Beijing and Tokyo tour

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 1 – BEIJING ARRIVAL

Welcome to the Capital of China- Beijing!
Once you arrive our guide will take you to your hotel and will assist you with sightseeing for the next couple of days. Beijing has always been one of the most vibrant and energetic capital cities of the world. Although it is the 3rd most populous city of the world, the level of excitement and the cultural significance it holds, attract thousands of tourists every year. Beijing was brought back in the public eye after it marvelously and brilliantly hosted the 2008 Olympic Games in the city.
The capital has always held a historical significance among people because of its beautifully architecture edifices and its intricate handiwork in these structures that date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Emperor Yongle was the one who envisioned and commissioned the construction of the Forbidden City, that made Beijing stand out in the world cultural map.
Since we have to bear in mind the 72 hour tight schedule, you will be able to visit Temple of Heaven which is quite famous for its delicate and striking architecture that imbibe early Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. It is known to be a place where Emperors would try and forge the link between the Sky and Earth through sacrificial rites based on the origin of this ancient civilization.
You will stay overnight in Beijing on Day 1.
Beijing Airport- Beijing City (approx. 30 kms): 40 mins

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 2 – BEIJING (B)

Get mesmerised by the beauty of Beijing
An interesting fact about most Chinese buildings is that they face south! This was considered auspicious as well as signified a possible incursion and barbarian danger from the north. This is the reason why the entrance of the Forbidden City faces south towards Tiananmen Square, the third major city square in the world.
The construction of the Forbidden City was completed in 1420 under the able leadership of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. Until the fall in 1911, it served as the Imperial administrative centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties respectively. Legend has it that the Forbidden City is made up of 9999 rooms for its 14 emperors and is considered to be the largest olden palatial structures in the world.
Usually a walk through the forbidden city could consume several hours, however to simply the route it is divided into 3 parts:
We will take you on a beautiful walk around the Beihai lake, which is a famous spot for young couples to stroll or relax and take lovely romantic boat trips. We will then move on to the more lively and energetic Houhai Lake which is surrounded by Hutongs. Hutongs are famous Beijing passageways that are home to many traditional courtyard style homes. Today many of these have been converted to walking streets that boast of fascinating little bars and restaurants.
Our quaint walk will then lead us to the Drum Tower. Here you can be a part of a display of how the passing of each hour was marked with a drum roll during the reign of the Ming dynasty. The top of the drum tower gives you a splendid view of other hutongs and the clock tower that is opposite to the drum tower.
Optional: You can choose to end your day by indulging in an appetizing dinner on a roof terrace overlooking conventional Chinese courtyard style housing also known as Siheyuan.
Overnight stay in Beijing

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 3 – BEIJING(B)

Walk down the cultural and historical lane today!
The Great Wall of China is considered to be one of the finest architectural masterpieces of the world. The Wall stretches for 6000kms towards the west starting from ancient Manchuria to the fort at Jianyuguan that is at the edge of the Gobi Desert. The Gobi desert is considered to be one of the most intimidating environments where notorious criminals were banished in ancient China. One of the finest symbols of China, The Great Wall of China was earlier built as a defence mechanism during the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago and was later unified, restored and built to be the Wall that we know today, under the Ming Dynasty.
The long walk across the Great Wall can be quite tiresome and so to make it fun and exciting one can enjoy a ride in the cable car or children can indulge in a toboggan ride down. If time permits, then you can also enjoy a short picnic on the Great Wall whilst enjoying its rustic and scenic beauty all around.
Once you are back in Beijing, you will be taken for a visit to the Summer Palace. As the name suggests, the Summer Palace used to be a summer retreat for emperors to escape from the stifling heat of the Forbidden City. The Palace is beautifully designed with intricate architecture and interior work that is a harmonious representation of the wondrous Chinese culture. Under the leadership of Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century, this simple imperial garden was completely transformed into the structure that we know today. It consists of beautiful temple pavilions, pagodas, lakes and gardens. The key features of the summer palace gardens are the Marble Boat, the Long Corridor, Kunming Lake, Seventeen- Arch Bridge and Longevity Hill.
After a fulfilling day of visiting gorgeous monuments and structures you will be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight at Beijing
Distance and journey time:
Beijing city– Mutianyu Great Wall (approx. 75km): approx 2 hours
Mutianyu Great Wall – Summer Palace (approx. 75 km): 1hr 45mins
Summer Palace – Beijing city (approx. 22 km): 40 mins

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 4 – BEIJING / TOKYO (B)

