Dear Andrei, 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.’ 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 Teague617-958-9528 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. Domestic Fundraiser Info Sheet 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. Recruitment Tools 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. 5 nights in Osaka with day trips to Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara, and 3 nights in Tokyo Rooming in a twin room occupancy. Breakfast and dinners as per your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver Instrument Truck is temperature-controlled for the instruments. Bullet train tickets Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers Arrangements for 3 concert performance opportunities, one as a joint performance, and one concert to attend 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 What’s Not Included? Extra large Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options TravelersPriceFree SpotsBuses70$6,8703280$6,6603290$6,86033 Based on “Land and Air” out of SFO, accommodating the group in Twin rooms. To replace Nara with Hiroshima, the price will increase by $300 Instrument rental cost per instrument per day Cello ~$255 Double Bass ~$255 Timpani ~$465 full 4 set Bass Drum and stand ~$105 Snare Drum and stand ~$105 Crash Cymbals and stand ~$95 Suspended Cymbal ~TBD Xylophone ~$105 Percussion Trap Table TBD Tuba TBD French horn TBD Flights Outbound:UA 35 – San Francisco (SFO) to Osaka (KIX)Depart: 11:10 AMArrive: 2:50 PM (next day)Nonstop | Duration: 11h 40m Return:UA 838 – Tokyo Narita (NRT) to San Francisco (SFO)Depart: 5:05 PMArrive: 10:40 AM (same day)Nonstop | Duration: 9h 35m Payment Deadlines to be determined by MSYO and Robin DateAmountMay 15$200August 15$750October 15$750January 15, 2027$750May 15, 2027$750August 15, 2027$750October 15, 2027$750December 15, 2027$750February 15, 2028Final Payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Orchestra Kyoto Concert Hall Kyoto Kyoto Concert Hall is one of Japan’s premier classical music venues and home to the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra. Its 1,833-seat main hall follows the traditional shoebox design used in many of the world’s most renowned concert halls, creating a warm, balanced acoustic ideal for orchestras, bands, and choirs. The space is enhanced by finely tuned architectural details that ensure clarity and blend across the ensemble, along with a striking pipe organ that anchors the stage. For performing groups, it offers an elevated, world-class concert setting in the cultural heart of Kyoto. Band Orchestra Higashiosaka Cultural Creation Hall Osaka A modern and versatile performance venue just outside central Osaka, Higashiosaka Cultural Creation Hall offers a polished setting for ensembles of all types. The main hall seats approximately 1,500 guests and is designed with excellent acoustics that support both orchestral and choral performance, while a smaller hall and multiple rehearsal spaces provide flexibility for workshops and exchanges. The facility is bright, contemporary, and easily accessible by public transport, making it a strong choice for groups seeking a professional concert experience in the Osaka region. Band Choir Orchestra Setagaya Civic Hall Tokyo Setagaya Civic Hall provides an intimate and refined concert environment in Tokyo, ideal for ensembles looking to connect closely with their audience. Recently renovated, the hall features approximately 900 seats and updated acoustics, along with improved accessibility and modern backstage facilities. Its design preserves the character of the original venue while enhancing comfort and sound quality, making it well suited for smaller orchestras, chamber groups, and choirs seeking a focused and engaging performance experience in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. 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. Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji Osaka Holiday Inn Express Osaka City is a modern four-star hotel offering a comfortable and convenient stay in one of Japan’s most dynamic cities. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a functional design suited for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can start the day with a complimentary breakfast and take advantage of the 24-hour front desk service. Its central location provides easy access to major attractions such as Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan. Learn More Shinjuku Washington Hotel Tokyo Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this large, modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent access to Tokyo’s most vibrant district. Guests enjoy an easy walk to restaurants, shops, Shinjuku Station, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The property includes multiple dining options, convenient on-site services, and reliable comfort ideal for touring groups. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us