Day Tour from Osaka: Ine Funaya Boathouses, Amanohashidate and Miyama Thatched Village's "Fuyu Toro" Winter Illumination

Leave Osaka and travel from the Sea of Kyoto to a village of lights

Your day begins at a designated meeting point in Osaka. This winter-only day tour takes you to the funaya boathouses of Ine, Amanohashidate, and the Miyama Thatched Village after dark.

Wooden houses facing the sea, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, and thatched roofs glowing with lantern light. Each stop shows you a different landscape, and you will watch Kyoto change from day into night.

Choose from two plans, depending on whether you want the ride tickets included.

■ Plan with Cable Car and Sightseeing Boat Tickets Includes tickets for the Amanohashidate cable car and the Ine funaya sightseeing boat.

■ Plan without Cable Car and Sightseeing Boat Tickets The fares for the rides above are not included. If you would like to take them, please check how to purchase tickets and how the day will work when you book.

First stop: Ine, where boathouses line the water

Your first stop is the funaya boathouses of Ine. Wooden buildings stand in a row facing the sea, and the houses reflected on the water and the openings where boats are kept create the scenery that defines Ine.

As you look out over the bay, notice how close the buildings are to the sea. Beyond the sightseeing views, you can glimpse a town that has lived alongside the water for generations.

With the sightseeing boat ticket plan, you can also enjoy the boathouses from the water. It offers a different angle from the shore on the town stretching along the coast.

Next: Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views

Next you head to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views. A long, narrow sandbar stretches across the water, lined with pine trees and forming a truly distinctive landscape.

From the viewing platform, you can clearly see how the sea, the sandbar and the pines connect. There is a special pleasure in seeing the shape of the land from above, as if you were checking the ground you have just walked on.

Ticket arrangements for the ride up to the viewpoint depend on the plan you choose. If you want to enjoy the view from above, be sure to check whether tickets are included when you book.

Finally: into the lights of Miyama Thatched Village's "Fuyu Toro"

You end the journey at Miyama Thatched Village. The winter illumination once known as "Yuki Toro" (Snow Lantern Corridor) is now held under the name "Fuyu Toro" (Winter Lantern Corridor).

In 2027, it runs from January 30 to February 6. The outlines of the thatched roofs rise out of the lighting, while path lanterns and LED lanterns brighten the village lanes.

Gaze at the houses, or look down at the small lights along the path. Stroll through the village and enjoy a mountain-village night that feels very different from the seaside in daytime.

Mochi pounding and warm zenzai: a winter treat

In Miyama, mochi pounding and zenzai are part of the hospitality. The experience is included in the tour price.

Watching mochi being pounded with a wooden mallet and mortar, and tasting freshly made mochi, gives you a taste of Japan's winter food culture. As you wander the lantern-lit village, a warm sweet treat makes the evening even better.

Times and servings are limited, so please follow the guidance on the day to find out how to take part.

FAQ

■ When will I find out the meeting point and time? By 9:00 pm Japan time on the day before departure, you will receive an email with the meeting point, time, guide and vehicle details. If you cannot find it, please check your spam folder, and if it still has not arrived, contact the tour operator. If you receive more than one notice, please follow the most recent one.

■ What languages are available, and will a guide accompany us? English and Chinese are supported. Depending on the number of participants, the driver may also act as the guide, in which case the focus will be on driving. The vehicle and guiding arrangements are decided according to the number of participants on the day.

■ Can I bring luggage? One piece of hand luggage per person can be brought free of charge. Additional luggage is subject to a fee, so please declare it in the notes field when booking. For extra charges and luggage conditions, please check the plan you are booking.

■ Will I definitely see snowy scenery? Snowfall depends on the weather, so you may not see snowy scenery like that in the photos. Fuyu Toro is held even without snow, but it may be cancelled if the organiser judges conditions to be dangerous, such as in severe weather.

■ Can the itinerary or return time change? Depending on traffic, weather, crowds and other factors, the order of visits, the time spent at each place and the return time may change. Changes to or omissions from the itinerary due to circumstances beyond anyone's control are not eligible for a refund. Please leave some flexibility in your plans after you return.

Before you book

• Your travel date, and whether you want cable car and sightseeing boat tickets
• The email by 9:00 pm the day before, and the meeting point and time
• Warm clothing, non-slip shoes, and declaring any extra luggage
• How to join the mochi pounding, plus itinerary change and cancellation conditions

The itinerary may be adjusted or shortened due to traffic or weather, and no refund is given in such cases. Please check the latest conditions on the booking page.

Summary

Feel the seaside way of life in Ine, then see the view that the sea and pine trees create at Amanohashidate. After dark, stroll through the thatched village of Miyama, wrapped in lantern light.

From sea views to the warm glow of a mountain village. With mochi pounding and zenzai added in, why not make this day a memory of your winter trip to Kansai?

Take a look at the details of the Miyama Thatched Village Yuki Toro & Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya Day Tour.