Private Luxury Highlights Tour of Japan & China
Priceless Japan & China
Tokyo — Kyoto — Beijing — Xian — Shanghai
Places Where You'll Stay
TOKYO (3 nights)
Day 1 - 3
kyoto (3 nights)
Day 4-6
Beijing (3 nights)
Day 7-9
Xi'an (2 nights)
Day 10-11
Shanghai (2 nights)
Day 12-13
A Tale of Two Kingdoms - From Shoguns to Emperors
Discover Japan and China through a privately guided journey designed around the historic capitals and defining landmarks of East Asia. This thoughtfully composed itinerary connects the cultural traditions of Japan with the imperial legacy of China, offering travelers a focused exploration of the places that have shaped two of the world’s most influential civilizations.
In Japan, centuries of tradition remain visible in daily life. Kyoto’s temple complexes and historic streets preserve the elegance of the imperial era, while sacred spaces such as Fushimi Inari and Todaiji Temple reflect spiritual traditions that continue to guide cultural life today. Tokyo introduces a different rhythm—where serene gardens, neighborhood markets, and contemporary districts reveal a city that moves effortlessly between heritage and innovation.
China presents its history on a monumental scale. In Beijing, the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City and the sweeping ramparts of the Great Wall reflect the ambition and authority of imperial dynasties. Xi’an, once the eastern gateway of the Silk Road, offers one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries in the Terracotta Army, alongside city walls and pagodas that preserve the legacy of ancient China.
Shanghai completes the journey with a portrait of modern East Asia. Along the Bund’s historic waterfront and within the restored lanes surrounding Yu Garden, past and present meet in a city defined by global exchange and architectural ambition.
Carefully curated and privately guided throughout, the journey offers a refined introduction to the essential landmarks and historic capitals of Japan and China—an experience shaped by heritage, cultural depth, and the enduring influence of two great civilizations.
What makes this tour unique
Historic Capitals and Modern Metropolises: While Kyoto, Beijing, and Xi’an reveal centuries of imperial heritage, Tokyo and Shanghai present the modern urban energy that defines East Asia today.
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Seeking a Classic Introduction to Japan and China – Ideal for those who want to experience the defining cities, monuments, and cultural traditions of both countries within one thoughtfully designed journey.
- For Those Who Value Private Expert Guidance – Privately guided touring throughout the itinerary provides cultural insight and flexibility while ensuring a seamless experience across destinations.
- For Travelers Who Prefer a Balanced Pace – Carefully structured touring is paired with well-placed leisure time, allowing space to explore neighborhoods, markets, and dining scenes independently.
- For Those Who Appreciate Comfort and Convenience– Centrally located, handpicked accommodations support a journey that remains refined, well-coordinated, and easy from arrival to departure.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- All internal air & ground transportation between Tokyo & Shanghai per itinerary
- 13 nights’ accommodations at deluxe hotels
- Hotel breakfasts daily, plus various lunches and dinners per itinerary
- Privately guided excursions—via public transit in Japan, and by private car throughout China
- Private airport transfers upon arrival & departure (Kyoto/Osaka airport provided by shared shuttle van)
24/7 on-the-ground support for a seamless, stress-free travel experience
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Tokyo – A City of Contrasts
Begin your journey in Tokyo, where ancient temples meet modern marvels and tradition pulses beneath a futuristic skyline. Your Tokyo guide will tour you through the city’s highlights, then show you the ropes to create your own version of Tokyo.
Day 1 (Welcome to Japan): Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel by private car. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon to relax or dive right into the vibrancy of Shibuya, just steps from your hotel.
Day 2 (The City Highlights): Today, we’ll discover the soul of the capital on a guided walking tour. Stroll through the peaceful Meiji Shrine, overload the senses at Tsukiji Market, and admire the centuries-old Sensoji Temple with its bustling Nakamise shopping street. Next, soak in Ueno Park’s serene gardens and temples, then dive into the sensory buzz of nearby Ameyoko Market—where tradition meets Tokyo street life. (B)
Day 3 (Free to Explore Tokyo & Beyond): Spend your third day at leisure, with time to explore Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, history, contemporary or digital art museums, pop culture hotspots, and serene gardens at your own pace. Your dedicated travel specialist can assist with personalized suggestions tailored to your interests. (B)
Discover More of Tokyo
More than a dazzling metropolis, Tokyo offers a harmony of refinement, culture, and human warmth. Historic temples sit peacefully beside contemporary architecture...
