Harvard Westlake Chamber Orchestra to Japan, 2026

Dear Neli,

It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that 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.’ It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Japan in 2026. 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, complete 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.

Sincerely,
Robin H Teague
617-958-9528


Your Encore Benefits

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.

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.

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.

Encore Tours and our parent company, ACIS, carry a $50 million general liability insurance policy to protect our groupsIn 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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Our new Recruitment Meeting tool streamlines your recruitment process, offering customizable templates, automated reminders, and integrated RSVP tracking to ensure maximum attendance. It simplifies meeting logistics, allowing you to focus on sharing the excitement of your upcoming tour and inspiring participants to join. This tool is designed to make your recruitment efforts as smooth and successful as possible, helping you to build a strong and engaged group.

Tour Inclusions

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges
  • Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels
  • Rooming in twin room occupancy.
  • Breakfast daily and dinners as per your itinerary
  • All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary
  • Bullet Train from Osaka to Hiroshima
  • Bullet Train from Hiroshima to Kyoto
  • Bullet Train from Nagoya to Tokyo
  • Peace Memorial Park, Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine
  • Golden Pavilion, Temple, Teramchi
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nara, Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park
  • 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
  • Arrangements for three concert performance opportunities
  • All concert arrangements include venue rental and allocation, all necessary concert permits, all pre-concert advertisement, and on-site concert assistance.
  • Pre-concert rehearsal time, where possible
  • Vox Headsets
  • Site inspection
temple in Japan

What’s Not Included?

  • Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines 
  • Instrument stands  
  • Rental instruments
  • Any meals not listed in your itinerary 
  • Programs for the concerts 
  • Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights 

Pricing Options

TravelersPriceFree Spots
45$6,7394
45$6,8595
46 2 buses$7,1994
46 2 buses$7,3795

Based on “Land and Air” out of LAX accommodating the group in twin/triple rooms.

Payment Deadlines Group Billing

DateAmount
June 1$200 deposit
August 15$1,000
October 15$1,000
November 15$1,000
December 15$1,000
January 15Final Payment

Sample Venues TBD after site inspection

Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant.

Community Outreach Concert: Hiroshima

Hiroshima

This outreach performance, focusing on the resilience and spirit of Hiroshima, offers a remarkable chance to connect with the local community. With potential involvement from survivors and their families, this could be an opportunity to utilize local artistic expressions such as traditional Japanese music, dance, and contemporary theater to delve into themes of peace, remembrance, and hope.

Nagoya City Music Plaza

Nagoya

Home to the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, Nagoya City Music Plaza is a world-class venue with exceptional acoustics. Centrally located with all of the amenities your group could need, this is an excellent option for any performance tour of Japan.

Hotels

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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.

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.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Hiroshima

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima is an excellent base for group travelers looking to explore one of Japan’s most historic cities. Conveniently located near Peace Memorial Park, the hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to dining, shopping, and public transportation. With a welcoming atmosphere, efficient service, and a central location ideal for sightseeing, it’s a great choice for school, performance, or cultural groups visiting Hiroshima.

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.

Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori

Tokyo

Conveniently located in southern Tokyo, Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori offers sleek, contemporary accommodations ideal for groups seeking comfort and easy access to the city’s major attractions. Guests enjoy modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, a refined on-site restaurant, and well-appointed rooms designed for relaxation after a day of exploring. With direct rail connections to popular destinations such as Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Haneda Airport, the hotel is a smart base for discovering the capital’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance.

Customize Your Tour

Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Get a quote from one of our tour consultants who will help you customize a trip to meet your goals.

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