Silversea Luxury Cruises Nach Maizuru

Experience the splendid beauty and landmarks of the Kyoto Port via land and air during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Maizuru, Kyoto Port and Amanohashidate

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive towards the Kyoto Port. Located in Maizuru, the Kyoto Port is home to Amanohashidate, one of the three most famous natural sights in Japan, and other natural and historical landmarks. This port is considered the northern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Your first stop is at Amanohashidate. The name 'Amanohashidate', or 'Bridge of Heaven', was taken from the floating bridge of heaven on which the Japanese mythical god and goddess stood while creating the islands of Japan. The bridge is really a long, narrow, tree-covered (8,000 pine trees) sand spit, approximately 2.2 miles (about 3.5 kilometres) in length.

Motoise Konojinja Shrine

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to the Motoise Konojinja Shrine. This old shrine has a legendary connection with the famous Ise Shine in Mie Pref. It is said that the goddess of agriculture, Toyouke-Ōmikami, who once resided in this area, was called to Ise Shrine by the sun goddess, Amaterasu-Ōmikami, and has since been enshrined at the Ise Shrine.

Kasamatsu Park

Leaving the Motoise Konojinja Shrine, re-board your coach and head to Kasamatsu Park for a panoramic cable car-ride. Along the way, take in a splendid panoramic view of Amanohashidate. Many people like to look at the scene upside-down from between their legs, since it is supposed to make Amanohashidate look as if it were suspended in mid-air. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximate 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 757 yards (about 692 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 20 steps to access the cable car. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Operation of the cable car-ride is subject to weather conditions. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary.

Discover some of the countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures of Kyoto during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Maizuru and Kyoto

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Kyoto. Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh-largest city, with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historical value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Golden Pavilion

Upon arrival in Kyoto, an exterior visit is made at the Golden Pavilion, or 'Kinkaku-ji Temple'. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, the Golden Pavilion was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950, and was rebuilt in 1955. It is three storeys in height, and the second and third storeys are covered with pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still-pond in the garden is marvellous.

Nijojo Castle and Chinese Gate

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Nijojo Castle, completed in 1626 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Main Court, or 'Hon-maru', burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Second Court, or 'Ni-no-maru'. The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Chinese Gate, or 'Karamon'. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your final stop is at the Kiyomizudera Temple.

Kiyomizudera Temple and Souvenir Shops

The Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan, and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. Although Kiyomizudera's main hall is covered up from February 2017 to March 2020 for the renovation of its roof, guests can enter the main hall during the renovations. Near the entrance of Kiyomizudera Temple are many souvenir shops, where a stop is made to browse a variety of items for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 90-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.6 miles (2.7 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 20 steps at Nijojo Castle, 50 steps at the Golden Pavilion and 150 steps at the Kiyomizudera Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Main parts of Kiyomizudera Temple are now undergoing restoration work until 2020. The drive between the pier and Central Kyoto is approximately two hours in each direction. Guests are required to remove their shoes before entering the temples. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary.

Discover the local history, culture and landmarks of northern Kyoto during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Maizuru, Kyoto Port and Amanohashidate

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive towards the Kyoto Port. Located in Maizuru, the Kyoto Port is home to Amanohashidate, one of the three most famous natural sights in Japan, and other natural and historical landmarks. This port is considered the northern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Your first stop is at Amanohashidate. The name 'Amanohashidate', or 'Bridge of Heaven', was taken from the floating bridge of heaven on which the Japanese mythical god and goddess stood while creating the islands of Japan. The bridge is really a long, narrow, tree-covered (8,000 pine trees) sand spit, approximately 2.2 miles (about 3.5 kilometres) in length.

Motoise Konojinja Shrine

Next, re-board your coach for the drive to the Motoise Konojinja Shrine. This old shrine has a legendary connection with the famous Ise Shine in Mie Pref. It is said that the goddess of agriculture, Toyouke-Ōmikami, who once resided in this area, was called to Ise Shrine by the sun goddess, Amaterasu-Ōmikami, and has since been enshrined at the Ise Shrine.

Kasamatsu Park

Leaving the Motoise Konojinja Shrine, re-board your coach and head to Kasamatsu Park for a panoramic cable car-ride. Along the way, take in a splendid panoramic view of Amanohashidate. Many people like to look at the scene upside-down from between their legs, since it is supposed to make Amanohashidate look as if it were suspended in mid-air. Leaving the park, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your drive continues on to Hinode Port.

Hinode Port, Ine Bay Cruise, Ine Town and Funaya Visit

Upon arrival at Hinode Port, take a short, scenic cruise along Ine Bay. In the town of Ine, there are unique buildings called Funaya. For centuries, the funaya have supported a lifestyle centred on the fishing and farming industries. The first floor of Funaya is a combined boat garage and workspace for fishermen, and the second floor is used as a living area. Funaya span along a 3.1-mile (about five-kilometre) stretch of the south-facing Ine Bay; 230 houses are currently in existence. The scenery of these Funaya standing in a row can only be seen in the town of Ine. Following your cruise, re-board your coach and drive to Ine Town for a guided walking tour, and a visit inside the funaya. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximate 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.75 miles (about 1.2 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and 20 steps to access the cable car. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The total driving distance between the pier and sites visited is approximately four hours. Operation of the cable car-ride and Ine Bay cruise are subject to weather conditions. The cruise is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Guests are required to remove their shoes before entering the funaya. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the history, culture and specialities of Kyoto during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Maizuru and Kyoto Port

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive towards the Kyoto Port. Located in Maizuru, the Kyoto Port is home to Amanohashidate, one of the three most famous natural sights in Japan, and other natural and historical landmarks. This port is considered the northern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Your first stop is at the Old Town of Miyama.

