Geisha in Kyoto - Japan Tours-On The Go Tours
FROM: USD $6,985 pp

Experience the best of Japan and China. Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, discover the Great Wall and view majestic Mt Fuji. Explore shrines, age-old temples and trendy cities, take in the Hutongs on a rickshaw ride in Beijing, explore the magnificent Forbidden City and meet a Geisha - all of this and more over 18 magical days.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID Safe Guide Japan

Trip Highlights

Tokyo - Sensoji Temple district and temple, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing
Lake Kawaguchi located within Fuji Hakone Izu National Park - Spectacular mountain scenery and views of famed Mt Fuji
Kyoto - UNESCO Listed Nijo Castle, Sanjusagen-do Temple with its 1000 life-like statues and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple)
Beijing – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, rickshaw ride around the Hutongs, Pearl Market and amazing Chinese acrobatic performance
Luoyang – UNESCO Listed Longmen Caves and stone carvings, Shaolin Kung Fu Temple, Xiyuan Park activities
Suzhou - Grand Canal boat trip and Lingering Garden
Kamakura - Big Buddha Statue, Hokokuji Zen Temple and the Bamboo Forest with its delightful village atmosphere. Opt to take part in a traditional tea ceremony
Staying in a ryokan - Sampling Japanese hospitality, bathing in natural hot springs, wearing a Samue (casual Kimono) and sleeping on a futon
Kyoto - Walking tour of the famed Geisha District (Gion), with its ancient cobbled streets, streams, bridges and quaint teahouses and the opportunity to see Geisha's and Maiko en route to their next engagement
Badaling and Juyongguan - 2 UNESCO Listed sections of Great Wall of China!
Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter and City Wall bike ride
Shanghai - Plaza Tower, The Bund and Old Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden, Huangpu River skyline of Pudong City

Included

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (inclusive of a Japanese dinner at the Lake Kawaguchi)
Japan: Airport arrival transfer (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport on day 1. Departure transfer (unescorted) - by train or bus from Kyoto Station to Osaka Airports (ITM and KIX) on day 8
Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Luoyang, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Beijing and Badaling
Shanghai - Huangpu River cruise
Xi’an - Bike ride on medieval City Wall
Rickshaw ride through Beijings' Hutongs
All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and rail passes (including Suica Swipe Card)
17 nights 3 - 4 star accommodation (inclusive of 1 night in a traditional Japanese inn)
China: Airport arrival transfer from Beijing Capital Airport on day 8 and departure transfer to Shanghai Airport on day 18
Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and Observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 14 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit to the Fuji Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Festival with Mt Fuji as the backdrop
Suzhou - Historic Grand Canal cruise
Chinese acrobatic performance
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese/Chinese tour guide/s (for groups of 6 or more) and English speaking specialist guides at local sites
Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)

Not Included

International flight from Osaka - Beijing on day 8
If you are opting to pay the single supplement, allowing you the privacy of your own room on this tour, a single room will be provided for all nights with the exception of day 5 (at Lake Kawaguchi), where single rooms are not available. For this night you will be matched up with a fellow tour member of the same gender
Entrance Fees: Japan USD$25-35pp, China USD$150-160pp, paid locally in local currency
International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-5 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$75-85pp in China, paid locally in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Japan!

Saturday. Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.
Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2

Toyko sightseeing - Sensoji Temple District, Harajuki & Shibuya

Taking the subway to Asakusa, today we explore the capital. Our first stop is the lively Sensoji Temple District, home to Tokyo’s first temple and scores of craft stalls and interesting souvenirs. After lunch, we head to Harajuku, a magnet for the young and fashionable Tokyoites with its hip shops and cafes. Whilst here, we will explore the impressive Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. We then head to Yoyogi Park where we can see bands playing, drum circles, dancers and busking – this is a popular hangout for locals especially on Sundays.

