Great Orchestras of Japan
Kyoto – Tokyo – Kanazawa – OsakaWith over twenty major symphony orchestras (10 of them in Tokyo!), a vast pool of local talent and a major position on the international classical circuit, there is no shortage of top quality musical experiences to be had in Japan. Add to this the fascinating history and rich culture of the country, and you have all the ingredients for a superb ‘music lovers’ tour’.
Amongst the local orchestras you will see and hear on this tour, will be the famed NHK Symphony Orchestra, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and the Kyoto and Kansai symphony orchestras. As an added treat, you will also see the acclaimed Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Zubin Mehta ‘on tour’ in Osaka. From Mozart, Beethoven and Mahler, to Bruckner, Stravinsky and Takemitsu, the musical programme offers a rich and varied repertoire, performed by a stellar line-up of Japanese and international soloists including Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi (cello), Radu Lupu (piano), Boris Andrianov (cello), Kaori Muraji (guitar) and Akira Miyagawa (piano).
Travelling in the beautiful autumn season, enjoy stays in Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital, and Tokyo, the fascinating modern-day capital. Discover another side of Japan with a visit to Kanazawa and finish in the flourishing economic and cultural centre of Osaka.
Osaka Symphony Orchestra
ITINERARY
Monday 18 October 2010 Arrive Kyoto
Departure from Australia (SYD, MEL, PER, ADL, BNE, CNS) on Cathay Pacific flights via Hong Kong. Afternoon (or evening) arrival at Kansai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kyoto.
Tuesday 19 October Kyoto
Enjoy a welcome breakfast with Marshall McGuire and fellow travellers before departing the hotel for a full day tour. In the morning visit the elegant Nijo Castle, built by the first Tokugawa Shogun, a striking example of the splendid decoration and luxury typifying the Momoyama period (1587-1615). After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, built in 1397 as a villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and the Ryoanji Temple that houses the most famous Zen rock garden and Heian Shrine. (BL)
Wednesday 20 October Kyoto
Morning visit to Kiyomizu temple, a Buddhist temple which forms part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO world heritage site. Continue to Sanjusangendo temple, a uniquely shaped long hall rebuilt in 1251 to house its central image of the armed Goddess Kannon, surrounded by 1,000 gilt bronze images of Kannon.
Afternoon free at leisure.
Evening performance of Japanese Arts at the Gion Corner Theatre. Located in one of Kyoto’s best preserved historical quarters, the Gion Corner Theatre presents a display of Japanese traditional arts and entertainment including: Kyoto-style Dance, Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony, Japanese Harp, Comic Play, Court Music and Puppet Play. After the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (BD)
Thursday 21 October Kyoto
Full day at leisure to further explore Kyoto on your own. With its hundreds of temples and gardens, Kyoto was the imperial capital between 794 and 1868, and remains the cultural centre of Japan.
Evening concert at the Kyoto Concert Hall by the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Matthias Bamert, featuring Kaori Muraji (guitar). (B)
Programme:
Rossini: Overture from opera “The Thieving Magpie”
Takemitsu: To the Edge of Dream (for guitar and orchestra)
Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Concerto for guitar and orchestra No.1 in D major op.99
Franck: Symphony in D minor
Friday 22 October Kyoto - Tokyo
Depart Kyoto on a high-speed Shinkansen (‘bullet train’) to Tokyo. During the 2 hr 20 min journey you will pass Mt Fuji.
On arrival in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel for check-in and lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon at leisure before this evening’s concert at NHK Hall by the NHK Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nello Santi and featuring Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi (cello). (BL)
Programme:
Works by Mendelssohn and Dvorak (to be advised)
Saturday 23 October Tokyo
Morning visit to Meiji shrine, which is one of the holiest and most visited temples in the country. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, who was credited with opening Japan up to the outside world, and to his wife Empress Shoken. Follow with a visit to the gardens of the Imperial Palace, residence of Japan's Imperial Family, located on the former site of Edo Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Continue to Sensoji, also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. The Buddhist temple in honour of ‘Kannon’, the goddess of mercy was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. The Nakamise Shopping Street leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Here you can purchase local arts and crafts as well as local snacks.