Enhance your Tokyo Experience with add-ons
Wagyu & Sake Tasting
Visit Kawagoe Ancient Town
See the Great Buddha in Kamakura
Sushi Making Lesson
Day 4–6: Kyoto – The Imperial Heart of Japan
Spend two unforgettable days in Japan’s ancient capital, where centuries of tradition reveal themselves in imperial gardens, sacred shrines, and lantern-lit alleys. Savor street snacks at Nishiki Market, pause at hidden temples, and wander cobbled lanes lined with artisan shops. With a graceful balance of guided discovery and personal time, Kyoto offers an intimate immersion into the elegance and soul of Old Japan.
Day 4 (From Modern Skyscrapers to Ancient Temples): Travel by rail to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Begin with the shimmering Golden Pavilion, its reflection mirrored in still waters and framed by sculpted pines. Stroll the surrounding gardens for a glimpse of Kyoto’s imperial grace before visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched high above the city. Descend into Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lively lanes of shophouses and food stalls — perhaps sampling Kobe beef skewers or mochi ice cream. Continue through Yasaka Shrine and into the historic Gion District, where lantern-lit traditions mingle with the city’s vibrant rhythm. Conclude with check-in at your centrally located hotel, steps from Kyoto’s dining and entertainment. (B)
Day 5 (From Vermilion Torii Gates To Sacred Deer): Today’s guided tour immerses you in the rich culture, timeless architecture, and spiritual heritage of Edo-period Japan. Witness the serenity of Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Take time to soak in the spirituality along the wooded paths before continuing your ride to Nara—Japan’s first capital. Here, you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, the friendly deer at Nara Park, and the lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. (B)
Day 6 (Kyoto Your Way): Spend your final full day in Kyoto at leisure, with time to explore hidden temples, historic alleys, and artisan shops that breathe life into this timeless city. Your travel designer will help you plan out the day – from Samurai sword training to a kimono photoshoot at a Machiya House, to hearing the melodic sounds of Nijo Castle’s “nightingale floors”, we’ve got you covered! (B)
Discover More of Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart — a city of ancient temples, historic teahouses, and timeless beauty.
Enhance your Kyoto Experience with add-ons
Enjoy a Tea Ceremony in a Kimono
Tour Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by Rickshaw
Spend a day with local farmers at Lake Biwa
Extend your trip:
Hiroshima & Miyajima (2 days)
Days 7–9: Beijing – Imperial Splendor and Living Traditions
Beijing tells the story of dynasties through its grand palaces, sacred temples, and ancient alleyways. From the sweeping stones of the Great Wall to the quiet rhythm of the hutongs, it’s a city where history breathes in every space. These three days reveal its imperial grandeur and intimate traditions.
Day 7 (From One Ancient Capital to the Next): Transfer for your flight to Beijing, where imperial grandeur meets modern bustle. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the next three nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps strolling through nearby Wangfujing or simply relaxing after your journey. This evening, savor an iconic Beijing specialty — crisp, fragrant Peking Duck — at one of the city’s famed restaurants. (B,D)
Day 8 (Imperial Palaces & Temples): Explore Beijing’s most revered landmarks: Tiananmen Square, the monumental gateway to the nation’s history; the Forbidden City, a vast imperial complex once reserved for emperors; and your choice of Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace, both masterpieces of Ming-era design. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along Qianmen’s vibrant pedestrian street before returning to your hotel for time to unwind – perhaps with a cocktail or afternoon tea. (B,L)
Day 9 (Hike the Great Wall of China): Ride a cable car up to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where ancient ramparts wind across green ridges. Return to Beijing for lunch, then wander the narrow hutong lanes, lined with centuries-old courtyard homes and traditional shops, offering glimpses of everyday life largely unchanged for generations. (B,L)
Discover More of Beijing
Grand, storied, and steeped in ceremony, Beijing is where the weight of history rests gently on your shoulders, yet the city hums with the vitality of the present. ...
