Kyotos Coast Full Day Tour: Amanohashidate And Ine Bay

Japan’s Kyoto Coast is home to some of the country’s most captivating natural wonders. The Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour: Amanohashidate and Ine Bay promises an unforgettable 10-hour journey through this stunning region. Explore the iconic 3.6-kilometer sandy spit of Amanohashidate, take in the views from a scenic cable car, and discover the traditional boat houses of Ine. With a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a chance to take in the area’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. What secrets might these shores hold?

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the scenic wonders of Amanohashidate and Ine Bay, including a 3.6-kilometer sandy spit and traditional boat houses.
• The tour includes stops at Chion-ji Temple and the Mount Monju observatory for cultural experiences and panoramic views.
• Guests can choose to take a scenic cable car ride, boat ride, or cycling tour to experience the coastal landscapes.
• The tour provides round-trip transportation, a multilingual guide, and a professional driver, with some additional costs for optional activities.
• Participants should be aware of potential tattoo restrictions and traffic delays, as well as the tour’s high customer satisfaction rating.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour: Amanohashidate And Ine Bay is a comprehensive sightseeing excursion that immerses visitors in the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of Japan’s Kyoto region.

Priced from $56.58 per person, the 10-hour tour is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and take advantage of a pay-later option.

The tour departs from Osaka and Kyoto, with transportation by bus. Highlights include the picturesque Amanohashidate, Ine’s traditional boat houses, and optional activities like cable car rides and boat cruises.

Itinerary Details

This full-day tour commences with pickups from two convenient locations – Osaka’s Namba Shinsaibashi at 8:40 a.m. and Kyoto’s Hachijo Exit at 9:50 a.m.

The journey includes:

1. 2.5 hours of sightseeing at Amanohashidate, featuring a 3.6-kilometer sandy spit, 8,000 pine trees, and the option to ride a scenic cable car or visit a hot spring.

2. 1 hour exploring the unique boat houses of Ine no Funaya, with opportunities for boat rides, cycling tours, and bird feeding.

3. A visit to Chion-ji Temple for academic wishes.

4. A panoramic view from Mount Monju‘s observatory.

Amanohashidate: Japan’s Scenic Sandbar

Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s most celebrated scenic wonders. This 3.6-kilometer sandy spit connects the Tango Peninsula across Amanohashidate Bay, dotted with over 8,000 pine trees.

Visitors can take a scenic cable car up to Mount Monju’s observatory for a breathtaking "Flying Dragon" view of the sandbar curving gracefully in the sea.

At the base, the historic Chion-ji Temple offers an academic blessing.

Strolling along the sandbar’s pine forest paths and enjoying the salty ocean breeze is the perfect way to experience this natural marvel, one of Japan’s Three Great Views.

Exploring Ine’s Unique Boat Houses

After exploring the picturesque Amanohashidate, the tour takes visitors to Ine, a coastal town famous for its unique boat houses.

Known as "funaya," these traditional structures are built directly over the water, serving as both living quarters and boat garages.

Visitors can enjoy:

1. A 1-hour guided tour along the scenic coastline.
2. A boat ride (1,200 JPY) to witness the funaya up close.
3. A cycling tour to further explore the quaint seaside town.
4. Bird feeding (100 JPY) for a chance to interact with the local wildlife.

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Activities and Attractions

Visitors embarking on the Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour can look forward to a diverse array of activities and attractions.

At the picturesque Amanohashidate, they can ride the scenic cable car to the observatory atop Mount Monju for stunning views of the "floating" sandbar.

For a relaxing interlude, they can soak in the hot springs at Chie-no-yu.

In Ine, travelers can hop aboard a boat for a unique perspective of the quaint boat houses lining the coast or explore the area by bicycle.

Bird feeding at a designated spot offers an opportunity to interact with the local wildlife.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour includes round-trip transportation from Osaka or Kyoto, as well as a multilingual tour guide and professional driver to accompany visitors throughout the day.

Additional costs not included in the tour price are:

1. Tickets for the scenic cable car at Amanohashidate (850 JPY).
2. Entrance fee for the hot springs at Chie-no-yu (800 JPY).
3. Boat ride at Ine no Funaya (1,200 JPY).
4. Any food, drinks, or other optional activities participants wish to enjoy during the tour.

Visitors should also be aware of the tattoo policy, as tattoos may restrict onsen access.

Important Considerations

While planning the Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour, a few important considerations are worth noting.

Travelers with visible tattoos may face restrictions accessing the onsen hot springs.

Tour details, including driver and guide information, are emailed by 9 p.m. the night before, so be sure to check the inbox and spam folder.

Heavy traffic during holidays can delay the return to Osaka or Kyoto past 8 p.m., so participants should plan accordingly.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have generally been very pleased with the Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 7 reviews.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. A knowledgeable, multilingual guide who provides valuable insights.
2. The stunning scenery of Amanohashidate and Ine’s boat houses.
3. The convenient pickup and drop-off service from Osaka or Kyoto.
4. The flexibility to customize the experience with optional activities like cable cars and boat rides.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, but additional costs for any meals or beverages consumed during the tour are not included in the tour price.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests should dress casually and pack layers in case the weather changes during the day.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Transportation From the Pickup Locations?

No, you don’t need to provide your own transportation. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from the designated starting locations in Osaka and Kyoto. The bus/coach travel is included in the tour price.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary seems fixed, but travelers could check with the tour operator about any customization options they may offer. Most multi-stop tours have some flexibility, so it’s worth inquiring if you’d like to modify the agenda.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour providers offer private tour options that allow you to customize the itinerary and experience according to your preferences.

Sum Up

The Kyoto Coast Full Day Tour offers a captivating journey through Japan’s stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Amanohashidate sandbar, ride a scenic cable car, and discover the traditional boat houses of Ine Bay. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a memorable experience that showcases the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Kyoto coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: