Duration: 16 days
Begins: Beijing
Ends: Tokyo
Trip Code: ACCJ
Hotels (13 nts), mountain monastery (1 nt, shared facilities), traditional inn (1 nt, shared facilities).
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Allow USD575-750 for meals not included.
Train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, walking, metro, bullet train, plane, ferry.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout except on the flight from China to Japan, local guides.
Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
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.
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.
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs.
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.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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 Veijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Use your evening to explore the cityscape of Beijing.
Shoppers get ready. The Pearl Market is great place to get souvenirs for friends and family! This market is well know for the verity of pearls but, make sure to also check out the other vendors selling goods like crafts, clothing, and silk.
Climb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
After your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car! 100 CNY ( one way) -140 CNY ( Round trip
Toboggan Station is at Tower 6. The return ticket include a cable car up to Tower 6 and the Toboggan.
The cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.
Get around underground via public transit.
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.
Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. After, the day is yours to explore as you wish.
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.
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.
Opt for some cycling, or just take a walk around and explore the city of Xi'an.
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.
Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.
Climb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
Head to the outskirts of the city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful, brick Buddhist temple.
Lunch
In the morning, visit the ancient Xi’An City Wall and learn more about China’s incredible history. Then take the bullet train to Suzhou in the afternoon.
The ancient Xi’An City Wall was built for protection during the Tang Dynasty through to the Ming Dynasty. Your visit will start at 8:00 am and can take 1-2 hours to explore only a portion of the wall. Choose to rent a bike and hop off where you’d like to admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
Xi'An City Wall
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Rent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
Start the day by exploring in the city. 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. In the late afternoon, ride the bullet train to Shanghai.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander around Shantang Street
After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights of this modern Chinese city. In the evening, head to the theatre for an intense acrobatic performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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.
Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.
Let some of China’s most talented entertainers and athletes dazzle you for an evening with gravity-defying tricks and acrobatics. These spectacular performers will contort, balance, plate-spin, foot-juggle and more. Keep your eyes on the stage and you may even see a motorcycle or two.
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.
Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
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.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
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.
Breakfast
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.
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Switch to a funicular for the last stretch of the journey.
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.
Breakfast | Dinner
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.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
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.
Breakfast
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.
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.
Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening.
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 on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location.
Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima.
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.
Please note the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle will be closed from Dec 26-Jan 3. Groups travelling during this time will visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time.
The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.
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.
Please note that we will be using an overnight luggage service between Kyoto and Tokyo. We suggest preparing an overnight backpack to carry what you need during this time.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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.
Savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen.
Dinner
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.
With so much to do, start exploring now.
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic.
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings.
Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.
As Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees).
Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.
Breakfast
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
---|---|---|---|
Jan 2025 | |||
Fri, 10 Jan - Sat, 25 Jan | Sold out | ||
Feb 2025 | |||
Fri, 07 Feb - Sat, 22 Feb | 4 available | £3,039 | Request a quote |
Fri, 21 Feb - Sat, 08 Mar | 7+ available | £3,229 | Request a quote |
Fri, 28 Feb - Sat, 15 Mar | Sold out | ||
Mar 2025 | |||
Fri, 07 Mar - Sat, 22 Mar | Sold out | ||
Fri, 14 Mar - Sat, 29 Mar | Sold out | ||
Fri, 21 Mar - Sat, 05 Apr | Sold out | ||
Fri, 28 Mar - Sat, 12 Apr | Sold out | ||
Apr 2025 | |||
Fri, 04 Apr - Sat, 19 Apr | Sold out | ||
Fri, 11 Apr - Sat, 26 Apr | Sold out | ||
Fri, 18 Apr - Sat, 03 May | Sold out | ||
Mon, 21 Apr - Tue, 06 May | Sold out | ||
May 2025 | |||
Fri, 09 May - Sat, 24 May | 3 available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Fri, 16 May - Sat, 31 May | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 30 May - Sat, 14 Jun | 7 available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Jun 2025 | |||
Fri, 13 Jun - Sat, 28 Jun | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 20 Jun - Sat, 05 Jul | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Jul 2025 | |||
Fri, 04 Jul - Sat, 19 Jul | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 11 Jul - Sat, 26 Jul | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 25 Jul - Sat, 09 Aug | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Aug 2025 | |||
Fri, 08 Aug - Sat, 23 Aug | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 15 Aug - Sat, 30 Aug | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 22 Aug - Sat, 06 Sep | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 29 Aug - Sat, 13 Sep | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Sep 2025 | |||
Fri, 05 Sep - Sat, 20 Sep | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Fri, 12 Sep - Sat, 27 Sep | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Mon, 22 Sep - Tue, 07 Oct | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Oct 2025 | |||
Fri, 10 Oct - Sat, 25 Oct | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Fri, 17 Oct - Sat, 01 Nov | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Fri, 24 Oct - Sat, 08 Nov | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Fri, 31 Oct - Sat, 15 Nov | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Nov 2025 | |||
Fri, 07 Nov - Sat, 22 Nov | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 14 Nov - Sat, 29 Nov | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Dec 2025 | |||
Fri, 12 Dec - Sat, 27 Dec | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Fri, 26 Dec - Sat, 10 Jan | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Jan 2026 | |||
Fri, 09 Jan - Sat, 24 Jan | 7+ available | £3,799 | Request a quote |
Fri, 23 Jan - Sat, 07 Feb | 7+ available | £3,799 | Request a quote |
Aug 2026 | |||
Mon, 17 Aug - Tue, 01 Sep | 7+ available | £4,029 | Request a quote |
Sep 2026 | |||
Mon, 07 Sep - Tue, 22 Sep | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Mon, 21 Sep - Tue, 06 Oct | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
Oct 2026 | |||
Mon, 12 Oct - Tue, 27 Oct | 7+ available | £4,149 | Request a quote |
8 days, From £999 pp
13 days, From £1,699 pp
15 days, From £943 pp
12 days, From £2,299 pp
14 days, From £1,929 pp