1-Day Kayak Tour: Miyajima's Shrine Gate & Hidden Shrines with Expert Guide

【STORY】

1-Day Sea Kayaking Tour: Explore the Iconic Itsukushima-jinja Shrine Torii and the Natural Beauty of Miyajima

This course offers a delightful experience for everyone, from beginners to seasoned kayakers.

■Marvel at the Majestic Red Shrine Gate from the Sea
Have you ever wanted to gaze up at the magnificent red shrine gate from the water? Known as the "Island of the Gods," Miyajima itself is considered sacred. The Itsukushima-jinja Shrine was built over the sea to avoid harming the sacred island. In the era of Taira no Kiyomori (ca. 1160s - 1185), worshippers would pass through the sea gate to pray, and sea pilgrimages have been cherished by fishermen and merchants traveling the Seto Inland Sea ever since.

One of the highlights of this tour is the unique view of the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine from the sea. Standing tall at approximately 16 meters, the gigantic shrine gate awaits. The low vantage point of a kayak, combined with the absence of engine noise and the presence of only the sound of the waves, enhances the sense of mystique. This is an experience you cannot get from the crowded land.

*Note: Proximity to the shrine gate may vary depending on the tide conditions on the day of the tour.

■Discover the Grand Natural Beauty of "The Island of the Gods," Miyajima, Beyond Ordinary Sightseeing
As you paddle further along the eastern coastline, the natural grandeur of Miyajima unfolds. Encounter stunning and mystical landscapes such as the Horai-iwa rock, frequently depicted in old postcards of Miyajima, the sprawling white sands of Tsutsumigaura, and the serene Tsutsumigaura-jinja Shrine nestled among massive rocks.

Kayaking eastwards will reveal why Miyajima is called "the island where gods dwell."

*Note: Specific spots visited may vary based on participants' stamina and preferences on the day of the tour.

■A Full-Day Adventure Designed by Mr. Kubota from Paddle Park
Join Kubota Masashi from Paddle Park, who has over 20 years of guiding experience in this area, for a thoroughly enjoyable day-long course. Touring with the planner himself, you'll fully experience many charming spots and various activities.

Examples of Captivating Spots:
・Ono Seto: Known for its rows of oyster rafts.
・Mr. Kubota's Recommended Nature Spots: Discover hidden gems guided by Mr. Kubota's expertise.
・Miyajima Shopping Street: Stroll through the vibrant shopping district on Miyajima Island with Kubota.

Examples of Diverse Activities:
・Snorkeling & Nature Observation: Explore marine life and natural surroundings at stops along the shore.
・Relaxing Nap in Nature: Set up a tarp and enjoy a peaceful nap surrounded by nature.

Sample Tour Itinerary:
Ono Seto: Start by paddling through the area lined with oyster rafts.
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Great Shrine Gate: Visit the iconic shrine gate.
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Eastern Miyajima: Explore the eastern area of Miyajima, including Horai-iwa Rock and Tsutsumigaura.
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Shopping Street Stroll: Conclude with a leisurely stroll through the Omotesando shopping street on Miyajima Island.

Enjoy a unique, customized course that caters to the day's weather and the preferences of the participants.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience a sea pilgrimage right in front of the iconic Itsukushima-jinja Shrine gate of Miyajima.
• Enjoy a stroll through the heart of Miyajima after landing on its beaches by kayak.
• Discover the natural beauty and the mystical Nanaura Shrines scattered along the eastern coastline of Miyajima.
• Indulge in seaside activities and nature observation at the beaches we visit during the tour.
• Relax and rejuvenate in the nearby Miyahama Onsen after a fulfilling day of kayaking.
  

【SCHEDULE】

[08:30]　Gather in front of the Paddle Park shop → Receive safety instructions
[09:00]　Kayak (Itsukushima-jinja Shrine gate, Houraiiwa, etc.)
[11:45]　Lunch Break
[13:00]　Kayak (Tsutsumigaura, etc.)
[15:30]　Return to Paddle Park
[16:00]　Change clothes・Disband

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：7.5 hours
• Meeting point：In front of the Paddle Park shop
  1-2-9, Monomi Higashi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0426[MAP]
  
• Access：
  By Car: From Miyajima-guchi, head towards Iwakuni for about 2 km. Look for the Paddle Park sign along Route 2. Parking space is limited, so please try to carpool and come with as few vehicles as possible.
  
  By Train: Get off at JR Maezora Station. After exiting the ticket gate, go down the stairs on the right to reach Route 2. Walk west (to the right) along Route 2 for 2-3 minutes to reach your destination.
  *Note: Please be aware that rapid trains do not stop at JR Maezora Station.*
  
  
• Language support：Japanese, English
  
• Included：
  ・Complete Set of Equipment
  ・Guide fee
  ・Accident Insurance Fee
  
• Excluded：Lunch
• Items to bring：
  ・Appropriate attire
  ・Change of clothes
  ・Towel
  ・Lunch
  ・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：
  ・12 years old and up: Adult fare
  ・3-11 years old: Child fare (please apply for this option)
  ・Up to 12 adults and children can participate in the tour. 
  ・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.
  ・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 restrooms available outside the area surrounding Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. 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
There will be no cancellation fee if the event is canceled by the organizer due to bad weather or other reasons.