1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting

This 1-day tour offers travelers an immersive cultural experience in Onomichi and Saijo. Starting from Hiroshima, the journey includes a scenic ropeway ride, visits to historic temples, and a delightful sake tasting session. With an English-speaking guide, the tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure, blending the region’s rich heritage and renowned local flavors. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or a sake connoisseur, this tour has something special in store.

Key Points

• One-day tour exploring Onomichi’s historic temples and experiencing a sake tasting in the renowned Saijo sake brewing region.
• Tour cost of $170.32 per person, with English-speaking guide, entry fees, transportation, and sake tasting included.
• Tour begins at 9:15 am from Hiroshima Station and concludes at the same meeting point.
• Tour not suitable for guests with limited mobility due to uneven terrain and stairs.
• Key highlights include panoramic city views from the Senkoji Ropeway and immersion in the cultural heritage of Onomichi temples.

Tour Overview

This 1 Day Tour takes travelers on an exploration of the historic Onomichi Temples and a tasting experience at the renowned Saijo sake breweries in Hiroshima, Japan.

Offered by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours, the tour costs $170.32 per person and accommodates up to 25 travelers.

The full-day itinerary includes an English-speaking guide, all entry fees, transportation, and a sake tasting.

The tour starts at 9:15 am from Hiroshima Station and returns to the same meeting point.

Accessibility is limited, with no wheelchair access but infant seats available.

Flexible booking and cancellation policies are offered.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins at 9:15 am, when travelers meet their English-speaking guide at the designated meeting point located under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates at Hiroshima Station.

The guide then leads the group on a journey to explore the historic Onomichi temples.

Highlights of the tour include:

1. A ride on the ropeway to the temples, offering stunning views of the city.
2. Visiting several centuries-old temples and shrines, learning about their rich history and cultural significance.
3. Concluding the tour with a sake tasting experience in the charming town of Saijo, known for its premium sake breweries.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet their English-speaking guide at the designated meeting point located under the Tourist Information sign outside the Shinkansen gates at Hiroshima Station.

The guide will be holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign, making them easy to identify. The tour concludes back at the same meeting point.

The meeting location is near public transportation, though the tour itself isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants can attend but must sit on laps.

Participants receive confirmation at the time of booking, and have the option to cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Accessibility and Transportation

While the meeting point is located near public transportation, the tour itself isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants are welcome, and they must sit on laps during the transportation portions of the tour.

The following details the key accessibility and transportation information:

1. The tour isn’t suitable for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, as it involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs at the temple sites.
2. Infant seats are available for the transportation provided during the tour.
3. The tour uses a mix of walking, ropeway, and bus/van transportation to reach the various destinations.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

When booking this tour, travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking.

The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option for added flexibility.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour start time in the local time zone. This provides ample time for travelers to adjust their plans if needed.

The tour’s cancellation policy is straightforward, giving customers peace of mind when booking.

Exploring Onomichi Temples

The Onomichi Temples exploration provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this historic region.

The tour takes guests to three captivating temples:

1. Senkoji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple boasting breathtaking views from its mountaintop location accessible by ropeway.
2. Jōdoji Temple, known for its impressive five-story pagoda and tranquil gardens.
3. Kosanji Temple, a complex of 25 structures showcasing diverse architectural styles and stunning natural landscapes.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate details, serene ambiance, and centuries-old traditions that permeate these sacred sites, offering a profound cultural experience.

Saijo Sake Tasting Experience

After exploring the serene Onomichi Temples, the tour takes guests to the renowned Saijo region for a captivating sake tasting experience. Saijo is known as one of Japan’s top sake production areas, boasting exceptional water quality. Visitors are treated to a guided tour of a local sake brewery, where they can learn about the intricate sake-making process and sample a variety of premium sakes. The experience includes:

Sake Tasting	Brewery Tour	Expert Guidance
Sample up to 5 premium sakes	See the brewery in action	Learn about sake production
Appreciate the nuances of aroma and flavor	Discover the history and traditions	Ask questions and receive insights

The Saijo sake tasting offers a delightful and educational addition to the Onomichi temples exploration.

Key Highlights of the Tour

One of the key highlights of this tour is the exploration of the charming Onomichi Temples.

Situated on a hillside, the historic temples offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Wander through the quaint temple grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and peaceful gardens.
2. Climb the iconic 70-meter Senkoji Ropeway for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
3. Immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and spiritual atmosphere of these revered religious sites.

The tour also includes a sake tasting experience in the renowned sake-brewing region of Saijo, allowing guests to sample the local specialty and learn about the art of sake production.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Temple Exploration?

The temple exploration portion of the tour takes up a significant portion of the itinerary, though the exact time allotted is not specified in the provided information. The focus is on exploring the historic Onomichi temples during this day-long excursion.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Sake Tasting?

The tour doesn’t mention any restrictions on the sake tasting. Travelers can expect to sample local sake during the experience, which is included in the tour price. The duration and amount of sake tasted is not specified.

What Types of Transportation Are Used During the Tour?

The tour includes transportation to and from the activities, with a ropeway ride included. Guests are picked up and dropped off at the meeting point in Hiroshima, using buses or other local transportation options.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a provided lunch and sake tasting experience, so outside food and drinks are typically not permitted.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour provider does not offer an option to extend or customize the standard itinerary. However, travelers can request additional activities or modify the tour by contacting the provider directly and checking availability and pricing.

The Sum Up

This captivating 1-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and local flavors. Visitors will enjoy a scenic ropeway ride, visit centuries-old temples, and indulge in a delightful sake tasting experience in the renowned sake-brewing region of Saijo. Led by an English-speaking guide, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to experience the rich heritage and traditions of Onomichi.