Our final stop for today is one of the busiest intersections in the world, Shibuya Crossing. The famed junction has no less than 7 pedestrian crossings and when the traffic lights turn red a wave of pedestrians, up to a 1000, converge onto the intersection from every direction. Known as 'the scramble', it's a well-practised art to duck and weave with sportsman like agility to avoid collision, which we'll watch from the second floor of Starbucks. Tonight, is at leisure, though if travelling during May or September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (bookings must be made in advance). Please see our Trip Notes for more information.
Overnight: Tokyo

Day 3

Kamakura & the Bronze Buddha

Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. After breakfast, we board our train for the hours journey to Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital and a popular seaside location, with a quaint village life feel and some stunning Zen temples. Here, we’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji with its beautiful bamboo garden. You can drink tea and learn about tea ceremony’s, before walking the cobbled shopping district - adorned with lovely locally made items before returning to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.
Overnight: Tokyo

Day 4

Tokyo Edo Museum & free time

Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo Edo Museum which focuses on the lifestyle and culture experienced of Tokyoites over the city’s 400-year history. The museum houses some of the city’s best original artefacts and replicas of Edo-era buildings and landmarks, along with several large-scale models. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.
Overnight: Tokyo

Day 5

Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway bus (with luggage forwarding) to Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt Fuji in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of a snow-capped Fuji most of the year. Upon arrival we’ll travel along the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and visit the observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 15 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop. No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling authentic Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan (a Japanese inn), which is where we’ll bed down tonight. At the ryokan, sample tasty local cuisine and take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring baths.
Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi  |  Dinner

Day 6

Kyoto - Sanjusagen-do Temple & the Geisha District

Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. The area has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. We then travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.

As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple, famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Late this afternoon we head to Gion, for a walking tour of this famous Geisha District. After, you may wish to watch a cultural performance at Gion Corner Theatre where you'll have the opportunity to see a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing.
Overnight: Kyoto  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) a stunning Zen Buddhist temple and part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. The top two floors of the monument are completely covered in gold leaf. Set upon a small lake with landscaped gardens, the large completely gilt structure is impressive, as it is a beautiful Temple. Kinkakuji Temple continues to be one of Japan's most visited temples.

This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of bright red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.
Overnight: Kyoto  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Goodbye Japan, Hello China

Saturday. Kyoto - Osaka - Beijing. Take the train (unescorted) from Kyoto Station to Osaka Airport for your flight to Beijing (flight not included). Arrive Beijing Capital Airport and included transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or head out and explore the city.

Please note: The flight from Osaka Airport to Beijing Capital Airport is not included in the cost of this tour. If you provide us with your flight details, we will be there to meet you at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast

Day 9

Forbidden City

Today, we embark on a guided tour of the nation’s capital. Tiananmen Square, a patriotic vision of grandeur and the Forbidden city, the walled city of the former Chinese emperors boasting stunning temples, courtyards and reception halls. We take an afternoon rickshaw ride navigating the old back lanes and courtyards of Beijing’s Hutongs. This evening, we enjoy an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops, spinning plates and human pyramids are just a few tricks these show stoppers pull out, followed by a Peking Duck welcome dinner.
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10

The famed Great Wall of China!

After a free morning to further explore the city, we drive beyond Beijing to Badaling, to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Built in the Ming Dynasty, a 6m wide pathway makes a formidable defence, following the highest contours of a steep range of hills. We also visit a Jade Carving Centre before heading to our quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass, which offers views of the Great Wall.
Overnight: Overnight - Juyongguan Pass  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11

Morning at the Great Wall

Beijing - Luoyang. We rise early this morning and head (5 min by bus) to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass when it opens to beat the crowds. Later, we return to Beijing to explore the famous Pearl Market - an Aladdin's Cave of clothing, jewellery and electronic gadgets before taking an afternoon bullet train to Luoyang. Reaching speeds of up to 305km per hour the journey is an experience in itself! Check in to our hotel in Luoyang, late evening.
Overnight: Luoyang  |  Breakfast

Day 12

Shaolin Kung Fu Temple

First thing today we drive to the Shaolin Kung Fu Temple (approx 2 hours), set on the foothills of the Songshan Mountain. Here, generation after generation of Shaolin monks have devoted themselves to practising Chan Buddhism and a martial art widely recognised as the origins of kung fu. Over the years hundreds, if not thousands, of people have flocked to this very site to learn this ancient discipline and we'll have the opportunity to watch a performance of kung fu during our visit. Returning to Luoyang you’ll have some free time, and the option to walk to Xiyuan Park where ball room dancing, tai chi, aerobics and badminton lessons take place every evening.
Overnight: Luoyang  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13

