Highlights
- Enjoy your first night in Japan at a traditional omakase restaurant
- Cruise across Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji as the backdrop
- Browse the array of stalls at Nishiki Market for souvenirs
- Take a pedicab through Beijing's traditional hutongs (alleys)
- Hike up to the Great Wall to explore its watchtowers and tombs
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Food Tour of Shinjuku | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Full-Day Tour of Tokyo, Explore Akihabara on Your Own | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Full-Day Tour of the Fuji Five Lakes Region | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Train to Kyoto, Partake in a Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Ninja Museum | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Full-Day Tour of Kyoto, Sample Local Dishes at Nishiki Market | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Train to Nara, Full-Day City Tour, Train to Osaka | Osaka |
| Day 7 | Fly to Beijing (China), Peking Duck Dining Experience | Beijing |
| Day 8 | Explore the Forbidden City, Take a Pedicab Through the City's Hutongs | Beijing |
| Day 9 | Visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall & Changling Tomb | Beijing |
| Day 10 | Depart Beijing |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Food Tour of Shinjuku
Welcome to Japan's vibrant capital city, Tokyo! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until this evening's food tour. When it's time, head to the bustling district of Shinjuku to visit an omakase sushi restaurant, where skilled sushi chefs curate a personalized tasting menu. Take a seat at the counter and watch as the chef meticulously prepares each piece of sushi using the freshest seasonal ingredients. End the night by testing your own cooking skills as you grill thinly sliced pieces of Wagyu beef, renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor.
Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Tokyo, Explore Akihabara on Your Own
Join your guide this morning for a full day exploring Tokyo's iconic landmarks, starting at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Step through the towering torii gate into the expansive grounds enveloped in a lush forest. Follow the gravel path to the main complex to take in the grandeur of traditional Japanese architecture and witness solemn Shinto ceremonies. Participate in a ritual yourself by praying and leaving an offering at the shrine before continuing to the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, a bustling hub for food enthusiasts.
Navigate the narrow lanes lined with stalls offering a variety of seafood-heavy dishes, such as fresh sushi or grilled scallops. Once you've had your fill, continue to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the complex that's open to the public. Stroll along the meandering paths and look out at the traditional tea houses, scenic ponds, and picturesque bridges. Another highlight is a stop at Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, built in 645 CE. Admire the main hall adorned with sacred artifacts and pick up an omikuji to read your fortune before ending the tour at Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street.
Browse the stalls full of souvenirs, crafts, and street food, like freshly grilled senbei, a Japanese rice cracker that comes in different savory or sweet flavors. If you're not too tired, you can continue to the Akihabara district to explore on your own. Often called "Electric Town," Akihabara is home to animé shops, electronics stores, and gaming centers all covered in neon lights. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, end the night at a maid café, where servers wear elaborate maid costumes and perform in between serving your food and drinks.
Day 3: Full-Day Tour of the Fuji Five Lakes Region
Trade the city for the countryside this morning as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes region to see Mount Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park. Ascend to the Chureito Pagoda perched on the hillside for panoramic views of the snowcapped mountain surrounded by seasonal foliage (like pink cherry blossoms if you visit in spring). Trek back down the hill to visit the charming village of Oshino Hakkai, home to eight spring-fed ponds surrounded by lush greenery and traditional thatched-roof houses.
Stroll through the village and take in the serene atmosphere while you enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji reflected in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, jump on a boat and cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Kawaguchi, passing charming lakeside villages set against the backdrop of the towering mountain. If you're not a fan of boats, you can take a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway instead.
As the cable car ascends, enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the lush greenery, and the picturesque villages. After thoroughly appreciating the mountain's beauty, start the journey back to Tokyo, stopping at Fuji Gotemba Distillery on the way. Step inside and learn about the meticulous whisky-making process, from the malting to the fermentation and distillation stages. Sample the different malt and grain whiskies before returning to your hotel in the city.
Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Partake in a Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Ninja Museum
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Say goodbye to Tokyo as you head to the station this morning to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Make your own way to the hotel, where you can refresh before the tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya. When you arrive, change into a kimono and learn about the ceremony, called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami, a type of straw mat, and join in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master.
After the ceremony, walk five minutes to the Samurai Ninja Museum to learn about these legendary warriors. Browse the collection of authentic samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts, all showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of these revered warriors. Watch the multimedia presentations to gain a deeper insight into the lives and philosophies of the samurai and ninja. Before you leave, try on a full samurai armor and choose from a selection of replica swords to take a commemorative picture.
