Kinosaki Onsen & Izushi Castle · Ine Boathouses and Amanohashidate 2-Day Tour

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Kinosaki Onsen & Izushi Castle · Ine Boathouses and Amanohashidate 2-Day Tour
US$306.91

Stroll through Izushi Castle Town, Known as “Little Kyoto of Tajima” & Relax at 1,300-Year-Old Kinosaki Onsen, Explore the Hidden Ine Boathouses, and Amanohashidate Ropeway.

Note: This itinerary is for reference only. The actual schedule, order of visits, and time spent at each attraction may be adjusted according to weather, traffic conditions, or on-site circumstances.

 

  • Stroll through the historic castle town known as the “Little Kyoto of Tajima” and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of the Edo period.

  • Visit Kinosaki Onsen, the birthplace of the hot spring bath-hopping tradition, and leisurely walk in a yukata and wooden clogs.

  • Explore the hidden scenic beauty of Ine Boathouses, often called the “Venice of Kyoto,” and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.

  • Travel with a local professional guide, providing reliable and attentive service, and gain in-depth insight into Japan’s culture and local life.

Day 1: Osaka → Izushi Castle Town → Kinosaki Onsen → Miyazu

09:00 – Osaka
Start your scenic journey from Osaka.
Meeting Point: Exit 2, Nipponbashi (Namba/Shinsaibashi area)
Please arrive 10 minutes early. The guide will wait at the meeting point, and late arrivals may miss departure.

11:30 – Toyooka / Izushi Castle Town

  • Stroll through the historic castle town known as the “Little Kyoto of Tajima,” avoiding crowds and enjoying a nostalgic Edo-period atmosphere. (Approx. 2.5 hours, lunch not included)

  • Highlights include Tatsuko Clock Tower, historic stone walls, and the 8th-century Soji-ji Temple.

  • Try the local specialty Izushi Soba, served on five small plates with various condiments such as egg, grated yam, green onions, radish, and wasabi.

14:50 – Kinosaki Onsen

  • Explore the 1,300-year-old hot spring town, famous for its traditional ryokan, scenic streets, and “soto-yu” public bath tour. (Approx. 3 hours, bathing fees and dinner not included)

  • Recommended: Purchase a Yumepa Pass (Adults ¥1,500 / Children ¥750) for unlimited access to the town’s six historic public baths:

    1. Kouno-yu – bath for marital harmony and longevity (closed Tue)

    2. Mandara-yu – a spiritual bath for a lifetime wish (closed Wed)

    3. Goshono-yu – beauty and good fortune bath (closed Thu)

    4. Ichino-yu – success and traffic safety bath (closed Wed)

    5. Yanagi-yu – fertility and family blessing bath (closed Thu)

    6. Jizo-yu – household safety and memorial bath (closed Mon)

19:30 – Miyazu
Check-in at Amanohashidate-area hotel (e.g., Miyazu View Hotel or similar). Dinner and breakfast not included.

Day 2: Miyazu → Ine Boathouses → Amanohashidate → Osaka

09:00 – Miyazu
Depart from the hotel.

10:00 – Ine Boathouses

  • Discover Ine, the “Kyoto Venice,” a hidden gem with traditional waterside boathouses. (Approx. 100 minutes)

  • Highlights: Ine Village, Boathouse Observation Deck, INE Café, and Ineura Park.

  • Optional boat cruise on Ine Bay (Approx. 30 min, cruise ticket included if purchased as part of the ropeway + cruise package; otherwise, pay on-site: Adults ¥1,200 / Children ¥600, seagull feed ¥100 per pack).

14:20 – Amanohashidate

  • Visit one of Japan’s three most scenic spots, a 3.6 km sandbar lined with approximately 8,000 pine trees. (Approx. 2 hours, ropeway ticket not included: ¥1,000)

  • Explore Chion-ji Temple, famous for academic blessings, and the unique rotation bridge.

  • Enjoy a stroll along Amanohashidate Beach and the pine forest trails.

16:30 – Departure from Amanohashidate

  • Return to Kyoto and Osaka.

18:10 – Kyoto
Disembark at Kyoto Hachijo Bus Terminal (end of tour for Kyoto guests).

19:10 – Osaka
Disembark in the Shinsaibashi/Dotonbori area.

