Two-day tour to Miyama Thatched Gassho Village in Kyoto, Japan | Kinkakuji Temple, Miyama Thatched Tribe, "Three Scenic Spots of Japan" Amanohashidate, Ine Funaya Ine Bay Cruise | Including accommodation in Kyoto
- [Winter Limited Time Offer] Enjoy Kyoto's most classic snow scenery in one trip: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) × Miyama × Amanohashidate × Ine Funaya (Ine Boat House)
- 【Miyama Thatched Village】Step into the snow-covered Gassho-zukuri village and enjoy the dreamlike "Snow Light Corridor Illumination" event at night.
- 【Ine Bay Cruise】A tranquil bay available only in winter, offering views of a century-old boathouse settlement from the sea.
- [Amanohashidate] Climb to the observation deck to admire the "Three Views of Japan" in the snow, where the blue sea and white snow intertwine to create a winter masterpiece.
- 【Golden Pavilion】The golden light and white snow create a beautiful contrast, making it one of the most representative and stunning winter scenes in Kyoto.
- [Includes Kyoto Accommodation] Selected comfortable hotels, allowing you to explore the hidden gems of northern Kyoto and the city's famous landmarks in one trip.
- [Special Gift] One bottle (200ml) of Myosan specialty Myosan milk or one bottle (200ml) of Myosan coffee milk.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Winter-limited event: Miyama Thatched Village Snow Illumination Corridor
【Event period】January 19th to January 23rd
[Lighting Time] 17:00～19:30 (Expected, subject to slight changes)
[Limited-Time Events] January 21st: ① Haruno-ryu Offering Dance at Hachiman Shrine (January 21st (Wednesday) 17:40-18:00) ② Mochi Pounding Experience (Limited to 15 people, first come, first served, no reservations) ③ Red Bean Soup Made with Mochi (Japanese Rice Cake) (Limited to 50 servings) 17:00-17:40
※ Snowfall and snow accumulation are subject to weather conditions. Once the tour is confirmed, the trip will proceed as scheduled regardless of snowfall or snow accumulation. Please be aware of this.
Enjoy a limited-time two-day Kyoto snowscape tour, departing from Osaka or Kyoto, taking you on a dreamlike journey through a snowy wonderland.
On the first day, visit the World Heritage Site, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), to admire the dazzling golden halls illuminated by the snow and experience the tranquil beauty of the ancient capital in winter. Afterwards, explore Miyama-no-sato, known as "Kyoto's Shirakawa-go," and immerse yourself in the rustic charm of a traditional Japanese village surrounded by snow-covered thatched-roof houses. In the evening, enjoy the limited-time winter illumination event at the Snow Lantern Corridor, where countless lights illuminate the snowy night, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Overnight in Kyoto, enjoying a cozy and pleasant winter night.
On the second day, we will depart for Amanohashidate, where we will ascend the observation deck to overlook the snow-covered sandbars and pine forests, enjoying a breathtaking winter view of one of Japan's Three Views. Next, we will visit the Ine Boat Houses, taking a boat trip through Ine Bay to admire the neatly arranged boat houses from the sea and experience the tranquility and pristine beauty of Japan's coastal fishing villages.
This two-day, one-night journey perfectly combines the splendor of the ancient capital with the hidden wonders of the snow country, allowing you to experience the multifaceted charm of Kyoto in winter—gold, silver, and warm lights intertwine to create the most romantic winter memories.
—Important Notice—
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free. Any additional luggage will be charged at 2,000 yen per piece, regardless of size (please inform us in advance when registering, otherwise a fee will be charged on-site).
- Children aged 0-2 years old can be held in arms for free if they do not occupy a seat; children aged 3 years and above are treated the same as adults.
- If there are not enough seats on the bus because you did not inform us that you will be traveling with a child aged 0-2 years who does not occupy a seat, we will refuse to let you on the bus and the fare will not be refunded.
- The tour guide will not contact the tourists in advance. On the day of the tour, tourists need to go to the meeting point on their own and report to the tour guide or staff wearing yellow vests or holding GOGODAY flags. Please understand and cooperate with each other and follow the tour guide's arrangements.
