From CAD $6,085 Was CAD $7,159
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Explore two ancient nations in 16 well-packed days on this unique journey that takes you from the epic lengths of the Great Wall of China to the poetic views of Mt Fuji. Hop aboard trains and ferries and face an army of Terracotta Warriors for a historical encounter you won't soon forget. Spend nights in a traditional ryokan and a shukubo temple lodging for an authentic Japanese experience. Our CEOs will take you off the beaten track to reveal the cultural treasures of the region’s ancient sites.
Highlights
- Meet the ancient Terracotta Warriors
- Visit the Great Wall of China
- Sleep in a temple atop Mt Kōya
- Get a bird's-eye view of Mt Fuji from a cable car
- Stay in a traditional ryokan
Trip Details
Product Code: 1490
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Supplier Code: ACCJ.B
Starts: Beijing, China
Finishes: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Shanghai Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, Kōyasan
- Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing)
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
- Terracotta Warriors excursion (Xi'an)
- Master of the Nets Garden visit (Suzhou)
- Shanghai orientation walk
- Chinese acrobat performance (Shanghai)
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
- Miyajima excursion with floating torii gate visit
- Nijo Castle and gardens visit (Kyoto)
- Gion walk
- Fushimi Inari shrine visit
- Lake Ashino-ko boat ride
- Traditional ryokan stay with kaiseki meal
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (13 nts), mountain monastery (1 nt, shared facilities), traditional inn (1 nt, shared facilities).
- 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6085 (CAD $380 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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 - Dong Fang Hotel Beijing
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Dong Fang Hotel Beijing
Day 3: Beijing/Xi'an
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Activity - Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Accommodation - HNA Hotel
Day 4: Xi'an
Visit one of China's greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. After, the day is yours to explore as you wish.
Meals included: Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Free_time - Opt for some cycling, or just take a walk around and explore the city of Xi'an.Accommodation - HNA Hotel
Day 5: Xi'an/Suzhou
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Xi'An City WallAccommodation - Castle Hotel Suzhou
Day 6: Suzhou/Shanghai
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Activity - Wander around Shantang StreetTransport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Accommodation - Zhen Yue Hotel
Day 7: Shanghai
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Free_time - Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Zhen Yue 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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - 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
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - 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
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - 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
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Transport - Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening.Activity - 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 - Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location.Accommodation - Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - 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.Activity - 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
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.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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 - Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time.Accommodation - Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
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.
Meals included: Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - 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.
Activity - Savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen.Accommodation - Hotel Kagetsuen
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - With so much to do, start exploring now.Transport - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.Accommodation - The B Akasaka
Day 16: Tokyo
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Sarah P - Traveled, October 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed both China and Japan trips, and both tour guides Alex & Toshi were great, however I was sharing with someone who snored (the loudest snoring I have ever experienced). This really ruined the Japan trip for me as I had approx 3 /4 hours of broken sleep a night - 4 of which I had to sleep on the floor in another room. I have raised a complaint separately re this as I don't think it is fair that I had to pay nearly £80 for a single room with no compensation from G.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2022
Shahan W - Traveled, October 2022
Assuming that they like group travel and I would only be recommending a company for them then I'd recommend G Adventures because the whole process was made fairly easy. There were some issues that I hope I'll be able to explain later on in this, but overall it was a positive experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2022
Toni C - Traveled, October 2022
This was the first time i have ever been on a group tour i have nothing to compare it too but i had an amazing time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2022
Robyn P - Traveled, October 2022
I feel that G Adventures was a safe way to visit countries that have differing cultures to mine. The tour gave a snapshot of the sights and attractions of each place, local knowledge of tour guides took away the anxiety of not being able to speak the language and ensured we got the best experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2022
Marlene C - Traveled, September 2022
I would have given a 10 if all my rellies were fit & active.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2022
Andrea K - Traveled, October 2022
Travelling with great adventures is easy because you can relax as someone else is taking care of the schedule, train tickets, reservations etc. Especially in foreign cultures, having such a CEO is really helpful. Unfortunately, this kind of travelling gives a strict time table, so staying longer in a certain place during the tour is barely possible. So it depends of what is more important but in my opinion, having a local CEO who takes care of everything outweighs the strict time table.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2022
Rene D - Traveled, September 2022
Discovering China other than Bejing in 3 days as well as Japan other than just 3 days in Tokyo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2022
Ashleigh P - Traveled, September 2022
This style of travel is hard, carrying suitcases around busy subways was not ideal for a group, or the public.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2022
Emma H - Traveled, August 2022
Small groups, excellent itineraries, fair prices, local experiences, great reputation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2022
Jennifer D - Traveled, August 2022
Really enjoyed the local tour guides and the busy itinerary
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
Jill H - Traveled, August 2023
China was a horror show of carrying heavy suitcases around up and down subway stairs, sleeping in squalid conditions on an overnight train with excrement floating on the floors, sleeping in a hotel for two nights with pungent sewer smell in the bathroom that when reported was ignored or sprayed with perfume. Then being unceremoniously dumped at the airport to fly to Japan with no idea where to go and spending 90 minutes on two wrong lines. In Japan we were hit up with baggage fees if we didn't want to carry our bags on a walk. Seriously, is G Adventures that cheap as to not provide that. This trip was not on a shoestring. It was also not seamless between China and Japan. The Chinese airport was confusing and we were provided with no guidance. Just dropped at the door.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2022
Susanne N. - Traveled, July 2022
With this style of travelling you see a lot of fascinating places and learn many things about the country and its people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2022
Brendan W - Traveled, June 2022
Your tour does exactly what it says on the tin. The itinerary matched what we did to the letter. I got what I paid for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2022
Leia F - Traveled, July 2022
Always get a unique experience and really get to see the country and culture and go off the beaten track
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2022
Michelle P - Traveled, July 2022
Ease of travel and no planning necessary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2022
Pamela R - Traveled, July 2022
Having now been on a few tours with G Adventures I find them to be well organised and the activities are all great and as stated in the tour description.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2022
Eve M - Traveled, June 2022
Very useful for the in between bits ie getting from place to place. However bits did feel a bit rushed
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2022
Niamh F - Traveled, June 2022
Extremely interesting and well-planned itineraries, opportunity to meet interesting fellow travellers, reliable and professional CEOs, good value for money.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2022
Celine D - Traveled, June 2022
ease of booking and great trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2022
Kristjana R - Traveled, June 2022
I would like to say that I really did have a good time and met some great people and we had amazing guides. However, as you will see in my survey, there are some things that I think could really be improved on. I have traveled with G Adventures two other times and have never experienced issues like we did on this trip. I am giving feedback so this trip can be improved upon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2022
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