Saturday was a big day wth lots of train travel and two concerts: Atsuko Arai’s children’s chorus in Nara followed by an impromptu performance at the feet of the famous “big Buddha” at the Tōdai-ji temple.

The tour started gently with a performance at the Ganko-tei restaurant in Takarazuka, an easy walk from our accomodation. Our tour organiser, Tazuko McLaren, has many close friends in Takarazuka who are long term supporters of the group and the concert was well attended.   

After a 9 hour flight to Osaka, we were met at the airport and packed into in a minivan overflowing with luggage and driven to the city of Takarazuka. Takarazuka is located about 30 km from Kansai airport, Osaka and is also close to the city of Kobe. Takarazuka is known for its hot springs […]