This trip takes you to the core of Asian cultures in Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan, Beijing and Xi'an in China, plus a flamboyant outlook at Singapore before you kick back on the beach of Bali. Encounter with beautiful Geisha ladies and cute pandas, sample authentic sushi and hotpot, no need to think twice, just get under the spell of the real Asia!
Journey Route
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Customized Trip Planning
My experience with Alisa at Asia Highlights has been excellent. I wanted to customize my trip to South Korea and Japan. I made several changes and asked many questions which she answered promptly. My trip included only hotels and transportation because I wanted to explore on my own. This gave me the option to book my own tours if I want. I selected Asia Highlights because of the great reviews and booked because Alisa was helpful in planning my trip. More
JBC, Feb 2024
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Japan Tour
Alisa did a fantastic job, answering all my questions and catering to what I want for our upcoming Japan tour. The itinerary was so detailed! We are so excited for our trip! More
Theresa Beltran, Feb 2024
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The experience of working with Bert was…
The experience of working with Bert was amazing! Everything is clear! The route he introduced and planned for the travel in Japan was amazing! More
Polina Fedorina, Feb 2024
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Outstanding Agent
We haven't taken our trip to Japan yet with Asia Highlights, but I am so impressed by the thoroughness, communication skills, and attention to detail of their hard working agent, Claire Wong. I sent an inquiry to Asia Highlights and immediately I was given Claire as my agent. She designed a trip for my family that works for us and my communications with her via WhatsApp have been excellent. She always gets right back to me with answers and suggestions. Her English is perfect. Because of Claire, I have a very high regard for Asia Highlights, and I'm glad that I chose this company for our trip to Japan. More
Edwin Lowe, Feb 2024
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Japan Trip Planning
Although our travel plans will not materialize for another 2 months, we had the absolute pleasure of working with Bert Hu in putting our trip to Japan together. Bert was extremely professional in meeting our needs and tailoring a trip to our interests. Bert was also quite patient and helpful when we had to change a few details and add a couple days. I'm sure I'll have more wonderful things to say after our experience in Japan. More
John, Feb 2024
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Bert Hu knowledgeable travel adviser.
Hello! My trip adviser Bert Hu gave very clear instructions about the my travel plan to Japan. He is very knowledgeable and guided me step by step. I highly recommend Bert Hu as a personal travel adviser. Thank you for making my future trip easily accessible. More
Fatema Mohammedi, Feb 2024
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Awesome
Such a great company to help us find our next family trip. We have been working with Bert Hu he is very informative and helpful. Looking forward to continuing doing business and our travels to Japan. More
Shaunda, Feb 2024
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It is my first time in Japan
It is my first time in Japan, I am glad that i found Asian highlights especially meeting claire the travel agent! She is amazing. She is very helpful all through out the process, she respond quickly to all my inquiry. She made the process so smooth. During the trip, I have to praise the company for giving us amazing accomodations and the best tour guides. Claire made everything happened. There are few bumps and she solve it right away.She was honest about the things that she can not provide. It is my first time to ask for help from a travel agency , I am glad I found Asia highlights. If I will plan tour in the future I will definitely ask help for this company. I recommended this company to my family and friends! Thankyou once again. More power! Keep it up Claire! More
Cc, Jan 2024
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Claire has listened carefully
Claire has listened carefully to our ideas and has created a highly customized journey for us. She has been very responsive and has shown a deep knowledge of travel options in Japan. More
Michael Brandenburg, Jan 2024
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Sharon from Asia Highlights
I highly recommend Sharon and her tour guidance.She is very patient and utmost polite.I absolutely loved coordinating my iteniery with her although I was unable to travel to Japan this time.She is an absolute gem and I recommend her to make your Japanese holiday an extraordinary and hassle free experience. More
Tess Thomas, Jan 2024
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10 Day Family Vacation in Japan
