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First Things First: The 3 Golden Rules of a Two-Country Trip
Before you even look at a hotel or a single tourist spot, there are three big things you need to sort out. Getting these right from the start will save you a world of headaches later. Think of them as the foundation for your entire trip.
Golden Rule #1: Settle Your Visas Before Anything Else.
Japan Entry: Most Western passport holders (US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for up to 90 days. No advance application needed—just arrive with a passport valid for your entire stay.
China Entry: Europeans from select countries (France, Germany, Spain, and others) now get 15-30 days visa-free. Americans need to apply for a visa. Contact local travel agency Asia Odyssey Travel to get latest visa info's about Japan and China.
Golden Rule #2: Book "Open-Jaw" Flights.
This is the single biggest time and money-saving trick for a multi-country trip. An "open-jaw" (or "multi-city") ticket is when you fly into your first city and out of your last one.
For example, you would book a flight from your home airport to Beijing, and then a separate flight from Tokyo back home, all on one ticket. The Shanghai secret: enter through China's most international city. Flights between Shanghai and Osaka under $200, creating an efficient loop.
Golden Rule #3: Be Realistic About Pacing
These are huge countries with so much to see. It's tempting to try and cram everything in, but that's the fastest way to burn out. A good rule of thumb is to assume one full day of travel every time you switch major cities.
Plan for at least two full nights in each new location to give yourself at least one full day to explore. Slowing down is always a good idea.
Japan Itineraries 2025: 4 Days to 2 Weeks Japan Travel Itinerary
Visa-free Travel to China 2025 (Updated Dec.17, 2024)
Step 1: Best Time to Visit China and Japan: When to Go for the Best Weather & Prices
Your next big decision is choosing when to go. The season you pick will have a huge impact on the weather, the crowds, and your budget. There is no single "best" time; there is only the best time for you.
| Season | Vibe & Weather | Price & Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Comfortable. Japan is covered in cherry blossoms. | Expect the highest prices and biggest crowds. | Scenery seekers who don't mind crowds or high costs. |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Mild and clear. Stunning fall colors | Can be expensive, but generally a little less crowded than spring. | The most comfortable all-around travel experience. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot & Humid | Shoulder/Low Season | Budget-conscious travelers and festival lovers. |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cold & Quiet | Low Season, fewest crowds. | Travelers on a strict budget who want to avoid crowds. |
Best Time to Visit Japan & Worst Time to Visit Japan
59 China World Heritage Sites | China UNESCO List (Updated 2025)
Step 2: How Long Do You Really Need?
Now that you have a season in mind, you need to decide on the length of your trip. For first-timers, 14-16 days is optimal.
This breaks down to 7-8 days per country, allowing you to experience three cities in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, plus Osaka or Hiroshima) and 2-3 in China (Beijing and Shanghai, possibly Xi'an). You'll have breathing room for jet lag recovery, or simply an extra day when you fall in love with Kyoto's temples.
- The 10-Day Whirlwind Tour (The "Greatest Hits"): If you're short on time, you can still get an incredible taste of both countries. You can comfortably fit in a maximum of three cities, for example, starting in Beijing before flying to Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto.
- The 14- to 16-Day "Classic" Tour: This is the most popular and highly recommended trip length for first-time visitors, and for good reason. Two full weeks gives you enough time to see the major highlights without feeling completely rushed. You can comfortably fit in 2-3 cities each countries.
- The 3+ Week Deep Dive (The "Explorer"): If you have the luxury of more time, you can truly start to explore beyond the main tourist trail. With three weeks or more, you can comfortably visit five to seven cities.
China (7-8 Days): Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing
The Imperial Capital Block (Beijing, 3 Days): This is for the history lover in all of us. Walk in the footsteps of emperors in the magnificent Forbidden City, stand on the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China, and visit the serene Temple of Heaven.
The Ancient Army Block (Xi'an, 2 Days): Stand in awe before the thousands of life-sized soldiers of the Terracotta Army, one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. You can also cycle atop the ancient Ming Dynasty City Wall for incredible views.
The Futuristic Skyline Block (Shanghai, 2 Days): A dazzling display of modern China. Walk along the historic Bund for a view of the city's futuristic Pudong skyline, a forest of incredible skyscrapers.
Japan (7-8 Days): From Tokyo to Osaka
The Electric Metropolis Block (Tokyo, 3 Days): A thrilling dive into the future. Feel the energy of the world's busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing, get lost in the neon lights of Shinjuku, and discover a blend of modern and traditional at the historic Senso-ji Temple.
The Foodie Capital Block (Osaka, 2 Days): The kitchen of Japan. Dive into the incredible street food scene of Dotonbori, where neon signs reflect off a central canal, and visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
The Cultural Heart Block (Kyoto, 3-4 Days): This is the Japan of your imagination. Get lost in the thousands of iconic red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, find peace in the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and wander the historic Gion district, hoping for a glimpse of a geisha.
Japan Itineraries 2025: 4 Days to 2 Weeks Japan Travel Itinerary
Add-Destinations (For Longer Trips or Special Interests)
- Japan - The Mountain Escape Block (Hakone, 2 Days): A relaxing break in nature. Unwind in a traditional hot spring (onsen), take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi for views of Mount Fuji, and explore the beautiful open-air art museums.
