Senior-Friendly Japan & China Heritage Tour

Privatr transfer service between Kyoto and KIX airport.

Filled with over 1000 years of history and culture, Arashiyama used to be a place of Japanese aristocracy, and has remained a highly relevant destination while keeping its pristine natural beauty. In this half day walking tour, get to visit different important spots in Arashiyama, such as the Tenryuji Temple, recognized for its sprawling gardens and stunning views.Drop by the iconic Sagano Bamboo Forest and listen to the unique sounds of the wind before your last stop at the Togetsukyo Bridge.With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight.  Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.

.:

Sanjusangendo is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.    Measuring 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan's longest wooden structure.   The name Sanjusangendo (literally "33 intervals") derives from the number of intervals between the building's support columns, a traditional method of measuring the size of a building. 

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).  After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site.

Nishiki Market is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.

Japanese traditional culture performance（maiko, Kyogen, bugaku, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, ko:

garden gion kobu kaburenjo theater in the small theater, maiko in kyomai, including 

Kyogen (farce played during a noh cycle), bugaku, sado, kado sokyoku (koto music), bunraku and amongst others 

You can watch Japan's world-class traditional culture and performing arts in a one-hour digest.which offer a more comfortable viewing experience and come with a digital tablet that provides detailed information and translations throughout the performance.

Fushimi Inari Shrine/Red Torii Gates is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto.  It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings.  The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. Nara Park it is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer.  Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's over 1000 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure.   Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them, so make sure not to tease them with food.Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall).Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. In the case of Kasuga Taisha, however, the custom was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period.

Today, you will be accompanied with a tour guide to visit Hiroshima by one way bullet train and public transportation.

On this tour, Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome, the place of prayer for peace on this leisurely tour. * Hiroshima is the principal city of the Chugoku Region and home to over a million inhabitants. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park ( Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for it will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum the results of the bomb are explored through original photography, lifelike models, artists' impressions, recovered items and descriptive explanations. While the museum explores the pain of nuclear war, it does not shy away from Japan's own violent history, with an entire section dedicated to Japan's bloody campaign that cut a swath through Asia.

Today, you will be accompanied by a tour guide to visit Miyajima and then back to Osaka via Shinkasen (Bullet Train)

Miyajima Island, with its grand forests, temples and wild deer, make for a beloved tourist spot. In the day the deer mingle with the tourists and sleep along the walking paths in the evening. Unfortunately, unlike at Nara, the deer on Miyajima are not allowed to be fed.

The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima Jinja) is the source of both the island's fame and its name: Miyajima literally means "shrine island" in Japanese. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate, as the gate looks as if it floats when the tide comes in and the waters completely cover the ground.

The construction of Osaka Castle started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.

Shitennoji Temple:Shitennoji is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design.

Umeda Sky Building:The ultramodern Umeda Sky Building is a landmark of Osaka's Kita Ward. It sprouted up at the end of Japan's economic bubble in 1993. Head to the uniquely designed observation deck for a picture-perfect view of the expansive cityscape.

Shinsekai Streets&Tsutenkaku Tower:Paris was chosen as the model for Shinsekai's northern half, while the southern portion was built to imitate Coney Island in New York.   Tsutenkaku Tower was constructed in 1912 after Paris' Eiffel Tower.   Although it was scrapped during WWII, the tower was reconstructed soon afterwards in 1956.   The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters.   In addition, the tower offers an open-air deck on top of the main observatory and a 60 meter long slide at the base of the tower.

Privatr transfer service between Osaka and KIX airport.

Today you will fly to Beijing. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your adventure at the iconic Tian'anmen Square, where you'll stand in awe of its grandeur and significance in Chinese history. Then, step into the majestic Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, where our expert guides will regale you with captivating royal stories, bringing the ancient palace to life before your eyes.

Ascend to the scenic Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, offering a breathtaking perspective of its sprawling grandeur against the backdrop of Beijing's skyline.

Next, immerse yourselves in the charm of Beijing's traditional way of life as you wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the old Hutongs, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life.

Experience the captivating artistry of Beijing Opera Facial Makeup, as skilled performers demonstrate the intricate techniques behind this centuries-old art form.

During the tour, you will get the chance to indulge in a culinary delight with a sumptuous feast of Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude, a culinary institution renowned for its exquisite flavors and culinary mastery.

Venture to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you and your loved ones will ascend ancient stone steps and traverse winding pathways, marveling at the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.  At Mutianyu, you’ll take a scenic cable car ride up to the Wall and enjoy a fun toboggan ride down — a perfect mix of adventure and ease.  Explore watchtowers, guard stations, and historic landmarks, all while immersing yourselves in the rich history and legend of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterward, delve into the spiritual realm with a visit to the awe-inspiring Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture and a symbol of ancient Chinese cosmology. Engage in a Tai Chi experience amidst the serene surroundings of the temple grounds, guided by experienced instructors who will teach you the graceful movements and philosophy behind this ancient martial art.

Begin your tour with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Wander along the picturesque pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and ornate pavilions, and soak in the serene beauty of this royal retreat. Explore the palace's Long Corridor, famous for its exquisite painted decorations and the panoramic views it offers.

Continue to the shores of Kunming Lake, where you can take in the tranquil waters and scenic landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Ascend to the majestic Tower of Buddhist Incense, the highest building in the Summer Palace complex. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the palace grounds and the distant cityscape from this elevated vantage point. Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of this iconic structure.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. This beautiful temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Check out its ornate halls, intricate sculptures while learning more about its significance in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.

Today you will fly to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Embark on a private tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, renowned for its towering sandstone pillars and lush landscapes. Your adventure begins with a ride on the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, swiftly transporting you to the mountaintop. Explore the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where you'll encounter the First Bridge Under Heaven, a natural rock bridge connecting two peaks, and the Enchanting Terrace, offering panoramic views of the floating mountains that inspired the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. Continue to Tianzi Mountain, celebrated for its majestic peaks and sea of clouds, accessible via cable car. Throughout the journey, immerse yourself in the park's breathtaking scenery and unique geological formations.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a recently developed natural wonderland. It incorporates mountains, streams, caves, cliffs and forest. The world's longest & highest glass-bottomed bridge is located in this area. Walking along this glass bridge 300 meters above ground-level will be one of the coolest experiences of your tour!If you prefer not to walk on the bridge, we'll take another route to visit the area.Then drive to Baofeng Lake that is in a basin in the middle of this mountainous area. You need to walk about 20 minutes to reach the lake; then you'll enjoy a 30-minute ride in a wooden boat. It is a leisurely experience as you cruise on the clear water, view hills of various shapes, and enjoy the entertainment of local minority people singing their traditional songs.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.