Japan and China by bullet train
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Japan and China by bullet train – An exciting journey of absolutely fabulous monuments and attractions of Japan and China by bullet train awaits you. This tantalizing two week tour by the bullet trains of the two countries makes it an experience worth exploring at least once in your lifetime. Travellers can explore the marvels of China, both ancient and modern, from the Terracotta Warriors to Shanghais Bund, Birds Nest stadium to the Great Wall by journeying on ultra modern and high speed rail networks of the country. From China, the tourists will then proceed to Japan where they will be taken through the fascinating ancient city of Kyoto to the vibrant and energetic capital Tokyo, on their high powered and super fast bullet train Shinkansen.
A pulsating time awaits you at both the countries to be explored through the speed of the bullet trains! -
Japan and China by bullet train – DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN BEIJING
On your arrival you will be greeted by our Guide and will be taken to your Hotel to get refreshed.
Welcome to Beijing! The capital city garnered world attention by fabulously hosting the 2008 Olympic Games and has since been one of the most visited cities of the world. The Metropolis has some fascinating modern architectures that are a true delight to observe.
On your delightful ride to the hotel you will notice “Birds Nest”, a modern stadium and an absolute architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.
You can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and have a splendid night in Beijing.
***Service Included***
Full day tour with an English speaking local guide and a driver
Distance and time of Journey:
Beijing Airport- Beijing City (approx. 30 Kms)- 40 minsJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 2 – BEIJING (B,L)
Although the day will begin early, however you will soon forget the hassle once you enter Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The Chinese prefer to begin their day early with some amount of physical exercises that help them remain fit; a long drawn tradition that has been followed since early times. You can observe people practicing Kung Fu, Tai Qi, Meditation, Sabre practice, gymnastics and tango. In some parts you can also see people practicing calligraphy on the parks flagstones with giant brushes and water, as water gets evaporated, not leaving any mark on the stones. Next you will notice the temple itself and regale in its simplicity. The hidden symbolism indicates beliefs that are considered to be followed much before Taoism and Buddhism came into existence. According to the symbols, the Emperor was considered the supreme authority that was sent down by God himself to deliver his work and formed a link between Heaven and Earth.
From here you would then proceed to the Forbidden City.
The historic significance of Forbidden City has been a point of wonder for many historians and tourists alike. Built under the proficient leadership of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City has 9999 rooms. The main entrance of the city faces South because of the beliefs on ancient times of the barbaric threat and possible invasion from the North. The city’s main entrance faces Tiananmen Square, the 3rd largest city square in the world.
You will then proceed to climb the famous Coal Hill that is situated at the back of the Forbidden City. This hill provides a magnificent view of the entire square as well as lets you take hold of the beautiful layout of Beijing City.
Today you will end your day with an invigorating change of setting and decor in the Wangfujing neighbourhood that is home to the most commercial area of the capital- Wangfujing road. Next to this you can experience an exciting time at one of the night markets of the city- Donghuamen Market.
You will spend the night in Beijing.
***Service Included***
Full Day tour with an English speaking local guide and driverJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 3 – BEIJING (B,L)
The Great Wall of China is one of the seven wonders of the modern world currently. The beauty and magnificence of this monumental structure dates back to the Qin Dynasty, whose reign was prevalent almost 2000 years ago. This marvellous structure is almost 6000 kms long and was built as a defence mechanism by Ming Dynasty to ward of invaders from the North. The wall as we know it today was restored and rebuilt during the Ming dynasty and stands wonderfully tall and grand even today. The wall extends from the ancient Manchuria to Fort Jiayuguan in the west, where the Gobi desert begins. This is considered as the most hostile environment and notorious criminals were banished to this part of the country.
Early in the morning you will depart from your hotel to enjoy a visit in the Mutianyu part of the Wall. You can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and click some amazing photographs with the rising sun in the background. If you are feeling too tired to take the hike down the wall you can optionally ride in the Toboggan downward. Besides this you can also enjoy a short picnic on the Wall and admire its ruggedness and natural beauty.
