Hi Laura! It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Japan. In every aspect of your tour, your goals and desires are our priority, ensuring a travel experience that is as personalized as it is seamless. From our industry-leading protection plans and guaranteed rates that safeguard against the unexpected to the unrivaled expertise of our tour managers who bring every destination to life, every detail is thoughtfully considered. What truly sets your experience apart are our dynamic venues, handpicked for their ability to enchant and engage, with guaranteed audiences to elevate every performance. This unique blend of meticulous planning, exclusive access, and comprehensive support ensures that your performance tour transcends the ordinary, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Welcome to Encore Tours, where your dream tour awaits. Visit Your TripSite Traveler Resources Your Encore Benefits Guaranteed Land Rates We do not raise our prices based on currency fluctuations in the marketplace. This alleviates any unwelcome currency surcharges during the planning period or immediately prior to travel. The Best Tour Managers Around Our Tour Managers are repeatedly evaluated and praised as being the best in educational travel, and they are available to you 24 hours per day. The tour manager stays in the same hotel as the group, and coordinates hotel check-ins, restaurant reservations, and concert venue availability and rehearsal time. These representatives also deliver the educational portion of the tour with detailed historical commentary during travel. Protection Plans for Everyone All participants are covered at no extra cost by our Basic Protection Plan covering health insurance overseas and trip cancellation/interruption in case of illness. Participants also have the option to upgrade to our Ultimate or Ultimate Plus plans, which include the ability to cancel for any reason up to four days before departure and still receive a full refund. Additionally, all Encore participants travel with an automatic $15,000 health protection plan. Financial Security Encore Tours and our parent company, ACIS, carry a $50 million general liability insurance policy to protect our groups. In addition, as an Active Member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), we post a $1 million indemnity bond as part of USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program. Tour Fundraiser Register 30 or more participants with Encore Tours and we will award your group a FREE weekend getaway for two to Paris or London over Veteran’s Day Weekend or Martin Luther King Day Weekend. We have had ensembles raise over $20,000 using this gift as a raffle prize. 2025 Domestic Fundraiser Info Sheet 2025 International Fundraiser Info Sheet Prelude Join Encore staff for our annual Prelude event, a free professional development weekend for ensemble directors and a guest that takes place in a different musically rich international destination. “Incredible! I cherished every moment. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Such experiences would have been impossible on my own. Being pampered in this manner and witnessing the professionalism and luxury that Encore embodies was an absolute delight.” – 2024 Prelude attendee Online Billing We are excited to offer the choice of group billing or direct billing and will gladly work with your preference. With group billing you will receive an invoice with each participant’s balance and payment due prior to the due date. If you decide to enroll your group in direct billing Encore will mail invoices to each participant for all payments due. Accounts can also be accessed 24 hours a day on our website and payments can be made online with MasterCard and Visa for no additional cost. This is the suggested payment plan, however you can adjust it according to the group’s needs. Automatic Payments Plan Encore offers an auto-pay option for all participants signed up for individual billing. Enrollment in the plan is free and funds are withdrawn from the participant’s checking account on a regular basis, with the last payment being processed 45 days prior to departure. 24-7 Overseas Coverage Encore has offices overseas in the event of an emergency. In addition, US staff are always available to ensure you are receiving a quality travel experience, before, during and after your concert tour. All land arrangements including concert bookings and promotion are provided directly by Encore’s affiliate offices, offering the highest quality services and the very best value to our clients. Graduate Level Credits Enhance your professional development! Directors and participants have the opportunity to earn graduate-level credits through their tour experience and participation in our Prelude events. These educational opportunities not only enrich your tour but also contribute to your lifelong learning and professional growth. Tour Inclusions Roundtrip airfare Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels Rooming in twin/double room occupancy. Breakfast daily and selected lunches or dinners as per your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers 2 nights at Tokyo, 1 night Mt Fuji Area, 1 night Nagoya, 2 nights Kyoto, 3 nights Osaka Bullet train ticket: Osaka to Hiroshima to Osaka Workshop: Taiko Performance coordination: 4 performances Whisper headsets Important Notes:. Coaches are very small 45 + Tour Manager. Dietary restrictions in Japan need to be submitted earlier than in most other destinations (ideally by 60 days before departure and at least 30 