Longmen Caves & Xi'an City Wall

Luoyang - Xi’an. Today we explore the UNESCO-listed 5th and 6th Century Longmen Caves, etched into the cliffs of the Yi River. The 2,300 caves (grottoes) are adorned with 110,000 statues and images of Buddha, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty. This afternoon, we board our high speed train to Xi’an (journey time approx 2hrs). After hotel check-in and some time to fresh up we’ll embark on a casual bike ride around the Xi’an City Wall. Looking around as you pedal offers delightful views of the Old City in the centre of the walls and the modern city on the outside.
Overnight: Xi'an  |  Breakfast

Day 14

Terracotta Warriors

Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Warriors are reputed to be the greatest discovery of the 20th century - 7,000 life-sized clay soldiers stand ready for battle. We visit the archaeological site and the workshop where the replica warriors are crafted. Tonight, we welcome you to join the optional Tang Dynasty Show which includes dinner, a traditional performance and transfers (bookable locally).
Overnight: Xi'an  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15

Wild Goose Pagoda & Muslim Quarter

Xi’an - Shanghai. First up this morning, we tour the lofty Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The complex of temples, pagodas and expansive gardens, constructed during the 7th century offered refuge and a store house for Chinese Buddhists translating the very important Buddhist sutras from India. After we visit the Muslim Quarter and enjoy some free time to explore the backstreets of this lively area. After lunch, we board our express train to Shanghai, where upon arrival we check into our hotel late this evening.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16

Cosmopolitan Shanghai

Good morning Shanghai! Just the mere mention of ‘Shanghai’ conjures up mystery, romance and general decadence. Pre – 1949, cosmopolitan Shanghai was a magnet for seekers of wealth, idle colonialists, explorers and the dispossessed. Everything went belly up in 1949, when Mao and the communists took to power and swept the good times and rock and roll away. A legacy of these heady times is Shanghai’s Bund where on and around this waterfront promenade are a vast series of grandiose pre-1949 buildings. Just across the Huangpu River is the new Shanghai, a high-tech development of gravity defying skyscrapers.

Today we tour many of the city’s top spots - Yu Gardens and Bazaar - Shanghai’s finest traditional garden, the Bund, Pudong and the Shanghai Plaza Tower and lastly, take a cruise along the Huangpu River.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast

Day 17

Suzhou, Grand Canal Cruise

Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai. Today we travel by road to ancient Suzhou. A sort of oriental Venice, ancient Suzhou is interwoven by a series of canals and pretty waterways which feed a series of classical gardens, laid out here since the Song dynasty a thousand years ago, they are justly famous across China. Suzhou sits very close to the Grand Canal, we enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal before exploring the Lingering Garden - a beautiful classical Chinese garden dating back from the Ming Dynasty. Today’s final visit is a silk workshop before returning to Shanghai.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18

Farewell China...

Tuesday. Our momentous journey come to an end after breakfast and included onward departure transfer to airport.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Read More
Cherry Blossom trees bloom at this time of year
Cherry Blossoms in bloom
Easter departure, book early!
Easter Departure
This tour includes a visit to the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival, held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop.
Springtime Phlox Moss Festival
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $6,985
USD $8,985
USD $6,985
USD $8,985
USD $6,985
USD $8,985
USD $6,985
USD $8,985
USD $6,985
USD $8,985

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation - Tokyo
USD $120
USD $170
Post-Tour Accommodation - Shanghai
USD $55
USD $115

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Yaesu Terminal Hotel, Tokyo

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Enjoying an enviable location on a cherry-blossom lined street in the centre of Tokyo, Yaesu Terminal Hotel is just a short jaunt away from the city’s main railroad station giving travellers easy access to locations across the city. A comfortable 3-star hotel with a natural theme, a permanent art exhibit in the hotel lobby and an in-house restaurant serving freshly prepared local cuisine; it is a soothing place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Hotel guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi, benefit from complimentary bathrobes and slippers and enjoy entertainment on a flat-screen TV.

