Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto White Sandbar & Ine Boat Houses Day Trip

Kyoto and Osaka are two of Japan’s most captivating destinations, and this day trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore their natural wonders. Visitors will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Amanohashidate white sandbar, discover the charming Ine Boat Houses, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Chien-ji Temple. With optional activities and transportation details, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of what these stunning regions have to offer.

Key Points

• This 9.5-hour comprehensive tour takes visitors to the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar and the picturesque Ine Boat Houses in Kyoto and Osaka.
• The tour offers flexibility with English, Chinese, and Japanese language options, free cancellation, and a reserve now, pay later option.
• Key highlights include a cable car ride at Amanohashidate, visiting Chien-ji Temple, and optional activities like hot spring visits and boat rides.
• The tour departs from convenient locations in Kyoto and Osaka, catering to travelers from both cities.
• The tour has received an average rating of 3.8/5 from previous customers, with praise for the guides and flexibility, and some suggestions for more comprehensive support.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Kyoto White Sandbar & Ine Boat Houses Day Trip" is a comprehensive tour that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the scenic wonders of Kyoto and Osaka.

Priced from $59.02 per person, the 9.5-hour tour is available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour includes visits to Amanohashidate, Chien-ji Temple, and the picturesque Ine Boat Houses, with optional activities like hot spring visits and boat rides.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned bus/coach.

Itinerary Highlights

This day trip offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences.

Explore the breathtaking Amanohashidate, a scenic sandbar with 8,000 pine trees, and enjoy an optional cable car ride for panoramic views.

Visit the Chien-ji Temple, known for its fan-shaped fortune-telling slips, and learn about the unique architecture of the Ine Boat Houses, one of Japan’s top 18 beautiful villages.

Indulge in optional activities such as a relaxing hot spring visit or a boat ride in Ine Village to feed seagulls and admire the coastal vistas.

Starting Locations

Where can travelers begin this day trip?

Travelers can start the tour from two convenient locations in Kyoto and Osaka. The first option is the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking, an easy meeting point for those staying in Kyoto.

The second is Nipponbashi in Osaka, a popular shopping district that allows participants from the Kansai region to join the tour.

The tour provides the flexibility for guests to select the departure point most suitable for their travel plans.

Regardless of the starting point, the day’s activities will showcase the stunning natural landscapes and historic sites around Kyoto.

Main Attractions

Amanohashidate, a stunning 3.6-kilometer sandbar with over 8,000 pine trees, serves as the tour’s first major attraction.

Visitors can enjoy the serene scenery and optional cable car ride (850 yen) for panoramic views.

Next, the group visits Chien-ji Temple, which enshrines the Manjushri Bodhisattva and is known for its fan-shaped fortune-telling slips.

The tour then heads to Ine, one of Japan’s top 18 most beautiful villages, featuring its iconic boat houses.

Optional activities include:

1. Relaxing at Tsuruga Hot Spring – Chieno Yu (800 yen adults, 400 yen children).
2. Boat rides in Ine Village to feed seagulls and admire the coastal vistas.
3. Exploring the unique architecture of the traditional boat houses.
4. Discovering the charm of this quaint fishing village.

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Optional Activities

Visitors have several optional activities to enjoy during the tour.

Those interested can visit the Tsuruga Hot Spring – Chieno Yu, where they can experience the soothing waters. The admission fee is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.

Alternatively, visitors can opt for boat rides in Ine Village, where they can feed seagulls and take in the picturesque coastal views.

These activities provide a chance to take in the local culture and scenery, enhancing the overall experience of the day trip.

Transportation Details

The tour transportation is provided via air-conditioned bus or coach.

The journey consists of:

1. A 2.5-hour bus ride to the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar.
2. 2.5 hours of free time to explore Amanohashidate, including an optional cable car ride.
3. A 1-hour visit to the picturesque Ine Boat Houses.
4. A 3-hour return bus trip to the starting locations.

At the end of the tour, passengers are dropped off at the same starting points as the beginning of the day.

Important Information

Prior to the tour, travellers receive detailed information via email, including the meeting time, location, and guide details.

The tour has a strict luggage policy, limiting participants to one piece per person. Guests are advised to inform the operator in advance if travelling with infants.

The itinerary may adjust based on weather and road conditions.

On the day, the guide can be identified by a yellow flag bearing the GOGODAY logo.

Customer Feedback

How does the tour’s overall customer feedback measure up? Based on 6 reviews, the Kyoto White Sandbar & Ine Boat Houses Day Trip has an average rating of 3.8/5.

The feedback highlights both positive and negative aspects:

• Positive experiences with guides providing helpful information.

• Some travelers noted a lack of guidance in finding optional activities like the cable car and bike rentals.

• The flexibility of the itinerary based on weather and road conditions was appreciated.

• However, a few customers wished for more comprehensive direction and support throughout the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, customers can customize the itinerary to fit their preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing travelers to modify the included activities or request additional stops based on their interests.

What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, providing flexibility if plans change.

Is There an Option to Join the Tour at a Different Starting Location?

Yes, there is an option to join the tour at either Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking or Nipponbashi. The tour provider allows participants to select their preferred starting location when booking the tour.

Are Any Meals or Snacks Included in the Tour Price?

The tour does not include any meals or snacks. Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own food during the trip, which provides flexibility to explore the local cuisine at their own pace.

Can I Bring Additional Luggage Beyond the One-Piece Limit?

No, the tour has a limit of one piece of luggage per person. Travelers must inform the tour provider in advance if they’re traveling with infants and their additional luggage needs. Exceeding the one-piece limit is not permitted.

The Sum Up

This day trip to Amanohashidate and Ine Boat Houses offers a chance to explore Kyoto and Osaka’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque white sandbar, visit the Chien-ji Temple, and enjoy the charming Ine Boat Houses. With optional activities like cable car rides and hot spring visits, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the breathtaking landscapes of this region.

You can check if your dates are available here: