Three Capitals: Tokyo, Seoul & Beijing

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing & Great Wall

This private tour features three of East Asia’s most interesting capital cities: Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing. It includes private cultural touring with your own guide and driver, accommodation in the finest luxury hotels in each city, private airport transfers and more. Upon request, we can also arrange a number of special interest activities such as cooking classes and tea ceremonies.

Begin in Tokyo, the capital of contemporary culture and style in Japan. During touring with your own private guide and driver, visit Tokyo’s most interesting neighborhoods, such as Ginza, Aoyama, Shibuya and Harajuku. Experience Japanese pop culture and also tour important historical sites such as the Meiji Shrine. See striking contemporary architecture and the latest Japanese gadgets. Visit some of Tokyo’s best museums, such as the Edo-Tokyo Museum or the Tokyo National Museum. Also experience Tokyo’s exciting culinary scene by visiting Tsukiji Fish Market, the Kappabashi kitchenware district, and our favorite specialty shops and department store food halls. Upon request, additional experiences can be arranged such as watching sumo wrestlers practice at a sumo stable, meetings with culinary and sake experts, private martial arts lessons, seeing a Japanese baseball game, visiting favorite-family attractions such as The Ghibli Museum, or attending local festivals. Artisans of Leisure can also make reservations at our favorite restaurants in Tokyo, which range from local noodle shops to some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world.

Next, fly to Seoul, the exciting capital of South Korea. During private touring, visit highlights such as the Changdeokgung Palace complex and its “secret garden.” Learn about traditional Korean lifestyles while walking through a neighborhood filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses). Stop for a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse in the Insadong neighborhood, and browse the best local shops for Korean antiques, textiles, ceramics and more. Also, perhaps visit one of the city’s incredible markets, tour a museum, learn to prepare kimchi, or enjoy a vegetarian meal at a Buddhist temple. Also discover the treasures of Seoul’s best museums, such as the National Museum of Korea, the Korea Furniture Museum, and Leeum, Samsung Art Museum.

Continue to Beijing, the most impressive city in China. During private touring, explore imperial highlights such as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. Explore the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighborhood. Visit markets specializing in pearls, silk, food, furniture and antiques. Enjoy reservations at Beijing’s most acclaimed restaurants and private clubs. If desired, explore gallery districts that showcase Beijing’s contemporary art scene. One day, take a private excursion to a dramatic section of the Great Wall.

This tour can easily be customized to include additional destinations such as Kyoto, Shanghai and Hong Kong.