Santa Rosa College - Japan

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Tuesday June 15: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States for your overnight flight to Japan

Day 2, Wednesday June 16: Tokyo

On arrival in Japan, transfer to central Tokyo, arriving in time for a welcome dinner together (D)

Day 3, Thursday June 17: Tokyo

This morning, see the Imperial Palace, home of Japan’s Imperial Family, where you'll have a photo stop. Then, explore the wide range of shopping experiences in the city, from the upscale Ginza district to the traditional Tsukiji Market. This afternoon you'll participate in an optional Taiko Drumming workshop! Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 18: Tokyo

This morning begin your exploration of one of the world's largest cities by exploring Asakusa District, known for its traditional atmosphere and cultural experiences, before combining old and new, first by visiting the Senso-ji Temple, a historic temple, one of Tokyo's oldest, then by exploring its vibrant shopping street, Nakamise-dori. This afternoon participate in that most Japanese of activities, the traditional Tea Ceremony. Tonight's concert is a collaboration event with a local community or university choir in Tokyo, before an indepdendent dinner (B)

Day 5, Saturday June 19: Tokyo

Today is free to explore the city at your leisure: you could take in the famous Shibuya Crossing, enjoy the views from the Tokyo Skytree, or explore the Harajuku fashion district. (B)

Day 6, Sunday June 20: Osaka

After breakfast depart on your bullet train South to Osaka , reaching speeds of up to 190mph on the world's original high speed rail line (your luggage will be transported separately and will meet you at your hotels, so please remember your concert dress just in case!). Upon arrival, check into your next hotel, dinner tonight is independent (B)

Day 7, Monday June 21: Osaka

Today take a full day trip to the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, where all of the emperors of Japan lived from 794 until 1868. Visit the shimmering Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, and the Heian Shrine, built to celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of the city's founding. This afternoon our journey continues to the mountainside Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, a Shinto temple famous for its more than 5,000 vibrant orange toriis, or symbolic gateways. Later enjoy a sushi-making course before feasting on the results of your culinary skills! (B)

Day 8, Tuesday June 22: Osaka

Begin your morning with an orientation tour of Osaka, visiting the Osaka Castle to learn about its pivotal history, the shopping district of Shinsaibashisuji with its endless arcades with every kind of store you can imagine! Later immerse yourself in Osaka’s legendary food culture at Dotonbori, before preparing for your final exchange concert together with a local choir. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday June 23: Departure

After breakfast check out and head to the airport for your flight home (B)