All Japan Tours 337 N.Vineyard Ave Suite 215, Ontario, CA 91764
Toll Free: 1-855-325-2726 (US/CANADA) Tel: 1-909-988-8885
Fax: 1-909-349-1736 E-mail: info@alljapantours.com
Land cost: from USD $6098.00
Single supplement: USD $1320.00
Tour duration: 18 days 17 nights
Destination:
China (Beijing / Xian / Shanghai), Japan (Osaka / Himeji /
Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Obokekyo
Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe / Nara / Kyoto /
Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Matsumoto / Mt
Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo)
Tour cost includes:
• 16 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style
accommodation
• Meet and greet upon arrival at Beijing Capital Airport &
Osaka Kansai Airport
• High Speed Rail from Beijing to Xian
• Domestic flight from Xian to Shanghai
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private coach transfers between destinations in
China & Japan
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional
English speaking tour guide
• Gratuities
Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 9 lunches and 6 dinners
Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Status |
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Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Status |
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Please Note:
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!
We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.
Welcome to Beijing! You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.
NOTE 1: The meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, please contact us for the transfer if needed.
NOTE 2: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
On your first day sightseeing in Beijing, start with the capital's central landmark: Tiananmen Square, situated just outside the famed Gate of Heavenly Peace. Wander around one of the largest public squares, amid hundreds of flowering planters, and don't forget to look for the Monument to the People's Heroes in the center of the Square. Then make your way around to the Meridian Gate to enter the Forbidden City. As the exclusive abode of China's imperial family for about five centuries, no one could enter the city except by the emperor's express permission. Now the ancient and beautiful buildings are now open to the viewing public, so visitors may explore many places with such glorious names as the Hall of Supreme Harmony or the Gate of Divine Prowess. Finally, walk one of most Beijing's most impressive commercial districts, Wangfujing Street. This long thoroughfare aims to be the equal of Paris' Champs Elysees, and is studded with name brand shops, including the Beijing Department Store and the Xinhua Bookstore Store. For lunch, enjoy one of the most delectable and well-known Chinese delicacies - Peking roast duck, prized for its crispy texture over the tender meat, carefully marinated in sweet seasoning.
After breakfast, take a trip to China's most famous national monument - the Great Wall. Nearest to Beijing is the section of the Wall located at Juyongguan, which is a narrow mountain pass. Called one of the three Impregnable Passes, the Juyong section of the Wall has been fortified as a military stronghold since the early Ming Dynasty. This pass is popular because it is one of the easiest to climb, and even has many wheelchair- accessible areas, so as many people can enjoy the exquisitly mantained buildings and carvings. Next, head over to another of China's UNESCO Heritage Sites - the Tombs of the Ming Emperors. This enormous necropolis holds 13 different Ming tombs, each built like large temples, which offer unique insight into Ming life and culture. Only 3 of the current Ming Tombs are open to the public.
The morning will be free for leisure time. At the designated time, we will transfer to the railway station for our trip to Xian by High Speed Rail to Xian. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and enjoy a delicious dinner before transferring to your hotel.
Begin the day in Xian at the Museum of Terracotta Warriors. Built in the 2nd century BC to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, thousands of clay infantry, cavalry, and horses stand at attention in ready battle formation, each incredibly detailed, even to the point of having distinct facial features. After exploring the astoundingly detailed statues, move on to the Pool and Palace of Huaquing. Also referred to as the Huaqing Hot Springs, these bath houses were favored by numerous emperors, including the Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his consort, one of China's Four Great Beauties - Yang Guifei. A marble statue of Yang, with delicate form seeming to rise from the water, commemorating one of Chinese literature's most famous - and tragic - love stories. In the evening return to the city's historic center to see the Xian Bell Tower - a classically constructed symbol of old Xian. Two stories high, though with three golden sets of eaves, it worked in tandem with the nearby Drum Tower to maintain Chinese dominance in the area and warn of the coming of invaders. While in the area, enjoy a delicious lunch of Chinese dumplings - another cultural favorite.
At the designated time, transfer to the local Airport for your domestic flight to Shanghai. Then meet your local guide in the arrival hall and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Shanghai at your leisure.
