Sea of Kyoto： Kyoto Traditional Style / Miho Museum (Lake Biwa) 2-Day Tour

Special offer
Sea of Kyoto： Kyoto Traditional Style / Miho Museum (Lake Biwa) 2-Day Tour
US$228.00 US$182.00

Choose your pickup location

  • Amanohashidate Viewpoint + Ine Boathouses; can be combined with any already-confirmed Kyoto departure day tour on the following day.
  • The following itinerary is for reference only. Actual sightseeing spots, visiting order, and timing may be adjusted according to conditions on the day.
  • Operates every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Departures guaranteed with just 1 participant.
  • Avoid the crowds and explore northern coastal Kyoto for a completely different Kyoto experience. From Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views,” to a classic Kyoto day tour, this journey perfectly blends nature and culture.
  • Travel with experienced local drivers and attentive service, gaining deeper insight into Japan’s culture and daily life.

Day 1

08:40 Osaka – Start of the journey

Meet-up & Drop-off Package:

  • 08:40 Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Namba–Shinsaibashi area)

  • 09:50 Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Tourist Bus Parking Area

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.

11:20 Kyoto Prefecture
▼ Amanohashidate Viewpoint (approx. 2.5 hours, free time for lunch at your own expense)

Amanohashidate, located in Miyazu Bay along the Sea of Japan, is one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, alongside Matsushima and Miyajima. Stretching approximately 3.6 km, this sandbar formed by coastal sedimentation is lined with nearly 8,000 pine trees and flanked by white sandy beaches. Its shape resembles a bridge reaching toward the sky, giving rise to its name, “Amanohashidate” (Bridge to Heaven). Situated where the Aso Sea meets Miyazu Bay, visitors can enjoy pristine natural scenery and expansive ocean views.

From Mt. Monju, visitors can access an observation deck overlooking Amanohashidate. From this vantage point, the sandbar resembles a dragon soaring into the sky, known as the famous “Flying Dragon View.”
Cable car/monorail ticket not included: JPY 850 (round-trip).

Chion-ji Temple (Monju Hall)
A temple dedicated to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, popular for prayers for academic success. Its large gate is the biggest in the Tango region. A unique feature here is the fan-shaped fortune slips, symbolizing progress and improvement. Nearby is the rotating bridge connecting the mainland to Amanohashidate, which turns 90 degrees when large boats pass (irregular schedule).
Free admission.

Beach Walk & Leisure Time
Both sides of the sandbar feature soft white beaches. Walk through pine forests, enjoy the scenery, or visit Amanohashidate Shrine, known for blessings in love. The shrine’s sacred well, Iso Shimizu, is listed among Japan’s 100 Famous Waters. In summer, the area opens as a free swimming beach with changing rooms, lifeguards, and coin-operated showers.

Amanohashidate Onsen – Chie no Yu
Located in front of JR Amanohashidate Station, this hot spring is said to have skin-beautifying properties.
Admission not included: JPY 800 (adults), JPY 400 (children).

14:30 Kyoto Prefecture
▼ Ine Boathouses (Ine no Funaya) – “The Venice of Japan” & “Kyoto’s Last Hidden Paradise” (approx. 1 hour)

Ine Village is ranked among Japan’s 18 most beautiful villages, famous for its unique waterfront boathouses lining Ine Bay over 5 km, with more than 230 traditional structures. Here, people continue to live in harmony with the sea. The crystal-clear waters, lush green mountains, ever-changing skies, and traditional wooden boathouses create a rare and untouched coastal landscape.

Optional Boat Cruise
A 25-minute cruise around Ine Bay, with opportunities to feed seagulls.
Boat tickets at own expense: JPY 1,200 (adults), JPY 600 (children); seagull feed JPY 100 per pack.
If cruises are canceled due to rough seas, free walking time will be arranged instead.

⚠ Important: Eagles are common in the area. If eagles appear, stop feeding seagulls immediately and secure all food to avoid injury.

Free Bicycle Exploration
Free bicycles are available at the Ine Tourist Information Center (deposit JPY 2,000 required). Availability is limited.
Alternatively, e-bikes can be rented independently nearby (extra cost).

15:30 Return Journey Begins

18:00 Kyoto
Check in at Kyoto Heian no Mori Hotel or a similar hotel.
(Breakfast included; large public bath included at Heian no Mori Hotel only. Guests must check in independently.)

Day 2

10:00 Kyoto
Hotel pick-up (please be ready by 09:50).

Join an already-confirmed Kyoto departure day tour, depending on season:

  • Miho Museum & Lake Biwa Day Tour (during museum opening periods)

  • Classic Kyoto Traditional Day Tour (during museum closure periods; kimono rental optional)

16:50 Kyoto
Tour ends (exact time depends on the selected day tour).

18:10 Osaka – Shinsaibashi / Dotonbori Area
Free time for approximately 1 hour.

Guests using the meet-up & drop-off package will end the tour here.
Guests requiring hotel transfer will be arranged transportation back to their accommodation.

Shinsaibashi
Osaka’s most famous shopping street, featuring department stores, drugstores, boutiques, and brand shops. Many stores offer Chinese-speaking staff and UnionPay support.

Dotonbori
The heart of Osaka’s food culture, famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, and popular restaurants such as Kani Doraku.

 

*The above itinerary schedule may be adjusted due to weather, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.

