Japan & China Cultural Discovery Tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Food & Walking Tour in the Yanaka District

Welcome to Japan's lively capital, Tokyo! Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel via shuttle bus. After refreshing, set off on a food and walking tour of the Yanaka district, where traditional charm and quiet streets provide a stark contrast to the bustling modern metropolis. Start the tour at Nezu Shrine, a Shinto shrine built in 1705 CE. Enter through the towering torii gates and follow the path lined with colorful azalea bushes to the main hall. Admire the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the shrine, then explore the sacred grounds of koi-filled ponds, vermilion bridges, and stone lanterns.

After exploring the shrine and its natural surroundings, continue to a nearby café to rest and enjoy traditional sweets and drinks. You can also try your hand at painting a ceramic maneki-neko (lucky cat) to obtain happiness and luck and take home a personal souvenir. Leave some room for more snacks, as your next stop will be street food stalls selling mochi (a sweet rice cake typically filled with red bean paste) and dorayaki (red bean pancakes). Break up the sweets with a delicious bowl of soba noodles for lunch to end the half-day tour.

Day 2: Art & Culture Tour of Senso-ji & the Tokyo National Museum

Join your guide on an art and culture tour of the city today, starting at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the complex open to the public. Stroll along the meandering paths and admire the traditional tea houses, scenic ponds, and picturesque bridges. Then, head with your guide to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, built in 645 CE. Step through the iconic Thunder Gate, with its massive red lantern, and walk along Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street. When you arrive at the temple, admire the main hall and five-story pagoda, stopping to offer a prayer or purify yourself with incense.

On your way out, pick up an omikuji to read your fortune and get a goshuin (temple seal stamp) before continuing with your guide to the Tokyo National Museum, where you'll spend the afternoon. The museum is the oldest and largest in the country, housing an extensive collection of over 110,000 artifacts, including 89 national treasures. Explore the six buildings within the complex, each specializing in different exhibits and eras, from ancient pottery and samurai armor to intricate calligraphy, traditional texts, and Buddhist sculptures, before returning to your hotel. 

Day 3: Visit Tsukiji Outer Fish Market & Meiji Jingu, Hands-on Cooking Class

Dive into Japan's culinary culture this morning as you head to the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, home to over 400 shops and restaurants selling seafood, traditional snacks, and cooking ingredients. Follow your guide through the bustling market and learn about Japanese food culture before stopping for some fresh seafood for breakfast or lunch. Then, head to Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 CE to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Make an offering or pray at the main shrine, then visit the Meiji Jingu Museum to see artifacts related to the emperor and empress. 

End the day with a three-hour hands-on cooking class to fully immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine. Your friendly instructor will teach you the art of sushi-making as you learn how to prepare nigiri and inari. Discover essential techniques, such as preparing sushi rice and selecting and slicing fresh fish. To prepare nigiri sushi, shape the rice into a mound and top it with a slice of cooked or raw fish or other ingredients. With inari sushi, you'll fill the seasoned rice into a pocket of fried tofu. When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy your sushi with wasabi, soy sauce, or salt.

Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Walking Tour of Gion & Geisha Performance

Trade Tokyo's bustling streets for Kyoto's tranquil temples and serene gardens this morning as you head to the station to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to the former capital of Japan. Make your own way to the hotel, where you can relax until your walking tour in the evening. When it's time, follow your guide through the alleyways of Gion, a historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses. Stroll past quaint teahouses, traditional high-end ryotei restaurants, and the torii gate marking the entrance to Yasaka Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary dating back to 656 CE.

Learn about the geisha's traditions and lifestyle from your guide, then sit down to an authentic show displaying the skill and grace of geishas and their apprentices. Make yourself comfortable on traditional tatami floor mats and watch as the women engage in classical music, dance, and tantalizing conversation. Admire their elaborate kimonos, intricate hairstyles, and precise movements while they tell a story without words. After the performance, take pictures with the geisha, then ask any questions you may have to gain a deeper insight into their rituals and daily life before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Discover Kyoto's Zen Temples, Explore the Fushimi Saké Village

This morning, you'll discover why Kyoto is considered Japan's cultural capital as you spend four hours exploring its iconic temples. Start 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 admire the golden structure reflected in the surrounding ponds. Since you can't enter the temple, continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple built in 1450 CE. Pass through the famed rock garden to reach the main hall, known as the Hojo.