Enhance your Beijing Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at dumpling-making
Enjoy tea tasting at a local tea house
Extend your stay: hike remote sections of the Great Wall, then stay in Gubei water village (2 days)
Days 10–11: Xi’an – Echoes of the Silk Road
Once the starting point of the Silk Road and China’s capital for 13 dynasties, Xi’an is a living museum of the nation’s history — from its imposing city walls to the legendary Terracotta Army. Its monuments offer a vivid link to China’s storied past.
Day 10 (From Beijing to Xian): This morning, board a high-speed train to Xi’an, watching the countryside rush past at up to 300 km/h. On arrival, visit the Han Yangling Mausoleum, resting place of Emperor Liu Qi, and walk atop the ancient City Wall. In the evening, stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively promenade of Tang-style architecture, street performances, and open-air markets. Check in for your two-night stay. (B)
Day 11 (See the Terracotta Army): Stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army — more than 7,000 life-sized warriors and horses guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang for over two millennia. Return to the city for lunch, then visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, savor Shaanxi’s famous hot pot, followed by a colorful Tang Dynasty cultural performance.(B,L,D)
Discover More of Xi'an
Storied, enduring, and endlessly fascinating, Xi’an is where China’s history comes to stand beside you. Once the starting point of the Silk Road...
Enhance your Xian Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at Biángbiáng (hand-pulled) noodle-making
Visit Huaqing Palace: one of the Four Great Royal Gardens in China
Extend your stay: Hike Mount Huashan
Days 12–13: Shanghai – China’s Cosmopolitan Showcase
A dazzling mix of tradition and modernity, Shanghai is a world-class city where historic neighborhoods meet cutting-edge architecture.
Day 12 (From Ancient Capital to Modern Metropolis): This morning, explore the Yangling Mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han, that dates back to 153 BC, where thousands of clay figurines and relics offer a vivid glimpse into early imperial life. Fly onward to Shanghai, and after settling into your centrally located hotel, spend the afternoon at leisure—dining, shopping, or strolling the iconic Bund with its timeless riverfront views. (B)
Day 13 (The City Highlights): Discover Old Town’s winding lanes and Yu Garden, a Ming-era masterpiece. Continue to the Shanghai Museum, home to treasures spanning China’s dynasties. Enjoy a lunch of Shanghai’s famed soup dumplings before heading to Tianzifang, a charming maze of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Cap off the evening with the ERA Acrobatics show, a breathtaking spectacle where athleticism, music, and light converge into one dazzling finale. (B,L)
Discover More of Shanghai
Bold, vibrant, and endlessly evolving, Shanghai is where China’s future rises skyward without letting go of its storied past...
Enhance your Shanghai Experience with add-ons
Extend your stay: discover ancient water villages around Shanghai such as Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen or Suzhou
Extend your trip: end your unforgettable China tour in Hong Kong (2-3 days)
Day 14 Farewell Shanghai
Transfer to Pudong Airport by private car, or try the Maglev, one of China’s greatest technological marvels and the world’s fastest commercial train—gliding without wheels at speeds of up to 430 km/h—for your departure flight home. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026 Price Chart (Prices valid through December 31, 2026) | ||
Departs Daily | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – February | 10,500 | 2,925 |
| March – April | 11,650 | 3,975 |
| May | 11,250 | 3,575 |
| June – August | 10,800 | 3,225 |
| September | 11,250 | 3,575 |
| October – November | 11,250 | 3,575 |
| December | 9,875 | 3,300 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
- Holiday surcharges apply during Cherry Blossoms period (March 20 – April 10), Golden Week Holidays in May & October, Christmas holiday period and Chinese New Year ( Feb. 17-27, 2026)
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip.
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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