Free afternoon to further explore Tokyo before an evening concert at Sumida Triphony Hall by the New Japan Philharmonic, conducted by Christian Arming, with soloist Radu Lupu (piano). (B)
Programme:
Rihm: Verwandlung 2 (2005) (Japan Premiere)
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 in G major op.58
Beethoven: Symphony No.8 in F major op.93
Sunday 24 October Tokyo
Continue your exploration of Tokyo today by visiting some icons: the Edo Tokyo Museum, where you will learn more about Tokyo’s history and culture; the National Museum; the Ginza shopping street, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, and the Roppongi Hills, a city within the city. (BL)
Monday 25 October Tokyo
Full day at leisure. Optional tours will be available.
Evening concert at Suntory Hall by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra under Bernhard Klee, with Boris Andrianov (cello). (B)
Programme:
Elgar: Cello Concerto in e-minor
Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (‘Romantic’)
Tuesday 26 October Tokyo
Enjoy a full day tour out of Tokyo to the scenic shrines and countryside of Nikko and its National Park. Nikko has been a centre of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries, and is famous for its mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, wild monkeys and hiking trails. Visit Nikko, a small city and its famous mausoleum: the Toshogu Shrine, without forgetting the Rinnouji Buddhist temple, the Lake Chuzenli, a scenic lake in the mountains above Nikko and the Kegon Waterfall. (BL)
Wednesday 27 October Tokyo - Kanazawa
Morning flight to Komatsu (1 hr 10 min) and then transfer to Kanazawa, a city with a strong cultural identity, somewhat shielded from outside influences by its location between the Shirayama Mountains and the Sea of Japan. (B)
Thursday 28 October Kanazawa
Today your guided tour of Kanazawa starts with Kenroku-en Garden. Established in the 17th century, ‘Kenroku-en’ means ‘garden of six qualities – spaciousness, seclusion, air of antiquity, ingenuity, flowing water and views. Continue to the Nagamachi Samurai Quarter for an insight into the life of Japan’s legendary warriors, the Samurai. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Gold Leaf Museum, where you will discover how gold leaf is manufactured. Finally, visit Higashi –Chayamachi, Kanazawa's most famous geisha district, before heading towards Omicha shopping street. (BL)
Friday 29 October Kanazawa
Day at leisure to explore the charming city of Kanazawa on your own.
Evening concert at the Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall with the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa. This ‘pops concert’ will be presented by well known musician, composer, and conductor Akira Miyagawa. (B)
Saturday 30 October Kanazawa - Osaka
Depart Kanazawa on a Limited Train to Osaka (2 hr 30 min). On arrival transfer to your hotel for check-in and lunch.
Afternoon at leisure before this evening’s concert at Symphony Hall by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta. (BL)
Programme:
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
Mahler: Symphony Nr. 1 D-Major ('The Titan’)
Sunday 31 October Osaka
Morning tour of Osaka Castle, built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan, before the capital was moved to former Edo, now known as Tokyo. Walk through the newly renovated castle while experiencing the details of life in old Osaka. From there, walk to the river boat dock nearby to board the Aqua Liner for an hour-long cruise.
After your cruise enjoy an afternoon concert at Symphony Hall with the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Seikyo Kim.
Programme:
Tchaikovsky: Slavonic March "Francesca da Rimini"
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, (‘Pathétique’)
Following the concert, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner. (BD)
Monday 1 November Depart Osaka
Transfer to Kansai International Airport for your return flights to Australia on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. (B)
Tuesday 2 November Arrival in Australia
Early morning arrival in Australia.
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
YOUR HOTELS:
Kyoto – Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Tokyo – Shiba Park Hotel
Kanazawa – Hotel Kanazawa
Osaka – Sheraton Miyako Hotel
NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted
