China & Japan Highlights

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), surcharges may apply
• One way international flight (economy class) from Shanghai to Tokyo

• 5 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation in China
• 5 nights of 3-star hotel accommodation in Japan

• Enjoy daily breakfast

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes & surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles

• All airport transfers

• Stay Behind: Return up to 60 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary. (Paid on tour)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today you’ll depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Shanghai, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Suzhou.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).

Overnight: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar, Suzhou

Meals included: In-Flight

Suzhou has a history dating back to 514 BC and is often referred to as ‘Venice of the East’. Visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before stopping by a silk spinning factory as China is renowned for its exquisite silk.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive approximately 40 kilometres to Wuxi and visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu. This is where you’ll find lush greenery, scenic walking paths and charming bridges so make time to admire the peaceful views as you spot locals cycling around the lake, fishing and boating along the water.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included, paid on tour) to view life along China’s ancient waterway. See online Important Information for pricing.

Overnight: Mingdu Hotel or similar, Wuxi

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll gain an insight into China’s enormous manufacturing and production capabilities by visiting a Pearl Factory to learn about freshwater pearls, a key export commodity with great cultural significance since the Han dynasty.

Afterwards, you’ll drive approximately 200 kilometres to Hangzhou, then check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Hangzhou is considered one of the tea capitals of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Today, make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village, located in the hinterland of West Lake Park, considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, learn how to make Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves.

Afterwards, enjoy a short boat ride on the UNESCO listed West Lake to marvel at the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow-draped islands.

Drive approximately 175 kilometres to Shanghai to visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses. You’ll discover that Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River with modern mega-high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Optional Activity: ERA & The Intersection of Time
Tonight you could take part in an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show, “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar (not included, paid on tour). See online Important Information for pricing.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll have the chance to step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai. In the afternoon, enjoy free time at leisure or join an optional activity (not included, paid on tour).

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden which is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. Not included, paid on tour. See online Important Information for pricing.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional night cruise on the Huangpu River (not included, paid on tour). See online Important Information for pricing.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, transfer to Shanghai Airport for your flight to Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tokyo.

Please note: A meal may not be included in this short 2 hour flight.

Overnight: Hotel Mystays Tachikawa or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, discover Tokyo’s must-see landmarks on an introductory morning tour.

First, visit the stunning Meiji Shrine - a Shinto religious site dedicated to the Imperial Family in 1926. Walk among the serene gardens surrounding the shrine as you listen to more details about its importance from your guide. Then visit the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this calm green oasis covers an impressive 1.15 km² in the central Chiyoda Ward.

The tour will end at around lunchtime, then explore this amazing city this afternoon at your own leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Mystays Tachikawa or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Tokyo and drive to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station. Located 2300 metres above sea level, Mt Fuji’s 5th Station offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes area below, making it a popular spot even for those who do not intend on climbing the mountain, as it features shrines, torii gates and souvenir shops.

Afterwards, continue to Lake Kawaguchiko, nearby in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, to admire the scenery as you enjoy a short cruise across the lake. The waters are overlooked by surrounding mountains, including Mt Fuji and Mt Komagatake.

Arrive in Aichi Prefecture this afternoon, check into the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Route-Inn Grantia Komaki or similar, Aichi Region

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, visit Kiyomizudera Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan, added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1994. Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 metres above the hillside.

Then proceed to Kyoto city centre for some free time to explore the ancient capital, or take the opportunity to join an optional tour of Kyoto (not included). We will leave Kyoto at around 17:00 to travel onwards to Osaka.

Optional Activity: Kyoto Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
The tour includes a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto that has gold leaf-covered floors on the top two floors.

The last stop of the tour is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s top sights and for a good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. Not included, paid on tour. See online Important Information for pricing.

