14-Day Beijing, Shanghai, Kyoto, Tokyo Couples Itinerary

Indulge in Beijing's most iconic dish. Peking Roasted Duck, known for its crispy skin and tender meat, is served with thin pancakes and savory condiments. Qianmen area is a good spot for established restaurants serving this classic.

Head to Ghost Street (Guijie), famous for its vibrant night scene and diverse eateries. Here, you can enjoy Yangrou Chuan, succulent lamb skewers grilled over charcoal, seasoned heavily with cumin and chili, a beloved Beijing street food.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Wonton soup, a classic Chinese dumpling dish, in the town near Mutianyu before heading back to the city.

Savor some Baozi, steamed buns filled with various ingredients like meat or vegetables, at a local eatery in the lively Sanlitun district.

Experience a true Beijing staple, Chao Gan. This hearty stew, thickened with starch and flavored with garlic, features pork liver and intestines. It is a robust and authentic local meal, often enjoyed without a spoon for a real local touch.

Try Douzhi, a unique fermented mung bean drink known for its sour, earthy taste. Pair it with Jiaoquan, crispy fried dough rings, for a classic local breakfast that can also be a unique dinner experience.

Savor Aiwowo, a sweet, steamed glutinous rice ball dessert. It comes with fillings like red bean paste or sesame, offering a soft, chewy texture. Huguosi Street is a perfect spot for traditional Beijing snacks.

Enjoy Youtiao, a popular savory breakfast item, for a lighter dinner. These crispy, deep-fried dough sticks are perfect for a casual meal in the bustling Chaoyang district.

Try Shengjianbao, pan-fried buns with a crispy bottom and juicy pork filling. Approach them carefully; the soup inside is hot.

Savor delicate soup dumplings, Xiaolongbao, filled with savory pork and hot broth. Take care as you nibble a corner to slurp the soup before enjoying the rest of the dumpling.

Enjoy a simple yet comforting bowl of Yangchun Mian, or 'Spring Noodle'. This classic Shanghainese dish features plain noodles in a clear, light broth, perfect for a warming evening meal.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Wonton Soup. These delicate, thin-skinned dumplings filled with savory pork are a Shanghai staple, served in a light, clear broth.

End your day with a sweet treat. Tangyuan, glutinous rice balls typically filled with black sesame or peanut, are a traditional dessert, symbolizing family reunion.

Enjoy yakitori in Gion, where small izakayas grill premium local chicken and seasonal vegetables over binchotan charcoal. Each smoky, tender skewer offers a simple yet flavorful taste.

Enjoy delicate Kyoto tofu, served in a simple hot pot that highlights its pure flavor. This is a calming, deeply satisfying meal, especially after the morning's activities.

Savor fresh sushi in downtown Kyoto. Being inland, Kyoto historically focused on cured or freshwater fish, but today offers excellent quality with local ingredients and elegant presentation.

Enjoy a selection of vegetable tempura, lightly battered and fried. This dish showcases seasonal produce with a delicate crispness, a perfect light yet satisfying lunch.

Indulge in a rich, creamy bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen. This pork-bone broth ramen is a hearty, deeply savory dish, perfect after a day of exploration. The Kyoto Station area has many excellent ramen shops.

Savor delicate yuba, a Kyoto specialty made from simmering soy milk. Enjoy it fresh, deep-fried, or in various other dishes, showcasing the city's refined culinary traditions.

Dine on a traditional Washoku Teishoku, a balanced set meal with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and various small vegetable dishes. It's a true taste of local Japanese home cooking.

Before departing, enjoy a light, refreshing meal of Zaru Soba. These chilled buckwheat noodles are served with a savory dipping sauce and offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Experience Unagi, freshwater eel steamed then grilled with a sweet soy-based tare sauce, served over rice. Kanto-style eel is particularly tender and flaky due to the steaming process, making for a truly delicate flavor.

Savor a rich, creamy bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen. This classic pork-bone broth is simmered for hours, offering deep flavor with chewy noodles and tender chashu pork, perfect for a satisfying mid-day meal.

Enjoy a lighter dinner with a spread of Vegetable Tempura. Fresh seasonal vegetables, lightly battered and fried to a perfect crisp, are served with a delicate dashi dipping sauce. It is a refined culinary experience.

Try Tsukemen, a delicious style of ramen where noodles are served separately from a rich, concentrated dipping broth. Dip your thick, chewy noodles into the savory broth, often infused with seafood or pork, for a satisfying meal.