At a Glance
Venture into Kyoto's ocean bounty where history and culture is ringed by magnificent scenery. Take in unspoilt coastline views, discover the myriad charms of seaside villages and funaya boat houses, and stay at Kinosaki Onsen favoured by many writers and artists. This is a unique opportunity to experience the authentic coastal life of Japan.
Our local guide will meet you in Kyoto, and then take you on a train journey to Kinosaki Onsen, a picturesque village on the Japan Sea Coast. Over 3-days-2-nights, you'll explore the seaside towns of Konosaki Onsen and Takeno on foot including Mt. Taishi hiking, and Nekozaki Peninsula coastal walk. You will also walk in the Umi to Hoshi (Ocean & Star) Park.
At the end of your daily adventure, you'll return to a seaside hotel commanding a ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Guided walk in fishing town of Takeno, Nekozaki Peninsula and hike Mt Jajayama
- Guided walk to Kasamatsu Park observatory to overlook Amanohashidate
- Daily pick up and drop off from accommodation
- Guided walk in surrounding Kinosaki Onsen area to Summit of Taishi
- 2 nights luxury accommodation
- Meal: 2x breakfast, 2x dinner
Itinerary
Walking distance: 10 km Your guide will meet you at Kyoto Station and catch a train from Kyoto Station to Kinosaki Onsen. Train information: Kinosaki 5, departs Kyoto Station at 11:25 am, arrives Kinosaki Onsen at 13:49. After lunch (at your own arrangement), start to hike the Mt. Taishi course approx. 10 km through the mountains that surround Kinosaki Onsen. The walk pass Kinosaki Literary Museum, where you will find information displayed on the various literarians and historical figures who have ties to Kinosaki Onsen. After traveling along the stone stairway from the Kinosaki Literary Museum for about 200m you will see Atago Shrine. It is a shrine with a spirit of fire prevention and protection. Continue approx. 1 hour walk and reach the "Tree of Unity". This combined tree was designated as a Hyogo Prefecture local monument in 1984 and is a symbol of the area. It is a rare site of a red pine and a cod roe growing together like a single tree from the root. Another a few minutes walk, you reach the summit of Mt. Taishi. Here you can enjoy a magnificent view overlooking the town of Kinosaki Onsen, which won 1 star with the Michelin Green Guide. Take the ropeway to get back down the mountain after the walk. After the walk, you'll be dropped off at Kinosaki accommodation - Hotel Kinparo, where you'll spend two nights. Hotel Kinparo is nestled in a corner of Sanin Kaigan National Park, all of the hotel buildings command a view of the Sea of Japan. Green pine trees, blue water and the white waves crashing into the rocks make an exquisite color contrast to Japan's coastline. The hot springs in this inn contain a wealth of minerals such as sodium, calcium and chloride. These elements are said to be good for health. Enjoy delicious 'Kaiseki-ryori' meals cooked with fresh seafood and ingredients from Tajima. |
Walking distance: approx. 3 - 4 hours Your guide will meet you at hotel and take you to Takeno - a hidden gem along the northern coast of Hyogo Prefecture, and among the best and ranked in the top 100 beaches in Japan. Takeno is a quiet fishing town with beautiful nature, friendly residents, and traditional houses. The town features great hiking spots with views of the ocean and the entire town, as well as canoeing and swimming in the summer. Stroll through the streets of Takeno and see the traditional townscape, with houses that have charred wood walls. Hike up to the summit of Mt. Jajayama, you can see a one-of-a-kind view of this beach and fishing town, with its blue seas and traditional houses. Walk the Nekozaki Peninsula. Various migratory birds can be heard depending on the season from the peninsula as you walk through forest tunnels and over bridges. This nature trail is easy to walk along for most of the way. There are some steep inclines, declines, and stairs along the way. The hike is about 2.3 km one-way and takes about 2 hours round trip. Lunch at Kinosaki Onsen (guest’s own expense & arrangement). After lunch, walk to Hachigoro Toshima Wetlands to spot Toyooka's famous Oriental White Storks. You will also have plenty of free time to enjoy the town and hot springs of Kinosaki. Return to your accommodation. |
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer to Amanohashidate. Amanohashidate is a pine covered sandbar that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay in the scenic, coastal region of northern Kyoto Prefecture. Viewed from the mountains at either end of the bay, the Amanohashidate Sandbar (which roughly translates to "bridge in heaven") looks like a pathway between heaven and earth. The scene has been admired for centuries and is ranked among Japan's three most scenic views. Walk to Kasamatsu Park observatory to overlook Amanohashidate. Then you'll walk Umi to Hoshi (Ocean & Star) Park. The park is a nature sanctuary and has a lookout point from which visitors can overlook the Sea of Japan, Miyazu Bay, the area's stunning mountains, and even a glimpse of Amanohashidate in the distance. After lunch (guest’s own expense & arrangement), take a small boat from to Ine. Ine is a small fishing village in northern Kyoto Prefecture. This working town has a long and rich history as a fishing village and is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. The unique aspect of Ine are its funaya. Literally meaning "boat houses", these traditional waterfront buildings contain garages for boats on their first floors and residential space on the upper floors. Today there are about 200 funaya remaining along the bay. Transfer to Fukuchiyama station. Take train back to Kyoto. Suggested Train: 1. Departs Fukuchiyama station 4:44 pm, arrives in Kyoto station 6:08 pm 2. Departs Fukuchiyama station 5:49 pm, arrives in Kyoto station 7:09 pm |
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
More Info
- The departure point Kyoto station
- The finishing point is Fukuchiyama station
Train information from Kyoto station to Kinosaki Onsen
departs Kyoto Station at 11:25 am, arrives Kinosaki Onsen at 1:49 pm
Suggested Train depart from Fukuchiyama station
1. Departs Fukuchiyama station 4:44 pm, arrives in Kyoto station 6:08 pm
2. Departs Fukuchiyama station 5:49 pm, arrives in Kyoto station 7:09 pm
Day 1: Guided walk in surrounding Kinosaki Onsen area to Summit of Taishi, approx. 10 km
Day 2: Guided walk in fishing town of Takeno, Nekozaki Peninsula and hike Mt Jajayama, approx. 3 - 4 hours
Day 3: Guided walk to Kasamatsu Park observatory to overlook Amanohashidate
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.