From here you will return to Beijing City and go on a quaint visit of the Summer Palace. This beautiful yet delicately conserved garden is one of the most prominent monuments of the city. It was completely remodelled during the reign of Emperor Qinglong during the 18th century. In the ancient days, the members of the Imperial court would flee the scorching summer heat of the Forbidden City and escape in the harmonious and soothing environs of the Summer Palace. This beautiful garden consists of a variety of pavilions, temples, Marble boat, long corridor, 17-Arch Bridge, Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, etc. that are considered as the cornerstones of this marvellous site. You can then proceed back to your hotel.
Optional: If you do not want to directly proceed to your hotel, you can enjoy a gorgeous evening of Kung Fu at the Red Theatre. The Red Theatre was earlier known as Chongwen Workers Cultural Palace Theatre. Over the years, the theatre has been renovated and now showcases various dramatics and traditional Chinese performances such as “The legend of Kung Fu”
Spend the night at the hotel in Beijing.
***Service included***
Full Day tour with English Speaking Local Guide and driver
Distance and journey time:
Beijing city– Mutianyu Great Wall (approx. 75km): approx 2 hours
Mutianyu Great Wall – Summer Palace (approx. 75 km): 1h45
Summer Palace – Beijing city (approx. 22 km): 40 minJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 4 – BEIJING – XI’AN (B,D)
Today you will begin your day by visiting the narrow passageways and streets of Beijing called Hutongs near Houhai Lake. From here you will proceed to visit the Gulou, the Drum Tower where the city marked hours of the day with the holler of the drums during the Ming Dynasty. The tower presents a spectacular view of ancient Beijing from the Bell Tower, Zhonglou.
You will then be taken to the train station where you would take your high speed train to Beijing (around 4:30 hours)
Expected time of arrival: Around 6:30 pm
Special Notes: The Chinese bullet trains do not have a separate luggage compartment and hence you will have a restriction on the luggage you carry as you a private limited space is provided on the train itself.
– Some of the train stations do not have porters and here the luggage will have to be carried by the passengers themselves as sometimes guides are not allowed on the platform. The train terminals in China can be huge and tiring so kindly be prepared accordingly.
– For group travellers, please book a separate luggage truck as an option because at times we cannot accommodate the luggage along with the travellers in the car. At times we have faced certain challenging situations from our Latin American clients travelling with big baggage.
You will be welcomed at the station by our local guide in Xi’an and taken to your hotel.
You are now in the Shaanxi province that is considered to be the birth place of Chinese civilization. The capital of the Empire three times, Xi’an played an important role in crafting the history of the country. The city was famous for exporting silk and other products to various countries. During the reign of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, the city was home to more than a million people making it the most populated city in the world at one time.
You will spend the night in Xi’an
***Service included***
Half day tour with English Speaking Local Guide and driver in Beijing and transfer with local English speaking guide in Xi’anJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 5 – XI’AN (B,D)
You will begin your day with a visit to the famous Terracotta warriors located in the outskirts of Xi’an. This prestigious site was discovered accidently by the farmers ploughing the fields and has today become one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time! The thousands of warriors are all lined up in battle formation here.
Qin Shi Huangdi feared the malevolent spirits and had built a mausoleum for each one his soldiers, archers and infantrymen to protect him in the Afterlife. Many historians are of the opinion that the ruler wanted to rule the world from the Afterlife as well.
The statues you view are concentrated in 3 pits. You will begin your tour from pit number 2 that is still being excavated and will proceed to pit number 3 that houses most of the artefacts. The last stop will be pit number 1 that holds more than 2000 warriors. There is a small museum that has 2 chariots on display found in 1980 along with other artefacts.
After this you will proceed to take a walk on the city walls that were built during the Ming dynasty. Optionally you can test a single or tandem bike for something which is a little snazzy.