- Driver and guide service (small group of 4-13 people: driver and guide service; group of 13 or more: driver and tour guide service).
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hice or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only, and the actual vehicle type will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day of the tour.
The Gassho-zukuri village of Miyama in Kyoto, along with the Gassho-zukuri village in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, and Ōuchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture, is known as one of the three major existing thatched-roof village clusters in Japan. The thatched-roof village in Miyama-cho belongs to the Kitayama-style folk houses, with the architectural style of the irimoya-zukuri, where the upper part is Kiritsumi-zukuri and the lower part is Yōmō-zukuri.
The most beautiful photo spot – the little red mailbox! Using the thatched hut as the main subject, and taking photos with the rows of thatched huts behind it, is absolutely stunning! Also, don't forget the old-fashioned mailbox with its bright red sign at the entrance; it's the undisputed symbol of Miyama Kayabuki no Sato! Notice the thatched hut roofs; the cross-shaped reinforcements are called "senki," and the single wooden strips placed on top of the row of cross-shaped frames are "yukiwari," used to mitigate snow accumulation. The wisdom of the ancients is truly admirable!
Chii Hachiman Shrine: Built in 1017, Chii Hachiman Shrine is over a thousand years old and is the religious center for the local residents of Miyama Town. The shrine is even more beautiful when it is lit up. Special Event: Haruno-ryu Offering Dance (January 21st (Wednesday) 17:40-18:00)
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a temple belonging to the Shokoku-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. In 1994, Kinkaku-ji, along with Kiyomizu-dera and Ginkaku-ji, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto." A visit to Kinkaku-ji offers impressive architecture, picturesque lakeside views, and numerous exquisite and auspicious sites scattered throughout the temple grounds, making it one of the most famous temples in Kyoto.
Amanohashidate, hailed as one of the "Three Views of Japan," is a natural sandbar stretching approximately 3.6 kilometers, lying across the sea like a bridge in the sky. Amanohashidate is particularly enchanting in winter—the white sandbar and pine forests are covered in a thin layer of snow, resembling a silver ribbon floating between the blue sea and the white snow.
Enjoy a boat tour of the Ine Boat Houses: The tour takes approximately 25 minutes and cruises around Ine Bay, where you can also feed the seagulls. Experience the boat house views from the second-floor deck and spend special time with your family. (Boats depart every hour and half-hour; ticket price included. If the tour is cancelled due to rough seas, you will have free time to explore the area and receive complimentary olive oil ice cream. No refund will be given for the boat tour fee.)
When the weather is fine, seagulls fly around the boats and the surrounding lakes and mountains are breathtakingly beautiful.
Bicycle Tour: Egan provides free bicycles for guests to explore the village freely.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in winter is one of Kyoto's most iconic sights—as snowflakes fall, the golden halls shimmer with a soft glow against the white snow, reflected in the Mirror Pond, creating a dreamlike scene that captivates countless travelers. Strolling along the tranquil garden paths, one can feel the unique elegance and serenity of this ancient Japanese capital. Unlike the vibrant autumn foliage, Kinkaku-ji in winter possesses a purity and solemnity, making it an unmissable and breathtaking attraction in Kyoto during the winter.
Amanohashidate View Land - A bird's-eye view of Amanohashidate. Located on Manju Hill, View Land offers panoramic views of Amanohashidate from an observation deck. The hill features a sightseeing bus and rides suitable for all ages. From this vantage point, Amanohashidate resembles a dragon soaring into the sky, hence the name "Flying Dragon View." Here you can enjoy a vibrant and dynamic view of Amanohashidate. (Cable car tickets not included.)
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point/destination: Osaka/Kyoto
Trip duration: 2 days 1 night
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd., etc.
Meals provided: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation: Royal Garden Hotel (Kyoto Umekoji) or similar hotel
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Name of travel industry association: Japan Travel Industry Association (full member)
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 14 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 3
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the arrangements of the driver and guide.
