The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

Ancient Empires of China & Japan

19 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Ancient Empires of China & Japan

The ultimate tour for those wishing to combine the very best of two ancient nations. Join us on an incredible journey from Beijing to Tokyo by road, boat, rail and air on this epic three-week tour!

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 18 , Lunches: 17 , Dinners: 18
  • Accommodation
    18 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Cruise
    Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1
    A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
Classic Group Tour
19 DAYS
From USD $8,812PP
Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai - Osaka - Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima - Miyajima - Kyoto - Mt Fuji - Tokyo
8 Reviews
Check Availability

Tour Highlights

Our Ancient Empires of China & Japan tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Guilin (1N + 1 N) - Yangshuo (1N) - Shanghai (2N) - Osaka (2N) - Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima (2N) - Miyajima - Kyoto (2N) - Mt Fuji - Tokyo (2N)
  • Day 1
    Arrive Beijing
    Dinner
    DAY 1: Arrive Beijing

    On arrival in Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on day 1. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Walk On The Great Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 2: Walk On The Great Wall

    Rise early this morning to avoid the crowds and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass to take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit involves walking from the bus to the first section. Once your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history, you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory before strolling through the exquisite Summer Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore The Forbidden City
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 3: Explore The Forbidden City

    Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about 1 hour and visit the temple itself. Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the warren-like hutongs where you will meet a local family before walking through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Sightseeing will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Please note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Travel To Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 4: Travel To Xian

    Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train for around 6 hours to the ancient city of Xian. In the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Terracotta Warriors
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 5: Terracotta Warriors

    Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Fly To Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 6: Fly To Guilin

    Visit the Little Wild Goose before transferring to the airport and flying approximately 2 hours hours to Guilin.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Cruise The Li River
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 7: Cruise The Li River

    Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo, where you will spend 1 night. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. Usually, the boats depart at 9am from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 30-minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. In Yangshuo, enjoy some time strolling along West Street and visit the local markets.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Visit Red Flute Cave
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 8: Visit Red Flute Cave

    Drive back to Guilin. En route, see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Fly To Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 9: Fly To Shanghai

    This morning, stroll around picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. Later, fly just over 2 hours to the exuberant city of Shanghai for a 2-night stay.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Explore Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 10: Explore Shanghai

    Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and a quick visit to the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and visiting the Silk Factory. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city including 3-4 hours on foot. In the evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Goodbye China, Hello Japan
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 11: Goodbye China, Hello Japan

    It's time to say goodbye to China and hello to Japan! Transfer to the airport and fly just over 2 hours to the vibrant city of Osaka. On arrival you will be met by your English-speaking Japanese guide and transfer to your hotel.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Osaka Castle
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 12: Osaka Castle

    This morning, visit the famous Osaka Castle. At Osaka castle park, you will reach to the castle for 15 minutes` walk from coach parking on flat road. Next, take a 20-minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Also, stroll around the Dotonbori district, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies for lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner in the evening.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Discover Okayama & Kurashiki
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 13: Discover Okayama & Kurashiki

    Transfer to Osaka Station and take the speedy bullet train for 45 minutes to Okayama. Visit Korakuen Garden, one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan' before continuing around 1 hour to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully-preserved Bikan Historical Quarter. Later, transfer around 2 hours to Hiroshima. Please note your luggage will be transferred from Osaka to Kyoto, you will need to pack an overnight bag for 2 nights.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 14: Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the traditional market town at leisure. Return by ferry and coach to Hiroshima and, after lunch, visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. Later, visit the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy great views of the city. You will be on your feet for approximately 4-5 hours today.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Travel To Kyoto
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 15: Travel To Kyoto

    This morning, transfer to Hiroshima Station and catch a bullet train to Kyoto, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes. Capital for a thousand years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. After lunch, visit Ryoanji Temple, with its famous Zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ due to its golden exterior. You will need to remove your shoes at both temples. Sightseeing on foot will be approximately 2-3 hours on foot today.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Explore Kyoto
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 16: Explore Kyoto

