15 days in Japan & China Itinerary

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.

Go for a jaunt from Tokyo to Maihama to see Tokyo DisneySea about 30 minutes away. There's still lots to do: get great views at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, ponder the world of politics at Imperial Palace, get your game on at Owl cafe Akiba Fukurou, and examine the collection at Edo-Tokyo Museum.

For other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Tokyo online travel route planner .

Brussels, Belgium to Tokyo is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time (CET) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 8 hours. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Brussels in July; daily highs in Tokyo reach 36°C and lows reach 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can travel to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Osaka: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (in Higashiyama), Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji & Gion) and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (in Fushimi). Next up on the itinerary: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, take a stroll through Dotonbori, and step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle.

To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Osaka trip planner.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Osaka in 3.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In July, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Shanghai.

With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Tue): admire the striking features of 1933 Old Millfun, take in panoramic vistas at Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu), then take in panoramic vistas at Shanghai World Financial Center, then take in the pleasant sights at The Bund (Wai Tan), and finally shop like a local with Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road). On the next day, examine the collection at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), then appreciate the history behind Jade Buddha Temple, then take a stroll through Maoming Road, and finally admire the natural beauty at Yu Garden (Yuyuan).

For where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Shanghai online tour itinerary planner .

Traveling by flight from Osaka to Shanghai takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Osaka to Shanghai due to the time zone difference. July in Shanghai sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 30°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can travel to Hong Kong.

Witness the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong, an impressive urban territory on the southern coast of China.

Hong Kong is known for shopping, theme parks, parks, nature, and zoos & aquariums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: find something for the whole family at Hong Kong Disneyland, head off the coast to Lantau island, take an in-depth tour of Hong Kong Museum of History, and enjoy breathtaking views from Victoria Peak (The Peak).

To see ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Hong Kong online sightseeing planner .

Traveling by flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and ferry; or drive. In July in Hong Kong, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 32°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) to allow time to travel to Beijing.

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.

Beijing is known for historic sites, museums, shopping, nightlife, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see Mutianyu Great Wall, try out the rides at Olympic Park, take an in-depth tour of Lama Temple (Yonghegong), and make a trip to Bell and Drum Towers.

To see more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Beijing online trip itinerary planner .

Fly from Hong Kong to Beijing in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and flight; or drive. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Hong Kong in August since evenings lows in Beijing dip to 24°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can travel back home.