China & Japan by Bullet Train: Beijing, Kyoto & Tokyo

Day 1: Beijing

You’ll be welcomed at the airport by your guide and taken to your hotel of choice.

This fascinating place has become a thriving metropolis in recent years, and was brought back to the attention of everyone on the world stage in 2008 when it hosted the Olympic Games.

As you enjoy the ride to the hotel, you will notice the “Bird’s Nest”, the modern stadium now recognised as one of the symbols of modern China and a triumph of architecture and the involvement of Ai Weiwei, the well-known Chinese artist.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

Starting your day early at the Temple of Heaven, you’ll be immersed in the morning rituals of Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and other traditional exercises, showcasing the Chinese dedication to health and harmony.

Your exploration continues to the Forbidden City, a marvel of Chinese architecture facing southwards, embodying ancient defense strategies against northern threats. Its sprawling complex, rumored to contain 9999 rooms, is a testament to China’s imperial grandeur and mystical lore.

Climbing Coal Hill, located just behind the Forbidden City, offers a breathtaking overview of Beijing, providing a unique perspective on the city’s historical layout and architectural marvels.

Conclude your day in the bustling Wangfujing neighborhood, a stark contrast to the day’s historical explorations. Here, modern consumerism thrives next to traditional markets like Donghuamen, known for its lively vendors and a wide array of local delicacies, capturing the dynamic spirit of contemporary China. Spend the night in Beijing, amidst the city’s ancient history and its pulsating modern life.

Day 3: Beijing

Even though people like to falsely claim that it is visible from the moon, the Great Wall is one of the most important symbols of the country and must be visited.

Bright and early in the morning, you will depart from your hotel to visit the Mutianyu section of the Wall. Once you are there, you can benefit from the early morning sunrise in your photographs.

If the hiking seems too long after a while, you and your companions can ride the toboggan (optional) down the wall or have a picnic on the Great Wall. You will want to take some time to admire the wonderful rugged scenery.

Soon after, you will return to Beijing and visit the Summer Palace. Otherwise a simple Imperial garden, the site was completely renovated by Emperor Qianlong during the 18th century to become one the most important sites of the capital.

Afterwards, you will return to the capital.

Day 4: Beijing to Xian

In the morning you will visit the famed hutongs (narrow alleys and streets of Beijing) near Houhai Lake. Then you will visit the Gulou, the Drum Tower where during the Ming Dynasty, the city marked the hours of the day with the rumbling of drums. The tower faces the Zhonglou, the Bell Tower, and gives visitors a glimpse of ancient Beijing.

Sooner or later you will probably join in a mahjong party, a social get-together around Chinese Chess, or card games. The number of elderly swells around these very popular games, a gathering where bystanders often come to watch and your guide can help explain the rules.

You’ll then go to the station for your high-speed train to Xi’an. When you arrive, your local guide will welcome you and provide transportation to the hotel.

Day 5: Xian

This morning you will visit the infamous Terracotta Warriors – about an hour outside Xi’an. In 1974, a few farmers stumbled upon the warriors by accident. Now, we can only wonder what those original farmers felt when they first laid eyes on the thousands of soldiers lined up in battle formation. They had just discovered one of the greatest archaeological finds in history.

Certain practices during the Shang Dynasty (centuries before the beginning of the Empire) consisted of aristocrats and local kings burying people alive or sacrificing slaves before placing them in their future tombs or coffins so that they might serve their masters beyond the living realm.

Afterwards, you will have a walk on City Walls built during the Ming Dynasty. Today, they stand restored and reconstructed and are a part of the fortifications still visible in China.

You will visit the Chinese-style Mosque and the vibrant neighbourhood housing a number of butcher shops and different sorts of stores where men wear white skull caps and women wear colourful headscarves. At dinner, you will appreciate the unique ambience of a night market as you dine on the neighbourhood’s specialities of spiced lamb kebabs, flatbread and mutton soup with noodles. 

Day 6: Xian to Shanghai

The day will begin with transportation to the airport and a visit along the way to the tomb of Emperor Jing, close to Xi’an airport.

You will then fly to Shanghai where your guide will meet you and help you get to the city on the Maglev, an electro-magnetic train of the latest fashion and a source of pride for the Shanghainese.

