Discover Hidden Wonders: A 1-Day Kayak Tour of Miyajima's Pristine Nature on the Western Coast

【STORY】

Embark on a journey to explore the natural beauty of Miyajima, also revered as the 'Island of the Gods.' This 1-day sea kayaking tour, departing from Miyahama Onsen with lunch included, offers a diverse experience suitable for beginners and seasoned kayakers alike.

The eastern side of Miyajima, home to Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, is characterized by a rich cultural heritage, including temples and traditional structures forming the 'Cultural Zone.' On the contrary, the western side, overlooking Miyahama Onsen on the opposite shore, constitutes the 'Nature Zone' where untouched, majestic nature thrives. Legend has it that the island's divine aura marked the beginning of Miyajima faith, a sentiment you can truly grasp by participating in this tour.

From undeveloped coastlines and secluded inlets to the serene Seto Inland Sea and the grandeur of colossal rocks, the sublime natural beauty evokes a sense of the divine.

Have you heard about the quietly scattered 'Nanaura-jinja Shrines' around Miyajima? Accessible only by kayak due to their challenging land routes, these shrines offer a unique opportunity for quiet worship. Standing peacefully amidst untouched nature, the Nanaura-jinja Shrines provide a different sense of mystery and power compared to the grand Torii gate of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine.

Guiding you through these enchanting spots is a veteran guide with over 20 years of experience in the area. Tailoring the course based on the day's weather and the preferences of participants, you can enjoy an original and unique experience each time.

The tour starts and ends at Miyahama Onsen, the nearest hot spring resort to Miyajima on the opposite shore. This area, overlooking the Ondo-no-seto Strait, has a history of development as a scenic retreat, and its radon-rich hot springs are renowned for their beautifying properties. After the tour, unwinding in the hot springs is the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate your tired body.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience the primeval environment on Miyajima's western side, a natural zone preserving ancient nature. Understand the origins of the island revered as the home of gods.
• Explore numerous spots, including inlets, uninhabited islands, and Miyajima's Nanaura-jinja Shrines, as we guide you through the untamed beauty of the west side.
• Enjoy the perfect harmony of sea kayaking in the serene Seto Inland Sea, a body of water that complements the kayaking experience impeccably.
• Indulge in seaside activities and nature observation at the beaches we visit during the tour, relishing local lunch boxes for a delightful culinary experience.
• Relax and unwind in the soothing Miyahama Onsen, easing the pleasant fatigue that follows an enriching kayaking adventure.
  

【SCHEDULE】

[09:00]　Assemble at Okushin Beach Pier → Change into kayaking attire and receive safety instructions
[09:30]　Kayak (Suyaura, Yamashirohama, etc.)
[12:00]　Lunch Break
[14:00]　Kayak (Exploring surrounding islands, Mitoroura, etc.)
[16:30]　Return to Okushin Beach Pier → Change clothes
[17:00]　Disband

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：8 hours
• Meeting point：Okushin Shipyard
  1-3-3, Miyahama Onsen, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0454 [MAP]
  
• Access：
  ◎By car： About 10 minutes along Route 2 from JR Onoura Station toward Iwakuni
  *There is no parking available at the pier. Please use the parking lot at Benimansaku no Yu (5 minutes on foot).
  ◎By walk：A 25-minute walk from JR Onoura Station
  ◎By Public transportation: Take the Ohno Heart Bus from the south exit of Onoura Station → Get off at "Benimansaku no Yu" → 5 minutes walk
  
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：
  ・Complete Set of Equipment
  ・Guide fee
  ・Lunch fee
  ・Accident Insurance Fee
• Items to bring：
  ・Appropriate attire
  ・Change of clothes
  ・Towel
  ・Drink
  ・Hat
  ・Sunglasses
  ・Sunscreen
  ・Waterproof protection for smartphone
  ・Water-friendly shoes (free rental available)
  
• Clothes：
  *The following attire is only an example.
  ・Swimming Season (June to October):
  Attire that can get wet (It is recommended to wear swimwear underneath quick-drying clothing.), snorkels, goggles, etc.
  
  ・Spring and Autumn Seasons (November, April to May):
  Synthetic material base layer (quick-drying T-shirts, etc.), nylon outerwear, pants made of synthetic fibers such as polyester that can get wet (*Do not use cotton materials such as denim as they are difficult to dry when wet)
  
  ・Winter Season (December to March):
  ＜During Kayaking＞
  Synthetic material base layer (quick-drying T-shirts, etc.), Fleece or other mid-layer, nylon outerwear, knit cap, nylon gloves, pants made of materials that can get wet like polyester. (Note: Cotton materials such as denim are not suitable because they are difficult to dry when wet.)
  ＜Upon Landing＞
  Down jacket for warmth
                                                                                                                                                 
• Participation requirements：
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Special support：Luggage storage is available.
  
• Free WI-FI：No
  
• Toilet：No
• Other things to note：
  ・There is a possibility that the tour may be conducted jointly with other customers.
  ・The guide will make the decision regarding whether to proceed with the tour based on the weather forecast at noon on the day before. In the event of a cancellation, we will notify you by email by 4:00 PM on the previous day.
  *Please refrain from making the decision to proceed on your own.
  ・In case of cancellation due to weather, disasters, or facility-related reasons, a full refund will be provided.
  ・Even if the decision to proceed has been made, we may cancel the tour on the day if there are sudden weather changes prioritizing safety.
  ・Please ensure waterproof protection for your smartphone.
  ・Please be aware that natural conditions such as weather, sea conditions, tides, and the levels and health of participants may lead to changes in the course.
  ・The end time may vary depending on the situation.
  ・Please, ensure you change clothes and use the restroom before the assembly. (There are no toilets at the touring spots. We appreciate your understanding of a nature experience.)
  ・In the case of joint participation with other participants, if you are late due to personal reasons, there is a possibility that we may depart without waiting for your arrival. Please note that in such cases, a 100% cancellation fee will be applied as a same-day cancellation. (If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible.)

【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.