We had the absolute best time in Japan! Jennifer was our wonderful tour guide in Tokyo and Ho was our amazing tour guide in Kyoto and Osaka. We can’t thank them both enough for making our 10 day sightseeing trip truly a trip of a lifetime!! More
Sabrina Wilmoth, Jan 2024
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Trip to Japan
Family trip to Japan. Excellent itinerary, allowed for seeing many different sights in multiple cities in Japan. The tour was well-paced with enough time to explore on our own in the evenings. Tour guides were knowledgeable, had great attitudes and were accommodating, willing to modify our plans to allow us to see other sights if we wanted to as well. The vans were large and comfortable for the longer drives and water was always provided. More
May, Nov 2023
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Fall in Japan
The local tour guides in each city were so friendly and knowledgeable. They took care of us like we were family. The accommodations and meals were exceptional. We would definitely use this tour company again for future travel needs. More
, Nov 2023
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Alisa Liu is a star to work makes Asia Highlights even better
Alisa Liu was my contact person for Asia Highlights. She was remarkably punctual, she was thoughtful, and she handle an emergency on my end, with grace and patience. She recommended great hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Japan that put us in the center of the action. The guides she choose were personable, punctual a knowledgeable about their cities. More
Brent Zadorozny, Oct 2023
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Excellent service
Started using Asia Highlights to plan my trip to Japan. Sharon was very helpful, giving me all the information I would need for the tour. I would definitely use Asia Highlights again, when planning another trip to Asia. More
Rachel Nelson, Oct 2023
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Japan tour
Our airport pick-up went very smoothly. Our guide, Vivian, on the second day was very nice, very accommodating, took into account our preferences. In Osaka, our trip to the castle was a very long walk with lots of steps to climb and quite honestly wasn’t very interesting. But Dotonburi is a must-see and we enjoyed that very much.Our trip to Hiroshima was very memorable. I highly recommend it. Our guide, Etsuko, was very knowledgeable and kind. The trip to Miyajima island, on the other hand, wasn’t too memorable. Our next city, Kyoto, is a truly wonderful place to visit. All the temples we went to were very interesting and very distinctive from each other (Kinkakuji temple, Nijo castle, Sanjusangendo temple,Kiyumizo temple, Fushimi Inari shrine, Kasuga Taisha shrine, Tojaidi temple). The sake tour was a downer and wouldn’t recommend it.Our guide, Ritsuko, was a darling. She was very knowledgeable too and kind and warm and easy to talk to. Our last tour in Tokyo was a rainy day and Sue, our guide, was able to change our tour to the next day. She was so efficient and so accommodating and so kind and very knowledgeable too. More
Mrs Cristina Hidalgo Loris, Oct 2023
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Very good tour of Japan
Very good tour around Japan for 10 days, including Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. Excellent guides and experiences. Albee, the tour organiser, was always available to sort out changes to itinerary or extra requests. More
Guy Slimmon, Oct 2023
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Everything is good
All of the hotels were wonderful and our guides were super friendly, knowledgeable and flexible. We had a 10 day trip that included multiple cities and lots of different sights, we squeezed in as much as we could, including a 2 day hiking trip to Mt. Fuji (our guide Sun Nan was awesome!). Our guide in Tokyo, Jennifer, was lovely and our guide for 2 days in Kyoto, Dennis, was also super great. We did a food tour in Osaka with Vivian which was nice Sallie Fujimoto-Swun More
Ideale Tran, Oct 2023
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Thank you for the wonderful experience…
Thank you for the wonderful experience we all truely enjoyed. From the beginning (making first contact with Sharon from Asia Highlights) to the end (Saying good bye to our amazing guide Lilly) the experience was top notch. Great communication while preparing the trip and excellent local knowledge of our tour guide. I can highly recommend Asia Highlights and would not hesitate to use them again for our next trip. More
Dany Gruosso, Oct 2023
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Vacations in Japan
The guides Jessie and Vivian were very kind and professionals and the drivers as well. In a future vacation we will get in touch with Asia Highlights without a doubt. More
Hilda Andrade, Oct 2023
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Tour Highlights
Walk in Shibuya just as what Scarlett Johansson did in her movie.
Ride on the Romance Car to visit Mt. Fuji and Shinkansen to Kyoto.
Delicate Japanese dinner with beautiful Geisha ladies in Kyoto.
Learn the hidden stories of the Forbidden City and scale the Great Wall with your footsteps.