A mix of both the capitals Beijing/Tokyo await you today
We will proceed to the heart of the capitals art scene- 798 art district located in Dashanzi in the north east of the city, just outside 4th ring road. 798 has a number of abandoned factories that were renovated during the 90s by local Chinese artists in a style that is similar to the one in Berlin. Locally known as 798, this particular site has become a hub of artistic escapades for Beijing’s most famous modern-day artists, making it possibly the most vibrant art district in Asia. Following the footsteps of the famous artist, Ai Weiwei, who held his first exhibition in this art district, many artists since then showcased their masterpieces here. Initially 798 was quite influenced by the Maoist era however over a period of time the collection of art here has become more diverse. Dashanzi has become more popular over the years with quaint cafes, restaurant and exquisite boutiques harbouring fashionable designs of fashion designers from China. One can enjoy either window-shopping or pick up some good souvenirs of home-ware pieces, clothes and pottery and simply enjoy a lovely stroll through the narrow passages of the district.
To make your time more useful it is advisable to check out upcoming exhibitions on their website- www.798space.com.
Once finished, you will be taking to the airport directly from the art district for a flight to Tokyo.
Overnight in Tokyo
Distances and journey time:
Beijing city– 798 Art district (approx. 15km): 20 min
798 Art district – Beijing airport (approx. 15km): 20 min
Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo City (95 km): 1 hr 30 min
Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo City (25 km): 50 min

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 5 – TOKYO (B)

Welcome to the sprawling capital of Japan- Tokyo!
Over the years Tokyo has become famous for its fast paced life, energetic ambience and neon lit streets. Although all this holds true, however, today we will take a step back and enjoy the more traditional and quainter side of this beautiful city.
Your day will begin with a lesson in the ancient form of martial art called Aikido. This particular art is known to blend religious principles with philosophy perfectly. This form of martial art teaches you to make use of the opponent’s strength and core to your advantage, thus making it an absolute must to learn.
From here we move onto the learning the Japanese form of calligraphy called Shuji. Japanese pictographs also called Kanji may look like a bunch of doodles to the untrained eye, however each stroke has a proper way to start and end. It is delicately written so as to make the pictograph meaningful and cannot be hurried into without concentration.
Since actions speak louder than words (on a positive note) it is time to move on to see the sword museum in Shibuya. The world famous Japanese Katana swords are considered to deadly killing piece of equipment and every Samurai (traditional Japanese wrestlers or fighters) will be seen carrying them.
Post lunch you will head to the sake brewery, a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink. Here you will be introduced to the different types of sake, the method of preparation and of course how best it is to be consumed!
Next we will proceed to the shopping and eating hub of Tokyo, Ginza, where you will be able to stroll through an old shogunate garden and get to taste a cup of matcha.
We will end our day with a visit to the epitome of pop culture, Akihabara, where you can visit many anime and toy stores

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 6 – TOKYO (B)

Visit majestic structures of Tokyo today!
Today your guide will take you to visit many striking sites of Tokyo. You will begin your day with a stroll through Hama-Rikyu Teien, a former private garden of an Edo period lord. While walking around the park’s lake you can take a seat back, take a break and witness a pleasing traditional tea ceremony.
After this you will proceed on a boat cruise along the Sumida River, where you will see this glamorous city from a different angle.
Next stop will be at Tokyo’s old town or Shitamachi, Asukusa. Asukusa is where the oldest Buddhist temple of Tokyo is located- Sensoji Temple. Surprisingly this is also the oldest Geisha district. You can take a walk through the lanes near Sensoji and admire the beautiful Japanese traditional art and craft.
From here you will proceed to Omotesando, often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees. This beautiful tree lined avenue is home to many fashion houses and flagship stores boasting of latest couture, designed by internationally acclaimed architects.
Towards the end of the day you will have the time to explore Tokyo’s most famous Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji.
Note: The order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of your hotel.

Beijing and Tokyo tour: DAY 7 – TOKYO DEPARTURE (B)
We bid a final adieu to Tokyo!
Depending on the time of your flight, you will have the day at your leisure and will be then taken by shuttle bus to Narita International Airport, Or Haneda International Airport included in your tour package.
Distances and journey time:
Tokyo City to Narita International Airport (NRT) (95 km): 1 hr 30 mins
Tokyo City to Haneda International Airport (HND) (25 km): 50 mins

Beijing and Tokyo tour – Our Services Include:
Accommodation in selected hotels
Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
English speaking guide without shopping (for other languages supplements apply)
Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees for mentioned visits

Beijing and Tokyo tour – Our Services Do Not Include:
Other meals not mentioned
Visa of China
Other services than mentioned
International and domestic Flights
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
Tips, Travel insurance
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.

Beijing and Tokyo tour – Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Multi-country tour to your individual specifications.