The Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Seto Inland Sea and capture breathtaking aerial footage of the iconic Otorii. Departing from Okushin Pier, this intimate cruise takes passengers on a journey through the serene waterways, providing a chance to witness the renowned Itsukushima Shrine up close. With knowledgeable guides on hand, visitors can enjoy the local culture and history while enjoying onboard refreshments. But the true highlight? The chance to soar above the iconic Otorii, immortalizing this remarkable site.

Key Points

  • The Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour offers a scenic cruise along the Seto Inland Sea, including drone footage of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine Otorii.
  • The tour price starts at $277.06 per person, with a maximum of 8 participants and various included fees and rentals.
  • The meeting point is Okushin Pier, accessible by public transportation or taxi, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and the tour may be canceled due to inclement weather.
  • Guests are recommended to bring their own food and beverages, as onboard options may be limited.

Tour Overview

The Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour to the Otorii with Drone Shooting provides travelers with a unique opportunity to explore the scenic waterways of Hiroshima, Japan.

Priced from $277.06 per person, this tour accommodates a maximum of 8 participants. It includes the cruise fee, drone shooting fee, life jacket rental, and Miyajima Visitor Tax, as well as a tour guide and food/beverages.

The tour starts at Okushin Pier and ends at Miyajima Pier No. 3, with options for public transportation or taxi to reach the meeting point.

Participants must confirm their booking within 48 hours and are advised to bring appropriate attire and waterproof protection for their devices.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers can reach the Okushin Pier, the meeting point for the Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour, by public transportation or taxi.

By public transportation, they can take the Ohno Heart Bus from Onoura Station to Miyahama Onsen, then walk 5 minutes to the pier. Alternately, a taxi from JR Onoura Station costs approximately 1,000 yen.

The tour ends at Miyajima Pier No. 3. This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

Travelers should arrive on time, as the tour won’t wait for late arrivals, resulting in a 100% cancellation fee.

Participant Requirements and Recommendations

Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The cruise isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. Infants must sit on laps. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. Most travelers can participate.

Guests should bring their own food and beverages for onboard enjoyment, but trash must be taken with them.

The tour may be canceled due to bad weather, with notifications sent by 3:00 p.m. the day before.

Clothing and Weather Considerations

Depending on the season, appropriate attire is essential for the Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour.

  • In spring to autumn (April to November), comfortable clothing and avoiding heels is recommended. Summer swimwear is also suggested.

  • For the winter months (December to March), windproof and waterproof outerwear, long pants, sneakers, a scarf, and gloves are advised.

  • Waterproof protection for smartphones is recommended, as the cruise can be chilly on the water.

  • The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather, with notifications sent by 3:00 p.m. the day prior.

The Miyahama Onsen Cruise Experience

The Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour takes travelers on a captivating journey along the scenic waterways near Hiroshima.

Guests board a comfortable cruise ship and are treated to stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine.

The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to capture aerial footage of the Otorii, the famous floating torii gate, using a drone.

Throughout the cruise, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local history and culture.

Passengers can enjoy food and beverages on board as they enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region.

Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and the Otorii

One of the main highlights of the Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour is the opportunity to witness the iconic Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its famous floating torii gate, known as the Otorii.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique architecture, which appears to float on the water at high tide. The cruise allows visitors to admire the shrine’s grand vermilion structure and the massive Otorii gate from the water, providing breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

The tour also incorporates drone footage, capturing the shrine’s grandeur from an aerial perspective.

  • Admire the iconic Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its floating torii gate
  • Witness the shrine’s unique architecture that appears to float on the water
  • Capture stunning views and photos of the site from the cruise and via drone
  • Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site during the Miyahama Onsen tour

Drone Shooting Opportunity

As part of the Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour, travelers can enjoy the unique opportunity to capture aerial footage of the renowned Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its iconic Otorii gate using a drone. The drone shooting fee is included in the tour package, allowing participants to immortalize their experience from a bird’s-eye view. Below is a table outlining the key details of the drone shooting experience:

Feature Description
Duration 15-20 minutes
Altitude Up to 120 meters
Camera 4K video, 12MP photos
Guidance Experienced drone pilot
Regulations Comply with local laws

This aerial perspective adds an extra layer of wonder to the already breathtaking Miyajima landscape.

Additional Considerations and Policies

Along With the drone shooting opportunity, the Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour has several other important considerations and policies travelers should be aware of.

These include:

  • Changes in the cruise route may occur due to natural conditions like weather, tides, or participant health.
  • The approach to the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine may vary based on the tide level.
  • Late arrivals may result in departure without waiting and a 100% cancellation fee.
  • Travelers are advised to consider purchasing their own insurance to cover injury risks in natural environments.

Non-refundable and no-refund policies also apply for this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Drone for Aerial Photography?

No, you can’t bring your own drone. The tour package includes drone shooting services, and personal drone use is not permitted to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Using the Provided Drone?

The tour package includes the drone shooting fee, so there are no additional costs for using the provided drone. The tour guide handles the drone operation during the cruise for aerial photography.

What Are the Qualifications Required to Operate the Drone?

The tour includes the drone shooting fee, so there are no additional fees. To operate the drone, participants must follow the tour guide’s instructions. No special qualifications are required, but participants must respect safety guidelines.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

No, leaving the tour group is not recommended. The tour details state the tour is not wheelchair accessible and changes in the course may occur, so it’s best to stay with the group for safety and to avoid missing any activities.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements or Options Available?

The tour doesn’t mention any special dietary requirements or options. Travelers are advised to bring their own food and beverages for onboard enjoyment, though any trash must be taken with them after the cruise.

The Sum Up

The Miyahama Onsen Cruise Tour offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the stunning Seto Inland Sea and Itsukushima Shrine’s iconic Otorii. With the opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial footage via drone, this intimate cruise provides a chance to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. A must-visit for adventure-seekers and photography enthusiasts alike.