highlights will not be liable for any claims made later than 15 days after the completion of your tour.,
Cancellation policy
Cancellation Refunds
We would deeply regret your decision to cancel your trip to China, however we realize that there are many valid reasons that this can happen.

In the event of a cancellation, you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure. The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows except specified by your travel advisor:

  • Cancellation received prior to 22 days before departure: 100 % refund of all monies paid.
  • Cancellation received from 15 to 21 days before departure: 70% refund of all monies paid.
  • Cancellation received from 8 to 14 days before departure: 50% refund of all monies paid.
  • Cancellation received from 0 to 7 days before departure: no refund.
  • No-show travelers will be charged 100% of the payment.
  • After the trip has commenced, no refund for unused services due to your unwillingness/inability to participate, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
Special Notes:

  • The terms for cancellation for tours of more than 10 people may vary from case to case. Please ask you travel advisor regarding the cancellation policy for a group of over 10 people.
Travel Insurance
China Highlights tour packages include Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance up to a maximum of $30,000 per adult provided free of charge as part of our package. We still highly recommend that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from you country of origin. Insurance provided by China Highlights is not applicable where only hotel or China flight booking are purchased through China Highlights.
Visa requirements
All clients must be in possession of a valid passport and necessary visas or permits at the commencement of travel. All such documentation is the sole responsibility of the client. Your travel advisor may assist you in applying for the necessary travel documentation upon request. China Highlights accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.
Health & Safety
Clients should take into account all international travel risks and familiarize themselves with health requirements applicable to the areas they intend to visit. The client is solely responsible for checking the safety and security conditions, vaccination, and other health requirements of governments in countries visited or transited. Travelers to Tibet are required to provide a doctor's certificate stating that the he/she is fit to travel and his/her blood pressure and heart condition are normal. This is a necessary requirement because of the possible effects that the very high altitude may have on certain people.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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