    This morning, visit the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine, which stretches from the bottom to the top of Mount Inari (233 metres high). You will walk up part of the mountain and the incline allows a steady-paced walk around 15 minutes with flat road and steps to reach tori gates. Due to the limited space of Fushimi Inari Shrine coach parking, you may need to walk from coach parking for 15 minutes. Next, head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Also visit a restored wooden Japanese townhouse to experience the ritual of a tea ceremony accompanied by a Tea Master and try your hand at the traditional art of origami. Due to the nature of the cultural experience, you will be required to remove your shoes before entering the venue.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Bullet Train To Hakone
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 17: Bullet Train To Hakone

    This morning, transfer to Kyoto station and take the super-fast bullet train to the Hakone area, a journey of around 2 hours. In Hakone, board a coach to explore this beautiful area. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas, please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits. If the 5th Station is closed, the Fuji San World Heritage Centre (formerly Fuji Visitor Centre) will be visited instead. Continue to tranquil Lake Ashi. Take a cruise across the lake before taking the Komagatake cable car for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the lake below. Later, continue by coach for around 2 hours to Tokyo, Japan’s capital. Please note your luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo, you will need to pack an overnight bag.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Contrasts of Tokyo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 18: Contrasts of Tokyo

    Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore; today take a tour by coach of this fascinating city. Head to the 1st observatory of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city before taking a wander through the district of Asakusa for an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs on Nakamise Shopping street and visit Sensoji Temple. Due to the limited coach parking, you may need to walk around 15 minutes on flat road. Drive past Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Double Bridge and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. You will be on your feet for 4-5 hours during your touring in Tokyo. Enjoy your evening meal whilst leisurely cruising along Tokyo Bay. You will need to get on and off your boat without assistance.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 19
    Depart Tokyo
    Breakfast
    DAY 19: Depart Tokyo

    This morning is free at leisure before transferring to Haneda or Narita International airport for your return flight home. Please note: Only breakfast is included today. Late check-out is not included in our Ancient Empires of China & Japan tour. If you wish to book a late check-out for your final day in Tokyo, please contact our reservations department who can confirm the additional price and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel. Transfers: In the event that your flight departs outside of the majority group departure time, you will be transferred to the airport by a shared coach (not with other Wendy Wu Tours passengers). If you are on a shared coach transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to the coach.