Please note: Due to the Osaka Expo which will be running from April to October 2025, TripADeal is unable to guarantee central accommodation in Osaka. This means you may stay on the outskirts of Osaka or in nearby cities such as Kobe, Nara or Kyoto. Touring and sightseeing within the Osaka Region may need to also be adjusted to accommodate previously unannounced road closures or events related to Osaka Expo during this period.

Overnight: Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome or similar, Osaka

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, relax at the hotel, explore Osaka at your leisure or take an optional tour of Hiroshima (not included, paid on tour).

Optional Activity: Hiroshima Day Trip
This morning transfer to Shin-Osaka train station, where your bullet train awaits. Climb aboard and marvel at the train’s incredible velocity during a 2-hour ride to Hiroshima. On arrival, continue the journey to Miyajimaguchi by coach or train, then board a boat to the majestic Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima or Divine Island. A landmass hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. Disembark and discover the natural and cultural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Island for 45 minutes with your guide. See the shimmering Itsukushima Shrine, then revitalise with a delicious lunch in a local eatery (not included).

Re-board the boat and return to Hiroshima to reflect on the region’s history. Take a moment of contemplation at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a historical site near where the atomic bomb exploded. See exhibitions that articulate the destruction the bomb caused and marvel at the city’s regenerative recovery. Finally, board a bus to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a skeletal structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Return to the train station for the exhilarating return journey to Osaka on the bullet train, where the tour concludes. Not included, paid on tour. See online Important Information for pricing.

Please note: Due to the Osaka Expo which will be running from April to October 2025, TripADeal is unable to guarantee central accommodation in Osaka. This means you may stay on the outskirts of Osaka or in nearby cities such as Kobe, Nara or Kyoto. In the event your accommodation is outside of central Osaka, enjoy a day at leisure to explore the local area or make your own way to central Osaka.

Overnight: Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome or similar, Osaka

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your homebound flights after an unforgettable trip visiting China and Japan.

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 11:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
By placing a booking with us, you acknowledge the following important information:
• we act as your booking agent; TripADeal is a booking services provider, and curates the Travel Offers available on our website. We act as your booking agent, and we receive payment for the Booking Services as part of the booking price, however, we do not provide any of the Travel Services (flights, accommodation, tours or other products or services) included in your booking – the Travel Services are provided by a number of third party Travel Suppliers.
• each booking is unique; our Travel Offers are made up of a variety of different components and are, during the booking process, uniquely tailored to suit your requirements, for example, departure dates and ports, flight and room upgrades, tour inclusions, etc.
• changes/modifications to your booking may not be possible; once your booking has been made, changes or modifications may not be possible, and where possible, may incur a fee. It is important to ensure that the information you provide during the booking process is accurate and up to date, and that you read the Travel Offer carefully before placing your order.
• Travel Offers are a package; our Travel Offers have been curated into package offerings and must be used as a package – individual components cannot be used independently of the full package offering.
• our Travel Offers are generally non-refundable; in order to provide great value Travel Offers, we work with a variety of Travel Suppliers to find the best deals – this often means the Travel Suppliers’ offerings are non-refundable to ensure the best price. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as you make a booking with us.
To read more about our Cancellation and Refund Policy, please click here.

General Terms and Conditions
By placing your booking with us, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cancellation Policy.

This Travel Offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 1st November 2025.

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

This Travel Offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 

Departure Dates & Surcharges
See checkout for live dates and availability.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $950 applies.
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Child Policy
• Strictly valid for adults 18 years old and over.

Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth, *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth: $500 per person
Auckland: $600 per person

International Flight(s)
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.

Preferred Airline Surcharge
Not available.

Arrive Early and Stay Behind Options
Arrive Early
Not available. 
Stay Behind
Osaka, Japan - From $300 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later than 60 days, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 15th June 2025 and 5th September 2025
• 20th September 2025 - 15th October 2025
• After the 30th November 2025

Stopover Packages
Not available.

Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Missed Flights
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Accommodation Used:
4-Star Properties (Self-Rated):
Suzhou: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar
Wuxi: Mingdu Hotel or similar
Hangzhou: Fubang International Hotel or similar
Shanghai: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar

3-Star Properties (Self-Rated):
Tokyo: Hotel Mystays Tachikawa or similar
Aichi Region: Route-Inn Grantia Komaki or similar
Osaka: Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights
Not available.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.

Triple Share
Not available.

Bedding Configuration
Twin or double (subject to availability).

• Suzhou: Grand Canal Cruise - 220 RMB.
• Shanghai: ERA and The Intersection of Time - 390 RMB.
• Shanghai: Half-Day Shanghai Tour - 240 RMB.
• Shanghai: Huangpu River Night Cruise - 280 RMB.
• Kyoto Half-Day Sightseeing Tour - ¥5,500 JPY
• Osaka: Hiroshima Day Tour - approximately ¥50,000 JPY

Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified. 
• Some tours or shore excursions require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Expected gratuities/tipping in China of $12 AUD per person per day
• Highly recommended gratuities/tipping in Japan of $10 AUD per person per day
• Optional activities/tours
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation
• Mandatory city tax

China
Tipping is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore highly recommended. The expected tipping amount is $12 AUD or 60 RMB per person per day. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a common practice in China and a gesture of appreciation which is shared amongst the local guides, drivers and other staff members who have serviced your tour. The tipping amount can be paid in AUD or RMB to your expert tour guide in each region. As most tour guides in China consider tipping a part of their income, please don’t feel intimidated should the tour guides approach you as they bid you farewell.

Japan
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is AUD $10 per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour.

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide:
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.

Tour Leader:
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined.

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Tokyo, Japan
May: 14–23°C (57–73°F) | Moderate rainfall | Pleasant, mild
June: 18–26°C (64–79°F) | Rainy season begins | High humidity
October: 15–23°C (59–73°F) | Some rain, mild | Autumn colors start
November: 9–17°C (48–63°F) | Mostly dry | Peak autumn foliage

Shanghai, China
May: 17–26°C (63–79°F) | Warm, humid | Occasional rain
June: 21–29°C (70–84°F) | Rainy season (Meiyu) | Possible typhoons
October: 15–23°C (59–73°F) | Dry, pleasant | Start of autumn
November: 9–17°C (48–63°F) | Cool, drier | Crisp autumn air

Weather
We always suggest referring to an online source for the most up-to-date weather information for your destination/s.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR
Meals:
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements.

Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility:
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:
Adventure (and spontaneity) create some of the best travel memories. Bear in mind, your home schedules and timings might not be adhered to on tour - it's all part of the fun!

A moderate level of fitness will be required.
Expect a moderate pace of touring with a focus on guided tours that may include full days with extended activity, guided city tours or nature walks. You will require a general level of fitness for unassisted navigation of stairs and inclines, longer distances with possible periods of standing when visiting sites, walking on sloping, uneven ground or elevations. You will be responsible for your own luggage and have the ability to board all modes of transport without assistance. Please note: Many areas may be inaccessible to wheelchairs or mobility scooters, where the unassisted use of personal walking sticks and other aids may be required. Although some assistance may be available, every traveller should be self-reliant during all aspects of their travel.

Please note: It is expected that every traveller must be self-reliant and able to undertake all aspects of their own travel. Please speak to your booking agent about your personal circumstances and any assistance requirements to ensure this tour is right for you.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Sightseeing:
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping:
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts.
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

Japan
A tourist visa is not required for Australian or New Zealand citizens visiting Japan for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities.

China
The Chinese Government has announced that Australian and New Zealand citizens will now qualify for Visa-free travel to China. This will commence from the 1st of July 2024 and apply for stays up to 30 days in China. Eligibility criteria will apply. Please consult Smart Traveller and your nearest Chinese consulate for up-to-date eligibility criteria and information.

Important:
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules are subject to change. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination/s you are visiting once you receive your travel documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a Travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.