Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji

Explore two ancient nations in 16 well-packed days on this unique journey that takes you from the epic lengths of the...

Japan, China

Beijing to Tokyo: The Great Wall & Mt Fuji

DAY 1 Beijing

Arrive at any time. Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing

Hotel
DAY 2 Beijing

Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Later, explore Tiananmen Square. Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.

Land Tour

Orientation With CEO

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Beijing- Mutianyu1.5h-2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Landmark

Mutianyu Great Wall Visit

Beijing3h

Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Mutianyu- Beijing1.5h-2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Landmark

Tiananmen Square

Beijing

Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.

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Optional Activities - Day 2Show

Accommodation

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing

Hotel
DAY 3 Beijing/Xi'an

Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.

Public Transit

Metro

Beijing

Get around underground via public transit.

Exhibit

Forbidden City Tour

Beijing2hMORNING

Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.

Rail

Bullet Train

Beijing- Xi'an

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Accommodation

Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel

Hotel
DAY 4 Xi'an/Suzhou

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Continue exploring Xi'an with a visit to the Ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarters. Tonight, board an overnight train to Suzhou. Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.

Land Tour

Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour

Xi'an3h2km

Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.

Activity

Xi'An Ancient City Wall

Xi'an

Visit the ancient City Wall of Xi'An. Learn of its interesting history as part of the Silk Road and admire amazing views of the city.

Landmark

Muslim Quarter Visit

Xi'an1h-1.5h

Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

Rail

Basic Overnight Train (beds)

Xi'an- Suzhou14h-16h

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

DAY 5 Suzhou

Wake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.

Land Tour

Master of the Nets Garden Tour

Suzhou1.5h

Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shangtang Street

Suzhou

Wander around Shantang Street and canal with your CEO before enjoying free time in the area for dinner.

Accommodation

Castle Hotel Suzhou

Hotel
DAY 6 Suzhou/Shanghai

This morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.

Rail

Bullet Train

Suzhou- Shanghai0.5h

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Land Tour

Orientation Walk

Shanghai1h

Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.

Accommodation

Zhen Yue Hotel

Hotel
DAY 7 Shanghai

This morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.

Shanghai Orientation Walk

Shanghai

Explore the famous Huangpu District in central Shanghai with your CEO.

Exhibit

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai1.5h

Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.

Free Time

ShanghaiFULL_DAY

Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.

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Optional Activities - Day 7Show

Accommodation

Zhen Yue Hotel

Hotel
DAY 8 Shanghai/Osaka

Hop on a flight from Shanghai to Osaka. Take the evening to explore the city. Board a flight from Shanghai to Osaka and enjoy a free night exploring the cityscape.

Air

Plane

Shanghai- Osaka2.25h-3h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time

Osaka3h

Take in the vibrancy of this unique city and challenge the senses by visiting the bright city lights or indulging in a variety of distinctive street food.

Accommodation

City Route Hotel

Hotel
DAY 9 Osaka/Kōyasan

Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery. In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono.

Rail

Train

Osaka- Kōyasan3hMORNING

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Landmark

Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple

Kōyasan

During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon. In the evening, savour the shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata or kimono. Early morning at the temple offers the chance to observe the monks praying, before a vegetarian breakfast. Breathe the fresh mountain air and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Accommodation

Sekishoin

Monastery
DAY 10 Kōyasan/Hiroshima

Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon. Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular. Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945.

Rail

Bullet Train

Kōyasan- Hiroshima5h

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Landmark

Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit

Kōyasan

Oku-no-in is the most sacred site in Koyasan and the location of the mausoleum for Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The area is surrounded by a massive cemetery, the largest in Japan. With over 200,000 tombstones lining the almost 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, there is plenty of area to explore. Be sure to see Torodo Hall (Hall of Lamps), the main place of worship, where more than 10,000 lanterns are kept burning day and night.

Accommodation

Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ

Hotel
DAY 11 Hiroshima

This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.

Exhibit

Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial

Hiroshima

Walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.

Watercraft

Ferry

Hiroshima- Miyajima

Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening.

Water Tour

Miyajima Island Visit

Miyajima- Hiroshima

Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.

Free Time

MiyajimaAFTERNOON

Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location.

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Optional Activities - Day 11Show

Accommodation

Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ

Hotel
DAY 12 Hiroshima/Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.

Rail

Bullet Train

Hiroshima-eki- Ōsaka1.5h

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Rail

Local Train

Osaka- Kyoto1h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Landmark

Gion Walk

Kyoto

Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.

Landmark

Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit

Kyoto

Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.

Accommodation

Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo

Hotel
DAY 13 Kyoto

Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time.

Land Tour

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit

Kyoto

Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.

Free Time

KyotoAFTERNOON

Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time.

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Optional Activities - Day 13Show

Accommodation

Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo

Hotel
DAY 14 Kyoto/Hakone

Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs. Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs. In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen.

Rail

Bullet Train

Kyoto- Odawara3h

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Bus

Local Bus

Odawara- Hakone0.5h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Water Tour

Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride

Hakone0.5h

Hop aboard a passenger boat to cruise the waters of Lake Ashinoko. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can capture a view of Mt Fuji. The lake was formed from the caldera of Mt Hakone following its eruption 3000 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

People

Traditional Kaiseki Meal

Hakone

Savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen.

Accommodation

Hotel Kagetsuen

Hotel
DAY 15 Hakone/Tokyo

Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping. Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis. Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface.

Free Time

TokyoAFTERNOON

With so much to do, start exploring now.

Rail

Local Train

Hakone- Tokyo

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

5

Optional Activities - Day 15Show

Accommodation

The B Akasaka

Hotel
DAY 16 Tokyo

Depart at any time.

Day
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