14 Days China & Japan Itinerary
Embark on a 14-day cultural immersion across China and Japan, exploring ancient capitals, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. This trip balances iconic historical sites with modern urban experiences, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the heart of East Asia.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$3500
Best Time
Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
82
Daily Avg
$250/day
Cities
Beijing (3d), Xian (2d), Shanghai (2d), Tokyo (1d), Shanghai (2d), Tokyo (2d), Kyoto (2d)
Pace
Fast
Experience the rich tapestry of East Asian culture, contrasting the historical grandeur of China with the modern elegance and ancient traditions of Japan. This journey provides a diverse experience, from iconic landmarks to unique culinary adventures.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 1: Forbidden City (Exterior)
Modern Metropolis
Day 12: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue
Gardens & Temples
Day 7: Yu Garden
Culinary Delights
Day 2: Enjoy Peking Duck Dinner
Cultural Performances
e.g., Peking Opera (Beijing), Geisha District (Kyoto)
Shopping Experiences
Day 9: Nanjing Road Shopping
Tea Ceremony
Day 13: Participate in a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Bullet Train Ride
Day 4: High-Speed Train to Xian
Street Food Adventure
Day 1: Wangfujing Snack Street
Great Wall Visit
Day 2: Explore Mutianyu Great Wall
Nightlife
Day 11: Shinjuku Golden Gai
Peace Memorial
e.g., Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
China and Japan boast incredibly diverse and delicious culinary scenes. From regional specialties to refined traditional dishes, exploring the food is a central part of experiencing these countries. Be prepared for a journey of flavors, textures, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes
Soup dumplings filled with flavorful broth and meat. The burst of flavor when you bite into them is a must-try. Eat them carefully to avoid spills!
๐ Shanghai, dumpling restaurants, street food stalls
Crispy roasted duck skin served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. A classic dish with a rich history and satisfying textures.
๐ Specialty Peking Duck restaurants in Beijing
Spicy and flavorful tofu dish with ground meat in a fermented broad bean paste and chili oil sauce. A Sichuan specialty that packs a punch.
๐ Sichuan restaurants, street food stalls in Sichuan province
Noodle soup with various toppings like pork belly, seaweed, and a soft-boiled egg. Each region has its own unique style of ramen.
๐ Ramen shops (Ramen-ya) throughout Japan, especially in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Sapporo
Food Neighborhoods
Street food and tourist-friendly restaurants.
Street food, especially Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.
Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and retro atmosphere.
Traditional snacks and local specialties.
Vegetarian options are becoming more prevalent, especially in larger cities. However, be mindful of hidden ingredients like fish sauce or dashi (fish broth). Vegan options are less common but are growing. Halal food can be found in some areas, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations. If you have allergies, carry a card with translations of your allergies in Chinese and Japanese.
In China, it's polite to use chopsticks and share dishes. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl. In Japan, it's customary to say "Itadakimasu" before eating and "Gochisousama deshita" after. Slurping noodles is acceptable and even considered a sign of enjoyment. Avoid pointing with your chopsticks.
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year)
January/FebruaryMajor travel period; book accommodations and transportation well in advance.
Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami)
March/AprilPopular time to visit Japan; expect larger crowds at popular viewing spots.
Gion Matsuri
JulyOne of Japan's most famous festivals, held in Kyoto. Expect large crowds and limited accommodation.
๐ฃ๏ธInteresting Detours & Side Trips
- ๐Taxi or Airport Express Train to city center, then taxi/subway to hotel.$50
02:00 PM - Check-in to Hotel
Settle into your hotel near the city center. Consider hotels in Dongcheng or Xicheng district for easy access to attractions.
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- ๐ถSubway Line 1 to Tiananmen East or West station.FREE
03:00 PM - Tiananmen Square
Visit the world's largest public square. Witness the national flag raising/lowering ceremony (check times beforehand).
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalk from Tiananmen Square.FREE
05:00 PM - Forbidden City (Exterior)
Admire the grandeur of the Forbidden City from Tiananmen Square. Enter later in the trip.
Book on Klook - ๐ถWalk from Forbidden City or take subway line 1 to Wangfujing station$20
06:00 PM - Wangfujing Snack Street
Explore Wangfujing Snack Street and sample local Beijing snacks.
- ๐ถTaxi or subway to Da Dong location.$40
08:00 PM - Dinner at Da Dong
Enjoy a delicious Peking Duck dinner at Da Dong (book in advance).
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Dongcheng District
Close to major attractions like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
๐ Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
During spring and autumn, the weather is generally mild and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Expect occasional rain showers, especially in Shanghai and Kyoto.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer heat and winter cold.
Golden Week in Japan (late April-early May) and Chinese National Day (October 1-7) can lead to increased travel costs and crowds.
Getting Around
World-class public transport with punctual trains and buses
Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA
Get a Japan Rail Pass for multi-city travel. Trains stop around midnight.
Travel
250-600 USDAccommodation
50-120 USDFood
30-50 USDActivities
50-100 USDUtilize public transportation such as subways and buses, which are efficient and cost-effective.
Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or budget-friendly hotels outside the city center.
Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls for authentic and affordable meals.
- Learn basic Mandarin and Japanese phrases.
- Download translation apps and offline maps.
- Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi for convenient internet access.
- Be aware of cultural differences and etiquette.
- Carry cash, especially in smaller establishments.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes.
- Familiarize yourself with public transportation systems.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Universal adapter
- 3Portable charger
- 4Lightweight clothing layers
- 5Rain jacket or umbrella
China Visa (if required)
Apply well in advance (1-2 months minimum), as processing can be lengthy depending on your nationality.
Flights & Accommodation
Book 3-6 months ahead for peak seasons (e.g., cherry blossom, fall foliage) to secure preferred options and better prices.
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
Purchase before arriving in Japan if your itinerary involves extensive train travel, as it can offer significant savings. Exchange voucher upon arrival.
Popular Attraction Tickets (e.g., Ghibli Museum, Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disney, Shanghai Disney, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army)
Book several weeks to months in advance, especially for timed entry or limited capacity venues, as they sell out quickly.
High-Speed Rail Tickets (Shinkansen in Japan, Fuxing Hao/CRH in China)
Book a few days to a week ahead for popular routes, especially during holidays or for reserved seats.
Pocket WiFi/SIM Card
Arrange pickup or delivery of your connectivity solution prior to arrival for immediate access.
Travel Insurance
Essential for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Purchase before your trip.
Select Restaurant Reservations
For Michelin-starred restaurants, popular themed cafes, or specific dining experiences, book weeks to months ahead.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details โ such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options โ closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
๐ Airalo website or app
๐ Airport kiosks upon arrival (China/Japan)
๐ Online rental with airport pickup/delivery
๐ Holafly website
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Public WiFi can be found in some areas, but it may require registration or a local phone number. In China, using a VPN is recommended to access blocked websites and apps.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or pocket WiFi for reliable internet access. Download necessary apps and offline maps before your trip. Be aware that some websites and apps are blocked in China, so a VPN may be necessary. Check if your phone is unlocked before buying a local SIM card.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
100V
50/60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected โ tipping can be considered rude
Not expected
Not expected; leave a tip in an envelope if desired
Japan has a no-tipping culture. Excellent service is the standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
China and Japan are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas and follow local guidelines.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
119
119
English support available at #7119 (medical) and #9110 (police non-emergency)
Payments
Cash is still widely used, especially at small shops and rural areas
Accepted at major stores and hotels; less common at small restaurants
IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) widely accepted at convenience stores and transit
Carry cash โ many places are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to summer and winter. However, be mindful of Golden Week in Japan and Chinese National Day.
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