Valencia High School 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, Wednesday June 18: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Thursday June 19: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan, where you meet your full-time Tour Manager. Transfer to your hotel in the city for check in and dinner, then settle in for a good night's sleep. (D)

Day 3, Friday June 20: Tokyo

Japan’s capital is a densely packed visual feast, with lots to see and do. We’ll start with a guided sightseeing tour to see the Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, and enjoy shopping in the trendy Harajuku neighborhood. This afternoon, rehearse and perform your debut concert performance, as part of an exchange with a local choir group at one of the city halls or a similar venue. Enjoy dinner together tonight. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday June 21: Tokyo

This morning, see the Imperial Palace Plaza and learn about the Japan Imperial family history. Then visit the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, the largest wholesale fish market in Tokyo! You'll then visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and explore Nakamise Street, an 18th Century Shopping Arcade. hen transfer to your Taiko Lab Workshop: Taiko is the traditional Japanese drum and here, you will learn how to play the barrel-shaped nagado-daiko drum as well as the smaller shime-daiko with a Taiko master. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday June 22: Hiroshima

An early rise for breakfast this morning will prepare for your trip to Hiroshima. This morning, pack an overnight bag (your main luggage will be transferred via luggage coach to Kyoto). Then travel at speeds of up to 125 mph as you journey to Hiroshima aboard the unique Japan Rail Shinkansen bullet train. Check into your hotel and then begin exploration of Hiroshima with a guide. You will take a tour to the Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome to learn more about the end of World War II and the long-lasting effects of the Nuclear Bomb. This afternoon, you'll have an informal singing opportunity at the Peace Memorial Park (pending approval). (B,D)

Day 6, Monday June 23: Kyoto

This morning, perform your second concert performance of the tour as part of an outreach concert in Hiroshima. Venue options include a local school or retirement home, giving students the opportunity to give back to this communiity. Then board the bullet train to Kyoto, the former Japanese imperial capital. Enjoy a bento box dinner tonight on the train. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday June 24: Kyoto

Wake up in Kyoto, where all of the emperors of Japan lived from 794 until 1868. Start your day with a visit 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. Spend some time exploring the charming Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets. These narrow lanes are lined with traditional wooden shops emote the atmosphere of old Kyoto. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday June 25: Kyoto

After breakfast, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the bamboo forest paths with sunlight filtering through the trees and visit the Monkey Park. This afternoon, visit the Kyoto Traditional Music Museum, where you can see numerous musical instruments and see a musical demonstration. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday June 26: Osaka

Today check out of your hotel and journey to the city of Osaka. Here you will explore Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street and Dotonbori Street during your tour with your local guide. This afternoon, come together to rehearse for your final concert of the tour, which will take place in conjunction with a local youth choir in Osaka! Celebrate your successful performance tour of Japan tonight with a special farewell dinner together. (B,D)

Day 10, Friday June 27: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)