  • Shinsaibashi: Shopping paradise with department stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops.

  • Dotonbori: Iconic street food destination, famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other Japanese delicacies.

Note: Times may vary due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Inclusions

  1. Vehicle service and accommodation fees as listed in the itinerary.

  2. Vehicle fuel, tolls, and highway fees.

  3. Vehicle service time: up to 10 hours per day (as per Japanese law).

  4. Guide/driver service fees (1–13 people: small private group; 14–45 people: bus group; adjusted according to actual group size).

  5. Reference vehicle types:

    • 5–8 seats: Toyota Alphard

    • 9–14 seats: Toyota Hiace or similar

    • 18–22 seats: Mini-bus

    • Over 22 seats: Large bus
      Actual vehicle may vary based on group size.

  6. Infants 0–3 years old who do not require meals, bed, or seat travel free of charge. Please inform in advance; otherwise, overcapacity may result in the guide refusing boarding. Children 3 years and older are charged as adults.

Exclusions

  1. Optional activities or personal expenses not listed in the itinerary.

  2. One free piece of luggage is allowed; for additional pieces, a fee of RMB 100 per piece applies.

  3. Any items not explicitly listed under “Inclusions.”

Important Notices

  1. Once the booking is confirmed, dates cannot be changed; any resulting losses are the traveler’s responsibility.

  2. Provide complete information when booking (name, number of travelers, phone, WeChat, pick-up location) to avoid mistakes.

  3. Carry passports and valuables at all times; any loss, theft, or damage is the traveler’s responsibility.

  4. Elderly travelers, those with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, pregnant women, etc., are advised to travel with family members.

  5. Minors under 18 cannot book alone; a guardian must accompany them.

  6. This is a fixed shared tour. All participants must follow the guide’s schedule at each stop. For private, flexible tours, see our charter service.

  7. No refunds for personal absence, late arrivals, or withdrawal from the tour.

  8. Arrival times may vary due to traffic, weather, holidays, or crowds. Delays or cancellations caused by such factors are not grounds for a refund.

  9. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for travel.

  10. Follow Japanese laws; prohibited items are not allowed.

  11. During free time, ensure personal safety and safeguard belongings. Any loss or accidents are the traveler’s responsibility.

Traveler Guidelines

  1. Seniors 70+ must be in good health and accompanied by someone 22+ years old.

  2. Minors under 18 must travel with at least one adult.

  3. Seniors may be required to provide a health certificate before travel.

  4. Pregnant women or travelers with heart disease, vertigo, or other special conditions may be denied participation.

  5. Non-mainland guests are welcome but services are only provided in Chinese and Japanese.

Itinerary Notes

  • Travel times may vary due to traffic, weather, holidays, or crowds.

  • Driver working hours are limited to 10 hours per day under Japanese law.

  • The guide may adjust the itinerary for safety, including reducing time at some attractions or skipping minor stops.

  • Force majeure events include, but are not limited to: natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions), traffic accidents, bad weather, government regulations, health emergencies, social events, or vehicle breakdowns.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • 8+ days before departure: no fee.

  • 7 days before: 30% penalty.

  • 4–7 days before: 50% penalty.

  • 1–3 days before: 100% penalty.

Travel Instructions

  1. Pick-up/Meeting: Arrive on time at the designated meeting point. Late arrivals are at the traveler’s risk; no rescheduling or refunds.

  2. During the Tour:

    • Do not leave the group; early departure is considered voluntary forfeiture, and no refund will be issued.

    • Travel times may be slightly adjusted during peak seasons; the guide will inform you.

    • Meals are not included. Some restaurants may not allow outside food.

  3. Local Customs & Regulations: Respect local culture.

  4. Weather: Activities may be adjusted for safety. Force majeure may affect operating hours or performances.

  5. Meals: Not included.

  6. Shopping: Optional; shop responsibly and keep receipts. Travel agency is not responsible for disputes.

Safety Tips

  1. Keep your phone on and accessible during travel.

  2. Prepare for motion sickness if prone.

  3. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; bring sunscreen, insect repellent, windbreaker, camera, etc.

  4. Keep valuables safe; any loss or damage is the traveler’s responsibility.

Activity Risks: Swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, snow play, etc., involve inherent risks. Assess your own abilities and follow local guidelines and professional advice before participating.