Trip to Japan

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, Thursday June 26: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 27: Tokyo

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

Day 3, Saturday June 28: Tokyo

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. This afternoon, you will learn basic drumming techniques and experience the cultural significance of Taiko during a drumming workshop. Taiko, meaning "drum" in Japanese, is a traditional art form known for its high energy and coordination, often used in festivals and ceremonies. Conclude your day with dinner together and seeing Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world! (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 29: Tokyo

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Tokyo Disneyland. Today you'll perform within the parks (pending approval). 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, Monday June 30: Tokyo

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

Day 6, Tuesday July 1: Mt Fuji Area

This morning, depart for the Mt. Fuji area. Pack an overnight bag for your overnight in the Mount Fuji Area (your larger luggage will be transported safely directly to Osaka). Visit Mount Fuji's breathtaking Kawaguchiko 5th Station, the base point from which most hikers start their ascent to the summit. Check into your next hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday July 2: Osaka

This morning, take the bullet train to Osaka. Upon arrival, discover the highlights of Osaka today as a local guide takes you on a sightseeing tour. First visit the Kuromon Ichiba Market, a foodie's delight that offers an amazing and exotic array of Japanese culinary specialties and is one of the oldest and most well-known fresh food markets in the world. Then visit the Museum of Knives at Sakai, an area where blade craftmanship dates back to the 5th century. Continue your walking tour with time to browse for souvenirs in the Shinsaibashi district, a colorful shopping arcade. Tonight enjoy a special dinner along Dotonbori, a famous food street in Osaka known for its traditional Japanese pancakes, okonomiyaki. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday July 3: Osaka

Today you'll enjoy a full day's visit to the World Expo. Today you'll perform your final performance as part of the World Expo (pending approval). Dinner will be on your own tonight. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday July 4: Osaka

Board the high-speed bullet train this morning and travel to Hiroshima, a city famous throughout the world as the site of the first nuclear attack. Today’s sightseeing tour includes the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome, the building closest to the bomb’s hypocenter that remained standing. Then enjoy a relaxing scenic journey to Miyajima Island where you’ll see playful monkeys and wild deer that surround the renowned Itsukushima Shrine. Dine like locals tonight with a Bento-Box dinner on the train. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday July 5: Osaka

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Kyoto. A guided sightseeing tour will show you the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a mountainside structure that offers stunning views of the city before participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a fixture in the country's culture. Then visit the shimmering Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion" a Zen Buddhist temple with two floors covered in gold leaf. Have time to explore the Gion District this afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner to celebrate your performance tour to Japan. (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday July 6: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)