13-Day East Asia by High-Speed Rail: China & Japan Highlights
Trip Introduction
This journey connects two of East Asia’s most fascinating countries through their most iconic cities and high-speed rail networks.
Starting in Beijing, explore China’s imperial legacy before travelling by high-speed train to Shanghai, where tradition and modernity meet. Continue to Japan for a classic route through Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo, experiencing historic temples, contemporary cities, and scenic landscapes.
By combining China’s high-speed rail and Japan’s famous Shinkansen, this itinerary offers first-time visitors a seamless, efficient, and immersive introduction to East Asia’s culture, history, and modern life.
Starting in Beijing, explore China’s imperial legacy before travelling by high-speed train to Shanghai, where tradition and modernity meet. Continue to Japan for a classic route through Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo, experiencing historic temples, contemporary cities, and scenic landscapes.
By combining China’s high-speed rail and Japan’s famous Shinkansen, this itinerary offers first-time visitors a seamless, efficient, and immersive introduction to East Asia’s culture, history, and modern life.
Trip code: CBT251302
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: beijing arrival (D)
Meet upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a three-night stay in Beijing.Welcome dinner: Peking Duck
Day 2: Beijing city tour (B)
Enjoy a full-day Beijing city tour, starting with a visit to the historic Temple of Heaven, once frequented by Ming and Qing emperors for annual prayers. Explore the Grand Forbidden City, built by Emperor Yongle in the 15th century, and marvel at its vastness and historical significance. Then, discover Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square, home to iconic landmarks such as Tiananmen Tower and the Great Hall of the People. Finally, stroll around Lake Houhai and its charming Hutong alleys.
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, The Grand Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, Lake Houhai
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, The Grand Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, Lake Houhai
Day 3: the great wall (B)
Explore the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its unique, indestructible structure winding through lofty mountains.
After your climb, enjoy a thrilling slide or cable car ride down the hill.
Highlights: The Great Wall
Highlights: The Great Wall
Day 4: Beijing city tour (B)
Begin your morning with a visit to the Summer Palace, an imperial park steeped in history and set against the scenic Kunming Lake. Lama Temple Continue to the Lama Temple, Beijing’s most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Confucius Temple Visit the nearby Confucius Temple and Imperial College to learn about ancient Chinese education and culture. End the day with a relaxed walk through Nanluoguxiang’s hutongs, cafés, boutiques, and traditional courtyard alleys.Overnight in Beijing.
Highlights: Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple & Nanluoguxiang hutongs
Day 5: High-speed train to shanghai (B)
Take the morning high-speed train to Shanghai (5-5.5 hours)Upon arrival, meet and greet, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a three-night stay in Shanghai.Overnight in Beijing
Highlights: China High-speed train
Highlights: China High-speed train
Day 6: shanghai city tour (B)
Explore the vibrant city of Shanghai on a comprehensive city tour. Begin with a visit to the iconic Bund, renowned for its historic waterfront architecture and stunning skyline views. Stroll along Nanjing Road East, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.Next, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its serene pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, admiring the traditional architecture and exquisite landscaping.
Finally, ascend the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, for unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline. Experience the bustling metropolis from above, offering a unique perspective on Shanghai's dynamic urban landscape.
Overnight in Shanghai
Highlights: the Bund, Nanjing Road East, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower
Finally, ascend the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, for unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline. Experience the bustling metropolis from above, offering a unique perspective on Shanghai's dynamic urban landscape.
Overnight in Shanghai
Highlights: the Bund, Nanjing Road East, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower
Day 7: Shanghai city tour (B)
Embark on a full-day guided city tour starting with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, a revered Buddhist temple dating back to 1882. Discover its rich history and marvel at the two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by the monk Huigen.
Next, journey approximately 1 hour to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao. With a history spanning over 1700 years, Zhujiajiao is renowned for its well-preserved ancient charm. Explore its narrow streets, ancient bridges, and tranquil waterways, immersing yourself in a world of antiquity and tranquility amidst the modern city.After your visit, return to your hotel, reflecting on the day's cultural discoveries and scenic wonders.Overnight in Shanghai
Highlights: Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Water town
Highlights: Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Water town
Day 8: Fly to Osaka and continue to Nara (B)
Private transfer to Shanghai Airport for your flight to Osaka. Upon arrival, meet and greet and have a private transfer to Nara.
Visit Nara Park, home to freely roaming deer, and explore Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Later, transfer to your hotel in Nara for check-in and enjoy a one-night stay.Overnight in Nara.
Highlights: Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple
Highlights: Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple
Day 9: Kyoto city tour (B)
Private transfer to Kyoto and explore Gion District, known for its traditional streets and geisha culture.
And visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.Later, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views over Kyoto, and stroll through the historic streets of Higashiyama District.Overnight in Kyoto. Highlights: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama District
And visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.Later, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views over Kyoto, and stroll through the historic streets of Higashiyama District.Overnight in Kyoto. Highlights: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Higashiyama District
Day 10: Shikansen to Hakone (B)
Take a Shinkansen train to Hakone, famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
Upon arrival, visit Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring modern sculptures set in a scenic outdoor setting. Relax and unwind in a traditional onsen (hot spring bath) at your hotel or local ryokan, enjoying the therapeutic waters and mountain views.Overnight in Hakone.
Highlights: Hakone onsen, Shikansen
Day 11: Shikansen to Tokyo (B)
Travel by Shinkansen to Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or optionally explore Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding shopping district.Overnight in Tokyo.
Highlights: Shinkansen, Shibuya
Highlights: Shinkansen, Shibuya
Day 12: Tokyo city tour (B, D)
Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest. Continue to Harajuku to experience youth culture and fashion boutiques. Proceed to Omotesando Avenue, known for its modern architecture and upscale shopping. End the day in Shinjuku, exploring its skyscrapers, shopping, and entertainment districts.
Enjoy an authentic sumo experience in Tokyo with reserved seats and a traditional bento meal included. Watch professional wrestlers compete in the ring while learning about the history and rituals of Japan’s national sport. This experience offers a rare chance to witness the power, ceremony, and culture of sumo up close.Overnight in Tokyo.
Highlights: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando Avenue, Shinjuku District, Sumo experience
Enjoy an authentic sumo experience in Tokyo with reserved seats and a traditional bento meal included. Watch professional wrestlers compete in the ring while learning about the history and rituals of Japan’s national sport. This experience offers a rare chance to witness the power, ceremony, and culture of sumo up close.Overnight in Tokyo.
Highlights: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando Avenue, Shinjuku District, Sumo experience
Day 13: Tokyo departure (B)
Check-out in the morning.Transfer to Tokyo Airport for your flight back home.(Trip Ends.)
tour details
tour Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Size of group
Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)
accommodation
- 12 nights including daily hotel breakfast.
- Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe, or Boutique
- Featured Meals: 1 Welcome Dinner featuring Peking Duck in Beijing & 1 Traditional bento meal dinner in Tokyo.
- Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.
Internal transport
- High-Speed Train (Second Class/standard seats): Beijing → Shanghai
- High-Speed Train Shinkansen (Standard seats): Osaka to Nara → Kyoto, Hakone → Tokyo
- International flight Shanghai → Osaka (eco class)
- Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
sightseeing
- All mentioned tours, excursion.
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
- Spanish, Italian, and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
TRAVEL MOMENTS
General Information
Countries & Travel Pace
This journey covers China and Japan over multiple iconic cities, designed at a comfortable pace for first-time visitors with minimal backtracking and efficient transport.
Transportation Highlights
Travel includes China’s high-speed rail (Beijing–Shanghai) and Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, offering a smooth, time-efficient, and authentic way to experience modern East Asia.
Best Travel Style & Audience
Ideal for first-time visitors to East Asia who are interested in culture, history, and iconic cities, and who value comfort, good infrastructure, and well-balanced itineraries.
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