1-Day Leisurely Journey through the Sea of Kyoto: Amanohashidate Scenic Viewpoints, "Venice of Japan" Ine Boathouses and Chionji Temple Monju-do

8:40am Osaka
Pick-up/Drop-off Points:
8:40am, Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Namba and Shinsaibashi area)
9:50am, Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit – Bus Stop in front of the station  

11:20am Kyoto Prefecture
▼ One of Japan's Three Scenic Views – Amanohashidate Observation Point (Approx. 2.5 hours, including time for self-paid lunch)
Amanohashidate, located in the Sea of Japan's Miyazu Bay, is one of the three most famous scenic spots in Japan, along with Matsushima in Mutsu and Itsukushima in Aki. The sandbar is approximately 3.6 kilometers long and is formed by coastal sedimentation. The sandbar is lined with around 8,000 pine trees, with white sandy beaches on both sides, creating a unique natural landscape. The shape of the sandbar resembles a bridge stretching upwards toward the sky, hence the name "Amanohashidate" (Heavenly Bridge). It lies at the meeting point of the Asou Sea and the Miyazu Bay, offering views of unspoiled natural beauty and expansive seascapes.
At the top of Mount Monju, there is an observation deck offering views of Amanohashidate. The mountain has an observation car and various amusement facilities suitable for all ages. The view from here is said to resemble a dragon flying into the sky, and it is often called "Flying Dragon View." You will see a vibrant and energetic view of Amanohashidate from this spot (Cable car ticket is at your own expense).
* From December 16 to December 18, the Viewland Ropeway will be closed for maintenance. During this period, visitors will take the ropeway at Kasamatsu Park instead.
Chionji Temple & Monju Hall (Temple for academic success prayers)
Chionji Temple enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the deity of wisdom, praying for academic success, similar to the Chinese God of Literature, Wenchang Dijun. The mountain gate of Chionji is the gateway to the Tango region. A special feature here is the fan-shaped fortune slip. When the fan is hung upside down, the narrow side expands to the wider side, symbolizing progress. Nearby, there is a rotary bridge connecting Amanohashidate and Monju Hall. When large ships pass through, the bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow the ships to pass (timing is irregular) (Entrance is free).
 
Rotating Bridge - Aesthetic of Motion (Operates Irregularly)
Imagine a bridge that slowly rotates 90 degrees like the hand of a clock to let boats pass—this isn’t a movie scene, but the real-life Amanohashidate Rotating Bridge! Whenever a cruise ship approaches, the bridge deck horizontally rotates to allow passage, then gracefully returns to its original position. The entire process is a display of elegant mechanical beauty.
Amanohashidate Beach - Seaside Strolls or Summer Fun - A Seasonal Hidden Gem
On both sides of the Amanohashidate sandbar stretch white sandy beaches with fine, soft sand. Strolling through the pine grove that runs along the sandbar and admiring the variety of uniquely shaped pine trees is a delight in itself. With crystal-clear waters, pure white sand, and lush pine trees on both sides, the scenery feels like stepping into a natural painting. The dense pine needles provide natural shade like green parasols.
 

14:30pm Kyoto Prefecture
▼ Ine Boat Houses – "The Venice of Japan" and "Kyoto's Last Hidden Gem" (Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes, options to walk, cycle, or take a boat tour to feed seagulls. Boat fee is not included.)
Ine Village is ranked among Japan's 18 most beautiful villages. It features Japan's unique water-based boat house architecture, offering a natural landscape that cannot be experienced at typical tourist destinations. The boat houses are aligned along the southern shore of Ine Bay, stretching for about 5 kilometers with more than 230 houses, where people still coexist with the sea. The crystal-clear blue sea, the deep green mountains, the ever-changing sky, and the traditional boat houses are a harmonious natural sight that can only be experienced in Ine. The coastal fishing village is peaceful and untouched, far from the hustle and bustle, maintaining an authentic and simple charm.
Boat Tour
You can choose to experience a boat tour at your own expense, which lasts around 25 minutes, cruising through Ine Bay while feeding seagulls. From the second-floor deck, enjoy a beautiful view of the boat houses and spend special moments with your family. Boats depart every hour on the hour and at half-past the hour. Boat tickets and seagull feed are not included. If the weather conditions prevent the boat from operating due to wind or waves, the tour will be replaced with free time to explore on foot.
* Complimentary: one pack of shrimp crackers per person for feeding the seagulls.
Note: Due to the presence of many eagles in the Ine boat house area, please be cautious when feeding seagulls. If you spot any eagles nearby, immediately stop feeding the seagulls and securely store the feed to avoid being injured by the eagles.
Cycling Tour
Ine offers free bicycles for guests to explore the village at their own pace. You can pick up or return bikes at any of the five rental stations located around the village, making it very convenient. Riding through the quiet, narrow alleyways with no one around creates a wonderfully peaceful experience. (Free of charge, with five bike stations for easy pick-up and drop-off.)
 

15:50pm Return
Enjoy the rest of your day's journey, and begin your return trip.

18:20pm Kyoto Prefecture
Arrival in Kyoto, the return time is for reference only and may be earlier depending on the smoothness of the day's itinerary and good road conditions.

19:20pm Osaka
Guests will either drop off at Nihonbashi Exit 2 area or end the tour at their hotel in Osaka city.
Guests who selected the hotel transfer package but choose to continue exploring on their own will end the tour on-site (this will be regarded as a voluntary waiver of the return transfer service, and the transfer fee is non-refundable).
Guests who selected the "meet-up/drop-off at meeting point" package will be dismissed at the drop-off location to end the tour.
Guests who booked the hotel or accommodation transfer package, please wait for the shuttle vehicle to arrive. You will be sent back to your hotel or accommodation to officially end the tour.
Shinsaibashi: The most famous shopping street in Osaka, home to large department stores, major drugstore chains, long-established specialty shops, and small boutiques. It offers a wide range of products in various styles and price ranges. Popular character stores like Hello Kitty and Disney also have branches here. It's a favorite destination for beauty lovers, with numerous drugstores offering a wide selection of cosmetics and skincare products. Most stores have Chinese-speaking staff and accept UnionPay, making shopping convenient and enjoyable.
Dotonbori: Known as the symbol of Osaka's gourmet culture, this bustling street is lively day and night. Considered the birthplace of Osaka's famous "kuidaore" (eat till you drop) culture, Dotonbori is packed with delicious street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kinryu Ramen. You'll also find traditional izakayas and trendy restaurants, including the iconic Kani Doraku crab restaurant, a favorite among Chinese visitors.
 

* The above itinerary is for reference only. The specific attractions, tour sequence and time may be changed according to the situation on the day.
* Due to the high volume of tourism in Japan, traffic congestion is common on weekends and public holidays. Return trips are often delayed, sometimes by 2-3 hours. We recommend not scheduling other activities on the evening of your tour's conclusion, as it may interfere with the itinerary.

B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded