Australian tourist getting a China visa in Malaysia

Hello I am an Australian tourist who has already booked and secured the tour to be in China from 15-30 June 2017. I went to the CVASC today who told me that I had to fly home to obtain my China visa. I am going to Japan next week. Am I allowed to obtain my visa from the embassy instead so I do not have to fly home to Australia? Or does anyone know of any options to obtain this in Japan (or a neighbouring country like Thailand instead?) Finding it hard to believe I cannot obtain a visa to China as I have obtained visas for other countries outside of Australia. Many thanks for your responses in advance!!!! Ellie