Relaxed Pace Itinerary
OVERVIEW
Take your time on this relaxed trip around Kyotango. Explore the sites at your own pace and express your creative side by painting a guardian cat figure. There is also a chance to relax under the autumn leaves in a woodland retreat.
ITINERARY LENGTH
3 DAYS
SEASON
September to October
TRANSPORTATION
Rental Car
HIGHLIGHTS
- Amanohashidate (One of the 3 great scenic views of Japan)
- Ine, traditional fishing village and boat houses
- Visit Shrines with Important Local History
- Autumn Flowers and Foliage
- Make your own Soba
DAY 1
This rental car journey takes you to the northernmost region of Kyoto prefecture, where you can relax in an onsen ryokan and take in the natural scenery along the coast of the Sea of Japan. On Day 1, you will visit Amanohashidate, famously known as one of Japan's top three most scenic views, as well as the iconic funaya boat houses in Ine town, which both have exploded in popularity recently. You will then venture off the beaten path to discover the photogenic scenery of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Geopark.
Depart Kyoto Station
Arrive at Amanohashidate
Enjoy one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, Amanohashidate, from the Kasamatsu Park sky deck.
Kasamatsu Cable Car fee:
¥660 (return trip)
Kasamatsu Park Info More InfoLunch at Kasamatsu Park and Motoise Kono Shrine
After enjoying a nice lunch at Kasamatsu park, descend the mountain via cable car and head to the nearby Motoise Kono Shrine.
More InfoDepart Motoise Kono Shrine for Ine Fishing Village
Amanohashidate Souvenir
Make sure you pick up some unique omiyage (souvenirs) from Amanohashidate for later. We recommend trying the Hashidate Rouman, a manju stuffed with chestnut paste.
Arrive at Ine
Take a walk around Ine
Stroll through Ine and spend some downtime at the local Ine Cafe, or the Mukai brewery. Take some time watch the boats in the harbor as they sail around. This is a great chance to enjoy the omiyage you bought earlier in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ine Tourism WebsiteFishing Activity
If you're feeling luck you can try your hand at fishing in the harbor, the tourism center can provide cool packs for any fish you do catch.
Fishing fee Adults:
3000 yen
Fishing Fee Children (elementary school):
1500 yen
Ine Tourism WebsiteDepart Ine
Scenic drive along the San-in Kaigan Geopark coastline
After departing Ine, head along Route 178 and enjoy some of the beautiful sites of the San-in Kaigan Geopark's coastline.
More Info
Kyogamisaki Lighthouse
A chalky white lighthouse that stands proudly on top of a cliff 148 meters above sea level at the most northern point of the Tango Peninsula.
More Info
Tango Matsushima
Tango Matsushima takes its name from its resemblance to Matsushima, one of the three great views of Japan. This is a beautiful spot to take photographs during the sunrise and sunset.
More Info
Byobuiwa (folding-screen rock)
Byobuiwa rock is a andesite with a height of 13 meters, and was named for its resemblance to a Japanese folding screen (Byobu) as it rises from the ocean surface.
More Info
Tateiwa Rock
Tateiwa, which represents the Tango area in the San’in Kaigan Geopark, is a huge monolith with a height of 20 meters.
More InfoArrive in Kyotango
Check in to your ryokan (Japanese Inn)
Find an AccommodationDinner
Dinner and a hot spring bath
Enjoy a nice dinner and a hot spring bath at your ryokan (Japanese Inn).
DAY 2
On Day 2 visit a shrine steeped in local history, and have a chance to paint a guardian cat figure. Have lunch at a restaurant which applies Japanese sensibilities to western foods. And explore a local soy sauce producer's shop (selling more than just soy sauce!).
Check out of your Ryokan
Takano Shrine
Takano shrine is famous for it's long Sando (road approaching the shrine). The shrine is heavily sheltered by trees on either side giving it a secret, secluded feel. Here you can buy souvenir shrine charms.
More InfoShinmeiyama Burial Mound
From Takano Shrine there is a path that goes up to Shinmeiyama burial mound, which features a secret view of Tateiwa surrounded by foliage.
Arrive at Enishi
Restaurant Enishi
Enishi is known for making the most of local ingredients. They change their specials daily based on what's available, but whatever it is, is sure to be delicious.
Restaurant EnishiWalk to Kotohira Shrine
Kotohira Shrine
Right on restaurant Enishi's door step is Kotohira Shrine, home of the Koma Neko (Shrine Guardian Cats). These statues are unique to Kotohira Shrine, and have a close tie to the ancient Tango silk industry.
More Info
Cat Figure Painting
Express your creativity by painting your own original cat figure. Choose between a small or a large cat, and then decide for yourself how you want to decorate it.
Large Cat Fee:
4,500 yen
Small Cat Fee:
3,500 yen
Guardian Cat Painting ActivityWalk to Onojin
Shopping at Onojin
Onojin is a miso and soy sauce producer which uses traditional methods to produce these beloved staples of Japanese cuisine. You can shop here for a few things to take home to give your home cooking that "Kyotango kick".
Onojin Miso and Soy Sauce ProducerRetire to your ryokan
Free Time
Take your time to explore your ryokan's surroundings and venture down to the beach, or just relax in your room and enjoy the views.
Enjoy the evening in your luxury ryokan
Spend the rest of the evening in your luxury accommodation. Whether you choose to relax in the onsen hot spring, look out over the bay or receive a massage or beauty treatment, the rest of the night is yours to do as you please.
Find a place to Stay
DAY 3
On Day 3 you will head to a woodland retreat to see the Autumn colors and make your own lunch by trying your hand at soba making. Later, head to a historic property in Kumihama and enjoy a traditional Japanese garden.
Leave for the day
Arrive at Umi no Uta
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some souvenirs for friends and family at Umi no Uta souvenir shop. There is a wide range of goods from packaged sweets and local beers, to flavored sea salts.
More InfoArrive at Tennyo no Sato
Admire the Autumn Leaves
Spend some time just taking a walk around and enjoying the Autumn leaves at this woodland retreat.
Tennyo no Sato
Otome Shrine
The shrine across the road is also worth taking a look at for its vibrant Autumn leaves.
Autumn LeavesSoba Making
The staff will guide you through the soba mixing, kneading, and cutting process so you can have your own hand-made soba for lunch.
Facility HomepageVisit a Historic Property
Inaba Family Merchant House
The “Gosho Inaba Honke” is the main family house of a wealthy Kumihama merchant family. The main building was built 130 years ago, and is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Enjoy the historical and grande residency of the Gosho Inaba Merchant House, which also has a large Japanese garden attached.
More InfoCoffee Break with a Bay View
Waterside Cottage Heron
This cafe uses seasonal, local fish, fruits and vegetables to produce a simple menu that anyone can enjoy. The handmade Victoria Sponge cake is their specialty.
More InfoDepart Kyotango
Heading Home
It's time to hit the road again and head back to Kyoto. We hope you've had a relaxing long weekend in the countryside.