China, Hong Kong and Japan by train

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Tokyo
• 1 night Hakone
• 2 nights Takayama
• 3 nights Kyoto
• 3 nights Beijing
• 2 nights Shanghai
• 3 nights Hong Kong

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive Tokyo        

On arrival in Tokyo, you’ll make your own way into the city, checking into your hotel for three nights. 

Included: 4* hotel 

Days 3 & 4: Tokyo   

You have two days to explore Tokyo, and your time is sure to fly by. Why not start in Tsukiji Outer Market, which is always bustling, as visitors and locals come to enjoy delicious food and shop for traditional ingredients? It’s a great spot to grab a snack before heading over to the 400-year-old Zojoji Temple. Sitting next to the Tokyo Tower, the temple is a great place to get a glimpse of Japan’s ancient history and modern architecture side by side.

You can also enjoy a bowl of ramen for lunch before spending the afternoon discovering the serene beauty of Hie Shrine, a quiet haven in the bustling district of Akasaka. Statues of mythical creatures guard the shrine, which sits at the top of several escalators (a modern addition!). The shrine is famous for the 90 bright red tori gates that divide the human world and the spirit world, as well as being a doorway to a place where the gods can hear our prayers. It’s an extraordinary place to visit, so take your time.    

Included: 4* hotel 

Day 5: Train to Hakone 

This morning you’ll head to the station to hop on the train to Hakone, in the foothills of Mt Fuji. From you can spend the day exploring the national park at your leisure, whether you head up on the funicular train or cruise across Lake Ashi. Mount Fuji can be spotted depending on the weather and you can enjoy getting out of the city and into the fresh air of the mountains and forests of Japan. 

Included: Japan 7 day railpass, 4* hotel

Day 6: Train to Takayama      

Today you’ll travel to Takayama, a small city nestled in the mountains. First, you’ll take the bullet train, and then climb aboard the Wide View express train, which offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in Japan. In Takayama, you’ll be staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn furnished with low tables and chairs and sliding shoji doors. Take a step back in time as you sleep on tatami mats and relax in the 'onsen' (hot springs). Dinner is included tonight and will consist of traditional & delicious Japanese fare. 

Included: Japan 7 day railpass, dinner, Local Japanese style ryokan

Day 7: Takayama    

You can spend your day exploring Takayama. Two rivers run through the town, so why not take a stroll along the riverbank under the cherry trees to admire the Nakabashi Bridge. We also recommend wandering through the old town, where the streets are lined with breweries and food stalls. Don’t miss a visit to one of the towns many ‘sake’ (rice wine) breweries for a taste of the tipple before you spend your second night at the traditional Japanese ryokan. 

Included: Breakfast, Japan 7 day railpass, dinner, Local Japanese style ryokan

Day 8: Train to Kyoto     

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to the station to catch the train to Kyoto. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for three nights and head straight out to explore the city.     

Included: Breakfast, Japan 7 day railpass, 4* hotel 

Days 9 & 10: Kyoto   

You have two full days to explore Kyoto, a key cultural hub of Japan. Why not start with a visit to Nijo Castle, originally built in the 1600s as a private villa for a powerful lord? The intricate sliding doors and “chirping nightingale” floors are an incredible example of Momoyama architecture, making it a must-see when visiting Kyoto. Ryoan-ji Temple has a beautiful rock garden that is great to explore, while Kinkaku-ji Temple is home to a stunning golden pavilion covered in handmade gold leaves.

On your second day your could use your rail pass to take a day trip to Nara. For 74 years in the 8^th century, Nara was the capital of Japan, so it’s home to several shrines and temples of historical importance. Nara Park is the famous focal point of the town, with dozens of tame deer grazing the grassland. Nara is also home to the Todaiji Temple, a vast wooden building that houses Japan’s largest Buddha - Kasuga Taisha.

Included: Japan 7 day railpass, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Fly to Beijing

Today is yours to spend at leisure until you hop on the train to Osaka Airport for your flight to China. When you arrive in Beijing, you’ll be met by your guide and taken to your hotel, where you’ll check in for three nights.

