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 21: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 22: Osaka

On arrival in Osaka, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for dinner and a short orientation tour, before getting a good night's sleep! (D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 23: 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! Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday June 24: 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. This afternoon you will rehearse and perform your first concert in a venue such as the Kobe Bunka Hall, before a late dinner tonight (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday June 25: 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. capital of Kyoto. Finally today, experience that most traditional of Japanese foods in a sushi-making workshop, before returning to your hotel for dinner. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday June 26: Osaka

This morning after breakfast depart on board Japan's legendary rail system to the city of Okayama, where you will rehearse and perform your second concert, possibly in collaboration with a local ensemble in the Okayama Art Creation Hall. After the concert take dinner together with your hosts before the return train journey to Osaka. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday June 27: Osaka

This morning after breakfast have a leisurely morning exploring the shopping district of Shinsaibashi. Later rehearse and perform your third concert in a venue such as the Osaka Festival Hall, before a dinner to bid farewell to Osaka in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday June 28: 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 be waiting for you in the hotel!) On arrival, begin your immersion in the world's largest city 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, and the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan, for panoramic views of the city. Check into your hotel for dinner tonight (B,D)

Day 9, Monday June 29: Tokyo

Start your last full day in Japan with a visit to the serene Shinto Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful forest. Then move on to the trendy Harajuku neighborhood, known for its unique fashion and youth culture. Later take part in a rehearsal and exchange concert with a local ensemble in a top venue in the city. Later experience one of the most iconic views of Tokyo at the Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Round off your successful concert tour with a farewell dinner and Kabuki traditional theater show. (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday June 30: Departure

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