If you want to take your ensemble abroad, Japan has a plethora of performance options in addition to incredible cuisine, stunning landscapes, and some of the most important historical sites in the world. Your group will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they embark on a Japanese journey, which can include visits to the breathtaking Mount Fuji, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Ensembles have the opportunity to perform at a wide variety of venues, including schools, outdoor venues, concert halls, and so much more. There are opportunities to collaborate with local groups as part of a joint concert, take part in one of Japan’s many music festivals, or enjoy some community outreach by performing at a church or senior center. There are so many amazing options that you are guaranteed to find options that are ideal for the unique desires of your group. Outside of the performances, there are so many reasons why a performance tour to Japan would be an unforgettable experience for your ensemble. The country is clean and safe, and the people are polite and friendly. There’s also unique architecture, world-class fashion, advanced technology, and a very favorable exchange rate. Our itineraries are also fully customizable, so groups can add on a wide variety of cultural workshops to deepen their appreciation of local customs and history. A sampling of the available options includes traditional tea ceremonies, sushi making classes, a unique Samurai experience, sumo wrestling demonstrations, kabuki workshops, calligraphy classes, taiko lessons, and so much more! Food is an incredibly important part of Japanese culture, and when visiting the nation, you can enjoy a broad range of delectable foods . There are countless meals in Japan that will make your mouth water, from mainstays like sushi and ramen to lesser-known staples like Sukiyaki (beef hot pot) and Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). Japan has more 3-star Michelin restaurants than any other country in the world, but they’re also renowned for their street food and fish markets. In Japan, there are over 80,000 temples and shrines, some of which are more than 1,000 years old! Visiting these Buddhist temples and zen gardens, you’ll notice not only the breathtaking beauty, but also the incredible tranquility. The most well-known Shinto shrines in Japan are the Inari Shrines, which are scattered across the nation. The Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto is one of the most significant Inari shrines, and is undoubtedly something you should see for yourself. Performance tours to Japan provide your group with a distinctive experience that is rich in engrossing history and culture. There are so many distinctive cities to visit, each offering travelers with something new and unique. While these cultural experiences will be fondly remembered by all participants, it’s important not to understate the impressive nature of this country’s musical highlights. Plan to have your ensemble sing at fabulous concert halls across the nation, or have your ensemble participate in a master class with a clinician to improve their performance and instrument techniques. There are so many possibilities for developing your musical skills and discovering unique, new musical opportunities. There is so much to see and do in Japan, and this a country that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Check out our sample itineraries, and contact us for a quote to make your Japanese dreams come true. We guarantee you won’t regret it! Want to learn more about taking your ensemble on a Japanese performance tour? Visit our Japan destination page, or contact us to speak with a tour consultant!
December 5, 2024 Encore Tours Important Update: UK Travel Requirements for U.S. Citizens As of November 27, 2024, eligible travelers from the U.S. Backstage Blog
December 3, 2024 Encore Tours Encore Tours will be at the 78th Midwest Clinic: Join Us at Booth 914! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be attending the 2024 Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra, and Music Conference from December 18-21 in Chicago, Illinois. Backstage Blog
December 2, 2024 Encore Tours Musical Celebrations Around the World: World Choral Day At Encore, choirs hold a special place in our hearts. Backstage Blog