Please note that no refund will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
If you leave the group on your own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. If personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by you.
The arrival time of each itinerary may change due to traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. Please forgive us if the itinerary is delayed or cancelled due to the above or other force majeure factors. We cannot request a refund on this basis.
In case of a small number of people, the driver and tour leader will be used for operation. Please be aware that this product is a carpooling service, and there will be other guests riding together. Parking is not allowed outside the scenic spots.
Traffic jams and other force majeure factors may occur during weekends and national holidays. The driver will also adjust the itinerary based on the specific situation. Please be sure to prepare your psychological expectations before placing an order.
If the Ine Funaya Cruise is suspended due to wind and waves, it will be changed to a free stroll and free special olive oil ice cream will be given. The boat fare will not be refunded.
Myo San Milk (200ml) / Myo San Milk Coffee (200ml) are complimentary items. If guests choose not to enjoy them on the day of travel, no refund will be given. Please note.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Miyama Thatched Village offers a rare glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life with its preserved Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In winter, the village transforms into a serene, snow-covered wonderland. The highlight is the "Snow Light Corridor Illumination," a special event where the thatched roofs are beautifully lit, creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere that is truly unforgettable and only available for a limited time each year. This provides a distinct aesthetic and cultural experience.
Miyama Thatched Village is located in a rural area north of Kyoto. While public transport involves bus transfers and can take over two hours from central Kyoto, a guided tour offers convenient, direct transportation. Such tours typically provide comfortable coach travel, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic journey without the hassle of planning routes or transfers. The travel duration by tour bus is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Kyoto city, making it an accessible day trip destination.
Miyama Thatched Village is renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, characterized by steep, thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. These rustic homes are nestled amidst a beautiful natural landscape, offering a picturesque scene. Beyond the architecture, the village's charm lies in its tranquil rural setting, especially when covered in snow. The "Snow Light Corridor Illumination" further enhances this beauty, transforming the village into a glowing spectacle against the winter night.
A two-day itinerary covering key attractions like Miyama Thatched Village, Amanohashidate, and Kinkaku-ji is well-structured to offer a rich experience of Kyoto's winter highlights. This approach maximizes sightseeing by including diverse northern Kyoto landscapes and cultural sites. It allows for experiencing the unique "Snow Light Corridor Illumination" at Miyama and the serene beauty of Amanohashidate's snowy seascape, alongside iconic Kinkaku-ji, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable visit.
A typical two-day tour covering northern Kyoto includes several iconic winter destinations. You would often visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) to admire its shimmering facade against a snowy backdrop. The itinerary also features Miyama Thatched Village for its traditional Gassho-zukuri homes and seasonal illumination. Additionally, you'll explore Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three scenic spots, and enjoy an Ine Bay Cruise to see the unique floating boathouses of Ine Funaya.
At Amanohashidate, a designated "Three Views of Japan," visitors can ascend to an observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views. In winter, this natural land bridge connecting two sides of Miyazu Bay becomes even more striking, with the white snow harmonizing beautifully with the blue sea. The unique "matanozoki" (viewing through your legs) tradition offers a distinctive perspective, making the sandbar appear to float into the sky. It truly becomes a picturesque winter masterpiece.
The Ine Bay Cruise offers a unique perspective of the tranquil Ine Funaya boathouse settlement, especially appealing in winter. From the water, you'll see traditional wooden houses built directly over the bay, with boat garages on the ground floor and living spaces above. This gives the impression of floating homes. The serene waters and the historic architecture create a picturesque and peaceful maritime village atmosphere, showcasing a distinctive Japanese coastal lifestyle.
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a highlight in any Kyoto winter itinerary due to its unparalleled aesthetic beauty. Its magnificent golden facade, covered in real gold leaf, creates a stunning contrast against a fresh blanket of white snow. Reflected in the tranquil Kyoko-chi Pond, this iconic Zen temple presents a breathtaking and representative winter scene of Kyoto. The interplay of gold and white offers a truly photogenic and serene experience, embodying Kyoto's classical elegance.
Get Help