As you ride the train, you will be able to note the speed on a small monitor in each train car. The train can go up to 430km per hour.

Then you will continue your entrance into the city with the subway at Longyang station (the terminal station of the Maglev) until Lujiazui station in Pudong district. On a separate note, your baggage will be picked up at the airport and directly transferred to the hotel while you enjoy traveling light into the city. Not long ago, Pudong district was just a marsh where only farmers and water buffalo frequented. Now, the area has become one of the most important business centers in Asia with skyscrapers popping up like mushrooms next to old Shanghainese banks each year. Stroll in Pudong district before heading to your hotel.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 7: Shanghai

We will start the day by heading to the People’s Square.

From here you will head to one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the country, and in Asia: The Shanghai Museum. The collection of bronze statues is unrivalled, and is complemented by a number of jade pieces of artwork, as well as Qing Dynasty furniture, Buddhist sculptures and other pieces of Chinese artwork.

The delightful People’s Park offers visitors an enjoyable place to relax at the heart of the People’s Square. The park has a small lake, a number of food stands and countless places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The area is surrounded by a number of cafés and restaurants.

Then you will explore the famous Nanjing Road with its colorful signs and crowd of locals and tourists corresponding perfectly with the image of a modern Asian capital.

Next you will discover the Bund, the city’s famous walkway along some of Puxi’s historical buildings. The area dates back to the 1930s, Shanghai’s rich culture and European influence.

Day 8: Shanghai

You’ll start your day in the French Concession, witnessing the blend of history and modernity in Fuxing Park’s morning exercises, including tango dancing. Exploring the area reveals transformed colonial homes into vibrant establishments, reflecting its past as a hub for the night-life seekers.

Your journey continues through Xintiandi’s lively streets and Tianzifang’s authentic alleys, leading to the reconstructed Old Town. Here, remnants of old lilongs buzz with local life, near the serene Yu Yuan Gardens, showcasing traditional Chinese garden design emphasizing natural harmony over geometry.

The day wraps up at the local bazaar for souvenir shopping or relaxation at the Huxingting tea house, set on a lake opposite Yu Yuan Park, offering a peaceful end to your exploration. Overnight in Shanghai, savoring the city’s historical depth and contemporary charm.

Day 9: Shanghai to Osaka to Kyoto

You will be transported to the airport and will take a flight to Osaka.

Arrive in Osaka, where you will be welcomed by our airport representative who will assist you with transferring by either train or shuttle bus to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

You’ll stay at the Gran Via Hotel in Kyoto which is one of the first in the country to conduct symbolic gay weddings. Alternatively stay at the beautiful Hyatt Regency.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 10: Kyoto

Day 11: Kyoto to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo, a journey of a little over two hours that gives a clear sense of how much the landscape shifts along the way. Arrive at Tokyo Station, where a representative will meet you and arrange your taxi transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace, before staying the night in Tokyo. Whether that means the crossing at Shibuya, the backstreets of Harajuku, or a quieter start in Ginza. Shinjuku’s Ni-chome district, Tokyo’s low-key LGBTQ+ area, is also worth a first look after dark.

Day 12: Tokyo

Today you will spend a full day taking in some of the many highlights Tokyo has to offer with a local guide by public train and metro.

First stop is nearby Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine, dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji. The shrine is a popular site for Japanese Weddings; if you are lucky you may see a bride and groom dressed in traditional Shinto wedding attire.

From old to new Tokyo as we then take a walk down Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee. This broad, tree lined avenue features a multitude of fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects within a short distance of each other.

A short subway ride will then take us to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.

Day 13: Tokyo

Today is free to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

Head to Akihabara for its otaku culture and maid cafes, spend time among the museums and galleries of Ueno and Roppongi, or take in the more futuristic side of the city at Odaiba, on Tokyo Bay.

For a change of pace, consider a day trip to Kamakura, one of Japan’s former capitals, just an hour from Tokyo by train. Its ancient temples and the great bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu, draw visitors year-round, and its beaches are a popular summer escape for Tokyo residents.

Day 14: Tokyo

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

If you are continuing elsewhere in Japan or Asia, we can arrange the onward journey for you.