Philadelphia Girls 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 July 2: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday July 3: Tokyo

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

Day 3, Saturday July 4: 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, rehearse for your first concert together with a local choir in a venue such as St Albans Episcopal Church before a late dinner (B,L,D)

Day 4, Sunday July 5: Tokyo

Begin the day with a traditional Kabuki opera theater workshop where you'll learn about this historic craft with special costumes and music. After lunch visit the Harajuku area, known for being Japan's epicenter of teenage fashion and culture, followed by the upscale Ginza district, Tokyo's Fifth Avenue. After dinner celebrate with a traditional Kakaoke singing session (B,L,D)

Day 5, Monday July 6: Mt Fuji Area

This after breakfast journey south towards the iconic Mount Fuji area, one of the most culturally significant parts of Japan, taking a traditional Japanese box lunch with you! This afternoon sees a performance with a local choir in the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. After today's loudest activity - a traditional Taiko drumming workshop - continue to your hotel in time for dinner (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday July 7: Mt Fuji Area

Begin the day with a visit to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Not only an icon of Japan and one of the country's revered three 'holy mountains', Fuji-san is a still-active volcano and the highest point in Japan at over 12,000 feet. Later take a ropeway walk for a panoramic view of the Mt Fuji area. Return to your hotel for dinner (B,L,D)

Day 7, Wednesday July 8: Osaka

After breakfast and enjoying the sunrise over Mt Fuji, check out and head towards Osaka on Japan's famous bullet train, speeding your southwards at over 200 mph! This afternoon enjoy a sushi-making workshop before feasting on the results! (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thursday July 9: 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. Later perform your third collaboration concert in a venue such as the Nagamori Shigamoto Civic Center before dinner together with your concert partners (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday July 10: 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 10, Saturday July 11: 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)