days). What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the performances Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options TravelersPriceCoachesFree Spots40$6,2991445$6,3992450$6,2392455$5,9392460$5,79924 Payment Deadlines DateAmountMay 1, 2025$200October 1, 2025$1,000January 10, 2026$1,000March 14, 2026Balance Due Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Choir Orchestra Exchange Concert: Osaka Osaka An exchange concert in Osaka with a local choir offers transformative benefits for young musicians. This city’s unique blend of traditional and modern music provides a rich learning environment. Participants will enhance their musical skills and cultural understanding by collaborating with a local school choir, exposing them to diverse techniques and styles. Such experiences foster teamwork, broaden global perspectives, and cultivate lasting international relationships. Hosted in one of Osaka’s local schools, this event is a valuable educational opportunity in a culturally dynamic setting. Band Choir Orchestra Exchange Concert: Toyko Tokyo Taking part in an exchange concert with a local choir in Tokyo offers enriching cultural and educational benefits. Participants from your ensemble will collaborate with a local school, deepening their understanding of Japanese musical traditions and practices while sharing their own. This interaction enhances musical skills, broadens cultural perspectives, and fosters lasting friendships among young musicians. Band Choir Orchestra Suntory Hall Tokyo The Suntory Hall is a performance venue in Tokyo, Japan’s Akasaka neighborhood. It is a part of the Ark Hills complex and includes a small hall for chamber music in addition to the larger main concert hall. The main hall widely regarded as having some of the best acoustics in the world, with Herbert von Karajan having called it “a jewel box of sound”. This is a can’t-miss destination for any ensemble planning a performance tour to Japan! Band Choir Orchestra Wakayama Hall Wakayama Wakayama Hall is a large Philharmonic hall in Wakayama, Japan. This venue is newly renovated, has a large seating capacity, is a great location for our Japan-bound groups to perform! Sample Hotels Traveling on a performance trip is a moving experience, and our goal is to ensure that all travelers have a life-changing experience. We also know that time is money, and comfort is essential. That’s why, when you’re touring with Encore, you will always stay in well-located, three- or four-star hotels—right in the heart of the destination you came to see. Far East Village Hotel Ariake Tokyo Located in Tokyo’s serene Ariake Bay Area, this 4-star property is close to Tokyo Big Sight and various sports venues like Ariake Tennis Park and Ariake Arena. It’s also convenient for cultural outings with nearby attractions like TeamLab Planets and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. With easy access to Toyosu Market, Tokyo Disneyland Resort, and the fashionable Ginza district, it offers a perfect blend of tourist hotspots and local flavor. Learn More Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel Shizuoka This 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Mishima, offers a sophisticated stay with stunning views of Mount Fuji. The well-appointed rooms blend modern comfort with elegant design, providing a serene retreat for both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a delicious breakfast buffet featuring local and international dishes, and on-site dining options. The hotel also features a fitness center and spa, adding to the luxurious experience. Its convenient location near Mishima Station makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Shizuoka region and the iconic Mount Fuji. Learn More Hotel Keihan Nagoya Nagoya Located in the lively district of Nagoya, this modern hotel provides a comfortable and convenient stay for both business and leisure guests. The rooms are well-appointed with all the necessary amenities to ensure a relaxing experience in the city center. Guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, a diverse breakfast buffet offering Japanese and Western options, and on-site dining facilities. Its prime location near major attractions and transportation hubs makes it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant culture and energy of Nagoya. Learn More Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande Kyoto Situated just steps away from Kyoto Station, this stylish hotel provides a perfect blend of convenience and comfort for travelers exploring the historic city of Kyoto. The rooms are elegantly designed with modern amenities, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing or business meetings. Guests can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, a delicious breakfast buffet featuring both Japanese and Western cuisine, and several on-site dining options. Its prime location near major transportation hubs makes it an ideal starting point for discovering Kyoto’s cultural landmarks and attractions. Learn More Shin Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza Osaka Located in the bustling area of Shin-Osaka, this contemporary hotel offers convenient access to both business and leisure destinations in the city. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a diverse breakfast buffet featuring both Japanese and Western dishes, and multiple on-site dining options. With its proximity to Shin-Osaka Station, this hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring Osaka and beyond. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us