On a different note, Xi’an was a multicultural city that has traces of it even today. During the Silk Road days, Muslim traders from Central Asia travelled to China to do business and left their imprints here. China is home to many Muslim minorities out of which the Hui minority is most predominant in Xi’an. You will also get an opportunity to visit the Chinese-styled Mosques along with the vibrant neighbourhood around it that has men and women dressed in traditional attire. At dinner you can appreciate the different ambience of a night market where you can treat taste buds to scrumptious specialities of flat bread, spiced lamb kebabs and mutton soup with noodles.
You will spend the night in Xi’an.
***Service included***
Full Day tour with English Speaking Local Guide and driver
Distance and journey time:
Xi’an city – Terracotta army (approx. 45km): 50 minsJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 6 – XI’AN – SHANGHAI (B)
You will be transported to the airport with a visit to the Tomb of Emperor Jing on the way.
The rule of Emperor Jing (118 – 141 BC) was in complete contrast to Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s rule. The latter practiced cruelty and spent more on military transactions while the former practiced humanism and garnered a vision of building diplomatic relations with other countries. The tomb was opened for public viewing in 2006 and houses many figurines of domestic animals, eunuchs and servers and presents a normal day life under the Han dynasty rather than the military like appearance as seen in Qin Shi Huangdis tomb. You will be taken on a walk on a glass panel built on top of different pits where you can observe the recently discovered statuettes. The contrast between the two sites makes it worth visiting. From here you will fly to Shanghai where you guide will transport you to the city on your arrival.
Welcome to the economic powerhouse of China-Shanghai! This city holds great historical significance in the Chinese history as it was the 1st city to become colonised by the west during the 18th century and then became the first seat of the Communist Party.
You will be welcomed to the city with a difference where your guide will take you to the city on Maglev- an electro-magnet train and the pride of the Shanghainese. The Municipal government paid for its construction from the airport to the city to make the visitors stand in awe at this masterpiece. The train can travel at an immense speed of 430 kms per hour and it takes only 8 minutes to travel a distance of 30 kms.
You will then further continue your entrance into the city in a subway at Longyang station (the terminal for Maglev) until Lugiazui station in Pudong district. On a lighter note, you will be free of your baggage at the airport itself as it will be picked up and transferred directly to the hotel. Until the recent past, Pudong district was just a marsh that was home to farmers and many water buffaloes. Today it stands tall with skyscrapers donning the cityscape and is an important business centre in Asia. Stroll in Pudong district.
***Service included***
Transfer and visit to Han Yangling with English Speaking Local Guide and driver in Xi’an and half day tour in Shanghai
Distance and journey time:
Xi’an city – Han Yangling tomb (approx. 27km): 40 min
Han Yangling tomb – Xi’an airport (approx. 30km): 25 min
Shanghai Pudong airport – Shanghai city (approx. 45km): 1h
OR
Shanghai Hongqiao airport – Shanghai city – (approx. 15km): 30 minJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 7 – SHANGHAI (B)
You will begin your day by going to the People’s Square. From here you will proceed to one of the most prestigious museums of Asia- The Shanghai Museum. Here the collection of bronze statues on the first floor is unparalleled, and is balanced by Qing Dynasty furniture as well as a number of jade pieces of artwork, Buddhist sculptures and other pieces of Chinese artwork. The audio guides offer an absolutely worthwhile time to explore the museum.
The charming People’s Park offers visitors a pleasant place to sit back and relax at the heart of the People’s Square. The park has a small lake, a number of food stands and countless places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The area is covered by a number of cafés and restaurants. You will then proceed to explore the famous Nanjing Road with its colourful signs and crowd of locals and tourists corresponding perfectly with the image of a modern Asian capital.
Next you will notice the Bund, the city’s famous walkway, along some of Puxi’s historical buildings. The area dates back to the 1930s, Shanghai’s rich culture and European influence.
You will be transferred back to hotel from here.
