This program was custom designed to give you a taste of Japan, culturally and literally, while experiencing performances by The St. Olaf Band in unique international settings.
This itinerary is subject to change. Travel demands flexibility. We will strive to balance adaptability with remaining on schedule. Please trust that, when it is not possible to follow the plan laid out below, your program leaders will work to find substitutions that retain the quality of this Study Travel program. Various details may be added or changed due to information obtained while making reservations, or perhaps on site, especially because of the weather. BLD indicated included group meals.
Tue, May 30 Depart U.S.
Depart your hometown on individually booked flights.
Wed, May 31 Arrive Tokyo (D)
Upon arrival in Tokyo, make your way to the group hotel. We’ll have a welcome gathering with introductions in the early evening, followed by a group welcome dinner. Overnight in standard rooms at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi or similar.
Thu, Jun 1 Tokyo (B)
We’ll get to know the city through a walking tour led by Kathy, focusing on introducing you to the foods of Japan, with lots of sampling. Dinner on your own and evening free. Overnight at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi or similar.
Fri, Jun 2 Tokyo to Hiroshima (BL)
This morning we’ll take the Shinkansen bullet train (~4 hrs) to Hiroshima. (Throughout the program, when we change cities we’ll ship our luggage to the next city via a unique Japanese service called takkyubin! Main luggage pieces will need to be brought to the hotel concierge the previous day. You’ll want to bring a duffle or backpack for overnight essentials). We’ll use public transportation to have a group lunch at a local restaurant and then a guided tour by Kathy of the Peace Museum. Dinner on your own and evening free. Overnight in standard rooms at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar.
Sat, Jun 3 Hiroshima (BL) St. Olaf Band Performance
Walking city tour led by a local guide, followed by a group lunch at a local restaurant. Attend performance by The St. Olaf Band. Dinner on your own and evening free. Overnight at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar.
Sun, Jun 4 Hiroshima/Excursion to Miyajima (BL)
We’ll the train and ferry to Miyajima and have guided tours of the island’s highlights. Group lunch at a local restaurant. Ferry and train return to Hiroshima for dinner on your own and evening free. Overnight at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar.
Mon, Jun 5 Hiroshima to Kyoto (BD)
Once again we’ll ship our luggage, and take the Shinkansen bullet train, this time to Kyoto. Lunch on your own and free time, with Kathy pointing out many options. Group dinner. Overnight in standard rooms at Dhawa Yura Hotel or similar.
Tue, Jun 6 Kyoto/Excursion to Osaka (B, L) St. Olaf Band Performance
Around mid-morning we’ll take the express train to Osaka and have a group lunch. In the afternoon we hope to attend a Bunraku performance, a traditional form of Japanese puppet theater using rhythmic chanting and traditional music. Dinner on your own, followed by The St. Olaf Band performance. Return to Osaka via express train. Overnight at Dhawa Yura Hotel or similar.
Wed, Jun 7 Kyoto (B, L or D)
Over the next two days we’ll have many local experiences. Possibilities include tours of Yoichi Honkan and the Nishiki market, a visit to Uji, a ceremony at a tea plantation, the Suntory Yamazaki distillery, and tours of local temples, shrines, and gardens. Group lunch or dinner. Overnight at Dhawa Yura Hotel or similar.
Thu, Jun 8 Kyoto (B, L or D)
We’ll continue our sightseeing and guided tours in Kyoto. Group lunch or dinner. Overnight at Dhawa Yura Hotel or similar.
Fri, Jun 9 Kyoto to Tokyo (BL)
For the last time we’ll ship our luggage and take the Shinkansen bullet train (~3 hrs to Tokyo). We’ll have a group lunch featuring sushi at a local fish market, then Kathy will lead a guided tour through the market, explaining the traditions and significance of Tsukiji and Toyosu. Remainder of the day free with dinner on your own. Overnight in standard rooms at Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome or similar.
Sat, Jun 10 Tokyo (B, L or D) St. Olaf Band Performance
Guided tours led by Kathy of the Asakusa district and a few of the parks and gardens that Japan is famous for, such as Yoyogi/Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Ueno. Group lunch at a local restaurant. Attend the afternoon performance of The St. Olaf Band. Dinner on your own and evening free. Overnight at Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome or similar.
Sun, Jun 11 Tokyo (B,D)
Morning tour of the Kappabashi district led by Kathy. Lunch on your own and some free time. Farewell group dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome or similar.
Mon, Jun 12 Depart Japan (B)
Individual flights home. Say̟onara Nihon!
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