16-Day Beijing and Classics of Korea and Japan End Tokyo Tour from Beijing

What you'll experience

Highlights

16 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Beijing

   Welcome to China! After completing border and customs formalities, an assistant will be waiting for you to provide essential information and accompany you on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.
   
   06:30 p.m. - We’ll meet our guide and fellow travelers in the hotel reception area. Then, we’ll set out to explore the city. We’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.
   Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Meals: D：IncludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Beijing

   07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China’s capital. We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world.
   
   Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.
   
   Lunch will be included.
   
   In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.
   
   We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.
   
   06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).
   
   Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.
   

   Meals: L：IncludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Beijing

   Total distance covered: 190 km.
   
   Scenery: Expansive urban landscapes as we leave Beijing, followed by lush green mountains surrounding the Great Wall.
   
   Note: Due to the high number of visitors at the Great Wall, it may be advisable to walk part of the way to avoid delays on the funicular ascent.
   
   07:30 a.m. - Departure from Beijing. Today, we’ll embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Great Wall.
   09:30 a.m. - Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section). We’ll arrive at this awe-inspiring architectural marvel, whose history spans over 2,000 years. Our visit includes a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic sections of the wall. You’ll have free time to explore, enjoy the commercial area, visit the Exhibition Center, and have lunch at your leisure.
   
   Later, we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most important sacred complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   
   To unwind after an exciting day, we’ll take part in a relaxing Tai Chi class and enjoy a soothing foot massage.
   
   We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a traditional Peking duck dinner (included).
   
   09:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel.
   

   Meals: D：IncludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
4. 4

   Day 4

   After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Seoul. Welcome to Korea! Transfer to your hotel and meeting with your guide.
   
   05:30 p.m. – In the late afternoon, we will begin our introduction to this fascinating country. With our guide, we will head to City Hall to see this tsunami-shaped building. We will also see Deoksugung Palace, located across from City Hall, beautifully illuminated at night, allowing us to appreciate the contrast between tradition and modernity in Korea. Afterwards, we will walk to the Myeongdong district, the largest shopping and entertainment area in Korea; its name means “bright tunnel.” Dinner included at a local restaurant. Return by Seoul’s modern subway (ticket included).
   
   08:30 p.m. – Return to the hotel with the guide.
   

   Meals: D：IncludedStay: Mercure ambassador hongdae(Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, Corea del Sur), Hilton garden inn seul gangnam(253, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Seoul

   08:30 am – Today we include an extensive sightseeing tour of approximately five hours in Seoul. We will visit Changdeokgung Palace (entrance included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a palace complex set within a large park. Afterwards, we will stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional historic neighborhood of small, well-preserved houses.
   We will then visit the War Memorial of Korea (entrance included), an impressive museum that illustrates the conflicts experienced by Korea throughout its history, especially the Korean War, in which soldiers from many countries participated under the United Nations.
   
   01:00 pm – Lunch included at a local restaurant.
   
   12:00 pm – We continue to the Gangnam District, one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of the city, home to numerous shopping malls and entertainment venues. To conclude the day, we stop at LOTTE WORLD TOWER, an impressive 550-meter-tall building, where you will have free time to go up to the tower (admission not included) or to stroll through its park or luxury shopping centers.
   
   04:30 pm – Return to the hotel and free time.
   
   Important note regarding Bukchon Hanok Village: Due to regulations established to protect the residential environment, our vehicle may only park in designated areas, and we will complete an approximate 900-meter walk to reach this historic neighborhood. For operational reasons, this visit may be replaced by Namsangol Hanok Village, also featuring traditional Korean architecture, ensuring the cultural content of the itinerary is maintained.
   

   Meals: L：IncludedStay: Mercure ambassador hongdae(Yanghwa-ro, 144 Mapo-gu, Seoul, Corea del Sur), Hilton garden inn seul gangnam(253, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Seoul - Suwon - Jeonju

   Total distance covered: 227 km
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive cultivated areas.
   
   08:30 AM – Hotel. Departure from the hotel.
   
   09:00 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace (entrance included). Arrival at this impressive palace with over 600 years of history, where we will attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony, if it is taking place.
   
   10:30 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace. Departure from Seoul heading south toward South Korea.
   
   11:30 AM – Suwon. Arrival in the former capital of Korea, known for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress walls. We will visit the walls and their fortifications, as well as the Hwaseong Haenggung Summer Palace (entrance included), notable for its traditional architecture. Lunch included at a local restaurant.
   
   01:40 PM – Suwon. Departure.
   
   04:00 PM – Jeonju. Arrival. With our guide, we will explore its fascinating historic center (Hanok Village), with its traditional houses, local shops, and art galleries. After the walk, free time.
   

   Meals: L：IncludedStay: Best western plus jeonju(41, Hyeonmu 1-gil, Wansan-gu Jeonju-Si,), Jeonju signature(838 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Corea del Sur)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Jeonju - Sunchang Gochujang Village - Damyang County – Haeinsa - Busan

   Total distance covered: 415 km
   Scenery: We travel through high mountains, enjoying especially beautiful landscapes in the Haeinsa area within the National Park.
   
   Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haeinsa Temple.
   
   08:00 AM – Jeonju. Departure.
   
   08:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Arrival. This traditional village is located at the foot of Amisan Mountain. With its hanok houses and courtyards filled with large earthenware jars known as hang-a-ri, it is home to expert gochujang (Korean chili paste) artisans who use traditional methods. We will enjoy a hands-on experience learning how this traditional sauce is prepared.
   
   09:40 AM – Sunchang Gochujang Village. Departure.
   
   10:00 AM – Damyang. Arrival. Visit to the Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (entrance included), whose paths are considered among the most beautiful in the country—ideal for peaceful walks and enjoying the cool breeze. We will find all kinds of bamboo-crafted products, and visit places such as the Bamboo Museum (entrance included), where this plant is studied and revered.
   Lunch included, featuring the local specialty of rice cooked and served inside a bamboo stalk.
   
   12:30 PM – Damyang. Departure.
   
   02:35 PM – Haeinsa Temple (entrance included). Amid impressive forest-covered mountain landscapes, we arrive at Haeinsa, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 802, it houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts, carved onto 80,000 wooden printing blocks.
   
   04:20 PM – Haeinsa. Departure.
   
   07:00 PM – Busan. Arrival in Korea’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay.
   

   Meals: L：IncludedStay: Ramada encore busan station(10 Jungang-daero 196beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, Corea del Sur), Asti busan station(7-8 Jungang-daero 214beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, Corea del Sur)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Busan - Haedong Yonggung - Busan - Fukuoka

   Total distance covered: 85 km
   Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the entrance of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
   
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Busan.
   09:15 a.m. – Arrival at Haedong Yonggungsa. Visit to this 14th-century Buddhist temple located on the coastal cliffs of Busan. Along the main access path to the temple, there is a row of stone statues representing the twelve figures of the Chinese zodiac, which, according to Eastern philosophy, are considered guardian deities.
   
   10:15 a.m. – Departure from Haedong Yonggungsa.
   11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, and city tour. We will visit the United Nations Memorial Cemetery (entrance included), where people from many different countries are buried. We will then head to the country’s largest fish market, located next to Nampo Port. Lunch included at a local restaurant.
   
   Afterwards, transfer to the airport to board the flight (included) from Busan to Fukuoka.
   
   08:00 p.m. – Welcome to Japan! Arrival, transfer to the hotel, and overnight stay.
   
   Notes: Arrival time is approximate and subject to the flight schedule. Checked baggage allowance is limited to one piece up to 20 kg (Air Busan and Tway airlines), even if your ticket specifies 15 kg. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.
   
   
   

   Meals: L：IncludedStay: Hilton seahawk (2 Chome-2-3 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, )
9. 9

   Day 9 — Fukuoka - Iwakuni - Itsukushima - Hiroshima

   Total distance covered: 290 km
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Fukuoka.
   
   11:30 a.m. – Arrival in Iwakuni, a small city where we’ll see its beautiful and historic Kintai-kyo Bridge.
   12:15 p.m. – We’ll continue our journey to Miyajima, taking a ferry to the island known as “where men and gods coexist.” There, we’ll visit the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas and built partially over the water. You’ll have time to visit the shrine, stroll through the charming town center, and enjoy lunch.
   4:00 p.m. – Departure from Miyajima.
   
   4:45 p.m. – Arrival in Hiroshima, a city sadly known for the atomic bombing it suffered in 1945, which completely destroyed it. We’ll take a walk through the Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and visit the impressive Peace Memorial Museum. Dinner included.
   
   Note: If the number of travelers is nine or fewer, the journey from Fukuoka to Hiroshima may be taken by high-speed train. In this case, the stop in Iwakuni will be skipped (you’ll be informed on your travel voucher), and the visit will start in Hiroshima before heading to Miyajima.
   
   
   
   

   Meals: D：IncludedStay: Ana crowne plaza hiroshima(Naka-Ku Naka-Machi 7-20, Hiroshima), Hilton hiroshima(11-12 Fujimicho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0043, Japón)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Hiroshima - Matsuyama

    Total distance covered: This stage will be completed by ferry, covering approximately 50 km.
    
    Scenery: Fascinating views onboard as we pass by a multitude of islands.
    
    Note: We recommend enjoying the journey from the deck; bring warm clothing.
    
    Today, we’ll board a ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant journey of just over two and a half hours that offers insight into Japan, a nation composed of many islands. If there are no schedule changes, our ferry will depart at 09:20 a.m. (departure from the hotel at 08:00 a.m.).
    
    12:00 p.m. – Matsuyama – arrival. We’ll take a cable car or chairlift to visit its impressive castle. Afterward, we’ll visit Ishiteji, a stunning Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. Lunch will be included.
    
    Later in the afternoon, we’ll include admission to Dogo Onsen, a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.
    
    Note: We highly recommend experiencing Japan’s Onsen culture. There are specific customs that will be explained to you, such as gender-separated baths and the requirement to thoroughly clean yourself before entering the hot water naked. Please be aware that some Onsen facilities may deny entry to individuals with tattoos.
    

    Meals: L：IncludedStay: Candeo hotel matsuyama(2 Chome-5-12 Okaido, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0004, Japón), Daiwa roynet matsuyama(2-6-5 Ichiban-cho, Matsuyama-shi, CP Ehime 790-0001 MATSUYAMA)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Matsuyama - Kotohira - Takamatsu - Naruto - Kobe

    Total distance covered: 345 km
    
    Scenery: Pleasant mountainous landscapes in some areas. Passage over large suspension bridges across the sea.
    
    Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
    
    07:30 a.m. – Departure from Matsuyama.
    10:00 a.m. – Kotohira. We’ll visit a Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, a pilgrimage site located on Mount Zozu, accessible by climbing 785 steps. For those who prefer not to climb, the base of the mountain offers a lively tourist area and a small sake museum (Japan’s traditional distilled beverage).
    
    12:00 p.m. – Departure from Kotohira.
    01:00 p.m. – Takamatsu. We’ll visit Ritsurin, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
    
    03:00 p.m. – Departure from Takamatsu.
    04:15 p.m. – Naruto. We’ll stop at an impressive bridge that crosses the sea. Here, we’ll explore its fascinating construction and walk on its glass floor to admire the stunning sea whirlpools (visible depending on the schedule and tides) from 45 meters above.
    
    05:15 p.m. – Departure from Naruto. Enjoy beautiful scenery as we cross large suspension bridges.
    07:00 p.m. – Kobe. A modern city by the sea, where you’ll have the chance to stroll through its lively downtown area.
    

    Meals: L：IncludedStay: Kobe meriken park oriental hotel(650-0042 Hy333;go Prefecture, Kobe), Candeo kobe torroad(3-8-8 Sannomiyacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021, Japón)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Kobe - Osaka - Mount Koya

    Total distance covered: 140 km.
    
    After breakfast, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a site dedicated to remembering the tragic earthquake that struck the city in 1995 and showcasing its remarkable reconstruction.
    
    10:30 a.m. - Departure from Kobe and continuation toward Osaka.
    11:15 a.m. – Osaka, Japan´s second-largest city. We’ll make a brief technical stop in Osaka only if required for the start or end of a tour for any passenger.
    
    11:30 p.m. - Departure from the city toward the sacred mountain of Koya, the most important center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. We’ll stop for lunch along the way. This magical pilgrimage site is home to 120 temples and monasteries. We’ll visit the Okuno Mausoleum, a deeply spiritual place and vast cemetery set in nature, with over 200,000 graves. We’ll also visit the Kongobuji Temple, built in 1593.
    
    We will spend the night in a Buddhist monastery. The monks will guide us through a Zen meditation practice (Ajikan). Dinner will be included (vegetarian meal). If you wish, you can also attend the religious ceremony at the temple before breakfast.
    
    Notes:
    -On certain dates, the visit to the Earthquake Museum may be replaced by a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower.
    -Staying at the monastery is considered a highly valuable experience. The rooms are simple, without private bathrooms, and follow traditional Japanese style with tatami mats. Bathrooms are shared.
    -We cannot guarantee the meditation practice during peak tourist dates. Since accommodation capacity in the temples on Mount Koya is limited, in some cases, we may accommodate groups in nearby hotels (with half board included).
    

    Meals: D：IncludedStay: Monasterio hojoin(156 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho,Wakayama Prefecture), Monasterio fukuchi in(657 Koyasan, Ito-gun, Koya-cho, Wakayama Prefecture)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Mount Koya - Kyoto

    Total distance covered: 130 km.
    
    We’ll begin the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple.
    
    07:15 a.m. - Departure for Kyoto.
    10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll spend the entire day exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and was the seat of the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its incredible artistic and cultural heritage. The famous Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed here in 1997.
    
    Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
    Note: If you have already visited Kyoto as part of your circuit, our guide will offer personalized advice and information for exploring other parts of the city on your own.
    
    
    

    Stay: Miyako kioto hachijyo(MINAMI WARD, NISHIKUHO INMACHI, 1), New miyako hotel(17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan)
14. 14

    Day 14 — Kyoto - Tokyo

    After breakfast, we’ll provide a transfer to the station to take the bullet train to Tokyo. We’ll arrive in Tokyo after covering nearly 500 km in just over two hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    Stay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
15. 15

    Day 15

    Important Note: In winter, for groups with fewer than five passengers, the city tour will be conducted using a “Hop-On Hop-Off” tourist bus. These buses follow routes covering Tokyo’s most iconic attractions, allowing you to disembark, explore points of interest, and reboard the next bus at your convenience.

    Meals: D：IncludedStay: Shinagawa prince hotel(10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku), Tokyo dome hotel(1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunky333;)
16. 16

    Day 16 — Tokyo

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

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