【Kitagi Island, Okayama】Guided tours that blend in with the history spun by stones and the lives of the islanders who support the "present".
"A relaxing experience on a stone island." Why not take a bike tour of Kitagi Island, one of the Kasaoka Islands, and see the island's spectacular scenery while tracing its history? Kitagi Island stone was used in the old days for the stone walls of Osaka Castle, and has been used for the Bank of Japan, the Otorii (Grand Gate) of Yasukuni Shrine, and other structures that symbolize the modernization of Japan. On this tour, an interpreter will translate the explanations of islanders who are familiar with the history of Kitagi Island. Islanders will explain where stone has been used on Kitagi Island, the current situation on Kitagi Island (population, industry) local industries other than the stone industry on Kitagi Island. Chobako is a lake formed when rainwater accumulated in the ruins of a quarry dug by mining operations. It is characterized by a clear lake about 40 meters deep and vertical rock surfaces created by human intervention, and is famous as a spectacular view of Kitagi Island. There are no traffic lights and few cars on the road, so you can enjoy cycling while taking in the scenery at a leisurely pace. Kitagi Island also offers an exhilarating cycling experience that cannot be found in the city or other experiences. Riding along the coast, you can look out over the surrounding islands and enjoy cycling while soaking up the island air. This tour is a refreshing break from everyday life while learning about the history of Kitagi Island, famous for its stone island.
Days of Week
Sun,Sat
Duration
6.7 hours
Adult/Child (ages 8+)
JPY 25,000
Highlights
Highlight #1
she have been married to an island for fifty years ! Includes commentary by the islanders involved in the revival of "Former Movie Theater the Hikari Cinema" ! "We will introduce you to the superb view created by the island's stone industry, which has a history of more than 130 years!"
Highlight #2
Lunch featuring seafood caught on Kitagi Island is served at a historic Japanese Ryokan.
Highlight #3
Zero traffic lights, refreshing island cycling!
Outline
Schedule
9:30 - 10:00
Gather at the port
After gathering at Fushigoe Port, we will make a brief introduction and roll call of an interpreter guide. There is an interpreter guide in the waiting area. Please come in time so that you can make it in time for the ferry's departure.
10:00 - 10:40
Take a ferry to "Kitagi Island"
we will go to Kitagi Island by ferry from Fushigoe Port in Kasaoka City. On board, we will explain the history of Kitagi Island, which flourished in the stone industry since the Edo period(1600〜1868). Please be careful not to get seasick.
10:50 - 11:10
Island cycling begins
After arriving at Kitagi Island, we rent a bicycle at K`s LABO and head to "Amanoya Ryokan", the lunch place. On the way, I cycle along the rocky surface and coast of Kitagi Island. Since there is no traffic light, you can enjoy refreshing cycling.
11:10 - 12:20
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at" Amanoya Ryokan"
After arriving at "Amanoya Ryokan," a long-established Japanese Ryokan in Kitagi Island, which is 120 years old, the owner of the Japanese Ryokan will greet you. After that, owner will give you an explanation of the valuable structure of the building and the history of Amanoya Ryokan. For lunch, we have prepared a luxurious lunch using seafood caught around Kitagi Island. The ingredients depend on the purchase situation.
12:20 - 12:50
Join the guide at "K's LABO"
Depart from the hotel and head for "K`s LABO". Here she joins the guide who was involved in the revival of "the Hikari Cinema". "The Hikari Cinema" is the only movie theater currently active on Kitagi Island.
12:50 - 13:10
To "Yuwa suisan"
It departs from "K`s LABO" and heads northwest of the island. On the way, they will explain the island's symbols "Mevius' Ring" and "Kitaki Oyster" "kitaki Oysters" are frozen raw oysters farmed and sold by "Yuwa suisan"
13:20 - 14:00
About the "the Hikari Cinema"
Former Movie Theater "the Hikari Cinema" was founded in 1950 as an entertainment facility for the islanders at that time. Enjoy a video recounting the history of the island. The islanders have revitalized the facility, which had fallen into disrepair, and are using it as a tourist resource. Also, enjoy coffee at the cafe attached
14:00 - 14:20
To ”Chobako”
Head to ”Chobako” , a superb view spot on Kitagi Island. Chobako is a lake formed when rainwater accumulated in the ruins of a quarry dug by mining operations. The landscape created by the stone industry is explained by the islanders who knew about that time.
14:30 - 15:00
Shopping at" K's LABO"
After returning the bicycle at K's LABO, the time to the ferry is free time. Inside, you can buy crafts made from island stones and dried laver from the island. Enjoy shopping and interacting with guides.
15:15 - 16:00
On board the ferry, an feedback session
On the ferry back to Kasaoka, let's talk about how we felt about our day's trip
16:00 - 16:10
End of Tour
Thank you.
Plan Information
What's Included
- bicycle fare
- Interpreter fee
- Lunch Fee
- Facility tour fee
- Medical insurance
- Guided tours by islanders Fees
What's Not Included
- Ferry fee
Requirements
- Minimum height of 106 cm, 7 years old and able to ride a bicycle on their own.
Restrictions
- Pregnant women and people with heart disease cannot participate.
- You cannot change the food at Amanoya Ryokan.
- Please let us know in advance if you have a religious or allergy problem.
What to Bring
- Please wear clothing that won't hinder your ability to ride a bicycle.
- You can leave your luggage at K's LABO for free.
Additional Info
- If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather, we will suggest another date or be eligible for a full refund.
- The tour may be canceled depending on the ferry operation.
- The tour will be canceled if the weather forecast five days in advance shows a 20 percent or higher chance of precipitation on the tour day.
- The types of bicycles on the day will be either City Bike, Sports Cross, or a short ride.Thank you for your understand.
- Children's bicycles are also available.There is no auxiliary wheel.
- We can also prepare an electric bicycle that can carry a child in the back seat.Please consult us if you would like.
Minimum Participants
- 2
Cancellation Policies
20%
5 days before to 17:00
50%
3 days before to 17:00
After 17:00, 3 days before
100%
Participation Date