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5 Days in Kinosaki and Northern Kyoto

Want to spend a few extra nights after Kyoto? Why not give Kinosaki Onsen and Amanohashidate a go? They will blow you away! Only two hours north of Kyoto, but these places are quieter, naturally beautiful and full of the charms of traditional lifestyles.

Duration

5 days

Theme

Remote locations

Group size

Min 2 people

Tour Overview

This private extension is ONLY available with any of the scheduled Journey to the East Small Group Tours or as an add-on to a Private Tour.

Kinosaki is a quintessential onsen town located on the north coast of Hyogo Prefecture next to Kyoto. It is only just over two hours by an express train from Kyoto, but feels a world away from the international tourist mecca.

Along the same coastline, there is the picturesque town of Amanohashidate in Miyazu Bay. Aside from the main attraction, Amanohashidate itself (a three kilometer long pine-covered sandbar famous for being one of Japan’s three best scenic views) this area has so much more on offer. Many of Japan’s traditional industries such as fishery, textile, forestry, woodcrafts, etc. have been practiced in this area for centuries, and travellers can observe the traditional lifestyle here.

This extension certainly gives you a quieter and scenically beautiful side of Kyoto Prefecture, and a great way to wind down your holiday in Japan.

This 5 Days in Kinosaki and Northern Kyoto model itinerary can be modified, and added to at either end of your Group Tour or Private Tour. Please feel free to contact us and discuss your wishes.

Important notes about our model itineraries:

Our model itineraries are developed to show viewers the ideas for an itinerary and price guide. The itineraries can be further customized, and the accommodation and guide time can be adjusted to suit you. The number of people in your group will affect the price, too. We will give you more firm quotation once we develop your personal itinerary.

ようこそ
welcome

Itinerary

Day 1: Kinosaki

Take an express train from Kyoto and head north. Before you arrive at Kinosaki Onsen, you can make a stopover at Izushi on the way. Izushi is a quiet old town with many superbly preserved traditional buildings including the old theater, Eirakukan. While you are there, try their specialty, soba noodle for lunch! Then continue onto today's destination, Kinosaki Onsen. Out of thousands of onsen towns in Japan, Kinosaki is possibly one of the most famous and popular ones. Kinosaki is a quintessential onsen town and has been loved by Japanese for centuries and was the home of many famous writers and artists.

Many small ryokans line both sides of the Maruyama River. Although each ryokan has their own bath (onsen), the town's biggest drawcard is the seven public baths. You will see many people slip on a yukata in the evening and stroll around the town hopping from one bath house to another - a very enjoyable Japanese thing to do!

The accommodation choice is mostly Japanese style here.

Dinner
Kinosaki Onsen
Self-guided (Private guide option available) 
Express train from Kyoto
Day 2: Kinosaki

In addition to the onsen baths, the town also has many interesting sightseeing spots. Onsenji Temple up on the hill is the source of the legend about the beginning of the town's onsen. The town also hosts many small art and craft galleries and interesting bars and cafes. Do drop in to a local craft, straw art shop. It is such a lovely town to wander around.
Self-guided (private guide option available)

Breakfast (Japanese style)
Kinosaki Onsen
Self-guided (private guide option available)
Walk 
Day 3: Amanohashidate

This morning, you will take a local train and transfer to Amanohashidate on the north coast of Kyoto Prefecture. Although it is technically in Kyoto Prefecture, this part of Kyoto is nothing like Kyoto city, with its millions of tourists. The town is quiet and scenically spectacular. Amanohashidate is a three kilometer long pine-covered sandbar famous for being one of Japan's three best scenic views (others are Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture). Amanohashidate translates to “bridge to heaven” because it appears to be a pathway connecting heaven and earth when viewed from the mountains that rise above it on either side. You can walk across the sandbar or take a bike, or a do a bay cruise around Miyazu Bay. There are a number of scenic points as well as interesting shrines and temples.

Private guide for 6 hours in Amanohashidate

Breakfast (Japanese style), Dinner
Amanohashidate
Private guide for 6 hours in Amanohashidate
Trains (private vehicle option available)
Day 4: Ine

Today we suggest an interesting day trip to the traditional fishing village of Ine. Ine is a small town of about 2,200 people, tucked tightly between the mountains and Ine Bay. Picturesque Ine is famous for its unique funaya (boat houses). These wooden buildings sit right on the water and serve as both dock and home for the fishermen of the village. The boats are housed in the first floor, with the second floor serving as the dwelling area.

Around 230 funaya remain today, stretching along five kilometers of the coastline. Take a boat ride around the bay and see the picturesque houses from the water.

You can stay in Amanohashidate one more night if you like, or make your way to next destination tonight. The area has much more to see if you would like to further extend your stay here. Please talk to us abut your preferences.

Private guide for 6 hours

Breakfast (Japanese style)
Amanohashidate
Private guide for 6 hours
Private vehicle 
Day 5: Transfer to Kyoto

After the breakfast, you will check out and take an express train back to Kyoto (about 2 hours).

Please be assured, wherever you are going or doing after this, Journey to the East will assist our customers with your transfers until you are safely onboard your departure flight home.

Breakfast (Japanese style)
None
Self-guided transfer
Trains (private vehicle option available)

Inclusions

Includes

  • 4 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
  • 2 Dinners
  • Express trains from Kyoto and back, and between Kinosaki and Amanohashidate
  • Private vehicle on Day 4
  • Locally licensed English speaking tour guides on on Days 3 & 4

Excludes

  • International and domestic airfare (unless otherwise stated)
  • Entrance fees to attractions
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities (not routinely expected in Japan)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, internet, telephone, coin lockers etc.)
  • Visa (if required)

Price Guide

5 Days in Kinosaki and Northern Kyoto

Have a question about this tour? Get in touch with our staff directly.