Nature & Culture Tour of Japan & China: Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing & Shanghai - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Explore the Capital City

Welcome to the bustling capital of Japan, Tokyo! Meet your guide at Narita International Airport and transfer 1.5 hours to your hotel in the city. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Head to Shibuya, the city's commercial and financial center, to walk across Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Visit one of the restaurants or cafés overlooking the crosswalk for a bird's-eye view of the action. Then, stroll along Shibuya Center Street to discover the trendy boutiques and fashion-forward shops.

If you're not tired of shopping, head to the nearby district of Harajuku and step into the kaleidoscope of eclectic fashion. Browse the array of stores selling every style of clothing imaginable before continuing to Yoyogi Park for a peaceful retreat in the green oasis. Meander down the winding pathways surrounded by towering trees and find a space on the lawn to relax. In the evening, take the metro to Roppongi, the city's nightlife hub, to eat dinner and visit one of the many bars or clubs if you're up for it. You can choose from an array of jazz bars, high-energy dance clubs, and cozy pubs, depending on your mood.

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of the Fuji Five Lakes Region

Leave the city behind this morning and join your driver for the 1.5-hour transfer to the five lakes surrounding the base of Mount Fuji. Start at Lake Kawaguchiko, where you'll board a boat cruise across crystal-clear waters with the snowcapped mountain as a backdrop. After the cruise, disembark at the northern shore and head to the Itchiku Kubota Museum to see the awe-inspiring kimono creations by the renowned artist Itchiku Kubota. Learn about the ancient Tsujigahana dyeing technique and admire the collection of kimonos, each one telling a story inspired by nature, mythology, and Japanese culture.

After lunch, take a drive around Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko to take in the more secluded side of the region. Pass the Aokigahara Forest to see the twisted trees and volcanic rock formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere. End the tour at the Sengen Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji. Walk along the pathway lined with towering cedar trees to reach the main complex, where the air is filled with the soothing sounds of ritualistic ceremonies and the distinct scent of incense. Enjoy one last look at Mount Fuji from the shrine before returning to Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo Guided City Tour, Train to Kyoto

Set off on a full-day guided tour of the city, starting at Meiji Jingu, nestled in the heart of Shibuya. Approach the towering torii gate and enter the serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Admire the vast courtyard surrounded by a lush forest, then explore the main hall used for reflection, prayer, and traditional ceremonies before continuing to Senso-ji Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple. Step through the iconic Thunder Gate to Nakamise-dori, a bustling marketplace full of traditional snacks, crafts, and souvenirs. 

After browsing the array of stalls, head to the temple's main hall, full of dramatic red lanterns, to learn about and participate in rituals like burning incense for good fortune. End the tour at Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world, for panoramic views of the city. Once you've taken in the sprawling metropolis, transfer to the station for a 2.5-hour journey aboard a bullet train to the former capital of Japan, Kyoto. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside Kyoto Station to transfer to your hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 4: Full-Day Tour of the Arashiyama District

Spend your last day in Japan on a full-day tour of Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto, starting at Okochi Sanso, the former home of the legendary actor Denjiro Okochi. Enter the property through the elegantly landscaped gardens and take in the panoramic views of the lush surroundings and the distant Hozugawa River. Enter the villa to browse the small museum dedicated to Okochi's life and participate in a matcha tea ceremony before continuing to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Venture through the enchanting forest of bamboo, then head to Nonomiya Shrine to bask in the serene environment. 

Enter at the towering torii gates to get to the main shine, where you can partake in traditional rituals or make offerings. Visit Tenryu-ji next, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most prestigious temples. Sit down to a traditional Buddhist lunch to refuel for a walk around the expansive Sogenchi Garden within the temple complex. Admire the meticulously arranged rocks, ponds, and lush foliage, then enter the main hall overlooking the garden to appreciate the elegant simplicity. After exploring the complex, set off on a 10-minute hike to Arashiyama Monkey Park to engage with the resident Japanese macaques.

Buy food for the free-roaming monkeys, or just watch as they frolic and groom each other. Before trekking back down, look out at the panoramic views of the city and the flowing river. End the tour with a 25-minute ride aboard a vintage train on the Sagano Scenic Railway, which follows the tranquil Hozugawa River. Enjoy views of the countryside as you wind through lush greenery and dark tunnels. When you reach the end of the line, disembark and transfer back to your hotel in Kyoto to rest after an action-packed day.

Day 5: Fly to Beijing (China), Explore at Your Own Pace

Say goodbye to Japan as a 1.5-hour transfer takes you to Osaka this morning, where you'll catch a 3.5-hour flight to the capital of China, Beijing. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer 45 minutes to your hotel. After settling in, venture out to explore the area on your own. Head to the National Museum of China to browse its collection of over one million artifacts covering China's ancient civilizations, imperial dynasties, and cultural evolution. Admire the many treasures, from intricate ceramics to imperial robes, and watch the multimedia presentations to learn more about the country's rich history.

Continue to Jingshan Park to immerse yourself in nature in the bustling heart of the city. Walk along the flower-lined paths to see the colorful pavilions, historical relics, and ancient cypresses. Trek up the hill for panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. If it's the right time of day, you can watch the sky transform into hues of orange and pink while the sun sets. In the evening, stroll down Wangfujing Street, renowned for its array of street food stalls. Try jianbing, a savory crepe filled with egg and green onion, then end the night with a sweet treat of tanghulu, skewered fruit coated in hardened sugar.

Day 6: Full-Day Tour of Beijing 

Spend a full day exploring some of Beijing's most iconic landmarks with your guide, starting at Tian'anmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Admire the towering Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum before strolling to the northern end to enter the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City at the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Cross the vast courtyard to discover the Palace Museum, housing an extensive collection of imperial artifacts. Gain an understanding of the palace and its past residents while browsing the rare paintings, ancient ceramics, and priceless cultural treasures.

Leave the palace behind for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Temple of Heaven. Learn about the rituals emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed here and visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, home to a triple-tiered circular structure that stands as the complex's centerpiece. Take a walk across the expansive grounds adorned with majestic gates, pavilions, and cypress trees. Then, end the tour in some of the city's hutongs, maze-like alleyways surrounded by traditional homes and markets, before returning to the hotel to rest. 

Day 8: Visit the Summer Palace, Train to Shanghai

Spend your last morning in Beijing exploring the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, nestled on the shores of Kunming Lake. Discover the intricately designed halls, pavilions, and temples to understand the opulence enjoyed by emperors during the Qing dynasty. Enter the Longevity Hall for panoramic views of the glittering lake and the surrounding gardens, then head outside to see it all up close. Stroll over traditional bridges, including the beautiful Seventeen-Arch Bridge, to see the colorful pagodas dotting the landscape.

In the afternoon, grab lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Beijing Nan Railway Station to catch a 4.5-hour bullet train to the vibrant city of Shanghai on the central coast. Look out for your guide at the exit of Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and transfer one hour to your hotel in the city. After refreshing, head to Nanjing Road on your own to shop and have dinner at one of the many local or international restaurants. If you don't want to sit down to eat, sample a few dishes from the street-side stalls, like shengjian bao, pan-fried soup dumplings filled with meat, or stinky tofu. 

Day 9: Full-Day Tour of Shanghai

Meet your guide and set off on a full-day tour of the city after breakfast, starting at The Bund, a historic waterfront promenade, to enjoy panoramic views of the futuristic Pudong district. Listen as your guide teaches you about the towering skyscrapers and stately buildings before crossing the Huangpu River to get to Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Take an elevator to the observation deck at the top, where you'll be met with a panorama of the sprawling metropolis below. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Yuyuan Garden, a serene oasis amid the urban landscape.

Wander through the landscaped courtyards, meandering paths, and scenic pavilions adorned with intricate details. Cross over the delicate bridges to admire the lotus ponds beneath before continuing to Yuyuan Bazaar just outside the garden. Browse the stalls full of local snacks, handicrafts, and antiques to find the perfect souvenir to take home. Then, end the tour at the former French Concession, a chic district that was once a French colonial enclave. Walk along the tree-lined avenues to see the historic villas, charming boutiques, and trendy restaurants to find somewhere to eat for dinner.

Day 10: Depart Shanghai

After 10 days in Japan and China, your journey comes to a close today. If you have time before your flight, you can continue to explore the city on your own. For more panoramic views of Shanghai, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, a sleek structure characterized by its distinctive pink spheres. Take an elevator to the top and visit each observation deck to look out over The Bund and the Huangpu River. Just keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will meet you back at the hotel to take you to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

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