Begin the day's journey through Shanghai by exploring The Bund - a large quay which abuts the Huangpu River. Standing along the shores of the Bund are a variety of buildings which feature different styles of European design. This architectural exhibition has given this area the nickname "The Museum of Buildings". Then head to the Old City of Shanghai, past traditional teahouses and curio shops, to explore the tranquil and prestigious Yu Garden. Built over 400 years ago by an imperial court official, this large garden features classical gardening techniques, as well as several old buildings including Huxinting Teahouse, which is still in use. Other features include a Great Rockery and a large pond full of koi fish. Then travel to the Observation Deck of the Shanghai World Financial Center Tower. It features a trapezoidal aperture near the top which gives the building a very futuristic appearance, and offers magnificent views of the city from the observation deck at the top of the aperture. Finally, take a walk down Nanjing Road - a huge shopping district in Shanghai roughly a century old, home to upscale fashion brands, electronics, books, or toys, with the addition of more traditional crafts like jade, embroidery, and silk.
After breakfast, free for leisure until your transfer to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao International Airport for your flight to Japan. Upon arrival Osaka, an AJT representative will meet you at the arrival gate holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.
NOTE 3: The meet and greet is ONLY available for flights arriving in Terminal 1 after 11:00 AM. For guests arriving in Terminal 2, airport pickup is not included, but and we will provide you with directions to get to your hotel in advance.
NOTE 4: If you wish to stay in the center of Osaka instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you directions to get to your hotel in advance.
Today we take a 2-hour ride by private coach to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle. It is known as "White Egret Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its brilliant white exterior, resembling a bird taking flight. Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. This splendid example of traditional architecture was declared one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Next is a visit to Kurashiki. In merchant days, this scenic town thrived as a port for rice shipments. Several old rice granaries and examples of historic architecture still remain, in addition to the stone lined canal. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Hiroshima.
Today we will visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. After lunch, we will take a short ferry ride to the island of Miyajima. At high tide, the famed vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine looks like it's floating in the middle of the sea. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Miyajima has been selected as one of Japan's three most scenic places (nihon sankei). In the afternoon, we will drive through the Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku Island. The Shimanami Kaido is a 60 kilometer long toll road that connects Japan's main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, passing over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is also known as the Nishiseto Expressway.
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Oboke Gorge, one of three hidden mountain regions of Japan. Oboke is the valley located upstream of the Yoshino-gawa River. "Boke" means "dangerous to walk along," and Oboke (big "boke") was named for its jagged V-shaped rocks and narrow path which, no matter how carefully or slowly you walk, makes walking dangerous. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride and take in the panoramic view of the valley. Then, climb the 1,368 stone steps to the Kotohira-gu Shrine, a Shinto shrine. In Takamatsu we will visit Ritsurin Park, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape 100 years in the making. This sprawling park features beautiful ponds and pavilions, with Mt. Shiun as the perfect backdrop. From there, our private coach takes us across Awaji Island through a series of spectacular bridges. In the evening we continue to Kobe, where we will savor the world famous Wagyu beef.
After breakfast, we will make our way to Nara to visit the Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most historically significant temples. Its main hall is the largest wooden building in Japan, and it also houses one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha at 16.3 meters high. Outside the temple grounds is the Nara Deer Park, filled with over 1,000 Sika deer. Our tour will continue to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its 4km long tunnel of vermillion colored torii gates, which was also featured in the film "Memoirs of a Geisha". Lastly, you will have the chance to experience a traditional green tea ceremony. There will also be a meet-and-greet with a maiko, who is simply an apprentice geisha. Photo-taking opportunities will be available as well.
We will spend the day touring Kyoto, which once served as Japan's capital from 794 until 1868. It is considered Japan's cultural center, even being spared from the bombings of WWII due to its historically priceless structures. Our group will first visit Arashiyama, a scenic area particularly popular during the spring and autumn seasons. Visit a traditional Zen garden at Tenryuji Temple before enjoying a stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Forest. Continue to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), distinguished for its two top floors completely covered with 18 carat gold leaf. It was originally built as a retirment villa by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. Then, our group will get experience an elegant kimono fashion show and learn how they are made at the Nishijin Textile Center. Our next attraction is the famous Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that extends from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of numerous cherry and maple trees below, as well as a beautiful scene of Kyoto in the distance. From Kiyomizu Temple, we will head to Maruyama Park, which is one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in Kyoto. Our last destination for the day will be Gion, the city's most famous geisha district. It is filled with exclusive ochaya (teahouses) where maiko and geisha entertain, and is also recognized for its traditional wooden machiya merchant houses.
Today, you will get to experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride from Kyoto to Maibara, which can reach speeds of up to 300 km/hr. Afterwards, transfer to Kanazawa to visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful strolling gardens of Japan. Here, you'll find the oldest fountain in Japan and Kotoji-toro, the two-legged stone lantern and iconic symbol of Kanazawa. Then, we will we cross mountains by private coach to the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is home to the Gassho-zukuri ("praying hands") farmhouses. We will go to the Shiroyama Viewpoint to see splendid views of the Ogimachi Village. Next, the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, which is an open air museum of farmhouses and other structures. We will continue to Takayama, a city located amongst the Japanese Alps and sometimes referred as "Little Kyoto" for its preserved historical structures and environment. Due to it's remote position in the mountains, it has maintained a very unique and traditional atmosphere. Tonight, we will stay at the Ryokan, where you can enjoy a soothing soak in the onsen and try a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner.
After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at the ryokan, we will continue sightseeing in Takayama. Browse through the market stalls at the Morning market for local crafts and fresh produce. Next, visit Takayama Jinya, a former local government office that now serves as a public museum. It features an interesting interrogation room and official documents of past feudal lords. Proceed to Takayama's beautifully preserved Old Town, which highlights many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600- 1868). In the afternoon, our group will visit the Matsumoto Castle, also known as "Crow Castle" because of its black exterior. Inside, we can see the best examples of a wooden constructed, traditional Japanese-style castle. It is classified as a "hirajiro", meaning it is a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain.
Today, we will travel to Mt. Fuji on our private luxury coach. If the weather is in our favor, we will stop by the Mt. Fuji 5th Station for a grand view of Japan's famous mountain. Enjoy an extensive tour of Hakone by taking a 20 minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Owakudani is known for its active volcanic zone that was created from the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. Here, you can experience its hot springs and bubbling pools, where volcanic gases still linger. From there, we will travel to Tokyo and spend time in Shibuya. There, you will get to see the famed Shibuya Crossing in action and cross the street with the crowd. You will also be able to take photos with the Hachiko Statue, a monument dedicated to Japan's most loyal dog, which continued for nine years after his owner's death.
After breakfast, you will be taken to the Asakusa
Kannon
Temple, the most colorful temple in Tokyo that holds
Japan's largest paper lantern. You will also be able to
explore the Nakamise Market, which is located right
after
the temple's "thunder gate" (Kaminarimon). It is an Edo-
style shopping street full of traditional snacks and
souvenirs. Then, make your way to Ueno Park, an
excellent cherry blossom spot with more than 1,000
cherry trees. Afterwards, you will have the chance to
participate in a delicious sushi making experience with a
professional sushi chef. Whatever you prepare, you will
get to eat! Our next attraction will be the Tsukiji Outer
Market, which is lined with a plethora of food stands and
shops. Our group will continue to the Imperial Palace,
the
current residence of Japan's Imperial Family and former
grounds of the Edo Castle. It is surrounded by moats
and
stone fortifications, located in the heart of Tokyo. From
there, we will reach our final stop of the day, the Tokyo
Tower. At 333 meters high, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters
taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can go up
150 meters to the main observatory deck and get a
panoramic view of the city.
Note: For
Sushi
Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free
diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please
contact us for other ingredient options.
NOTE 5: If you wish to stay in the center of Tokyo for the last night instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included. We will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$65.00 per person per way.
NOTE 6: If you will be flying out from Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita Airport (NRT), we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (or similar class) instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita. In this case, airport transfer is not include. We will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$60.00 per person per way.
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and Narita Airport can be reached by hotel shuttle bus.
NOTE 7: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.