Option: Enjoy the evening with shows like “ERA” that has become one of the most popular evening entertainments in the city. It has been showcasing for the past 6 years and still holds a lot of importance amongst the locals. ERA is a multimedia odyssey inspired by a strong combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology.
You will spend the night in Shanghai
***Service included***
Full Day tour with English Speaking Local Guide and driverJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 8 – SHANGHAI (B)
Today you will head to French Concession where you can take a stroll through Fuxing Park where you can witness the Chinese practice their morning routine through physical exercises. Probably the most delightful sight is that of the Tango dancers dancing to the tune that reverberates through the park. You will then be taken on a short tour of admirable old colonial homes now converted to restaurants, boutiques and cafes. Shanghai had earned itself a name of being the vice capital of the world because during the colonial times the French Concession was prohibited for the police and was known for people looking for a good time, opium traffickers, mafia, prostitutes and gangsters.
You will not continue your tour on to Xintiandi, considered as one of the most energetic parts of the city. You will end your walk at Tianzifang that is home to many small art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Your walk will finally terminate in the Old Town, which has mostly been rebuilt but still has some of its old Lilongs (similar to Hutongs of Beijing) alive with the chatter of the Shanghainese. The Old Town is also home to the famous Yu Yuan Gardens, a superb example of Chinese garden landscaping, common in this region. Traditionally Chinese gardens are a miniature reproduction of nature: the presence of rocks represents mountains; ponds represent lakes and running water represents rivers. The quest for harmony takes precedence over the rigorous geometrical planning that you would see in most Western gardens. Their shape is therefore never rectangular, encouraging visitors to wander around with only their thoughts and no definite aim.
Optional: You can meet a Chinese gardener who will talk to you about his art and notably about penjing (bonsai) trees.
Visit the local bazaar where you can get to see the local artefacts and also pick up a few souvenirs. Optionally you can rest at Huxingting tea house opposite to Yu Yuan Park and is very famous in China.
Stay the night at Shanghai.
***Service included***
Full Day tour with English Speaking Local Guide and driver
Distance and journey time:
Shanghai city – Shanghai Pudong airport (approx. 45km): 1h
OR
Shanghai city – Shanghai Hongqiao airport (approx. 15km): 30 minJapan and China by bullet train: DAY 9 – SHANGHAI – OSAKA – KYOTO (B)
Connect from Shanghai to Osaka to Kyoto
Today you will be taken by air to Osaka where you will be welcomed by our tour guide who will take you to your hotel by either a train or shuttle bus (1.15 hrs by train and 1.30 hrs by bus). Rest of the day you will have at your leisure and spend the night at Kyoto.
***Service included***
Airport transfer in Shanghai + Meet & Greet service at the airport in Osaka
Public transfer (train or shuttle bus) from KIX to KYOTO and taxi to hotelJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 10 – KYOTO (B,L)
Today will be a fully guided tour of the city.
Start exploring the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, travelling in Kyoto’s comprehensive bus system, to visit some of Kyoto’s majestic World Heritage Sites.
You will begin your day with a visit to Nijo Castle.
This attractive castle was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence and is enclosed with beautiful gardens. The main building completed construction in 1603, and is famous for its Momoyama architecture with ‘chirping’ nightingale floors and decorated sliding doors.
Continue to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion that was earlier built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. Post his death it became a Buddhist Temple, at his request, and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.The final stop of the morning is Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex. It consists of a main temple and 22 sub-temples. You will visit Daisen-in sub temple, which was established in 1464 and has one of Japan’s best Zen rock gardens, an apt spot for Zazen meditation after a busy morning.
After lunch, you will visit Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple. You can enjoy an amazing view of the whole of Kyoto from the 13mtr high veranda protruding out from the Main Hall. An amazing fact is that both the Main Hall and Veranda were built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners.
Bring the day to an end with a stroll through Higashiyama district, whose busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with attractive shops selling souvenirs including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles.
