The Amanohashidate & Miyama Village 1Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto offers a chance to explore two of Japan’s most picturesque destinations. Visitors can marvel at the stunning 3.6 km pine-covered sandbar of Amanohashidate, take a boat ride, and feed seagulls. Then, they’ll discover the charming Miyama Village, known for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, and savor a local lunch. With English and Chinese-speaking guides, this tour promises an authentic adventure away from the usual tourist paths. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for those seeking to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Kyoto region.
Good To Know
- A one-day bus tour from Osaka or Kyoto to explore the picturesque landscapes of Amanohashidate and the traditional thatched-roof village of Miyama.
- Highlights include a boat ride and seagull feeding at the Amanohashidate land bridge, as well as a guided tour of the charming streets of Miyama Village.
- Tour includes all fees, taxes, air-conditioned transportation, and a local lunch at Miyama Village, with vegetarian options available.
- English and Chinese-speaking guides are provided, and the tour is rated 4.4 out of 5 by past guests.
- Meeting point for the tour is conveniently located, and prompt arrival is essential to avoid forfeiting the reservation without a refund.
Tour Highlights
The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes of Amanohashidate and the charming Miyama Village.
Amanohashidate, known as one of the "Three Views of Japan," features a 3.6 km pine-covered sandbar stretching across a tranquil bay. Visitors can ride a cable car to the top, take in the stunning views, and feed the seagulls.
In Miyama Village, travelers discover well-preserved thatched-roof farmhouses, wander quaint streets, and savor a delicious local lunch.
The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to appreciate the natural beauty and traditional culture of the Kyoto region.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Osaka.
Itinerary
Though the exact timing may vary based on traffic conditions, the 1-day bus tour typically begins with an early departure from Osaka or Kyoto. Traveling through the scenic countryside, the first stop is the unique Amanohashidate land bridge, where travelers can take a boat ride and feed seagulls. Next, the tour explores the picturesque Miyama Village, known for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. During the visit, guests enjoy a delicious local lunch and have free time to wander the charming streets and take in the authentic rural atmosphere.
Route | Duration | Activities |
---|---|---|
Osaka/Kyoto to Amanohashidate | 2 hours | Boat ride, seagull feeding |
Amanohashidate to Miyama Village | 1 hour | Explore thatched-roof homes, local lunch |
Miyama Village to Osaka/Kyoto | 2 hours | Return to starting point |
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers have the option to select a convenient meeting point for the start of the tour.
The bus departs on time, so it’s important to arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Late arrivals won’t receive any refunds – they’ll need to contact the tour operator at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule.
Infants under 3 can join for free without a seat, but if a seat is required, they’ll need to book at the children’s price.
Both English and Chinese-speaking guests may share the same bus, so the tour accommodates a diverse group of travelers.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes all fees and taxes, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and English and Chinese-speaking guides.
Lunch is provided, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to eat.
However, the tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, nor does it cover personal expenses. If you need transportation to and from the meeting point, you’ll need to arrange that separately.
Accessibility and Additional Information
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.
Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Most travelers can participate, though guests should keep in mind the following:
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
- Infants under 3 years old can join for free without a seat.
- If a seat is required for an infant, the child’s price must be booked.
- The tour operator’s business hours are 9:30 AM to 6 PM JST, Monday through Saturday.
- Private Car Full Day Tour of Osaka Temples, Gardens and Kofun Tombs
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kansai Airport to Osaka City
- Osaka Nightlife Tour and Bar Hop
- Kyoto Private Tour (Shore Excursion Available From Osaka or Kobe Port)
- Heart-Warming Japanese in Home Cooking Lesson With a Local Mother in Osaka
- Retro Osaka Street Food Tour: Shinsekai
Reviews and Experiences
A total of 5 reviews have been left for this tour, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Reviewers highlight the scenic countryside views and well-organized nature of the tour. The included lunch options, which accommodate vegetarian diets, also receive praise.
Unique experiences like feeding seagulls during the boat trip add to the memorable journey. Guests describe the tour as a less touristy, authentic exploration of the Kyoto region.
With no 1-star ratings, the reviews suggest this tour provides a high-quality, enjoyable experience for visitors to Osaka and Kyoto.
Booking and Cancellation
Travelers can book the "From Osaka/Kyoto: Amanohashidate & Miyama Village 1-Day Bus Tour" directly on the tour operator’s website. The tour costs $86.13 per person and offers:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
- Confirmation received at time of booking.
- A maximum capacity of 45 travelers.
- Pickup and drop-off locations that are the same.
Late arrivals forfeit their reservation without refund, but can reschedule by contacting the operator at least 24 hours in advance.
Infants under 3 can attend for free without a seat, or book at the children’s price if they require one.
Getting There
Guests can reach the meeting point for the "From Osaka/Kyoto: Amanohashidate & Miyama Village 1-Day Bus Tour" via various transportation options.
For those starting in Osaka, the closest station is Umeda Station, which is a major transportation hub. From there, guests can take the subway or local train to the designated meeting point.
Alternatively, guests in Kyoto can take the train to Kyoto Station and then transfer to the meeting point.
The tour bus departs promptly at the scheduled time, so guests should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the start of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Unfortunately, this tour is not available for private group bookings. It’s a shared group tour with a maximum capacity of 45 travelers. Private tours or private group options aren’t mentioned in the tour details provided.
Are Any Snacks or Beverages Provided During the Tour?
The tour does not include any snacks or beverages. Lunch is provided, but travelers must bring their own additional refreshments if desired. The focus is on the guided experiences and transportation.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal Option?
Yes, the tour provides lunch and can accommodate vegetarian and halal dietary requirements. Simply inform the operator of your needs when booking the tour to ensure a suitable meal is provided.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Stops?
Unfortunately, the tour duration and stops are fixed and cannot be extended or customized. The tour operator follows a set itinerary to ensure the experience runs smoothly for all participants. Requests for changes to the tour aren’t possible.
How Do I Communicate With the Tour Guides if I Don’t Speak English or Chinese?
If you don’t speak English or Chinese, you can communicate with the tour guides using translation apps or phrasebooks. The guides will also try their best to assist you and accommodate your needs during the tour.
The Sum Up
This guided bus tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Kyoto region. From the breathtaking Amanohashidate sandbar to the charming Miyama Village, the tour provides an immersive experience led by English and Chinese-speaking guides. With included transportation and a local lunch, it’s an excellent choice for an authentic and picturesque day trip away from the usual tourist crowds.
More Tour Reviews in Osaka
Looking for something different? Other Osaka activities we've written about
- Osaka Kansai Airport to Kanazawa City Private Transfer
- Deep Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Temma, Osaka
- Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka
- Osaka: Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba
- Kobe Night View Mt Rokko Kitano Ijinkan Arima Onsen Day Trip
- 2 Hours Karaoke Room With Set Menu and Unlimited Drinks in Osaka
- Osaka Kuromon Market With a Chef!
- 1 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka
- Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy Experiences in Osaka
- Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Customized Private Guided Tour
- Osaka 1-Day Private Tour – Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori
- Arashiyama Autumn Leaves & Sanzen-In Temple Tour From Osaka/Kyoto