Sip tea at a local teahouse and meet pandas before you all sweat up with a hotpot in Chengdu.
Go on a food hunt at Chinatown of Singapore with a local insider.
Enjoy the tranquillity of Nusa Dua Beach of Bali.
Suggested Itinerary
No matter when you come and how many times you've seen Japan, it is always hard to resist from its charms. Make your arrival in Tokyo today and you will be escorted to your hotel in a private car.
Entry flight and jetlag:
Tokyo has two international airports, Narita (about one hour from downtown Tokyo) and Haneda (about 40 minutes from downtown Tokyo). It is easy to find direct flights connected Tokyo with most major cities in western countries, with the flight duration up to 12 hours with no stop en route.
Since check-in time of the hotels in Japan is after 0200pm, we would suggest you take a flight that arrives between 0100pm and 0400pm, so that you won't meet traffic jam on the way from the airport to hotel and also you will have plenty of time to recover from jetlag.
Today you will step in some major sites in Tokyo such as Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Tsujiki Fish Market and a rickshaw ride in Asakusa taking in Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine.
Highlights of Today: Lost in Tokyo Shibuya Walking Tour
Take a 2-hour walking trip in the famous Shibuya Area with a local insider. Walk on the grounds of the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which is a stage for the movie "Lost in Translation" featuring Bill Murray and Scarlet Johnanson, Takashita Street, Harajuku Street and Cat Street.
Take a break at a Cat Cafe (or Maid Cafe based on your own interest) and your tour guide will teach you something about the Kawaii cultures (cute cultures). Wrap up the trip with a simple sushi dinner at Genki Sushi.
What makes it special for me?
- Not on the hot list: Get to the corners of the streets and a local sushi parlor where you meet more locals and few tourists.
- Interesting talk with an interesting person: Your tour guide, a local insider, sits you down with a cup of coffee and entertain you with amusing introduction of Japan's cute cultures.
Get on the Romance car to travel to Hakone, a famous destination not only for its Onsen (hot spring) but also for great views of Mt.Fuji, Japan's symbol.
Explore Mt.Fuji National Park and take a ropeway up Mt.Owakudani. Try out hot-spring-boiled eggs before you take a boat trip in Lake Ashinoko. At Hakone Tozan, be amazed by the world's one and only train that zig-zags up the mountain. Get back to Tokyo before night.
Make your own way to the train station and ride on Shinkansen. You will be in Kyoto within less than 2 and a half hours. Feel the speed!
Take a day tour in Kyoto to immerse yourself in her charm. Sites will include Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple, which are both in the outskirt of Kyoto. When you are back in Kyoto city, blend in with the locals at Nishiki Market before getting to Gion District for a special dinner with geisha ladies.
Highlight of Today: Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha (Maiko) Ladies
Despite of offering the same art perform as a mature Geisha, a Maiko is referred to a young lady in the training to become a Geisha officially. Tonight you will enjoy some elegant dancing and singing by a couple of Maiko ladies while your host prepares you with a Kaseiki Dinner.
What makes it special for me?
- Rarely-seen Maikos: No matter how Gion District sells itself as the place to meet Geisha ladies in their daily routine, it is highly unlikely to spot any Geisha in the streets nowadays. A private dinner cuts you from the common tourists and allows you a chance to learn about their lives and stories.
- Kaiseki Dinner: The very kind of special dinner that you deserve, even the serving proceedure is interesting to watch!
Take a short train ride to Uji, where you will attend a traditional tea ceremony at Nakamura Tokichi Honten for about one hour.
After a simple braekfast in Uji, get to Nara where you can see saki deers roaming freely, near the temples, in the woods and by the sidewalks. Visit Todaji Temple and Nara Deer Park. Get back to Kyoto before evening.
Highlight of Today: The Way of Tea
Japanese Tea Ceremony, also called Chado, literally meaning the way of tea, is an important art form and often presented in sophisticated social gatherings or serious events. Take the chance to be a part of it at the time-honored teahouse of Nakamura Tokichi Honten in Uji.
