Santa Rosa Youth Symphony - 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, Thursday June 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday June 18: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, meet your tour managers and transfer to your hotel in time for a welcome dinner (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 19: Tokyo

This morning after breakfast explore the area around your hotel with your tour manager, before an afternoon rehearsal for your first concert. Your performance will be in one of the city's many arts centers or concert halls, in collaboration with a similar music organization, before dinner together with your hosts. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 20: Tokyo

After breakfast continue to explore the bustling malls of Ikebukuro and Toshima City. This afternoon you will rehearse for your second 'friendship' performance tonight in a high standard concert hall, before a late dinner (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 21: Tokyo

This morning after breakfast head out for a full day exploring Tokyo. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo from the tallest tower in Japan, and then experience the calming atmosphere of Asakusa's Sensoji Temple. This afternoon release your inner warrior in a Japanese Taiko Drum Experience. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 22: Osaka

Start your last full day in Tokyo with a visit to the serene Shinto Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful forest. Then move on to the trendy Harajuku neighborhood, known for its unique fashion and youth culture. Later take part in a rehearsal and exchange concert with a local ensemble in a top venue in the city.

Day 7, Wednesday June 23: Kyoto

This morning board the legendary bullet train which will speed you to Osaka at up to 200 mph! On arrival start to explore Osaka's vibrant neighborhoods, starting at the historic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city. Explore the main keep, the beautiful gardens, and learn about the rich history of Osaka. Later you'll explore the vibrant Dotonbori street famous for its neon-lit signs, bustling atmosphere, and investigate that most traditional of Japanese foods in a sushi-making workshop, before feasting on the results of your efforts at dinner! After dinner continue to Kyoto for a late hotel checkin (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 24: Kyoto

Today discover the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, where all of the emperors of Japan lived from 794 until 1868. The tour includes 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. Here you will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a timeless ritual of respect and reverence. 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. capital of Kyoto. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday June 25: Kyoto

This morning continue to explore the sights and sounds of Kyoto before an afternoon rehearsal. Tonight sees your finale stand-alone concert in Japan in a prominent concert hall in the city followed by a farewell dinner (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday June 26: Departure

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