16 Days Japan China Tour: Ancient and Modern Faces of East Asia
Choosing Japan and China for a first trip to Asia is ideal because these two countries not only represent the cultural depth and diversity of Asia but also shar
🗓️ 16 Days / 15 Nights 👥 Private 🌐 English Guide ⭐ 4.89/5 (232 reviews)
Tour Highlights
✓ Choosing Japan and China for a first trip to Asia is ideal because these two countries not only represent the cultural depth and diversity of Asia but also shar
✓ Modern Japanese pop culture, including anime and fashion, resonates strongly with China's youth
✓ This 16 Days Japan China Tour features key cities that reflect each country's rich history, culture, and economic development
✓ Travelers can experience the unique heritage and contemporary dynamics of these two neighboring Asian giants
✓ The itinerary is enriched with rides on Japan's Shinkansen and China's high-speed rail, highlighting both countries' advancements in modern transportation
✓ Japan: Start in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, showcasing the country's modern and high-tech side while preserving many traditional cultural elements
Detailed Itinerary
D1 Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Japan! Private airport transfer and hotel check-in. Evening walk in Shinjuku with welcome dinner at an izakaya.
D2 Tokyo — Meiji to Shibuya
Morning at Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Explore Harajuku and Omotesando boutiques. Afternoon at Shibuya — the famous crossing, Hachiko statue, and Shibuya Sky observation deck.
D3 Tokyo — Asakusa to Akihabara
Start at Tsukiji Outer Market. Visit Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and the adjacent Nakamise shopping arcade. Afternoon explore Akihabara Electric Town. Evening river cruise on the Sumida River.
D4 Tokyo — Imperial & Art
Tour the Imperial Palace East Garden and the National Museum of Modern Art. Explore the upscale Ginza district. Afternoon at teamLab Planets or Borderless digital art museum. Evening at Odaiba.
D5 Kamakura Day Trip
Escape to coastal Kamakura: the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hokokuji Bamboo Temple, and the serene Engakuji Temple. Beautiful coastal views from Enoshima.
D6 Hakone & Mt. Fuji
Journey to Hakone National Park. Pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway over volcanic Owakudani valley, Mt. Fuji views (weather permitting). Relax in a traditional onsen ryokan.
D7 Hakone to Kanazawa
Travel to Kanazawa via Shinkansen. Visit Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan's top three), Kanazawa Castle, and the beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts.
D8 Kanazawa to Kyoto
Morning at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Shinkansen to Kyoto. Afternoon visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Evening Gion walk.
D9 Kyoto — East Side
Walk the Philosopher's Path. Visit Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), Nanzenji Temple, and the Heian Shrine. Afternoon at Kiyomizudera for sweeping city views. Explore the Higashiyama preserved district.
D10 Kyoto — West Side
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Zen rock garden, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walk across Togetsukyo Bridge. Option to visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park. Evening traditional tea ceremony.
D11 Nara Day Trip
Full-day Nara excursion: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park deer, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the ancient Kofukuji Temple. Try mochi at Nakatanidou. Return to Kyoto.
D12 Hiroshima & Miyajima
Shinkansen day trip to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
D13 Osaka Finale
Transfer to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle, explore Shinsekai district, and food-hop through Dotonbori: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. Evening views from Umeda Sky Building or Abeno Harukas.
D14 Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai International Airport for departure.
D15 Day 15 — Cultural Exploration
Explore the local markets, artisan workshops, and hidden lanes with your guide. Discover the authentic daily life and traditions of this fascinating destination.
D16 Day 16 — Cultural Exploration
Full day of cultural immersion: visit local communities, participate in a hands-on workshop (cooking, craft, or music), and enjoy meals with local families.
What's Included & Excluded
✅ Included
- ✓ Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- ✓ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓ All transportation per itinerary
- ✓ Entrance fees to listed attractions
- ✓ Airport transfers on arrival and departure
❌ Excluded
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Personal expenses and tips
- ✗ Visa fees (if applicable)