Old Town of Miyama

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Old Town of Miyama, a remote, rural area nestled in the mountains approximately 18.6 miles (about 30 kilometres) north of central Kyoto. The area is famous for its traditional, thatched roof (kayabuki) farmhouses, of which over 200 can be seen dotting the countryside. Unlike those found in many other historic towns and districts around the country, the majority of Miyama's old houses survive as residential dwellings where people still live and work. This, in turn, lends a very nostalgic atmosphere to the area, and gives visitors a chance to experience the traditional, authentic feel of rural Japan. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

After lunch, re-board your coach and head for a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. This shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at approximately 764 feet (about 233 meters) and belongs to the shrine grounds.

Nishiki Market

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Nishiki Market, a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined with more than 100 shops and restaurants. Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', this lively retail food market specializes in fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 60-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.36 miles (about 2.2 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 200 steps at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover two of the most revered temples in Kyoto and stop by Wakasa's Fisherman's Wharf during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Maizuru, Kyoto Port and Myotsuji Temple

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive towards the Kyoto Port. Located in Maizuru, the Kyoto Port is home to Amanohashidate, one of the three most famous natural sights in Japan, and other natural and historical landmarks. This port is considered the northern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Your first stop is at the ancient Myotsuji Temple, situated upstream along Matsunaga River. The temple is thought to have been built in 806 by Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, the legendary 'Seii -Tai- Shogun'. Long ago, the temple was prosperous enough to have 25 priests' lodges. Both the Main Hall and Three-Storey Pagoda are designated as National Treasures.

Jinguji Temple

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the Jinguji Temple, famous for Wakasa's Water-Sending Ceremony held every year on March 2. Water in the upper-stream of the Onyu River, which flows south of the temple, is said to pass underground to Nara to become the scented water of the Wakasa Well at the Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall. Following your guided tour, re-board your coach and head to the Wakasa Fisherman's Wharf.

Wakasa Fisherman's Wharf

Wakasa Fisherman Wharf, facing Obama Bay, is a facility that includes a restaurant and souvenir store. At the souvenir store on the first floor, you can purchase locally-made products that include salted, dried food, sake, snacks, handicrafts, and more. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.56 miles (0.9 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, ten steps at the Jinguji Temples and 130 steps at the Myotsuji Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests are required to remove their shoes before entering the temples. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the legacy, traditions and textile industry of Kyoto during this memorable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Maizuru, Kyoto Port and Amanohashidate

Depart the pier for the approximately one-hour drive towards the Kyoto Port. Located in Maizuru, the Kyoto Port is home to Amanohashidate, one of the three most famous natural sights in Japan, and other natural and historical landmarks. This port is considered the northern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Your first stop is at Amanohashidate. The name 'Amanohashidate', or 'Bridge of Heaven', was taken from the floating bridge of heaven on which the Japanese mythical god and goddess stood while creating the islands of Japan. The bridge is really a long, narrow, tree-covered (8,000 pine trees) sand spit, approximately 2.2 miles (about 3.5 kilometres) in length.

Motoise Konojinja Shrine

Next, embark a boat for a short cruise to the Motoise Konojinja Shrine. This old shrine has a legendary connection with the famous Ise Shine in Mie Pref. It is said that the goddess of agriculture, Toyouke-Ōmikami, who once resided in this area, was called to Ise Shrine by the sun goddess, Amaterasu-Ōmikami, and has since been enshrined at the Ise Shrine.

Kasamatsu Park

Leaving the Motoise Konojinja Shrine, re-board your coach and head to Kasamatsu Park for a panoramic cable car-ride. Along the way, take in a splendid panoramic view of Amanohashidate. Many people like to look at the scene upside-down from between their legs, since it is supposed to make Amanohashidate look as if it were suspended in mid-air. Following your cable car-ride, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant.

Tango Chirimen Textile Experience

After lunch, your final stop is the Tango Chirimen Textile Shop. Chirimen, also known as silk crepe, is a form of textile made of flat-woven silk. While there are various local brands of chirimen across Japan, one that especially stands out is Kyoto's Tango Chirimen. It is not only beautiful, but also has a soft texture that feels sublime on the skin. The strongly twisted yarns also make it very durable, and it can be re-dyed multiple times, allowing it to boast unparalleled quality overall. During your visit, you are invited to make your own chirimen coaster. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 757 yards (692 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and 20 steps to access the cable car. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Operation of the cable car and Amanohashidate cruise are subject to weather conditions. The cruise is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.