It begins with a brief introduction of the ceremony, including the meanings, tools, tea powders and etiquettes. Later, you will be taught how to grind tea powder; walk in a traditional Japanese garden to wash your hands and mouth; get inside a small private tea room for the ceremony. (Photo and video-taking are not allowed during the ceremony.)
What makes it special for me?
- A moment of peace: Take the first round of ceremony at 1100am before big crowd flushes into the teahouse and deprives you of tranquility.
- Back to the origin: Uji is wrought with history of tea and one of the most important tea produce bases in Japan; there is no better place to experience a traditional Chado than Uji.
- Exclusively for you: The experience is performed exclusively for up to 6 guests, perfect set for families or small groups looking for real experiences.
Transfer to Kansei International Airport in Osaka and fly to Beijing. Transfer to hotel and free at leisure.
Proudly China's capital for centuries, Beijing holds some fascinating stories just waiting for your attention. Today you will visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and get on a rickshaw into the Hutongs of Dongcheng District (about 20 to 40 minutes) with a chance to sample some "Baijiu" (Chinese sake, wine) at a local house.
Gear up for your visit at the Great Wall. After 1 1/2 hours of driving, you will reach the section of Mutianyu, a relatively less-crowded and more picturesque section of the wonder. A round-way cable car is included.
Visit Temple of Heaven when you are back in the afternoon. At the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner served at a famous local chain restaurant.
Take a flight to Xi'an.
After check-in and a short break, you will be picked up for a visit at the Muslim Quarter and then the Ancient City Wall, which stands in its best viewing time at sunset.
China's first emperor Qinshihuang has made his ambition for immortality very clear by building himself an army. Pay a visit at Terracotta Warriors and Horses.
How were these clay warriors made? How were them sized? And to be moved? Today you can have the answers by visiting a local workshop where life-size terracotta warriors are being brought out of the kiln.
Today's Highlight: How is it made?
Back in the days, there was no factory to make terracotta warriors. Every figure was hand-made in a life size by local farmers, craftmen and potters. Today, some farmers in Xianyang are still practicing the art.
They will teach you the process in details and you may have a chance to try moulding or painting. At the end of the visit, you will bring home a miniture terracotta warrior.
What makes it special for me?
- Close set: Not a common attraction but an Asia Highlights' exclusive site, only opens for your visit.
- Relive the history: Learn about every detail in making a terracotta warrior just in the same way back in history. Something to tell your friends back home or a reason to excite your kids.
Fly to Chengdu, home of pandas.
Get to Panda Breeding and Research Center before the lunchtime for these cute creatures. Learn about the breeding process and life circle of a panda.
Enjoy a hotpot lunch at noon (non-spicy option is available). Locals just love to have a cup of tea whenever they feel like it. Join them at Peole's Park. Fun to watch them doing Taichi, playing Mahjong and getting their ears picked.
Take an afternoon flight to Singapore.
Explore the enchanting city of Singapore, attractions will include Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay (with a 40min visit to the Flower Dome), Little India, Kampong Glam, Arab Stree and a boat trip from Clark Quay.
Take a special discovery tour at Chinatown to sample local cuisine.
Highlight of Today: More than Just Food
Hop on a MRT and your tour guide will lead you to Chinatown where you will try out 3 to 5 local dishes for lunch. Dishes will include rice cakes, poh piah (fresh spring roll), fried rice, Laksa, Hainan chicken rice and etc.
What makes it special for me?
- Local knowledge: Don't get fooled by some long waiting lines! Explore Chinatown with someone who knows where the food serves you best and the line runs shortest.
- Quick lunch in a special place: Leave the big meal at a fancy restaurant for your dinner if you plan to. Save some time by grabbing something quick yet delicious to eat at Chinatown.
- Food with cultures: Almost every vendor at Chinatown has their specialities and anecdotes, take them all into your plate!
Take a morning flight from Singapore to Bali and you will be escorted to your beach hotel in Nusa Dua.
Enjoy your days in Bali!
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
Hotel with view of Nijo Castle in Kyoto
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Hotel with convenient location in Beijing
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Superb hotel for leisure in Xi'an
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Hotel with Tibetan elements in Chengdu
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Unique hotel with fine location in Singapore
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Nice hotel with private beach in Bali
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Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-16
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
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Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
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