Set out on a captivating journey to Awaji Island, the home of the Japanese gods. This small-group experience offers an immersive exploration of the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit the revered Izanagi Shrine, where ancient rituals and traditions come alive. Indulge in a traditional Japanese bento lunch, savoring the flavors while taking in the breathtaking 180-degree sea views. With efficient transportation and live tour guidance, this excursion promises a well-rounded and authentic cultural experience. Discover the allure of Awaji Island and uncover the secrets it holds.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Lunch Experiences In Kobe.
Key Points
- A 7-hour guided tour to Izanagi Shrine on Awaji Island, including a Japanese bento lunch with sea views and transportation from Kobe.
- The tour is priced at €92.99 per person, with an option to reserve and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The itinerary features a 50-minute bus ride to Awaji Island, a 1.5-hour Japanese bento lunch, and a 1.5-hour visit to the revered Izanagi Shrine.
- The tour is limited to a small group of 5 participants and includes live guidance in English, Italian, and Japanese.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, those with a cold, or babies under 1 year old, and an additional fee applies for the formal visiting of the shrine.
Overview of the Experience
This formal visit to the Izanagi Shrine on Awaji Island offers a unique opportunity to take in Japanese culture and history. Over the course of 7 hours, you will experience a Japanese bento lunch with stunning 180-degree sea views, followed by a visit to the revered Izanagi Shrine.
The tour starts in Kobe, with a bus ride to Awaji Island and back, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty. With a live tour guide available in multiple languages, this small-group experience is perfect for those seeking an authentic and memorable cultural encounter in Japan.
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Pricing and Booking Details
The tour is available from €92.99 per person. Guests can reserve the experience now and pay later. There is also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pricing | Booking |
---|---|
€92.99 per person | Reserve now & pay later |
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance | |
Small group limited to 5 participants | |
Additional fee for formal visiting of the shrine |
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Sannomiya Bus Terminal in Kobe, a Japanese bento lunch with sea views, and a visit to the revered Izanagi Shrine on Awaji Island.
Itinerary and Timeline
The tour begins at the Sannomiya Bus Terminal in Kobe, where guests board a bus for the 50-minute journey to Awaji Island. Upon arrival, they’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour Japanese bento lunch with stunning 180-degree sea views.
The group then travels by bus to the revered Izanagi Shrine, spending 1.5 hours exploring its historic grounds. The tour concludes with an 80-minute return trip to the Sannomiya Bus Terminal.
Key aspects of the itinerary:
- Taking in Awaji Island’s natural beauty
- Savoring a traditional Japanese lunch
- Discovering the cultural significance of Izanagi Shrine
- Efficient transportation between locations
- Ample time for each activity
Highlights of the Tour
Immersing guests in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Awaji Island, this tour offers a captivating experience. Visitors will explore the revered Izanagi Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to the divine creators of Japan. By wandering through the shrine’s serene grounds, travelers can gain insight into the country’s profound spiritual traditions.
Complementing this cultural journey, guests will savor a delectable Japanese bento lunch, surrounded by breathtaking 180-degree sea views. This unique blend of spiritual and culinary delights provides a well-rounded introduction to the charms of Awaji Island, the mythical birthplace of the Japanese archipelago.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAdditional Information
Offering live tour guidance in English, Italian, and Japanese, this tour caters to a diverse range of guests. The small group size, limited to 5 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
However, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users, those with a cold, or babies under 1 year old. Visitors should also be aware of an additional fee for the formal visiting of the shrine.
Despite these considerations, the tour promises a rich culture, from the picturesque Awaji Island to the revered Izanagi Jingu Shrine.
- Diverse language support for international guests
- Intimate small group experience
- Limited accessibility for certain travelers
- Additional shrine visit fee
- Authentic Japanese cultural exploration
Awaji Island: The Japanese God’s Home
Awaji Island, the birthplace of the legendary Japanese deities Izanagi and Izanami, beckons visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage. This picturesque island, often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," is steeped in Shinto traditions and boasts the revered Izanagi Shrine.
Nestled along the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island offers breathtaking coastal vistas, making it the perfect setting for a serene and immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the island’s mythological roots, admire the shrine’s intricate architecture, and indulge in a bento lunch while savoring the panoramic sea views.
Awaji Island’s unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance invites travelers to connect with the essence of Japanese culture.
Picnic Lunch With Sea Views
A scenic 180-degree sea vista sets the stage for the Japanese bento lunch on Awaji Island. Diners will savor a visually stunning, expertly curated array of traditional Japanese delicacies, presented in a vibrant, artful bento box.
This picturesque lunch experience offers:
- Authentic flavors that delight the palate
- A serene, tranquil atmosphere for relaxation
- An opportunity to immerse in Japanese culinary culture
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea
- A chance to refuel and recharge before the shrine visit
The bento lunch is a highlight of this immersive Awaji Island excursion, blending delectable cuisine with jaw-dropping natural scenery.
Visiting the Izanagi Jingu Shrine
After savoring the bento lunch and taking in the breathtaking coastal views, visitors will embark on the next part of the journey – a trip to the revered Izanagi Jingu Shrine.
Located on Awaji Island, this ancient Shinto shrine is dedicated to the mythical deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are believed to have created the Japanese archipelago. Guests will spend 1.5 hours exploring the shrine’s serene grounds, admiring the intricate architecture, and learning about its rich history and spiritual significance.
This formal visit provides a profound cultural experience, offering insights into Japan’s profound reverence for nature and the divine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Shrine Visit?
There’s no strict dress code for the shrine visit, but visitors should wear neat, modest attire out of respect for the sacred site. Casual clothing is acceptable, as long as it’s clean and appropriate for a cultural heritage site.
Can We Bring Our Own Food or Drinks?
You cannot bring your own food or drinks on this tour. The Japanese bento lunch is included in the price, and no outside food or beverages are permitted during the visit to Izanagi Shrine.
Is There Any Special Attire Required for the Bento Lunch?
There’s no special attire required for the bento lunch. Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate. The focus is on enjoying the scenic 180-degree sea views while savoring the traditional Japanese lunch.
Can We Extend the Duration of the Shrine Visit?
The duration of the shrine visit can be extended, but an additional fee may apply. Participants should check with the tour operator for availability and pricing of extended visits.
Are Photography and Videography Allowed at the Shrine?
Photography and videography are generally allowed at the Izanagi Shrine, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the shrine’s serene atmosphere. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the shrine staff upon arrival.
Recap
This captivating 7-hour journey to Awaji Island offers an immersive experience in Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the revered Izanagi Shrine, savor a traditional bento lunch with breathtaking sea views, and enjoy efficient transportation and live tour guidance. With a small-group size, this unique excursion promises an authentic and memorable adventure on the island home of the Japanese gods.
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