Yamagishi Ryokan, Lake Kawaguchi

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Japanese Ryokan

With stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi, which is located just one minute away, the Yamagishi Ryokan is a gorgeous accommodation and an excellent base for exploring the area around the lake. Rooms are designed according to traditional Japanese styles with low furniture and lots of natural light. Breakfast and dinner are both included with the room and are served in the hotel's dining room. After dinner, guests can take a dip in one of the hotel's baths or relax with a coffee in the lounge. The hotel is located just an 8 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

Hotel Elcient Kyoto, Kyoto

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Boasting a fantastic location in the heart of Kyoto, Hotel Elcient Kyoto is within walking distance of top attractions such as Kyoto Tower and the picturesque Shosei-en Garden. Guestrooms are compact and simply furnished, complete with modern amenities such as air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy more than 30 different dishes at the Western and Japanese buffet-style restaurant, with light lunches and dinner also available. On the second floor you’ll find a large public bath and sauna, offering the perfect spot to relax after some sightseeing.

Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto, Kyoto

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station and the lofty Kyoto Tower, you really cannot get more central than this! Combining convenience with comfort, this contemporary hotel boasts modern guest rooms with flat screen televisions, complimentary WiFi, refrigerators and a private toilet – though washing facilities are shared. Buffet breakfast is available, with a choice of local and western dishes on offer. The hotel is surrounded by a wide choice of shops and restaurants, adn there are plenty of cultural landmarks just a short stroll away. After a day of sightseeing guests can relax with a soak in the hotel’s natural hot spring baths or opt for a sauna and massage.

Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The Beijing Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven is an elegant and comfortable hotel with well-furnished and spacious rooms. Practical in design, the guestrooms feature internet access and the hotel also boasts a range of restaurants and bars, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Located just a 10 minute walk from the Temple of Heaven, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore this fascinating city.

Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan, Beijing

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Located just a stones throw from the Beitucheng Subway station, with access to Line 10 & Line 8, the Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan is a perfect base to explore the many amazing highlights of Beijing. Within walking distance of the hotel you'll find the famous Birds Nest Olympic Stadium. The hotel boasts a stylish restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Peony Plaza, Luoyang

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The Peony Plaza Hotel is ideally located in Luoyang city centre, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city. The hotel benefits from a stylish, contemporary design and the guest rooms are tastefully furnished. All rooms feature minibars, free WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. The hotel also boasts a sauna and massage centre as well as a rotating restaurant for excellent views of the city.

Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel, Xi'an

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Located a stone’s throw away from the Ancient City Wall and Islamic Mosque, is the Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel. The hotel offers modern comforts in the heart of the city. Each air-conditioned guestroom features WiFi, a minibar and satellite TV. There is an onsite restaurant which serves a daily buffet or a la carte breakfast as well as a variety of Asian and Western dishes. During free time, guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or work out in the fitness centre.

Ramada Encore Shanghai Hotel , Shanghai

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Ideally located close to several plazas and shopping centres, this modern hotel offers you a comfortable stay in one of China’s fastest growing cities. Guestrooms are equipped with all the essential amenities, with free WiFi and access to the breakfast buffet included. The onsite Dakang Restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and you can expect a tasty menu featuring both Western and Chinese cuisine. Other amenities include a fitness centre, coffee shop and small convenience store.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Tokyo
Ends
Shanghai
Departs
Saturdays - March to November
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 16 - in Japan, 24 in China
Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star hotels & ryokans
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 3
Visiting
Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Beijing, Great Wall, Luoyang, Xi'an, Shanghai, Kamakura, Hakone, Juyongguan Pass, Suzhou
Countries
Rainbow Bridge, stretching across the water in Tokyo, lit up at night
Rainbow Bridge, stretching across the water in Tokyo, lit up at night
Giant Buddha of Kamakura made from bronze
View of Miyajima from across the water in Hakone
Beautiful lake with a temple in the background in springtime in Kyoto
Beautiful lake with a temple in the background in springtime in Kyoto
Click to play videoBeijing cityscape with a view of the sprawling Forbidden City palace complex from above
Click to play videoGreat Wall Highlight
Click to play videoCarved rock statues of Buddha in Luoyang
Click to play videoCyclists on the old city walls in Xian
Click to play videoThe view across the Huangpu River to the modern cityscape of Pudong in Shanghai
View of Suzhou lit up at night from across the water
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