From Osaka: Shirahama Onsen, Toretore Market Full-day Tour

Explore the charm of Japan’s western coast on this full-day tour from Osaka. You’ll visit the historic Kishi Station, home to a famous cat stationmaster, and the lively Toretore Market where a thrilling tuna cutting show awaits. Soak in the healing waters of Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, and take in the scenic beauty at Senjojiki and Sandanbeki. With a mix of cultural experiences and natural wonders, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s allure.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Osaka that visits the Shirahama Onsen hot springs and the Toretore seafood market, priced at $72.13 per person.
• The tour lasts 10 hours with pickup and drop-off included, and requires a minimum of 4 participants with a maximum group size of 15.
• Highlights include a visit to Kishi Station, known for its cat stationmaster, and scenic views at Senjojiki and Sandanbeki.
• The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation and a multilingual guide available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
• Accessibility is limited, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day tour from Osaka to Shirahama Onsen and Toretore Market is priced from $72.13 per person and lasts for 10 hours.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is available.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at a designated point, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a multilingual guide.

A minimum of 4 participants is required, and the group size is limited to 15.

The tour may have delays due to weekend and holiday traffic, and it’s not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Itinerary Highlights

Participants will meet the guide at 8:40 AM at Nipponbashi Station to begin the tour.

The first stop is Kishi Station, known for its famous cat stationmaster and themed trains, which takes about an hour.

Next, they’ll explore Toretore Market, the largest seafood market in Western Japan, and witness a tuna cutting show, though lunch is at their own expense.

There’s an optional visit to Toretore Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.

Finally, they’ll visit Senjojiki and Sandanbeki for scenic views and historical caves.

The tour provides a diverse array of experiences throughout the day.

Transportation and Group Details

Pick-up and drop-off are provided at a designated point.

Participants will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, with arrangements based on the number of participants – ranging from 10 to 45 seats.

This is a small group tour, limited to 15 participants. The tour is led by a multilingual guide who can provide information in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

If the number of participants is fewer than 13, the tour guide may also serve as the driver.

Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early, as no refunds will be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

Important Information

A minimum of 4 participants is required for the tour to operate.

The tour guide may also serve as the driver if there are fewer than 13 participants. An email with the tour guide’s contact number and vehicle license plate will be sent the night before the tour.

Possible delays due to weekend and holiday traffic are expected, so participants should plan accordingly. Arriving 15 minutes early is essential, as there are no refunds for late arrivals or no-shows.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

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Accessibility and Limitations

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants must arrive 15 minutes early, and no refunds are provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

The tour involves walking to various sites, and the terrain may be uneven or challenging for those with limited mobility.

While the tour guide and transportation can accommodate a range of participants, those with accessibility needs may find the experience difficult.

Visitors should carefully consider their physical abilities before booking this tour to ensure it aligns with their needs and expectations.

Kishi Station and Cat Stationmaster

One of the highlights of the Shirahama Onsen Tour is a visit to Kishi Station, renowned for its feline stationmaster.

Tama, a calico cat, served as the station’s stationmaster from 2007 until her passing in 2015. She was succeeded by Nitama, another beloved cat who continues the tradition.

Visitors can enjoy themed trains and browse the station’s cat-themed merchandise.

The tour allows approximately 60 minutes at Kishi Station, giving participants ample time to enjoy this unique and charming railway experience featuring Japan’s famous cat stationmasters.

Toretore Market and Tuna Cutting Show

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Toretore Market, the largest seafood market in Western Japan.

Guests can explore the bustling market and witness a tuna cutting show, though lunch is at their own expense. The market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including the renowned tuna.

Visitors can wander through the stalls, take in the lively atmosphere, and perhaps even sample some local delicacies.

After the market, the tour moves on to the optional Toretore Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, before continuing to the scenic viewpoints of Senjojiki and Sandanbeki.

Senjojiki and Sandanbeki Scenic Views

After exploring the bustling Toretore Market, the tour moves on to the scenic viewpoints of Senjojiki and Sandanbeki. Senjojiki, a rocky coastal landscape, offers panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters of the Shirahama coast. Visitors can spend about 30 minutes admiring the stunning scenery.

Senjojiki	Sandanbeki
Panoramic ocean views	Historic caves
Rugged coastal cliffs	Formed by wave erosion
Turquoise blue waters	30 minutes to explore
30 minutes to explore	Scenic overlooks
Photo opportunities	Photo opportunities

Next, the tour proceeds to Sandanbeki, where visitors can explore the historic caves formed by wave erosion and enjoy scenic overlooks for another 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t include any meals, participants can contact the tour provider in advance to request special dietary accommodations. The tour provider will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary needs if notified ahead of time.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is open to travelers of all ages, though it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The itinerary is fixed at 10 hours, and any modifications to the length of the tour are not available.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Toretore Market?

The tour allocates time to explore Toretore Market, the largest seafood market in Western Japan, including a tuna cutting show. Lunch at the market is at the participant’s own expense.

Can I Bring My Own Photography Equipment on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own photography equipment on the tour. The tour itinerary allows time for exploring Toretore Market, including a tuna cutting show, where participants can capture photos.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Osaka offers a unique Japanese experience. Visitors can explore the charming Kishi Station, witness the thrilling tuna cutting show at Toretore Market, and enjoy the scenic views of Senjojiki and Sandanbeki. The optional soak in the historic Toretore Onsen hot springs provides a relaxing end to the day. At $72.13 per person, it’s a well-rounded and affordable way to experience the highlights of Shirahama.

You can check if your dates are available here: