JAPAN PERFORMANCE TOUR
Throughout the year, superb concert halls and performance venues host a myriad of musical happenings. Large ensemble performance is cherished by the Japanese, and well-attended by persons of all ages. International guests are amazed by the warm reception given them by our enthusiastic audiences.
Start your tour in Tokyo, the heart of modern Japan and the world’s largest metropolis. There is much to see, with layer upon layer of neon-drenched main streets and mysterious passageways with shops and restaurants on every floor in the precinct of Shinjuku, near to the teen fashion mecca of Shibuya, and the flagship luxury stores of Omotesando, nicknamed ‘Japan’s Champs Elysees’, and the majestic Meiji shrine. You will also attend a professional symphony orchestra concert at world-famous Suntory Hall, described by Herbert von Karajan as "a jewel box of sound".
Visit a school or concert venue where you will be greeted with big smile and welcome by your hosts and other local groups. Enjoy sharing music in both concert and clinic opportunities.
Catch a bullet train to Mt. Fuji! The connecting bus journey from the station is amongst Japan’s most scenic, which gets you to the historic hot springs town of Hakone in good time for a hearty meal at your traditional onsen spa hotel.
Travel down from the mountains to Shizuoka where you can experience picking tea leaves (April - October). Shizuoka is one of the best-known tea producing regions in Japan. Hamamatsu, the capitol of musical instrument manufacturing and home of world famous Yamaha and Kawai! Enjoy visiting the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, the first municipal museum of musical instruments in Japan. There are approximately 1,300 items displayed by region of origin. You can also visit Yamaha to watch the finest Japanese craftsmanship at work. Another performance opportunity awaits you with VIP treatment from the city of music.
After the performance, depart on the Shikansen (bullet train) for Hikone. Arrive into Hikone, transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Hikone is a historical city at the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Hikone Castle is one of only 12 Japanese castles with the original keep, and one of only five castles listed as a national treasure. Genkyu-en Garden, a landscape garden with a central pond and a circular walking trail was created on the grounds of Hikone Castle in 1677 by the local lord for the entertainment of his guests and his family. You can also get a chance to try gold leaf application as you learn the techniques used in making a Buddhist altar.
Visit a local school for cultural and musical exchanges. Have a combined rehearsal and give a great performance with local students.
No trip to Japan would be complete without visiting Kyoto, a treasure trove of historic streets, shrines, temples and gardens that was fortunately spared wartime bombing. The city museum with its 17 world heritage sites is largely still intact. Countless temples and gardens await you. Kyoto has long been a leading force in luxury textile design and production as well as many other fine arts, and the Gion quarter is the best place to catch a glimpse of Geisha and other local women in kimonos.
Catch a flight at Kansai International Airport, the famous “floating airport” back to Tokyo, and off for home. We would expect nothing less from the most efficient nation on earth, yet nothing feels hurried during this epic exploration of Japan.
HIGHLIGHTS
ONE
Backstage tour and the excitement of a professional Symphony Orchestra concert in world-famous Suntory Hall
TWO
Shopping and sightseeing in Tokyo
THREE
Hike up to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji! (seasonal)
FOUR
Staying in a Japanese traditional ryokan resort
FIVE
Observing the craftmanship of musical instrument making at Yamaha factory
SIX
Making new friends with local students
SEVEN
Exciting performance opportunities joined by local groups
EIGHT
Sightseeing in the historic city of Kyoto
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
10 days
Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone – Hamamatsu – Hikone – Kyoto
Day 1 – Tokyo
Fly into Tokyo and meet your Tour Manager at airport
Day 2 – Tokyo
Guided tour of historical part of Tokyo including Asakusa, Sumida area with Japan’s tallest structure Tokyo Skytree, and Edo Tokyo Museum
Day 3 – Tokyo
At leisurely Meiji Shrine, find serenity in the middle of the city adjacent to the youth mecca “Takeshita Street” in Harajuku
Cultural & musical exchanges and performance opportunity #1
Day 4 – Hakone
Go up the 5th station of Mt. Fuji on coach and relax in hot springs in a ryokan resort
Day 5 – Shizuoka
Transfer to Shizuoka, go for tea-leaf picking and visit tea roasting/producing factory
Day 6 – Shizuoka
Experience tea ceremony and visit school/concert venue; join local band
Cultural & musical exchanges and performance opportunity #2
Day 7 - Hikone
Transfer to Hamamatsu, city of music and a visit to Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments and Yamaha Factory, and then off to Hikone on bullet train
Day 8 - Hikone
Visit the famous castle and Japanese garden in Hikone.
Cultural & musical exchanges and performance opportunity #3
Day 9 - Hikone
Guided tour in Kyoto
Day 10
Fly from Kansai International Airport to Tokyo or directly to home!