Cayuga Chamber Orchestra - 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, Saturday February 13: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday February 14: Osaka

On arrival in Osaka, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for dinner and a short orientation walk with your Tour Managers. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner together (D)

Day 3, Monday February 15: Osaka

After breakfast depart for a visit to the city of Kobe. Your visit includes Kitano-cho, a historic foreign settlement district, known for its charming Western-style architecture. Later immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kobe's Chinatown to sample delicious Chinese cuisine and explore the colorful streets. Return to Osaka for dinner and an overnight (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday February 16: 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. 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. Return back to the hotel and have dinner together this evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday February 17: Osaka

Today you'll travel to nearby Nara, once the imperial capital of Japan and home to some of the country's most culturally significant attractions. Begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the magnificent Todaiji Temple, considered one of the world's largest wooden structures. Then explore serene Nara Park, noted for its free-roaming deer as well as some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples, before seeing Kasuga Shrine, famous for its hundreds of lovely lanterns donated by worshippers. This afternoon, rehearse for tonight's performance in Osaka together with musicians from one of Osaka's private high schools!. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday February 18: Tokyo

After breakfast depart on your bullet train to Tokyo, 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 hotel). Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the serene Shinto Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful forest. Spend time exploring the trendy Harajuku neighborhood, known for its unique fashion and youth culture and have time for lunch on your own. Then check into your next hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday February 19: Tokyo

Continue 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. Experience one of the most iconic views of Tokyo at the Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday February 20: Tokyo

This morning, see the Imperial Palace, home of Japan’s Imperial Family, where you'll have a photo stop. Then, explore the Yamaha flagship store, where innovation and craftsmanship meet in the heart of Tokyo. Later, gather for your final rehearsal in preparation for tonight’s culminating concert. Enjoy a Bento Box dinner after rehearsal, then perform your final performance at the Setagaya Civic Hall or similar. Tonight, have time after your performance to explore the Shinjuku area in chaperoned groups. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday February 21: Departure

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