Small Group Tour in Miyajima From Miyahama Onsen

Embark on an exclusive adventure to the scenic island of Miyajima with a small group tour departing from Miyahama Onsen. This intimate excursion promises breathtaking sights, including a scenic cruise and rubber boat boarding, all for just $573.95 per person. While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, those who join can expect an unforgettable day amidst Miyajima’s stunning landscapes. However, before committing, it’s crucial to consider the tour’s safety and health requirements, as well as any potential changes to the itinerary due to weather conditions.

Key Points

• The small group tour departs from Miyahama Onsen in Hiroshima, Japan and includes a cruise, rubber boat boarding, and life jacket rental.
• The tour is priced at $573.95 per person and is non-refundable, not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions.
• The meeting point is at Okushin Pier, with transportation options available from Onoura Station.
• The tour includes at least one café food and drink item per person, and participants are advised to bring a towel and wear comfortable, water-resistant clothing.
• The tour may be canceled or adjusted due to unsafe wind and wave conditions, and personal insurance is recommended to cover injury risks.

Tour Overview

The small group tour in Miyajima offers visitors a chance to explore the island’s iconic landmarks and natural beauty.

With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience. Located in Hiroshima, Japan, the tour departs from Miyahama Onsen.

Priced at $573.95 per person, the tour includes a cruise, rubber boat boarding, and life jacket rental.

While non-refundable, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Proper attire, based on weather, and personal insurance are advised to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers can meet the tour group at Okushin Pier, located at 1-chōme-3-3 Miyahamaonsen, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0454, Japan.

They can reach the meeting point by taking the Ohno Heart Bus from the north exit of Onoura Station and getting off at Miyahama Onsen, a 5-minute walk away.

Alternatively, a taxi from JR Onoura Station is recommended. The tour will return to the same meeting point at the end.

The tour starts at 1:30 PM.

Inclusions and Costs

The small group tour in Miyajima includes several key features.

Travelers will enjoy a cruise fee, rubber boat boarding fee, and life jacket rental fee, all included in the price. Plus, the tour provides a minimum of one café food and drink item per person, though payment is made individually.

Participants should bring a towel for drying their feet and wear comfortable clothes that can get wet. The tour price varies based on group size, starting from $573.95 per person.

No refunds are available for cancellations.

Safety and Health Considerations

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions, as some physical activity is involved. Infants must sit on laps during the cruise.

Safety is a top priority, and the tour may be canceled or adjusted if wind and wave conditions make landing on Etajima unsafe. Travelers are advised to consider purchasing personal insurance to cover any injury risks.

With these safety considerations in mind, the tour offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful Miyajima island with proper precautions.

Clothing and Conditions

Depending on the season, the appropriate attire for the Miyajima tour varies.

From spring to autumn, travelers should wear comfortable, casual clothing that can get wet. Heels should be avoided in favor of sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

In winter, the tour requires windproof and waterproof outerwear, long pants, sneakers, a scarf, and gloves to combat the colder temperatures.

Weather conditions may affect the tour’s course, so travelers should be prepared for potential changes due to tides, weather, and sea conditions.

Waterproof protection for smartphones is recommended, and precautions should be taken to prevent beach injuries.

Weather and Itinerary Changes

Weather and itinerary changes may affect the tour, as the course could vary based on tides, weather, and sea conditions.

The tour operator closely monitors conditions and may need to adjust the itinerary accordingly. For example, landing on Etajima may be canceled due to unfavorable wind or wave conditions, and participants may need to disembark at the nearest port instead.

Travelers should pack waterproof gear and be prepared for potential changes. The operator will notify guests by 3:00 PM the day before if the tour is canceled due to bad weather, with no cancellation fees.

Flexibility is key for an enjoyable and safe experience.

Cancellation Policy

The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy to accommodate unforeseen weather and sea conditions. If the tour must be canceled due to bad weather, travelers can notify the operator by 3:00 PM the day before the tour, with no cancellation fees. This allows for easy rescheduling or refunds if needed.

Additionally:

1. The approach to the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine may vary based on tide conditions.
2. Landing on Etajima may be canceled due to wind/wave conditions, requiring disembarkation at the nearest port at the traveler’s own expense.
3. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
4. Personal travel insurance is recommended to cover any injury risks.

Approach to Itsukushima-jinja Shrine

The approach to the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine may vary based on the tide conditions.

At high tide, visitors can walk right up to the shrine’s iconic floating torii gate. But at low tide, the approach changes. The gate appears to float on the water, and visitors must cross the exposed sandbar to reach the shrine.

This tidal variation provides a unique and ever-changing perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of needing to adjust their plans to accommodate the tide’s ebb and flow when visiting the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour information indicates that participants can order food and drinks at the café on-site, with a minimum of one menu item per person. However, it does not mention whether bringing one’s own food and drinks is allowed.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour duration cannot be extended. The tour itinerary is fixed, and the start and end times are clearly specified. Participants are expected to adhere to the schedule provided in the tour overview.

Do You Provide Any Optional Add-On Activities?

The tour does not offer any optional add-on activities. The focus is on the core tour experience which includes the cruise, boat boarding, and visiting key sites. Guests can explore Miyajima on their own after the tour if they wish to extend their time there.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Miyajima Island?

The tour allocates 2-3 hours for exploring Miyajima Island. Travelers will have time to visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, walk through the historic town, and enjoy the scenic natural surroundings at their own pace during this portion of the excursion.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a small group tour. The tour operator typically offers private tours for an additional fee, which allows for a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide.

Recap

This small group tour of Miyajima from Miyahama Onsen provides a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. With a scenic cruise, rubber boat boarding, and life jacket rental included, guests can enjoy the stunning landscapes. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and has some medical restrictions, it offers an unforgettable day for those who can participate.