Wanderlust Women's Choir - 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 April 1: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States or other point of origin

Day 2, Friday April 2: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan, and make your own way to the hotel.

Day 3, Saturday April 3: Tokyo

Today spend some time exploring some of Tokyo's heritage sites in the North East of the city, including the Asakusa and Senso-ji shrines. This afternoon perform your first concert in collaboration with a community choir in the Greater Tokyo area. This evening sees your welcome reception and dinner for all tour participants (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday April 4: Tokyo

This morning you'll take part in the regular morning service at Tokyo Union Church. After a brief lunch break, return to the church for an early afternoon concert performance. Spend the rest of the day in the same area of Tokyo: possible visits include the Meji Shrine, the famous cherry blossom in the Shinjuku Gyoen gardens, or the vibrant Takeshita Dori street, known for being the epicenter of Japanese fashion. The rest of the evening is yours in the city: don't forget to take in the iconic Shibuya crossing, the busiest street crossing in the world! (B)

Day 5, Monday April 5: Okayama

After breakfast check out and head to the rail station. Before your journey to the Okayama area today, make sure you pick up a traditional 'station lunch' known as ekiben. Enjoy beautifully packed and prepared Japanese delicacies as your bullet train speeds you through the Japanese landscape at speeds of up to 200mph! (B)

Day 6, Tuesday April 6: Okayama

This morning explore the city of Okayama: you could take in the reconstruction of the city's famous 15th Century castle, the Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top formal gardens, or take in the cherry blossom in the Handayama Botanical Gardens. Tonight's concert is in a local church or concert hall in conjunction with Wanderlust's own contacts (B)

Day 7, Wednesday April 7: Hiroshima

This morning check out and continue by train to Hiroshima, before exploring the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, to learn more about the end of World War II and the long-lasting effects of the nuclear bomb dropped on the city in 1945. You'll also have the opportunity to sing informally at the Park, before a more formal concert this evening. (B)

Day 8, Thursday April 8: Hiroshima

After breakfast, use public transport and the ferry to cross to the beautiful island of Miyajima, taking in the Itsukashima Shrine, the Daishoin Temple. Other possible activities include a hike on Mount Misen or taking in the street food market, before making the return ferry trip to the mainland (B)

Day 9, Friday April 9: Kyoto

This morning after breakfast take the streetcar to the rail station, and depart once again on the bullet train for Kyoto (not forgetting another delicious bento box!). You could take an optional side-trip to a raditional tea plantation after arriving in Kyoto. Dinner is independent in the city (B)

Day 10, Saturday April 10: Kyoto

Today is free for you to explore Kyoto where all of the emperors of Japan lived from 794 until 1868. Prominent sights include 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. Continue to see 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. Today you'll perform your final concert in a community venue in the Kyoto area (B)

Day 11, Sunday April 11: Kyoto

Today is free to continue your exploration of Kyoto, including its cherry-blossom sites and Sunday markets. Alternatively you may like to take the local train to the nearby cities of Nara or Osaka and explore these at your leisure. Tonight come together for your farewell dinner complete with Maiko dance experience to celebrate your successful tour (B,D)

Day 12, Monday April 12: Departure

Transfer under your own arrangements to Kansai International airport for return flight to the United States or your onward journey to other parts of Asia, or to the rail station to continue your exploration of Japan independently. (B)