Sizzling Strings Suzuki Spectacular 2026!

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday May 29: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday May 30: Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan as well as its largest city. Meet your Encore Tour Manager at your hotel and begin to explore this dazzling and energetic city, which offers an intriguing blend of the ancient and modern worlds. Enjoy a welcome dinner together in a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Sunday May 31: Tokyo

This morning after breakfast, there is free time for families to attend services on their own. Next, kick-start the day with a guided sightseeing tour, beginning a view of the resplendent Imperial Palace Plaza; followed by a visit to the culturally significant Asakusa Kannon Temple; Nakamise Street, a visual feast of densely packed shops and eateries. You will also enjoy an origami workshop today for a fun, hands-on experience. Today you will also rehearse and perform your first concert in Japan at a local venue. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 1: Tokyo

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Disneyland Tokyo. A cash back option will be given today for dinner in the park. Return to Tokyo this evening for your overnight. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 2: Atami

After breakfast at your hotel and hotel check out, depart Tokyo for the Mount Fuji area. Enjoy a visit to Lake Kawaguchiko, famous for its panoramic views of Mount Fuji. This afternoon's highlight today is Sizzling Strings' second performance, which will take place at a local venue, such as the Museum of Music Forest Kawaguchiko. Later this afternoon continue to Atami for check in at your seaside hotel. Your truly traditional Japanese experience begins with a traditional dinner at the hotel and the opportunity to experience tatami style of bedding. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 3: Matsumoto

After breakfast at your hotel in Atami, travel to Matsumoto for a tour of the Matsumoto Castle, the city's most famous landmark. This national treasure is one of Japan's best-preserved original castles, known for its distinctive black-and-white exterior, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle." Then visit Suzuki Memorial Hall, located in the house where Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the renowned creator of the Suzuki Method of music education, lived and developed his famous method. Your performance here in Matsumoto is under your own arrangements through your local contacts. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant and overnight in Matsumoto. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 4: Matsumoto

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a fun and interactive musical experience with a private Taiko Drum Workshop. Learn the technique of this local instrument from a real master musician. Next, visit the amzing indigenous creatures that will steal your hearts, the famous japanese snow monkeys at the Snow Monkey Park. Enjoy some free time today before dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 5: Nagoya

After breakfast at your hotel and hotel check out, enjoy a full day excursion to Takyama, visiting Takayama's Old Town Sanmachi Suji. Wander through the beautifully preserved streets and have the opportunity to visit traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, and local craft shops. Next, visit Hida Folk Village, Hida no Sato, and explore this open-air museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. Continue to Nagoya for hotel check in and another authentic dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday June 6: Kyoto

After breakfast at your hotel and check out, travel together to Kyoto, your final stop on your Japanese tour. Your luggage will travel separately from you via private transfer so you can enjoy your transfetr to Kyoto via THE BULLET Train! Once you arrive, visit the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a mountainside structure that offers stunning views of the city. Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy this tranquil forest path in Kyoto before visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park, which is home to over 100 wild Japanese macaques. Conclude your day with some time to shop at your leisure, perhaps at the Nintendo or Pokeman center. Tonight, you'll again enjoy a cash-back plan to enjoy meals of your own choice (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday June 7: Kyoto

This morning after breakfast, there is free time for families to attend services on their own. Early this afternoon, participate in a Samurai Workshop. This immersive experience teaches you the basics of Samurai swordsmanship from a real master! Later this afternoon, present your final performance in Japan! Celebrate another wonderful performance at your dinner in a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 11, Monday June 8: Kyoto

This morning visit the renowned Buddist temple of Kiyomizo-dera famous for its wooden stage and panoramic views of the city. This afternoon, participate in a fun and interactive cooking lesson where you can enjoy lunch that you have worked together to make! Later this afternoon, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a Shinto temple famous for its 5,000 vibrant orange toriis, or symbolic gateways. Enjoy a special traditional Japanese style farewell dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 12, Tuesday June 9: Departure

This morning after breakfast and your final hotel check out, tour the famous Dotoburi Food street in Osaka before transfering to Kansai airport for your return flights to the US (Flights under own arrangements). (B)