Exploring the cultural and culinary gems of Hiroshima’s Onomichi and Saijo regions is a must-do for any traveler. This captivating full-day tour offers a seamless blend of serene temple visits and authentic sake tastings, promising an immersive experience that delights the senses. With a knowledgeable guide, scenic transportation, and a delicious lunch, this tour caters to both history enthusiasts and sake connoisseurs alike. Uncover the rich heritage and flavors that make this corner of Japan truly special.
Good To Know
- Full-day tour in Hiroshima, Japan that explores historic temples in Onomichi and offers a sake tasting experience in Saijo.
- Includes an English-speaking guide, entry fees, round-trip transportation, and a delicious local cuisine lunch.
- Visits iconic sites like Senkoji and Jōdo-ji Temples, with a scenic ropeway ride to access them.
- Provides an authentic sake tasting experience at a local brewery in the Saijo region.
- Suitable for both first-time and seasoned travelers, with a cancellation policy of up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The 1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting takes travelers on a full-day adventure in Hiroshima, Japan.
Over the course of the day, up to 25 travelers will explore the historic temples in Onomichi and indulge in a sake tasting experience in Saijo.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, entry fees, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.
Priced from $169.02 per person, the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with no charge.
Whether a first-time or seasoned traveler, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience in the Hiroshima region.
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Inclusions
This tour includes an English-speaking guide to lead the day’s activities.
Guests will enjoy entry fees at all tour locations, ensuring full access to the temples and shrines.
Transportation to and from the activities, including a scenic ropeway ride, is provided.
The highlight is the authentic sake tasting experience at a local brewery in Saijo.
A delicious lunch is also included, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the local cuisine.
With these comprehensive inclusions, guests can look forward to a seamless and enriching exploration of Onomichi’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Meeting and Pickup
Participants will meet the group at Hiroshima Station, under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates. A guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign will be there to greet the group.
The tour will begin promptly at 9:15 AM. Travelers should be at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure the group departs on time.
At the end of the day, the tour will return to the same meeting point. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the starting location.
Schedule
After meeting at the designated location, the tour departs promptly at 9:15 AM.
The schedule covers a full day, beginning with exploring the historic temples and shrines in Onomichi. Travelers will take a scenic ropeway up the hillside, visiting iconic sites like the Senkoji Temple and the 84 stone steps leading to Jōdo-ji Temple.
After lunch, the tour heads to the Saijo region, known for its premium sake breweries. Here, you will enjoy a guided sake tasting, sampling a variety of local offerings.
The tour concludes back at the original meeting point in Hiroshima by the end of the day.
Onomichi Temples Exploration
Exploring the historic temples and shrines of Onomichi is the primary focus as the tour departs from Hiroshima Station. The guide leads the group through the charming hillside city, stopping at famous sites like Senkoji Temple, Jōfukuji Temple, and Hōryū-ji Temple. Visitors admire the stunning architecture, learn about the sites’ history and significance, and enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Temple | Founded | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Senkoji | 806 | Giant Buddha statue, pagoda |
Jōfukuji | 1442 | Zen gardens, historic buildings |
Hōryū-ji | 1375 | Largest temple in Onomichi |
The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Onomichi’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
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Saijo Sake Tasting
The day’s activities shift gears as the group heads to the renowned sake-producing region of Saijo.
Nestled in the hills, the area is known for its pure, mineral-rich water that’s essential for crafting premium sake. Visitors tour a local brewery, learning about the traditional techniques and history of this revered beverage.
The highlight is a guided tasting, allowing participants to sample a variety of sake styles and discover their unique flavors and aromas. From crisp and clean to rich and full-bodied, the tasting offers an immersive exploration of Japan’s iconic national drink.
Lunch and Free Time
With the morning’s exploration of Onomichi’s historic temples now complete, the group takes a break for a delightful lunch.
Savoring local specialties, they refuel before the afternoon’s sake tasting.
After the meal, travelers enjoy free time to wander Onomichi’s charming streets and shops. They may visit the Kosanji Temple, stroll the Onomichi City Museum of Art, or simply soak in the town’s tranquil atmosphere.
This downtime allows everyone to recharge before the final activity – an exclusive tasting at one of Saijo’s renowned sake breweries.
Transportation and Accessibility
Travelers reach the tour’s meeting point at Hiroshima Station, where an English-speaking guide holds a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign.
Transportation to and from the tour activities, including a ropeway, is provided. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infants can join, sitting on laps with infant seats available.
The tour ends by returning to the starting point at Hiroshima Station.
With its convenient meeting location near public transportation, this tour is accessible for most travelers who wish to explore the Onomichi temples and experience a sake tasting in Saijo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors should dress respectfully for visiting the temples and shrines on the itinerary.
Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol on the Tour?
No, you cannot bring your own alcohol on the tour. The tour includes a sake tasting experience, so bringing outside alcohol is not permitted. Participants are expected to enjoy the provided sake tasting as part of the day’s activities.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The tour accommodates dietary restrictions. Travelers with specific dietary needs can notify the tour operator at the time of booking, and the guide will ensure appropriate meals are provided during the lunch portion of the tour.
Can We Extend the Tour Duration or Activities?
The tour’s duration and activities can’t be extended, but travelers can explore Onomichi and Saijo at their own pace before or after the tour. Private tours with customized itineraries may be available upon request for an additional fee.
How Many Breaks Are Included During the Tour?
The tour includes breaks, with the full-day experience allowing participants to rest and refresh as needed. Specific break times are not listed, but the schedule provides ample opportunity for breaks throughout the day.
The Sum Up
This immersive day tour offers a unique cultural experience, blending the serenity of historic Onomichi temples with the rich flavors of Saijo’s renowned sake. Travelers will be captivated by breathtaking views, an authentic sake tasting, and a delectable lunch, all while enjoying the convenience of transportation and an informative English-speaking guide.
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