One Day Sea Kayak Tour of Life by the Seto Inland Sea

【OUTLINE】

Enjoy Tomonoura, which is said to have the most beautiful landscape of Japan, by sea kayak. This is also the town where the Ghibli movie 'Ponyo' and the Hollywood movie 'Wolverine' were filmed.   From Tomonoura's port town scenery seen from the sea, Abuto Kannon Temple, which seems to protrude from the sea to desolate beaches to which you can only go with a sea kayak, it is the only tour where you can fully enjoy Tomonoura, the town where nature and history intertwine.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Tomonoura served as the inspiration for the location of Ghibli’s anime “Ponyo” and is also where Hollywood’s “Wolverine” was filmed.
  
• Join in the daily life of the port town by interacting with locals at popular restaurants and markets.
• (Saturdays only) At the morning market, enjoy freshly harvested food and banter with local fishermen!
• Take in the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea from the Abuto Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) temple.
  
• A satisfying tour and the perfect way to enjoy your time in Tomonoura. 

【SCHEDULE】

Choose from two start times, 08:00 or 09:00.

[08:00 / 09:00] Gather
Complete insurance and other procedures and change into kayaking gear.

[08:30 / 09:30]
Learn how to paddle and listen to a safety explanation.

[09:00 / 10:00] Departure from Tomonoura Port
Witness the view of the port town rom the sea. This picturesque townscape view is only avalable to those at sea.

[10:00 / 11:00] Tajima
Head to Tajima island and enjoy a nice stroll around the island. Depending on the season, you can check out the local fishing scene, eat seasonal foods at the market, and interact with the locals to experience the island life here at that time of the year.

[11:00 / 12:00] Utsumi Ohashi Bridge
Head under the Utsumi Ohashi Bridge that connects the mainland and Tajima.

[12:30 / 13:30] Abuto Kannon
The temple to Abuto Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) was built on a spectacular location overlooking the sea. The view by boat should not be missed. Depending on the tide, you can get ashore here. The temple is a famous place people come to pray for safe childbirth. On display here you find many "ema" (votive tablets) in the shape of breasts representing fertility and motherhood.

[16:00 / 17:00] Finish
Return to Tomonoura by kayak.

【DETAILS】

Spend a whole day exploring the picturesque town of Tomonoura and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy not only the beautiful natural scenery and the port, but also interact with the locals! From early spring to summer, you can see octopus fishing, and near Tajima, sets nets and oyster farming sites can be seen from kayak.

A local guide will take you around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea on a course based on your interests and the weather that day. Enjoy the satisfaction of explore Japan by kayak to see unique sites, even if it tires you a little.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：8 hours
• Meeting point：Kayaker's Cafe [MAP]
  849, Tomocho-tomo, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima 720-0201
• Access：
  From Hiroshima station with the shinkansen and bus: 1 hour 15 min.
  From 'Fukuyama station' on JR Lines: take the Tomotetsu bus (to Tomo, 37 min) and get off at Tomo-kou. Walk for 3 minutes.
  Walk for 180 meters in a southwestward direction near the Prefectural Highway 22 along the seashore and turn left at the intersection. On your left side, you will find the Kayaker's Cafe.
  * Approximately 5,000 yen by taxi from Fukuyama Station.
• Minimum number of participants：1 person
• Language support：English, Japanese
• Included：Experience fee, guide fee, rental fee of all kayak equipment, lunch
• Items to bring：Beverages
  
• Participation requirements：
  ・Exercise level: Intermediate (for those who exercise regularly)
  ・Minimum age: 3 years old
  ・If you suffer from back pain, participation is not recommended
  ・If you suffer from any serious conditions or illnesses, for example, heart problems, participation is not recommended
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes（Western Style）
• Other things to note:
  ・This plan is only available during the summer season from June 1 to October 31.
  ・The activity will be held in the Tomonoura area.
  ・The activity may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. We will contact you by 18:00 the day before. In such cases, full refunds will be given.

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】

・Face masks required for travelers in public areas
・Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
・Social distancing enforced throughout the experience
・Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
・Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
・Guides required to regularly wash hands
・Regular temperature checks for staff
・Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
・Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, On the day of the tour 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.