Price Includes

  1. Vehicle service as listed in the itinerary and accommodation at Kyoto Heian no Mori Hotel

  2. Fuel costs, toll fees, and highway fees

  3. Vehicle service time: within 10 hours (in accordance with Japanese law)

  4. Driver-guide service fee

    • 1–13 guests: small group tour

    • 14–45 guests: bus tour
      (Final arrangement depends on the actual number of participants on the day)

  5. Reference vehicle types (for reference only; actual vehicle depends on group size):

    • 5–8 seats: Toyota Alphard

    • 9–14 seats: Toyota Hiace or equivalent

    • 18–22 seats: Mini bus

    • 22 seats or more: Large coach

  6. Children policy:

    • Children under 3 years old (held on lap, no seat): Free of charge

    • Children aged 3–6 years: CNY 300 discount per person

    • Children aged 6 and above: charged at adult price

Price Excludes

  1. Meals, attraction admission tickets, optional activities, and all personal expenses

  2. Luggage for day tours is not recommended; if luggage is required, please note it at the time of booking

  3. Any items not listed under Price Includes

Important Notes

  1. Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any resulting loss will be borne by the customer.

  2. Please provide complete booking information (name, number of participants, phone number, WeChat ID, and boarding location) to avoid errors that may affect the trip.

  3. Passports and valuables must be carried and kept safely at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage is the participant’s own responsibility.

  4. Elderly guests, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, other cardiovascular conditions, or pregnant women are advised to travel with a companion.

  5. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed to join alone and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

  6. This is a shared fixed-route tour. Participants must follow the schedule and the arrangements of the driver-guide.
    If you require a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter services.

  7. No refunds will be issued for non-participation or early termination due to personal reasons or late arrival.

  8. Guests who leave the group during the tour will be considered to have forfeited the tour, with no refund provided. Any personal or property loss resulting from this will be the guest’s responsibility.

  9. Arrival times may change due to traffic, weather, holidays, or crowd conditions. Delays or cancellations caused by force majeure will not be grounds for a refund.

  10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.

  11. Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items to avoid legal issues.

  12. During free time, guests are responsible for their own personal and property safety.

Participant Guidelines

  1. Guests aged 70 and above must be in good health and accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or above throughout the trip.

  2. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by at least one adult traveler.

  3. Elderly guests are required to provide a health certificate prior to departure (digital copy accepted).

  4. Pregnant women, guests with heart disease, acrophobia, or other special conditions are not recommended to join this tour and may be refused participation. Please book with caution.

  5. This product accepts non–Mainland China guests; however, only Chinese and Japanese language services are available.

Itinerary Adjustment Notice

Due to unpredictable factors such as traffic, weather, holidays, or crowd levels, arrival times may change. According to Japanese law, drivers are limited to a maximum of 10 working hours per day. For safety reasons, the itinerary may be adjusted, including reducing sightseeing time or canceling certain stops.

In cases of force majeure, we regret any inconvenience caused. Refunds cannot be provided, as these decisions are made to ensure the safety of both drivers and travelers and the smooth operation of the tour.

Possible force majeure factors include but are not limited to:

  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons)

  • Traffic accidents or congestion

  • Severe weather conditions (heavy snow, rainstorms, dense fog)

  • Government regulations or traffic controls

  • Medical emergencies involving travelers or group members

  • Social events (strikes, protests, civil unrest)

  • Mechanical failures of vehicles

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 15–21 days before departure (inclusive): 10% cancellation fee

  • 8–14 days before departure (inclusive): 30% cancellation fee

  • 4–7 days before departure (inclusive): 50% cancellation fee

  • 1–3 days before departure (inclusive): 100% cancellation fee

Travel Information

1. Pick-up / Meeting

Please arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Late arrivals will not be accommodated. This product is non-refundable, non-changeable, and does not allow switching tours or joining midway. Any loss due to personal reasons will be borne by the guest.

2. During the Tour

  1. Early departure from or rejoining the group is not allowed. Any unused portion will be forfeited without refund.

  2. During peak seasons or special circumstances, departure times may be adjusted (final time confirmed by the guide).

  3. Transportation and sightseeing schedules are subject to actual conditions. With guest consent and without reducing attractions, the guide may adjust the visiting order.

  4. Meals are not included. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Some restaurants do not allow outside food or occupying seats without ordering.

3. Local Customs & Regulations

Please respect local customs and cultural practices.

4. Weather

  1. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions for safety reasons.

  2. In severe weather, attractions may change or cancel operations or performances without prior notice.

  3. Flower-viewing conditions depend on weather; tours operate as scheduled even if flowers are not at peak bloom.

5. Meals

This tour does not include meals. Please arrange at your own expense.

6. Shopping

  1. Shops at attractions or rest stops are not designated shopping stops by the travel agency. Please shop responsibly and request receipts.

  2. Privately operated entertainment venues may lack proper licenses and pose risks. Please participate at your own discretion.

Warm Reminders

  1. Keep your mobile phone on and reachable during the trip.

  2. Guests prone to motion sickness should prepare appropriate medication.

  3. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; bring sunscreen, insect repellent, windproof clothing, and a camera.

  4. Take care of personal belongings. Loss or damage is the guest’s responsibility.

Safety Warning

Activities such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, and playing in snow involve inherent risks. Please assess your physical condition carefully and follow guidance from local authorities and professional organizations before participating.