Spend the night in Kyoto.
***Service included***
Full Day tour with English Speaking Local Guide
Public transfer (mostly bus) and entrance fees
Japan and China by bullet train- Day 11Japan and China by bullet train – DAY 11 – KYOTO – TOKYO (B)
Enjoy a journey from Kyoto to Tokyo
Today you will enjoy a ride to Japans’ capital city- Tokyo in their superfast bullet train (time to travel is 2hrs 30mins approx.)
Here you will be welcomed by our tour guide and taken to your hotel where you can have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Spend the night at Tokyo
***Service included***
English speaking guide at Tokyo station
Taxi transferJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 12 – TOKYO(B,L)
Welcome to Tokyo- the vibrant capital of Japan!
You will spend the entire day visiting some of the many highlights that Tokyo has to offer with the help of a local guide travelling in the public train and metro.
First stop will be close to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine, dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji. This shrine is a popular site for Japanese Weddings and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a bride and groom dressed in traditional Shinto wedding attire.
From here we take a walk down Omotesando, old to new Tokyo, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees. This broad, tree lined avenue features a innumerable fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects located close to each other.
A short subway ride will then take you to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s old town also called Shitamachi. Asakusa is home to the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. One can explore or buy souvenirs from the shops on the streets around Sensoji.
Note: The order of this itinerary may change according to the location of your hotel.
Spend the night in Tokyo
***Service included***
Full Day tour with English speaking local guide
Public transfer (metro and train) and entrance fees
A short subway ride will then take us to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.
Note: The order of this itinerary may change according to the location of your hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo***Service included***
Full Day tour with English Speaking Local Guide
Public transfer (metro and train) and entrance feesJapan and China by bullet train – DAY 13 – TOKYO(B)
Another exciting day in Tokyo!
Today you can spend the day as you want exploring this magnificent city.
To give you a head start you can mix it with Otaku (anime fans) and by visiting cafes in the electronic district of Akihabara. You can also wander around Tokyo’s world class museums and art galleries in Ueno and Roppongi or get a glimpse of the future at Tokyo Bay’s Odaiba development.
You can take a break from Tokyo’s frenzied pace and take a short excursion on the outskirts of Tokyo to the delightful seaside town of Kamakura.
One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a home to many medieval temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha. Located just 1 hour by train from Tokyo, Tokyoites flock to the beaches here in the summertime.
Overnight stay in Tokyo
Japan and China by bullet train – DAY 14 – DEPARTURE TOKYO(B)
Your scheduled departure will take place as per your flight schedule. Till then you will have the day at your leisure where you can indulge in different things if time permits. You will be transferred to Narita International Airport by either bus or train (approx. 1hr 30 mins by bus or train from Tokyo)
***Service included***
Public transfer (shuttle bus or train) -
Japan and China by bullet train – TOUR DURATION: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Japan and China by bullet train – TOUR OPERATES: Available Upon Request
Japan and China by bullet train – TOUR PRICE: Year Round / On Demand
Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.Japan and China by bullet train – Our Services Include:
High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an and Maglev airport train in Shanghai (on arrival or departure)
English speaking local guide (for other languages supplements apply) in China
Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle in China
Entrance fees for mentioned visits
Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast
Airport Meet and Greet and return airport transfers
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Entrance fees as mentioned in the program
PASMO Tokyo transport pass at a value of 1500 JPY
1 day metro/bus pass Kyoto
Transport from Kyoto to Tokyo by train in ordinary class
Meet and greet at Tokyo station and taxi transfer to hotel in Tokyo
English speaking guide full day in Kyoto Day11(for other languages supplements apply)
English speaking guide full day in Tokyo Day13(for other languages supplements apply)
Information Pack in JapanJapan and China by bullet train – Our services do not include:
International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
Meals other than mentioned above.
Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc.).
Travel insurance (please see below)
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
Tips, Travel insurance
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions aboveJapan and China by bullet train – 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.