Included: Breakfast, international flight, 3* hotel, transfers

Day 12: Great Wall of China

Today you’ll visit the Great Wall of China, one of the most famous landmarks in the world, with your very own private guide. Stretching over 6,000 km, you’ll visit a small but impressive section of the wall, either walking or taking the cable car up to the top. If there’s enough time, you’ll have a picnic on the wall, enjoying the rugged scenery of the ivy-covered stone surrounding you.

Back in Beijing, you’ll head for the Summer Palace. Once a simple imperial garden, it was transformed into one of the capital’s major sites during the 18^th century. During this time, the court decided to relocate each summer, escaping the heat of the Forbidden City. You’ll walk amongst the lakes and pagodas, enjoying the serene gardens and spectacular views.

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel, private touring with entrance fees             

Day 13: Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

After breakfast, you’ll head out on a tour of the Temple of Heaven, with clean, simple architecture and symbolism that reflects ancient Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Next, you’ll explore the Forbidden City, built in 1420 and, as legend has it, home to 9,999 different rooms.

After exploring the compound, you’ll climb the artificial coal hill behind the Forbidden City for a spectacular view over the whole of Beijing – it’s a magnificent sight. In the evening you can enjoy the city at your own pace. We recommend ordering the famous Beijing duck at a local restaurant.

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel, private touring with entrance fees             

Day 14: Train to Shanghai 

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the station to catch the train to Shanghai. After 5 hours, you’ll arrive in sleek Shanghai, where your local guide will welcome you and take you to check in at your hotel.

Together, you’ll take an evening stroll along the Bund, the city’s famous walkway from the 1930s, before exploring the signs and sounds of Nanjing Road.

Next, you’ll explore the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel that will take you over to the Pudong district, full of skyscrapers and new businesses. You’ll end your walk in the Lujiazui, where you can see the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai Tower, offering panoramic views of the city from the 118th floor.

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel, private touring, second class train ticket  

Day 15: Shanghai

Today your guide will take you on a city tour, starting in the Shanghai Museum. The ancient Chinese bronze collection has no equivalent in the world, and the Qing dynasty jade is stunning. Next, you’ll explore the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre before walking through the Old Town, where the locals chat in the narrow side streets. You’ll take a tea break at the Huxinting Teahouse before meeting a gardener, who will teach you about the art of Bonsai plants in the famous Yu Garden.

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel, private touring with entrance fees             

Day 16: Train to Hong Kong          

This morning, your guide will take you to Fuxing Park, where you can watch dozens of local people practising their ritual of morning exercise. Next, you’ll explore the French Concession, where colonial buildings have recently been transformed into classy restaurants and boutiques.

Afterwards, you’ll head to Tianzfang, where you can get lost in a maze of alleyway full of small galleries and bars. In the evening, you’ll be driven to the train station, where you’ll board the overnight train in a hard sleeper cabin to Hong Kong. The journey lasts 19 hours.

Included: Breakfast, private touring with entrance fees, hard berth overnight train ticket

Day 17: Hong Kong 

This morning, you’ll wake up in Hong Kong, a frenetic mixture of bright lights and blue harbours. Once you’ve checked into your hotel and freshened up, you’ll set off to explore with your guide. First, you’ll visit the Avenue of Stars in Kowloon, Hong Kong’s answer to LA’s ‘Walk of Fame’.

Next, you’ll take the Star Ferry across to Hong Kong Island and ride the tram to Victoria Peak for stunning views over the harbour. As an extra treat, why not have afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel, a classic Hong Kong pastime?

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel, private touring with entrance fees

Day 18: Hong Kong

Today is free for you to explore Hong Kong at your own pace. Why not head to Stanley, on the other side of the island, where you can enjoy the open space of the harbour and the beach? It’s easy to get to Stanley by bus from Central, and it’s a great chance to discover the quiet, more natural side of Hong Kong.

Back in the city, grab some cash and head to Temple Street Market in Kowloon. It’s a treasure trove of authentic (and not-so-authentic) souvenirs.

Included: Breakfast, 3* hotel     

Day 19: Depart Hong Kong

This morning, you can relax before your guide arrives to take you to the airport for your flight home.

Included: International flight, transfers

Day 20: Arrive UK