Arrive in Tokyo on suggested flights and transfer to the hotel for check-in (Haneda airport-hotel transfer included in tour price; supplement applies for Narita airport). Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

After a welcome briefing and pre-performance talk by tour leader Christopher Lawrence, visit Rikugien Gardens, a peaceful Edo-period garden featuring traditional bridges, ponds and a vibrant display of autumn colours. Then, enjoy a special welcome lunch at a nearby restaurant followed by some time at leisure in the afternoon.

In the evening, attend a deeply expressive duo recital by violinist Janine Jansen and pianist Denis Kozhukhin featuring works by R. Schumann, C. Schumann and Brahms in the intimate setting of Tokyo Opera City’s Concert Hall.

PROGRAM:
R. Schumann – Violin Sonata No.1 in A Minor, Op.105
Brahms – Violin Sonata No.2 in A Major, Op.100
C. Schumann – Three Romances, Op.22
Brahms – Violin Sonata No.3 in D Minor, Op.108

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In the morning, transfer to the Tokyo College of Music, which has nurtured aspiring musicians and generations of composers since its opening in 1946. Visit the concert halls and recording studios, and gain an understanding of the learning pathways offered to the students. After the visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Tonight, celebrate the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth with a performance by the acclaimed NHK Symphony Orchestra of an all-Ravel program, culminating in the full ballet score of Daphnis et Chloé.

PROGRAM:
Ravel – Pavane pour une Infante défunte
Ravel – Le Tombeau de Couperin, suite
Ravel – Daphnis et Chloé, ballet

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Attend a pre-performance talk by Christopher in the morning, followed by a private, guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum and the largest art museum in Japan, including an impressive collection of art, samurai armour, ukiyo-e prints and Buddhist sculptures.

After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure before attending a performance by the acclaimed Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of esteemed conductor Christian Thielemann, who presents Bruckner’s monumental Symphony No. 5 at the impressive Suntory Hall.

PROGRAM:
Bruckner – Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, WAB 105

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Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax or to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

In the afternoon, transfer to MUZA Kawasaki Symphony Hall where Klaus Mäkelä conducts the iconic Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in a thrilling pairing of Richard Strauss’s Don Juan and Mahler’s epic Symphony No. 5.

PROGRAM:
R. Strauss – Don Juan
Mahler – Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp Minor

After the performance, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

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In the morning, enjoy a private, guided tour of the National Art Centre, a stunning Kisho Kurokawa-designed museum in the Art Triangle Roppongi. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the Art Triangle at your own pace before lunch at a local restaurant.

Tonight, witness celebrated Japanese pianist Kotaro Fukuma perform a vibrant solo recital of works by Mozart and George Benjamin at The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan concert hall.

PROGRAM:
Works by Mozart and George Benjamin

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After a talk by Christopher on the coming days’ performances, enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure.

In the early afternoon, transfer to the New National Theatre where Tokyo’s own Kazushi Ono directs a searing new production of Alban Berg’s opera Wozzeck, considered a monumental work of 20-century opera and staged by renowned opera director Richard Jones. Appreciate internationally acclaimed baritone Thomas Johannes Mayer as Wozzeck, tenor Arnold Bezuyen as Hauptmann and Jennifer Davis as Marie, celebrated for her powerful dramatic expression.

After the performance, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

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In the morning, visit Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden, one of Tokyo’s oldest Japanese gardens. This landscape garden houses famous Japanese and Chinese scenes in miniature, dating from the early Edo period. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and the evening at leisure.

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In the morning, enjoy a private, guided tour of the Nezu Museum. Set in a tranquil garden, the museum is a serene haven for traditional Japanese and East Asian art displaying more than 7,000 art works, including seven National Treasures.

Return to the hotel for a special farewell lunch with Christopher and fellow travellers to celebrate the conclusion of the tour.

After some time at leisure, travel to Yokohama’s Minato Mirai Hall and attend a performance by the acclaimed Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of distinguished conductor Kirill Petrenko. The program includes Bartok’s Suite The Miraculous Mandarin and Stravinsky’s revised version of the ballet Petrushka.

PROGRAM:
Bartok – The Miraculous Mandarin, suite
Stravinsky – Petrushka, ballet music (1947 revised version)

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Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. A transfer from the hotel to Haneda airport is included in the tour price (a supplement applies for Narita airport). Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

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