Japan & China Highlights: Shimizu → Osaka → Fukuoka → Nagasaki → Shanghai (Wusongkou) → Xiamen

Day 1: Shimizu Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Shimizu Port and settle into your hotel. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying views of the bustling fishing harbor.

Afternoon: Visit the S-Pulse Dream Plaza for some shopping and a glimpse of local pop culture. Grab a fresh sushi lunch at a nearby market.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant, sampling Shimizu’s famous tuna dishes while watching the sunset over the bay.

Day 2: Osaka – Castle, Culture & Cuisine

Morning: Take the shinkansen to Osaka and check into your accommodation. Begin with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle, exploring its historic museum and panoramic gardens.

Afternoon: Wander through the lively Dotonbori district, snapping photos of the neon signage and tasting street snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Okawa River, savoring local specialties while the city lights sparkle.

Day 3: Fukuoka – Parks, Towers & Night Markets

Morning: Fly to Fukuoka and drop your bags at the hotel. Relax in the serene Ohori Park, renting a rowboat on the central pond.

Afternoon: Ascend the Fukuoka Tower for sweeping views of the city and Hakata Bay, then explore the nearby Momochi Seaside Park.

Evening: Experience the famed yatai stalls along Nakasu River, sampling Hakata ramen and grilled seafood under the night sky.

Day 4: Nagasaki – History & Harbor Views

Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Nagasaki. Begin at the moving Nagasaki Peace Park, reflecting on its powerful monuments.

Afternoon: Tour the historic Glover Garden, a hillside collection of Western-style mansions offering panoramic harbor vistas.

Evening: Stroll through the illuminated streets of Dejima, enjoying a dinner of champon noodles while soaking in the night ambience.

Day 5: Shanghai (Wusongkou) – Riverfront & Skyline

Morning: Fly to Shanghai and settle into a hotel near the Huangpu River. Explore the modern Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal area.

Afternoon: Walk along the historic Bund, admiring the blend of colonial architecture and futuristic skyline across the river.

Evening: Embark on a Huangpu River cruise, sipping tea while the illuminated skyline of Pudong glitters behind you.

Day 6: Xiamen – Island Charm & Temples

Morning: Catch a short flight to Xiamen and head to the UNESCO‑listed Gulangyu Island. Take the ferry and wander its car‑free streets.

Afternoon: Visit the tranquil Nanputuo Temple, climbing the steps to the hilltop for sweeping views of the sea.

Evening: Return to downtown Xiamen and explore Zhongshan Road for shopping and a final dinner of local seafood.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Shimizu Port – 2 hrs – $0
• S-Pulse Dream Plaza – 2 hrs – $0
• Dinner (Shimizu) – 1.5 hrs – $30
• Osaka Castle – 2 hrs – $6
• Dotonbori – 3 hrs – $0
• Dinner cruise – 2 hrs – $40
• Ohori Park – 2 hrs – $0
• Fukuoka Tower – 1 hr – $8
• Yatai night market – 2 hrs – $25
• Nagasaki Peace Park – 2 hrs – $0
• Glover Garden – 2 hrs – $10
• Dejima dinner – 2 hrs – $30
• Wusongkou Terminal area – 2 hrs – $0
• The Bund – 2 hrs – $0
• Huangpu River cruise – 1.5 hrs – $30
• Ferry to Gulangyu Island – 0.5 hr – $3
• Nanputuo Temple – 2 hrs – $0
• Zhongshan Road dinner – 2 hrs – $25
• Shinkansen (Shimizu → Osaka) – 2 hrs – $120
• Flight (Osaka → Fukuoka) – 1.5 hrs – $150
• Train (Fukuoka → Nagasaki) – 2 hrs – $30
• Flight (Nagasaki → Shanghai) – 2.5 hrs – $200
• Flight (Shanghai → Xiamen) – 1.5 hrs – $120
• Total Estimated Cost: $867

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Osaka to explore Universal Studios Japan or a day in Xiamen to relax on Huandao Road’s coastal promenade. To shorten the trip, you could combine Osaka and Fukuoka into a single day by focusing on major highlights, or skip the Shanghai leg and fly directly from Nagasaki to Xiamen, reducing travel fatigue while still experiencing the core attractions.