California 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, Sunday June 28: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 29: 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 with the family and friends Shadow Tour. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 30: Osaka

This morning after breakfast 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 visit the Sky Garden for panoramic views of Osaka, as well as the vibrant Dotonbori street famous for its neon-lit signs, bustling atmosphere, and delicious street food. Don't miss the iconic Glico Man sign! Tonight will be a Dine Your Way dinner, providing a stipend that allows you to break into smaller groups and select the local restaurants and cuisine you’d most like to try, our treat. (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday July 1: Osaka/Kobe

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. This afternoon you will rehearse and perform your first concert as part of an exchange with a local ensemble at Suma Shofu High School. Enjoy at a local restaurant in Osaka this evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday July 2: Osaka/Kyoto

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. This afternoon, rehearse for your next concert performance at Kyoto Concert Hall which will be at 6:30 pm. Dine in true Japanese style tonight with a Bento Box dinner between your rehearsal and concert. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday July 3: Osaka/Nara

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 at the Higashiosaka Cultural Creation Hall, together with musicians from one of Osaka's private high schools. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday July 4: 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 8, Sunday July 5: 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. Tonight sees your celebration tour dinner and awards night. (B,D)

Day 9, Monday July 6: 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 tonight at 7:00 pm. Tonight, have time after your performance to explore the Shinjuku area in chaperoned groups. (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday July 7: Departure

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