Columbia University Schwob Singers - 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, Monday May 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday May 18: Tokyo

On arrival in Tokyo, transfer to the city from the airport and check in to your hotel in time for a welcome dinner (B)

Day 3, Wednesday May 19: Tokyo

Enjoy a brief orientation tour of Tokyo beginning with Asakusa Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temples, which stands as a cultural touchpoint for learning more about Japanese religion. Afterward, enjoy a stroll down nearby Nakamise Street, the city's oldest shopping avenue—dating back to the 1500s—and a center for souvenirs and traditional Japanese street food. After lunch take part in that most traditional of activities, the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Dinner tonight is independent (B)

Day 4, Thursday May 20: Tokyo

This morning visit the Harajuku area, known for being Japan's epicenter of fashion and culture, followed by the upscale Ginza district, Tokyo's Fifth Avenue. Today participate in your first musical collaboration of the tour, a music clinic in a local high school's music faculty. (B)

Day 5, Friday May 21: Mt Fuji Area

Today explore the Daiba entertainment district, with a possible visit to the Tokyo Skytree. Later perform your next concert, a shared collaboration with a University choir in the Greater Tokyo area. A bento box dinner is provided before the concert. Following the concert head to the station, from where the famous Japanese Bullet Train will whisk you to Kyoto at speeds of up to 300km/h! (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday May 23: Osaka

Today explore the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, where all of the emperors of Japan lived from 794 until 1868. Pay a visit to 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, and explore the famous 'Teapot Lane' and Sannen-zaka streets. (B)

Day 7, Monday May 24: Osaka

Continue to explore Kyoto at your leisure, before this afternoon performing your next collaboration concert in a local high school. Finish your evening with a farewell dinner in a local specialty restaurant (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday May 25: Osaka

This morning after breakfast experience that most ancient of Japanese activities, the traditional tea ceremony. Learn about the rituals and reverence placed on this historic drink enjoyed the world over. After lunch spend some time with tonight's choir in their local setting, inluding a rehearsal. Tonight you'll perform your final concert shared with a local choir, in the Osaka Philharmonic Hall or similar venue before a farewell dinner (B,L,D)

Day 9, Wednesday May 26: Departure

After breakfast check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home - you'll arrive the same day due to the timezone difference! (B)