MSYO - Japan Tour

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, Friday June 23: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday June 24: Osaka

Arrive at Osaka International Airport, where you will be greeted by your tour managers. Transfer your instruments into a temperature-controlled instrument truck and your luggage onto your luxury coach for the transfer to your first air-conditioned hotel. Enjoy dinner together upon arrival.

Day 3, Sunday June 25: Osaka

This morning, after breakfast, explore the vibrant Dotonbori District, known for its neon lights, street food, and the iconic Glico Running Man sign. Visit Osaka Castle and the Sky Garden, offering panoramic views of the city. Today includes rehearsal for your first performance. Dinner is provided in a Bento box between rehearsal and concert. When instruments are not at the hotel, they will be transported by the temperature-controlled instrument truck. The performance will take place at the Higashiosaka Cultural Creation Hall or a similar venue. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 26: Osaka/Kobe

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for a full-day excursion to the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe. Begin in the charming hillside district of Kitano-cho, where beautifully preserved Western-style residences offer a glimpse into the city’s international past. Continue to the vibrant streets of Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi), where colorful shops and enticing aromas create a lively cultural experience and opportunities to sample local specialties. Later, return to Osaka, where you’ll gather for a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day’s discoveries. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 27: 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. Take an independent lunch before continuing to see 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. Later this afternoon will be your second rehearsal and performance at the Kyoto Concert Hall or similar. Dinner wll be a Bento Box dinner between your rehearsal and performance. Return back to your hotel after (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 28: Osaka/Nara

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an excursion to Nara, once the imperial capital of Japan. Visit the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, considered one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home to the Great Buddha. Continue to Nara Park, a serene setting known for its free-roaming deer and historic temples. Conclude your visit at Kasuga Taisha, renowned for its hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns donated by worshippers.(B.D)

Day 7, Thursday June 29: Tokyo

Check out and depart, traveling east to Tokyo by Shinkansen. Your instruments and luggage will follow separately by coach and temperature-controlled instrument truck. Upon arrival, begin exploring Tokyo with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis set within a lush forested area. Continue to the vibrant Harajuku district, known for its colorful street fashion and youth culture. Check into your next air conditioned hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 30: Tokyo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing your exploration of Tokyo. Begin with a pass by the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Imperial Family, where you’ll have a brief photo opportunity. Continue to the Yamaha Ginza Flagship Store, where innovation and craftsmanship come together in an inspiring showcase of instruments and sound. Then, take in one of the city’s most iconic sights at Shibuya Crossing, a mesmerizing display of Tokyo’s energy and scale. Later, immerse yourself in traditional Japanese performing arts with a Kabuki workshop, offering insight into this dramatic and highly stylized art form. Have dinner together. This evening, attend a concert (TBD), offering an opportunity to experience Japan’s dynamic performing arts scene. (B.D)

Day 9, Saturday July 1: Tokyo

Begin the day with panoramic views from Tokyo Skytree. Explore historic Asakusa District, visiting Senso-ji Temple and strolling Nakamise-dori. Enjoy a group lunch before a hands-on Taiko drumming workshop, learning the rhythm and teamwork behind this traditional Japanese art. In the afternoon, rehearse and perform at Setagaya Civic Hall. End the day with a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday July 2: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)