Private Luxury Korea, China & Japan Tour
Imperial Capitals Of The East
Seoul — Beijing — Kyoto
Places Where You'll Stay
Imperial Capitals & Sacred Heritage of East Asia
Tracing the arc of East Asia’s great civilizations, this private luxury journey connects Korea, China, and Japan through the imperial capitals, sacred traditions, and historic landscapes that shaped the region for centuries. Designed as a compact yet richly layered cultural itinerary, the experience brings together three historic capitals and the enduring heritage that still defines them today.
Across the journey, imperial authority and artistic legacy remain vividly present. Palace complexes, ceremonial gates, dynastic city plans, and monumental religious architecture reveal cultures shaped by court ritual, political ambition, and deeply rooted systems of belief. From royal compounds and ancient capitals to temple precincts and preserved historic districts, the itinerary explores how power, artistry, and tradition became embedded in the built environment of East Asia.
Sacred heritage forms a parallel thread throughout. Shrine paths rising into wooded hillsides, Zen temple gardens, lantern-lined approaches, and sites of Buddhist devotion introduce quieter spaces where spiritual life continues alongside the modern city. These moments of stillness are balanced by neighborhoods and markets where everyday rhythms persist—artisan quarters, traditional lanes, and longstanding urban districts that keep cultural memory close to daily life.
Modern history also enters the experience in ways that broaden its perspective. A visit to the DMZ offers a sobering view into the Korean Peninsula’s unresolved divide, while hutong neighborhoods and historic city streets reveal how continuity and change coexist across the region.
Privately guided and thoughtfully paced throughout, the journey offers an elegant introduction to East Asia’s imperial and spiritual heritage—refined, immersive, and unified by a strong sense of historical depth.
What makes this tour unique
Sacred Landscapes Experienced on Foot: Walk along the watchtowers of the Great Wall at Mutianyu and follow the vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari, where cultural history unfolds within dramatic natural settings.
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Fascinated by East Asian History — Ideal for those drawn to imperial dynasties, sacred traditions, and the cultural foundations of Korea, China, and Japan.
- For Those Seeking a Compact Multi-Country Journey — Three distinct cultures and four historic capitals are thoughtfully combined within a ten-day itinerary that feels both efficient and complete.
- For Travelers Who Value Private Expert Guidance — Privately guided touring throughout the journey provides cultural insight while ensuring smooth coordination across destinations.
- For Those Wanting a Seamless Travel Experience — Coordinated flights, transfers, and centrally located accommodations allow you to move comfortably between cities while focusing fully on the experience.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- All flights between Seoul, Beijing & Osaka per itinerary
- 9 nights’ accommodations at deluxe hotels
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Privately guided excursions*—via public transit in Seoul & Kyoto, and by private car in Beijing
- Private airport transfers upon arrival & departure**
24/7 on-the-ground support for a seamless, stress-free travel experience
*DMZ excursion in Seoul operated on shared basis
**Departure transfers in Kyoto by shared shuttle van
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Seoul – Royal Legacy & Cosmopolitan Energy
Over three nights in the heart of the city, Seoul unfolds in rich contrast—timeless tradition alongside a dynamic modern rhythm. You’ll balance a privately guided introduction to the capital’s cultural heritage with unhurried time to explore its shops, cafés, and street life, and a trip to the DMZ offers a poignant perspective on Korea’s modern history.
Day 1 (Welcome to South Korea): Arrive in Seoul, and you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel by private car (driver only) in the heart of Myeongdong. After settling in, step out to explore the neighborhood’s lively streets—lined with shops, cafés, and casual eateries—or simply unwind as the city comes to life around you.
Day 2 (The City Highlights): Spend the day on a privately guided walking tour that blends Seoul’s regal heritage with its everyday rhythm. Stroll through Gwanghwamun Plaza and step into the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, then wander the preserved lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village. Browse the artisan corners of Insadong, sample local flavors and market life at Namdaemun, and finish in the bright streets of Myeongdong, where Seoul’s modern pulse comes alive. (B)
Day 3 (A Rare Glimpse of the DMZ): Travel beyond the capital on a guided excursion* to the DMZ, a rare and sobering window into the Korean Peninsula’s modern history—and a surprisingly untouched ecological corridor. Descend into the 3rd Tunnel, take in sweeping views from Dora Observatory, and ride the cable car above the border landscape. Return to Seoul with the afternoon at leisure to explore, dine, or shop at your own pace. (B)
*Note: DMZ tour operates on shared basis by motorcoach.
Discover More of Seoul
Seoul appeals to travelers seeking a destination that feels both culturally substantial and effortlessly cosmopolitan. Its palaces, markets, refined dining, and design-forward districts create a journey....
Enhance your South Korea Experience with add-ons
Days 4–6: 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 4 (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 5 (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 the 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 6 (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)
Day 7–9: Kyoto – The Imperial Heart of Japan
Spend three 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 7 (Journey to Old Japan): This morning, board an eastbound flight to Osaka. On arrival, transfer onward to Kyoto—Japan’s cultural heart—where you’ll settle in at your hotel for the next three nights. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to unwind or begin exploring at your own pace, from Kyoto’s vibrant downtown streets to the timeless atmosphere of nearby Gion. (B)
Day 8 (Jewels of UNESCO Kyoto): Today, set out on a privately guided walking tour of Kyoto’s most revered sacred sites. Begin at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a luminous Zen temple reflected in still waters, then continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermilion torii gates climb into the forested slopes of Mount Inari.
This afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its dramatic wooden terrace and sweeping city views. Stroll the atmospheric lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, then pause at Yasaka Shrine before a short walk through Gion as you return to the hotel. (B)
Day 9 (Nara – Japan’s First Capital): This morning, take an express train to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital (710–784), where early imperial history feels quietly present in the woods and temple grounds. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to a monumental Great Buddha within one of the world’s great wooden halls, then wander Nara Park, where free-roaming deer drift through the open lawns and shaded pathways. Continue to Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan’s most revered shrines, known for its lantern-lined approach and serene forest setting. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure to dine, shop, or continue exploring the city at your own pace. (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
Immerse in Japanese Culture with a Tea Ceremony
Extend your trip to Tokyo
Extend your trip to an Onsen Town
Day 10 Farewell Kyoto
Transfer to Osaka Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) Airport by shared shuttle van for your departure flight onward. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026 Price Chart (Prices valid through December 31, 2026) | ||
Departs Daily | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – February | 7,575 | 1,975 |
| March – April | 7,895 | 2,225 |
| May | 7,675 | 2,075 |
| June – August | 7,675 | 2,075 |
| September | 7,675 | 2,075 |
| October – November | 7,775 | 2,175 |
| December | 7,675 | 2,085 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges.
- Price excludes transpacific airfares, personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
- Blackout dates and/or holiday surcharges at hotels apply for stays during Cherry Blossoms season (~ Mar. 20 – Apr. 10), Japan Golden Week (Apr. 29-May 6), China Golden Week (May 1-5, Oct. 1-10). Please contact us for details.
- A visa is required for China (this tour qualifies for transit visa for North American nationals). NOT included in package.
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?
Check out some other trips you may like.
Signature Japan & China
Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Hong Kong
A seamless private journey uniting Japan’s refined traditions with China’s imperial icons—balancing sacred temples, poetic landscapes, and vibrant city life, expertly curated.
Priceless Japan & China
Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai
A private journey linking Japan’s timeless elegance with China’s imperial grandeur—pairing serene temples and storied capitals with dynamic modern cities.
Priceless Japan & South Korea
Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul, Busan
A private Japan & South Korea journey pairing Tokyo’s energy and Kyoto’s heritage with Seoul’s cultural icons and Busan’s coastal ease—expertly curated and seamlessly paced.
Ready to embark on your adventure of a lifetime?
However you imagine Asia, our luxury travel specialists will bring it to life — flawlessly.