Open the fusuma doors adorned with exquisite ink paintings to enter and watch as the sunlight filters through shoji screens. After taking in the peaceful atmosphere, stop for lunch before visiting 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. You can choose to do a light hike here to the viewpoint on the mountaintop for a sweeping view of the gates or let the trail take you deep into the forest with stops at different shrines along the way.

In the evening, transfer 30 minutes to the Fushimi Saké Village, renowned for its high-quality water essential to saké production. Follow your guide down the narrow streets lined with traditional breweries as you learn about the area's rich history and hidden stories. You'll stop at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, housed in a traditional wooden brewery dating back to 1909 CE. Learn about the brewing process as you peruse vintage brewing tools and historical documents. Then, end the tour with a sampling session to experience the refined flavors of Gekkeikan's renowned saké.

Day 6: Craft a Katana, Half-Day Tour of Arashiyama

Accompanied by your guide, start your day with a 25-minute transfer to the city of Kameoka for a hands-on katana (Japanese sword) crafting workshop led by a skilled Japanese swordsmith. Learn about the ancient artistry and craftsmanship behind Japan's legendary samurai swords and witness the intricate process of selecting raw materials, heating, hammering, and shaping your own hilt-less blade known as tousugata katana. Engaging in every step yourself will help you gain a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating each blade by hand. 

After the class, head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to explore the towering forest by rickshaw. As soon as you enter, you'll be enveloped in a world of green stalks that almost block out the sky. Admire the serenity and shrines you pass on your way up the mountain. Then, continue to the Sogenchi Garden of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO-listed Zen temple. Alight from your rickshaw and explore the 14th-century structure with the backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains. Enter the main hall and listen as your guide explains the temple's spiritual heritage before returning to your hotel.

Day 7: Fly to Beijing (China), Peking Duck Dining Experience

Say goodbye to Kyoto and Japan this morning as you head to the station for a three-hour train ride back to Tokyo. From there, you'll catch a four-hour flight to China's capital, Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax until dinner.

In the evening, make your way to a local restaurant to indulge in a delicious meal of 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 meat, then enjoy your first meal in China before returning to the hotel for the night.

Day 8: Explore the Forbidden City, Learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine

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 to see the Monument to the People's Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. When you reach the square's northern end, you'll find 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 from 1368 to 1912 CE.

Enter to explore the expansive courtyards and meticulously designed halls, pavilions, and gardens with your guide. Be sure to note 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 Beijing's historic hutongs (a labyrinthine network of narrow alleys lined with traditional homes) to learn about the locals' way of life. These neighborhoods are living museums, offering a window into the city's past. As you weave through the alleys, see residents drink tea, play mahjong, shop at local markets, and visit small temples.

Next, head with your guide to Yonghe Palace for a workshop on traditional Chinese medicine. Within the Imperial Medicine Hall (historically used for preparing and storing medicines for the imperial family), you'll learn about the palace's history and discover the four diagnoses of traditional Chinese medicine before trying your hand at making a perfume bag. The formula for the bag changes with the season. In winter, the ingredients help prevent the common cold, while in summer, they relieve the heat. Afterward, you'll take your perfume bag home as a reminder of the workshop and your trip.

Day 9: Visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall & Changling Tomb 

Today's guided activity is sure to be memorable as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Mutianyu section of the famed Great Wall of China. 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, which help you better understand the wall's strategic importance during ancient times. Walk along the stone pathway and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside that change with the season.

After exploring the wall, head back down with your guide to the Changling Tomb, one of many Ming tombs in the Changping district. This one, in particular, is the tomb of Emperor Zhudi, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Ming dynasty, and his empress Xushi. To enter the tomb's main hall, traverse the Sacred Way, flanked by intricately carved stone statues and dense foliage. Explore the burial chamber inside and pay your respects to the emperor and empress while you learn more about their contributions to China's rich history before returning to your hotel in Beijing.

