Kyoto: Visit Mario Papas Hometown and Great Lunch⭐️

Embark on an enchanting journey through the Satoyama region of Kyoto, where the iconic Super Mario was born. This guided tour blends cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, taking you on a scenic hike, a bike ride to historic sites, and a delectable lunch featuring traditional Japanese or Western-style cuisine. Culminating at the revered Maki Shrine, this unique experience promises a captivating blend of history, gastronomy, and a touch of the fantastical. Discover the captivating story that lies beyond the iconic video game character’s origins.

Key Points

• Tour takes you to the Satoyama area of Kyoto to explore the birthplace of Super Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
• Includes a bike tour to historical sites like Sonobe Castle and a visit to Maki Shrine, the birthplace of Super Mario.
• Offers a 50-minute lunch break featuring traditional Japanese or Western-style meals during the 5-hour guided experience.
• Small group size of up to 8 participants ensures an intimate adventure with tour guides fluent in Sesotho, Japanese, and English.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Location and Duration

The tour takes place in the Satoyama area of Kyoto, offering participants a glimpse into Mario Papas’ hometown.

The guided experience lasts 5 hours, providing ample time to explore the highlights. Priced at $78.69 per person, the tour accommodates a small group of up to 8 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure.

Guided in Sesotho, Japanese, and English, the tour caters to a diverse audience. Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in their travel plans.

Group Size and Languages

A small group size of up to 8 participants ensures an intimate and personalized adventure for visitors to Mario Papas’ hometown.

The tour guides are fluent in multiple languages, including:

1. Sesotho
2. Japanese
3. English

This linguistic diversity allows the tour to cater to a wide range of international travelers, providing them with a rich cultural experience and the opportunity to learn about the local history and traditions.

Whether you’re a Sesotho, Japanese, or English speaker, you’ll be able to fully learn about the charming Satoyama area of Kyoto.

Cancellation Policy

Visitors have the flexibility to cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This cancellation policy provides peace of mind and allows travelers to adjust their plans if needed. Refunds are processed promptly, and there are no hidden fees or penalties.

The tour operator understands that last-minute changes can occur, so they’ve implemented this straightforward cancellation policy. Guests can book with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.

This flexible approach ensures a hassle-free experience for all participants.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from JR Sonobe Station, the tour begins with a brief 10-minute guided introduction to the area.

This is followed by:

1. A 30-minute hike through the scenic Satoyama landscape, offering glimpses of the region’s natural beauty.

2. A 50-minute bike tour that takes visitors to historical sites, including the last castle in Japan, Sonobe Castle, and the oldest Tenmangu Shrine.

3. A 50-minute lunch break featuring traditional Japanese fare, such as soba noodles, rice balls, and tempura vegetables, or a Western-style meal with fresh produce.

The tour culminates at the Maki Shrine, the birthplace of the beloved video game character, Super Mario.

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Lunch Options

During the 50-minute lunch break, visitors can choose between a traditional Japanese lunch or a Western-style meal. The traditional Japanese lunch features soba noodles, rice balls, and tempura vegetables, while the Western-style lunch offers fresh vegetables and a drink.

Lunch Options	Description
Traditional Japanese	Soba noodles, rice balls, tempura vegetables
Western-style	Fresh vegetables and a drink
Recommended Dessert	Available at an additional charge

For those with a sweet tooth, a recommended dessert is also available for an extra cost. With these diverse dining options, visitors can enjoy a satisfying midday meal during their Kyoto adventure.

Booking Information

Booking this tour is flexible, as visitors can Reserve Now & Pay Later without upfront payment.

What’s more, early bookings made before August 20th receive a 20% discount.

When it comes to what to bring, the essentials include:

1. Comfortable shoes
2. A hat and sunscreen
3. Water and comfortable clothes

The meeting point is straightforward – exit JR Sonobe Station, turn left, proceed to the west exit, go down the stairs to the bike rental area where the guide will be waiting with a helmet.

Important Notes

The tour proceeds in rain, but may be canceled for severe weather conditions.

Participants should be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for those with heart problems.

Upon arrival, follow the meeting point directions to find the guide waiting with helmets at the bike rental area near the west exit of JR Sonobe Station.

Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

The tour covers various historical and cultural sites, so guests should dress appropriately.

Participants can expect a memorable experience exploring Kyoto’s beautiful Satoyama area and learning about the birthplace of the iconic Super Mario character.

Meeting Point Directions

Upon arrival, guests should exit JR Sonobe Station and turn left, proceeding to the west exit.

Go down the stairs to the bike rental area, where the guide will be waiting with a helmet.

The meeting point directions are as follows:

1. Exit JR Sonobe Station and turn left.
2. Proceed to the west exit and go down the stairs.
3. Arrive at the bike rental area, where the guide will be waiting with a helmet.

Guests should follow these directions carefully to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It involves activities like hiking and bike riding that could be challenging for some kids. However, the tour offers a traditional Japanese lunch option that may appeal to families.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the tour itinerary is pre-set, the company may be able to accommodate minor customization requests. Travelers should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about potential modifications to the itinerary or lunch options.

How Much Time Will Be Spent at Each Stop?

The tour itinerary includes 10 minutes for the guided tour, 30 minutes for hiking, 50 minutes for the bike tour, and 50 minutes for lunch. The main stops are Sonobe Castle, the oldest Tenmangu Shrine, Maki Shrine, and Komuki Mountain.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Route?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention specific restroom facilities along the route. However, it’s likely there will be opportunities to use restrooms at the major stops, such as the shrines and during the lunch break. The guide can provide more details on restroom access.

Can I Bring My Own Food for Lunch?

Yes, you can bring your own food for lunch. The tour itinerary includes a 50-minute lunch break, so you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch if you prefer. However, the traditional Japanese and Western-style lunch options are also available for purchase.

The Sum Up

This guided tour in Kyoto’s enchanting Satoyama area offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, outdoor adventure, and gastronomy. Visitors can hike, bike to historical sites, and enjoy a delicious lunch – all while discovering the birthplace of the iconic Super Mario character. With its combination of history, nature, and cuisine, this 5-hour journey provides a memorable experience for both fans and food lovers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: