Cultural Discovery of Japan & China (Visa-Free)

Your journey through Japan and China begins in Tokyo, a city where centuries-old traditions and vibrant urban energy exist side by side.

After hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. If you still have energy to explore, consider heading to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most vibrant neighborhoods, to experience the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and its lively atmosphere.

Discover Tokyo's historic heart through its temples, preserved neighborhoods, and local customs rooted in the Edo period.

Begin your exploration in Asakusa at Senso-ji Temple. The Kaminarimon Gate and its massive red lantern welcome you to Nakamise Shopping Street, where rows of long-established shops keep the spirit of old Edo alive. Hop on a traditional rickshaw as your puller guides you through narrow lanes and hidden corners, sharing stories that bring old Edo to life.

Enjoy a sumo-themed lunch featuring chanko nabe, the hearty hot pot traditionally enjoyed by sumo wrestlers. As you dine, discover the rituals, discipline, and traditions behind Japan's national sport.

In the afternoon, visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. Wander through galleries showcasing samurai armor, Buddhist sculptures, elegant kimonos, ceramics, paintings, and other treasures that trace Japan's artistic journey through the centuries.

Spend the morning at Meiji Shrine. Walk beneath towering trees along the tranquil forest path while learning about Shinto traditions, Japan's indigenous belief system that continues to influence Japanese life today. If you happen to come across a procession of people dressed in traditional Japanese attire, pause for a moment and observe. It may be an authentic Shinto wedding ceremony, a rare opportunity to witness Japan's living traditions.

Later, explore Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can browse stalls filled with fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and local specialties while getting a taste of Tokyo's food culture.

Before returning to the hotel, stop at Shiba Park for views of Tokyo Tower and a chance to take in the contrast between Tokyo's green spaces and its modern cityscape.

Leave Tokyo's urban energy behind and head to Hakone, a peaceful mountain retreat known for volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and views of Mt. Fuji.

Begin at Hakone Gora Park, a landscaped garden featuring seasonal flowers and mountain views. At the park's Craft House, join a hands-on craft workshop such as glasswork, ceramics, or pottery painting and create your own souvenir.

Continue to Owakudani to admire its dramatic volcanic landscape and steaming valleys. Be sure to sample the famous black eggs, which, according to local legend, add seven years to your life.

Afterward, sail across Lake Ashi on the Pirate Ship, surrounded by volcanic mountains and lush forests. Catch Mt.Fuji rising beyond the lake, while visiting Hakone Shrine and its red torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Ashi.

After the tour, check into your onsen hotel and relax in the mineral-rich waters.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, built as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Step inside to admire elegant palace interiors, intricate wall paintings, and the famous "nightingale floors," designed to chirp underfoot to warn against intruders.

Continue to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a hillside temple renowned for its wooden stage and sweeping views of Kyoto, which remains one of Japan's most cherished places of worship.

Later, head to the historic Gion district and dress in an elegant kimono before taking part in a shared tea ceremony. If time permits, step outside in your kimono and wander through Gion's lantern-lined streets, capturing photos beside preserved wooden machiya townhouses.

Kick off your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan's most photographed sights known for its endless tunnels of vermilion torii gates. Walk through the forested pathways as your guide shares the stories and symbolism behind this sacred shrine. Next, visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn about the craftsmanship behind Kyoto's famous Fushimi sake, followed by a tasting of several sake varieties.

Later, travel to Nara Park, where free-roaming deer wander among the trees. You may see them bow politely when they are offered a deer cracker, creating a delightful moment during your visit. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

Begin in Fuxing Park, a beloved gathering place for locals practicing tai chi, dancing, singing, and other morning activities. Walk through restored shikumen lanes to Tianzifang, exploring a maze of old alleys lined with artisan studios, local shops, cafés, and everyday scenes of Shanghai life.

Enjoy a leisurely dim sum lunch featuring freshly steamed dumplings, buns, and other specialties before escaping the city's bustle with a stroll through Yu Garden. Visit the East Branch of the Shanghai Museum, whose collections of bronze, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and paintings offer an excellent introduction to Chinese civilization.

In the late afternoon, stroll along the Bund. Elegant colonial buildings face the soaring skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River, capturing Shanghai's blend of history and modernity. End the day with a cruise along the Huangpu River to see Shanghai's historic and modern sides from the water.

Today can be tailored to your interests. Choose from the following options to discover different sides of Shanghai.

Option A: China's Forward-Looking Side

Spend around three hours discovering a modern side of Shanghai through technology and urban culture. Visit the Unitree Experience Center to see robot dogs and humanoid robots in action, then explore the historic Yugu Village and its creative spaces. End with an immersive XR experience at the Walking Planetarium, offering a glimpse into Shanghai's evolving cultural scene.

Option B: Traditional Chinese Medicine & Wellness

Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches health as a balance between body, mind, and the rhythms of daily life at Longhua Hospital, one of Shanghai's most respected TCM institutions. Gain practical insight into a healing tradition that has shaped Chinese wellness for centuries through two hands-on cultural activities and two personalized consultations.

Today, experience China's high-speed rail network as you travel from Shanghai to Beijing. Covering more than 1,300 kilometers in around five hours, the journey offers a look at the scale and efficiency of modern transportation in China.

Upon arrival, meet your private driver and travel to Gubei Water Town. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Stroll along its streets and waterways, cross its stone bridges, or simply relax by the water and take in the atmosphere of this modern recreation of a traditional northern Chinese town.

In the evening, take a cable car up the Simatai Great Wall and see the illuminated wall winding across the mountains, creating a striking view after dark.

Continue your journey from Gubei Water Town to Jinshanling, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall. Surrounded by mountains and known for its watchtowers, restored walls, and sweeping views, Jinshanling offers a more tranquil setting to experience this remarkable feat of ancient engineering. Spend time walking along the Great Wall at your own pace, taking in the changing mountain scenery and learning about its history and defensive role from your guide.

After the tour, travel by private vehicle back to Beijing and check in at your hotel.

Begin your day at the Forbidden City, the magnificent imperial palace that housed 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties over nearly five centuries. With your guide, explore its grand halls, courtyards, and intricate architectural details while learning about imperial life, traditions, and the symbolism woven into the palace complex.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, a vast imperial complex where Ming and Qing emperors once performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the surrounding grounds while learning about the rituals and beliefs that shaped imperial China. If you wish, join an optional Tai Chi session led by an experienced master, learning the basic movements and breathing techniques of this traditional Chinese practice.

Step away from Beijing's grand landmarks and discover the city's everyday life through its traditional hutongs. Begin with a leisurely walk through the hutongs of Dongcheng District, where narrow lanes, courtyard homes, and neighborhood life offer a more personal side of Beijing.

Visit a local family's home for a warm and informal cultural experience. Learn to make dumplings together and get a glimpse into everyday life in a local household. Continue with a hands-on Chinese calligraphy session, learning some basic brush techniques and trying your hand at writing Chinese characters.

As evening falls, head to Houhai for a relaxed stroll along the lakeside. With its illuminated waterfront, traditional architecture, and lively atmosphere, Houhai offers a pleasant way to experience Beijing after dark.