Discover the enchanting Sanyo region on a 3-day one-way bus tour from Osaka to Fukuoka. This private excursion promises an immersive cultural experience, with guided visits to iconic landmarks like Himeji Castle and Itsukushima Shrine. Priced affordably for groups of up to 12, the tour offers free cancellation and wheelchair accessibility, making it an appealing option for travelers seeking a unique journey through Japan’s stunning landscapes. But what delights await along the way? Let’s explore the itinerary in more detail.
Key Points
- This 3-day one-way bus tour from Osaka to Fukuoka covers the Sanyo region, with stops at Himeji Castle, Kurashiki, and Itsukushima Shrine.
- The tour is priced at $4,698.11 for a private group of up to 12 participants, with pickup from Osaka and guided visits to key attractions.
- Participants can enjoy optional activities at Jodoji or Senkoji Temple, the Peace Memorial Park, and a dinner at Karato Fish Market.
- Travelers must book and pay for their own accommodations for two nights during the tour.
- The tour includes a minibus capacity of 12 people, with each person allowed to carry two large carry-on bags.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This 3-day one-way bus tour from Osaka to Fukuoka via the Sanyo region offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore several historical and cultural highlights along the journey.
Priced from $4,698.11 per group (up to 12 participants), the tour includes pickup from Osaka, guided visits to Himeji Castle, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, and more.
Participants can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is wheelchair accessible and led by English and Japanese-speaking guides, providing a private group experience over the course of 3 days.
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Itinerary Breakdown
The 3-day bus tour from Osaka to Fukuoka kicks off on the first day with a pickup from the participant’s Osaka hotel.
Travelers will then visit:
- Himeji Castle, a stunning 14th-century castle with a ticket fee of ¥1000 (≒$10) per adult
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, including the Ohara Museum of Art for ¥2000 (≒$15) per adult
- Enjoy lunch near Himeji Castle
- Be dropped off near the Onomichi Port in Hiroshima for the day.
The second day brings stops at Jodoji or Senkoji Temple, the Peace Memorial Park, and a hands-on okonomiyaki making experience before being dropped off near Miyajimaguchi.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day of the 3-day bus tour from Osaka to Fukuoka kicks off with a pickup from the participants’ Osaka hotels.
The group then visits the impressive Himeji Castle, where they explore the iconic fortress and its stunning architecture.
Following lunch near the castle, the tour moves on to the charming Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
Here, participants enjoy a guided walk through the well-preserved canal-side streets and browse the Ohara Museum of Art, home to a renowned collection of Western art.
The day concludes with a drop-off near the Onomichi Port in Hiroshima, where the group will spend the night.
Day 2 Highlights
After picking up the group near the Onomichi Port, the second day of the tour offers optional activities at either the Jodoji Temple or the Senkoji Temple, both accessible via ropeway for a fee of approximately ¥700 (≒$5) per adult.
The group will then enjoy a lunch near the Onomichi Port, featuring the local specialty of okonomiyaki.
Next, they’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, with an optional entrance to the Peace Memorial Museum for around ¥200 (≒$2) per adult.
The day concludes with drop-off near Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima.
- Jodoji Temple or Senkoji Temple via ropeway
- Lunch near Onomichi Port (okonomiyaki making)
- Peace Memorial Park, optional Peace Memorial Museum
- Drop-off near Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima
Day 3 Highlights
On the final day, participants visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima, where they marvel at the floating torii gate that appears to float on the water.
The group then explores the historic Iwakuni castle town and the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge.
Next, they admire the Ruriko-ji Five Story Pagoda before heading to the Karato Fish Market in Shimonoseki for a delicious dinner.
The tour concludes with a drop-off at Kokura Station, leaving participants with unforgettable memories of their 3-day bus journey from Osaka to Fukuoka via the Sanyo region.
Included Services and Accommodations
The tour includes the bus, driver, English-speaking guide, tolls, parking, and crew hotel fees.
Participants must book and pay for their own accommodations for two nights – one near Onomichi Port, Hiroshima, and another near Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima.
The minibus has a capacity of 12 people, with each person able to carry about two large carry-on bags.
The driver or guide will meet participants at the designated location with a name board. Late arrivals of over an hour may result in cancellation.
The last shinkansen train from Hakata Station to Kokura Station is around midnight.
Optional Activities and Fees
Along With the included services, the tour offers several optional activities with additional fees. Participants can rent bicycles to explore the scenic Shimanami Kaido route, with rates ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥8,000 (approximately $20 to $60) for 12 hours. Other optional attractions include:
| Attraction | Fee (Adult) |
|---|---|
| Himeji Castle | ¥1,000 (≒$10) |
| Ohara Museum of Art | ¥2,000 (≒$15) |
| Peace Memorial Museum | ¥200 (≒$2) |
| Senkoji Ropeway | ¥500 (≒$5) |
These add-ons allow guests to customize their experience and dive deeper into the region’s cultural and historical landmarks.
Important Information and Logistics
Minibus capacity allows for up to 12 people, each able to carry about two large carry-on bags.
To ensure a smooth experience, the driver or guide will meet participants at the designated location with a name board.
It’s important to be on time, as late arrivals over 1 hour may result in cancellation.
If you need to take the Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kokura Station at the end of the tour, expect to pay around ¥2160 (≒$10-20) for a standard seat, with the last train running around midnight.
- Minibus capacity: 12 people
- Guide/driver will meet at designated location
- Late arrivals over 1 hour may result in cancellation
- Shinkansen fare from Hakata to Kokura: ¥2160 (≒$10-20)
FAQ
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?
The tour offers a pre-designed itinerary, but travelers can customize activities and add optional extras like bicycle rentals. Flexibility exists within the overall structure to personalize the experience to individual preferences.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Participants can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility to change plans without penalty.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?
This tour offers a private group experience, so there is an option to upgrade to a fully private tour. Participants can reserve the entire minibus for their group of up to 12 people.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
There’s no stated minimum age requirement for participants. The tour is marketed as a private group experience, so it’s likely flexible to accommodate travelers of all ages as long as the group size doesn’t exceed 12 people.
Can the Tour Accommodate Special Dietary Requirements?
The tour can accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal needs. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so the necessary arrangements can be made for meals during the guided visits and activities.
Sum Up
This 3-day one-way bus tour from Osaka to Fukuoka provides an immersive cultural experience through Japan’s picturesque Sanyo region. Travelers can explore iconic attractions like Himeji Castle and Itsukushima Shrine with the convenience of a guided private tour. With flexible cancellation and wheelchair accessibility, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Japan’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
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