Day Trip from Osaka: Miyama Winter Lantern Walk (formerly Snow Lantern Walk), Amanohashidate and Ine by Bus

A Day Out from Osaka: Kyoto's Seaside and Mountain Village

This day trip by bus leaves Osaka and takes you to Amanohashidate, Ine and Miyama Kayabuki no Sato (the thatched-roof village of Miyama) in about 11 hours. An English-speaking guide accompanies you to scenic viewpoints, a fishing town by the sea, and a winter illumination.

The appeal of a bus tour is visiting far-apart places in a single itinerary. You spend the day enjoying sea views and boat houses, then end in Miyama, wrapped in glowing lights. It is a day in which the scenery keeps changing.

First, Amanohashidate: One of Japan's Three Scenic Views from Above

Your first stop is Amanohashidate, one of the Three Views of Japan (Nihon Sankei). From Kasamatsu Park, you can enjoy the sight of a long, narrow sandbar lined with pine trees stretching across the sea.

From this high vantage point, the landforms shaped by sea and land are easy to understand. Follow the sandbar with your eyes as it runs into the distance, and take in the view that is unique to Amanohashidate.

Next, Ine: See the Boat Houses on a Bay Cruise

Next is Ine, a town where funaya (traditional boat houses) line the shore. On the bay cruise, you will look at the exteriors of the funaya standing close to the water, along with the seaside streetscape.

Watch for the rows of rooftops and for the boats tucked beneath the houses. Compared with the wide view of Amanohashidate from above, here you will find a landscape where the sea and daily life sit side by side.

Finally, Miyama: Winter Lights in the Thatched-Roof Village

The day ends at the "Winter Lantern Walk" (Fuyu Toro) at Miyama Kayabuki no Sato. The glow of path lanterns and LED lanterns lights the village, and the outlines of the thatched roofs rise out of the night scenery.

From the seaside views of the daytime to the lights of a mountain village. Stroll along the paths and enjoy the winter night scene created by the houses and the light.

The scenery changes depending on whether there is snow. The photos shown are examples of the view when snow has fallen; actual snowfall and lighting displays vary by day and by year.

FAQ

■ How long is the tour, and in what language is it guided? The tour takes about 11 hours, and the guide speaks English. Arrival times and the time spent at each stop may change depending on traffic conditions.

■ When is the Winter Lantern Walk held? For 2027, the event has been announced for January 30 to February 6. For the dates this tour operates and is available to book, please check the latest information on the booking page.

■ Will I definitely see snowy scenery? Snowfall depends on the weather, and there may be no snow. The Winter Lantern Walk is held whether or not snow has fallen, but it may be cancelled due to severe weather, disasters or other reasons. For whether the tour will operate, please check the notice from the booking provider.

■ What should I wear? Miyama gets cold at night, so please bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes with good grip.

What to Check Before You Book

• Operating dates, the meeting point in Osaka, and the departure time (arrive 15 minutes before departure)
• Whether meals, the cruise and admission fees are included in the price
• Warm clothing and non-slip shoes for the evening walk
• Itinerary changes, the estimated return time, and the cancellation policy

Before booking, please check the latest information for the plan you choose.

Summary

Take in the view of the sea and pine-lined sandbar at Amanohashidate, then sway on a boat past the boat houses of Ine. When night falls, the soft glow lighting up Miyama's thatched roofs awaits.

From the daytime seaside to the mountain village at night. With each bus ride the scenery changes, giving you a day in which you meet different sides of Kyoto in a single trip.

Why not turn a day of your Osaka trip into a short journey to the sea and the winter lights?

For the latest itinerary and conditions, please check the booking page for Kyoto Miyama Snow Lantern Festival 1-Day Bus Tour (from Osaka).