    Breakfast
Ancient Empires of China & Japan map

Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Guilin
  • 5
    12
    8
  • 63
  • Hiroshima
  • 2
    10
    6
  • 45
  • Kyoto
  • 1
    9
    5
  • 50
  • Okayama
  • 1
    9
    5
  • 34
  • Osaka
  • 3
    10
    6
  • 45
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Tokyo
  • 1
    10
    5
  • 65
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
  • Yangshuo
  • 6
    13
    10
  • 53
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Guilin
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 97
  • Hiroshima
  • 2
    11
    6
  • 67
  • Kyoto
  • 1
    10
    6
  • 68
  • Okayama
  • 1
    10
    6
  • 50
  • Osaka
  • 3
    10
    7
  • 62
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Tokyo
  • 2
    10
    6
  • 58
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 81
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Guilin
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 137
  • Hiroshima
  • 5
    14
    9
  • 124
  • Kyoto
  • 4
    13
    9
  • 113
  • Okayama
  • 4
    13
    9
  • 87
  • Osaka
  • 6
    14
    10
  • 104
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Tokyo
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 77
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
  • Yangshuo
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 114
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Guilin
  • 16
    23
    19
  • 247
  • Hiroshima
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 142
  • Kyoto
  • 9
    20
    14
  • 116
  • Okayama
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 92
  • Osaka
  • 11
    20
    15
  • 104
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Tokyo
  • 9
    19
    14
  • 118
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
  • Yangshuo
  • 16
    23
    20
  • 224
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Guilin
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 352
  • Hiroshima
  • 15
    24
    19
  • 178
  • Kyoto
  • 14
    25
    19
  • 161
  • Okayama
  • 15
    24
    20
  • 125
  • Osaka
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 146
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Tokyo
  • 14
    23
    18
  • 145
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 312
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Guilin
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 347
  • Hiroshima
  • 19
    27
    23
  • 247
  • Kyoto
  • 19
    28
    23
  • 214
  • Okayama
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 172
  • Osaka
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 184
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Tokyo
  • 18
    26
    22
  • 135
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
  • Yangshuo
  • 23
    30
    26
  • 293
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Guilin
  • 25
    33
    29
  • 231
  • Hiroshima
  • 24
    31
    27
  • 259
  • Kyoto
  • 23
    32
    27
  • 220
  • Okayama
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 161
  • Osaka
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 157
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Tokyo
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 81
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 200
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Guilin
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 173
  • Hiroshima
  • 25
    32
    29
  • 111
  • Kyoto
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 132
  • Okayama
  • 25
    33
    29
  • 87
  • Osaka
  • 25
    33
    29
  • 91
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Tokyo
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 113
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 186
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Guilin
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 82
  • Hiroshima
  • 21
    29
    25
  • 170
  • Kyoto
  • 20
    29
    25
  • 176
  • Okayama
  • 21
    28
    25
  • 134
  • Osaka
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 161
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Tokyo
  • 20
    27
    23
  • 131
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
  • Yangshuo
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 83
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Guilin
  • 17
    26
    21
  • 66
  • Hiroshima
  • 14
    23
    19
  • 88
  • Kyoto
  • 14
    23
    18
  • 121
  • Okayama
  • 14
    22
    18
  • 81
  • Osaka
  • 16
    23
    19
  • 112
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Tokyo
  • 14
    22
    18
  • 132
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 85
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Guilin
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 64
  • Hiroshima
  • 8
    17
    13
  • 68
  • Kyoto
  • 8
    17
    12
  • 71
  • Okayama
  • 8
    17
    12
  • 51
  • Osaka
  • 10
    18
    14
  • 69
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Tokyo
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 128
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
  • Yangshuo
  • 12
    21
    16
  • 69
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Guilin
  • 7
    15
    11
  • 43
  • Hiroshima
  • 4
    12
    8
  • 41
  • Kyoto
  • 3
    12
    7
  • 48
  • Okayama
  • 3
    12
    7
  • 31
  • Osaka
  • 5
    12
    9
  • 44
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Tokyo
  • 4
    12
    8
  • 109
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    16
    12
  • 44

Pricing & Availability

2024
  • Select Year
  • Select Month
Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Arrival Date
    Return Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Land only: This tour price is based on land itinerary only. No international flights are included.
    • Visa: A visa may be required and is not included in the tour price. Please check entry requirements with your nearest Consulate.
    • Tipping kitty: Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB520pp is paid locally in China.
    • Transfers: Airport transfers are included when arriving on the first day and departing on that last day of the tour, or when booking the group tour additional nights’ accommodation through Wendy Wu Tours.
    • Early check-in and late check-out are not included but can be arranged at an additional price.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with English-speaking guides & entrance fees
    • All accommodation

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    Extensions and Stopovers

    Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

    What our Customers Say

    Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 5181 reviews

    Our Award-Winning Guides

    China Travel Blog

    Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

    4
    Jul

    Air China Means Business

    China’s national carrier and a member of Star Alliance, Air China is an airline you’ve probably not...
    1
    Jul

    How China finally bounced back after the pandemic

    “How China finally bounced back after the pandemic” was originally published on 1 July...
    5
    Oct

    Making Tracks: the Joys of Travelling by Train

    There is an inherent romance to travelling by rail. A hangover from the lauded golden age in the...