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 16: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States for your overnight flight to Japan

Day 2, Thursday June 17: Tokyo

On arrival in Japan, meet your tour managers and transfer to the city and your first hotel, arriving in time for a welcome dinner together (D)

Day 3, Friday June 18: Tokyo

This morning begin 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. Later tonight after dinner visit one of Tokyo's popular jazz clubs such as Blue Note Tokyo or Jazz SPOT Intro (subject to capacity and availability) (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday June 19: Tokyo

This morning take a trip past the Imperial Palace for photo stop, before visiting the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest street intersection! This afternoon participate in that most Japanese of activities, the traditional Tea Ceremony. Tonight's concert is another shared affair with a local choir in Tokyo, before a group dinner together (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday June 20: Tokyo

This morning after breakfast depart to spend the day in the city of Yokohama. Enjoy the many attractions of the futuristic Minato Mirai Waterfront, including Cosmo World & Cosmo Clock 21, an observation deck, a 1930s ship museum, or the CupNoodles Museum where you can design your own custom cup noodle packaging and ingredients! Later come together with a local jazz group for an exchange performance, before dinner together (B,D)

Day 6, Monday June 21: Tokyo

After breakfast depart on your bullet train South to Osaka, 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 hotels, so please remember your essentials just in case!). Upon arrival, explore the vibrant Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts, with bustling restaurants, street displays and stores, before taking dinner together (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday June 22: Tokyo

This morning take a trip to Kyoto, once Japan's Imperial Capital and the oldest city in Japan: Visit the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a mountainside structure that offers stunning views of the city, followed by the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a Shinto temple famous for its more than 5,000 vibrant orange toriis, or symbolic gateways. Spend time in the Nishiki market, and participate in a Sushi Making Workshop before feasting on the results of your culinary skills! (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday June 23: Tokyo

Today you'll visit Nara, once the imperial capital of Japan and home to some of the country's most culturally significant attractions. These include the Todaiji Temple, considered one of the world's largest wooden structures, and the serene Nara Park, noted for its free-roaming (and very tame!) deer as well as some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples. Later come together to perform your final tour concert together with a local jazz or college choir in Osaka or Kyoto, before a farewell dinner to round off your tour (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday June 24: Departure

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