Day 5: Full-Day Tour of Kyoto, Sample Local Dishes at Nishiki Market
Although Kyoto is no longer the capital of Japan, it's considered the country's cultural capital and is home to numerous shrines, temples, palaces, and gardens. Spend half the day exploring some of these sites, starting at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion, as it's covered entirely in gold leaf. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and look out at the golden structure reflected in the surrounding ponds. Since you can't enter the temple, continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle, home to the first shogun (military leader) of the Edo period.
Enter the main palace to see the walls adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from nature and Japanese folklore. Head outside to stroll through the expansive gardens, looking out at the serene reflecting ponds. After taking in the peaceful atmosphere, visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine with over 10,000 red torii gates, all donated by individuals or businesses and inscribed with their names and wishes. Follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the gates and the surrounding forest.
In the evening, visit the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto's Kitchen," to browse the hundreds of stalls offering an array of fresh produce, Kyoto specialties, and handmade goods. Sample pickled vegetables, yuba (tofu skin), Kyoto-style sushi, and other regional delights before ending the night with a sweet matcha-flavored treat, such as mochi, ice cream, or dorayaki, a pancake filled with matcha paste. Before you leave and return to the hotel, check out the Japanese kitchen knives, ceramics, and tableware to admire the artisans' attention to detail.
Day 6: Train to Nara, Full-Day City Tour, Train to Osaka
This morning, take a short, one-hour train ride to Nara, a quaint city renowned for its picturesque parks, ancient temples, and free-roaming deer. Meet your guide and set off on a full-day tour of the city, starting at Kofuku-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple built in 669. Admire the five-storied pagoda, offering a glimpse into the architectural brilliance of the Nara period. Explore the sprawling temple complex encompassing multiple halls and structures, each housing significant Buddhist artifacts and statues. Continue to Nara Park to discover another Buddhist temple, Todai-ji.
Enter the Great Buddha Hall to see Daibutsu, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasuga-taisha next, a Shinto shrine adorned with intricate details and surrounded by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. As you walk through the grounds, look out for the playful deer, who bow in exchange for food. End the tour at Isuien Garden, dating back to the Meiji era, to see the picturesque ponds, carefully manicured landscapes, and traditional tea houses before jumping on a 30-minute train to your hotel in the port city of Osaka.
Day 7: Fly to Beijing (China), Peking Duck Dining Experience
After just one night in Osaka, it's time to bid Japan farewell and head to the airport for a 3.5-hour flight to China's capital, Beijing. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until dinner.
In the evening, follow your guide to a local restaurant to indulge in a delicious Peking duck, characterized by its crispy skin and succulent meat. Watch as the server carves the duck at the table and then presents an array of condiments and thin pancakes to accompany the duck slices. Fill your wrap with hoisin sauce, scallions, cucumber, and duck, then enjoy your first meal in China before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 8: Explore the Forbidden City, Take a Pedicab Through the City's Hutongs
Spend a full day exploring Beijing's iconic landmarks, starting in the heart of the city at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Follow your guide across the massive space, looking out at the Monument to the People's Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum until you reach the northern end of the square, where you can enter the Forbidden City. This UNESCO-listed complex served as the imperial residence for nearly five centuries, housing 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Explore the expansive courtyards and discover the array of meticulously designed halls, pavilions, and gardens. Don't miss the intricate details of the palace's architecture, like the iconic yellow roofs and ornate dragon carvings. In the afternoon, take a pedicab or stroll through some of Beijing's hutongs (narrow streets or alleys lined with traditional homes) to learn about the locals' way of life. As you weave through the charming neighborhoods, watch as residents shop at local markets, visit small temples, and meander through the streets.
Day 9: Visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall & Changling Tomb
No visit to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall, so today, you leave the city behind to get to the Mutianyu section of this iconic structure. Ascend the wall by cable car or a moderate hike and watch as the lush greenery and rolling hills unfold in front of you. This section of the wall is renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers and fortifications, so you can get a better understanding of the wall's strategic importance during ancient times. Walk along the stone path and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 10: Depart Beijing
After seeing some of the best highlights of Japan and China, your 10-day adventure comes to a close today. If you have some time before your flight, you can visit the Summer Palace on your own. Nestled on the shores of Kunming Lake, this UNESCO-listed landmark is full of pagodas, pavilions, and bridges, all strategically placed to create a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
Stroll down the Long Corridor, adorned with thousands of hand-painted scenes of the Qing dynasty's history, or take a boat ride across the lake for a different perspective of the palace grounds. Just keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will be meeting you back at the hotel to take you to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great Japan Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other Japan itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Japan and China, or discover the best time to visit Japan.
A note on diacritical and retroflex markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.
Map