Day 10: Train to Xi'an, Visit the Muslim Quarter & Enjoy a Shadow Puppet Show

After two nights in the capital, it's time to head to Xi'an, a historical city marking the Silk Road's eastern end. Following a 5.5-hour high-speed train ride, meet your tour guide and chauffeur at the station and transfer to your hotel. Freshen up, then head with your guide to the Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an and the Silk Road attracted Muslim merchants from afar. Stroll through the bustling quarter lined with traditional shops, vibrant market stalls, and historic mosques, stopping to try authentic dishes, like a Xi'an-style lamb burger.

In the evening, follow your guide to Gao's Grand Courtyard for a shadow puppet show, a beloved tradition dating back to the Western Han Dynasty. Roam the complex, including 400-year-old halls, pavilions, and an ancestral shrine, to gain an insight into Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural styles. Then, sit down to enjoy the traditional show. As the lights dim, the music begins, and the stage is illuminated, be entranced as intricately crafted leather puppets come to life behind a translucent screen, casting dynamic silhouettes that dance, fight, and tell stories from ancient Chinese folklore. 

Day 11: Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Calligraphy Class

No visit to Xi'an is complete without discovering its famous Terracotta Army, housed in Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. Step inside to discover the vast collection of life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Wander past the excavation pits to understand the sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship of the terracotta figures, each with distinct facial features, expressions, posture, and attire. Be sure to visit the on-site museum that showcases the emperor's life and the construction of his mausoleum.

After lunch, you'll take a calligraphy class to learn one of China's most esteemed artistic traditions. Under the guidance of a skilled calligrapher, learn the intricacies of brush strokes, ink preparation, and character formation, all while gaining insight into the historical and philosophical significance of calligraphy. You'll also learn about the different styles, such as kaishu, xingshu, and caoshu. When you're ready, pick up your brush and create your own artwork to take home with you and commemorate your trip. 

Day 12: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, Fly to Shanghai, Benbang Dinner

Before leaving Xi'an today, stop at the Shaanxi History Museum for a three-hour tour to learn more about the province's rich history and culture. Peruse the extensive collection of over 370,000 artifacts, including ancient bronzeware, Ming Dynasty porcelain, Tang Dynasty murals, and imperial treasures of gold, jade, and silver. As you wander between the chronologically arranged exhibits, you'll be able to trace the development of Chinese civilization from prehistoric times through the various dynasties that made Xi'an their capital.

Then, transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight to China's largest metropolis, Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, visit a local restaurant on your own to try Shanghai's traditional benbang cuisine, which originated in the Ming and Qing dynasties. You'll be spoiled for choice with plenty of delicious dishes to try, from savory braised pork belly to delicate xiaolongbao (dumplings filled with soup and pork). End the night with a sweet treat of eight-treasure rice (glutinous rice adorned with candied fruits, nuts, and red bean paste).

Day 13: Guided Tour of the Bund, Visit Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar

Your penultimate day in China begins with a 2.5-hour tour of the Bund, the city's historic waterfront promenade overlooking the Huangpu River. Start at the Broadway Mansions Hotel, home to one of the best viewing platforms in Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the Bund and the modern skyline of Pudong across the river. Then, cross over Waibaidu Bridge, the city's first bridge built across the river, to reach the west bank. There, you can appreciate the different architectural styles of the historic buildings, from Gothic and Baroque to neoclassical and Romanesque.

As you walk, hear about Shanghai's past as a fishing village from your guide and its rise to become one of the world's largest trading ports and commercial hubs. Pass the Peace Hotel, with its distinctive green roof and Art Deco architecture, before stopping at the HSBC's old headquarters, which served as the bank's main office until the late 1990s CE. Wrap up the tour at the Gutzlaff Signal Tower, a historic meteorological station built to provide weather information to ships on the river.

After exploring the waterfront, continue to Yuyuan Garden, a classical garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. 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 or sample local delights like tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls).

Day 14: Depart Shanghai 

Now that you've explored five iconic cities across Japan and China and learned about both country's cultures, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you could head to Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Peruse the luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Visit one of the street food stalls to try some more Shanghainese dishes before you go, like shengjian bao (pan-fried pork buns). When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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