- China - The Avatar Mountain Adventure (Zhangjiajie, 3-4 Days): Marvel at the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the mountains of 'Avatar,' ride the breathtaking Bailong Elevator up a sheer cliff face, and walk across the thrilling glass bridge suspended high above the Grand Canyon.
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Step 3: Recommended 16-18 Days China and Japan Itinerary for First Timer
This is where the real fun begins. Think of your itinerary like building with LEGOs. Below are the "blocks"—self-contained, multi-day city experiences. Your mission is to simply pick and choose the blocks that excite you the most to fill the trip length you decided on in the last step.
Itinerary 1: Classic Route for First Timer
The first option is a 16-Day Classic Cultural Journey. This route is perfect for history and art lovers, focusing on the most iconic cultural and urban landmarks.
It guides you through Japan's "Golden Route" (Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka) before heading to China's "Golden Triangle" (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai). A key feature is a day trip to the beautiful water town of Suzhou, famous for its classical gardens.
Day 1-2: Tokyo (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market)
Day 3: Mt. Fuji (Mount Fuji 5th Station, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Lake Kawaguchi)
Day 4-5: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge)
Day 7-8: Nara & Osaka (Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Osaka Castle Park, Dotombori)
Day 9: Shanghai (Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road, The Bund)
Day 10: Suzhou (Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Tiger Hill, Shantang Street)
Day 11-12: Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors & DIY, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanfu Experience, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City)
Day 13-16: Beijing (Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque,Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest & Water Cube, Temple of Heaven, Hutongs)
Itinerary 2: Classic Rote with Iconic Nature Wonder
Alternatively, the 18-Day Scenic Adventure Route blends city life with breathtaking nature. It covers the same must-see cities but replaces the cultural stop in Suzhou with an adventure to the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie. And the Japan's most beautiful Mt. Fuji view is included.
Day 1-2: Tokyo Tour (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market)
Day 3: Mt. Fuji (Arakurayama Sengen Park, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, Tenjo-san Park Cable Car or Lake Kawaguchi Cruise)
Day 4-5: Kyoto (Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Kiyomizudera Temple)
Day 6: Nara (Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park)
Day 7-8: Osaka (Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi-suji & Dotombori)
Day 9: Shanghai City Tour (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Road & The Bund)
Day 10-13: Zhangjiajie (Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake)
Day 14-15 Xian City Tour (Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter)
Day 16-18: Beijing City Tour (Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Glimpse of Bird's Nest & Water Cube)
Japan Itineraries 2025: 4 Days to 2 Weeks Japan Travel Itinerary
Step 4: How Much Does It Cost? Budgeting: From Backpacker to Mid-Range
How much should you save? A good rule of thumb is to budget by tier. For a budget trip (staying in hostels, eating cheap), plan for about $70-100 USD per day.
For a comfortable mid-range trip (staying in 3-star hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants), a budget of $150-250 USD per day is realistic. For luxury, plan for $300+ USD per day.
China is almost entirely cashless. You will need to set up a mobile payment app like Alipay or WeChat Pay to function, as cash is rarely used.
Japan, on the other hand, is still a very cash-heavy society. While hotels and big stores take cards, you will absolutely need yen for smaller restaurants, temple entrance fees, and local shops.
China Trip Cost: How to Enjoy China Travel $100 pppd
Step 5: How to Travel Between China and Japan
Flying is your best bet—it's fast, affordable, and reliable. Direct flights connect major cities like Tokyo-Shanghai (3 hours, $150-300), Osaka-Beijing (3.5 hours, $180-350), and Tokyo-Hong Kong (4.5 hours, $200-400).
The Shanghai-Osaka ferry still runs twice weekly (45 hours, $200-300) if you're not rushed and want a unique experience.
Ground Transport: Trains, Subways & Passes
Getting around in both countries is easy. High-speed trains in China are fast and modern, and Japan's Shinkansen is an iconic experience. A quick tip on the famous Japan Rail Pass: for a simple Tokyo-to-Kyoto trip, buying individual tickets is often cheaper than a 7-day pass.
How to Plan a Trip to Japan 2025: 10 Easy Steps (with Itinerary & Cost)
Discover Japan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
Explore Japan with Asia Odyssey Travel! We are a local travel company with an office in Tokyo. We are here to help you enjoy the best of Japan. We offer simple, fun, and real local tours.
Our Japan Tours at a Glance:
✅ Japan Tours: 60+ Best Tour Packages
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✅ Top Japan Destinations: Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Hakone · Mt Fuji · Nara · Hiroshima · Hokkaido
✅ Theme Tours: Family Tours · Cherry Blossom Tours · Autumn Tours · Golf Tours
Helpful Guides for Your Japan Trip:
Japan Travel Guide & Travel FAQs: All you need to know before you go.
Useful Advice: How to Plan · Best Time to Visit · Cherry Blossom · Things to Do · Beautiful Places · Temples · Food · Maps · Rainy Season
Contact us now and start planning your dream Japan tour.
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