SELF-GUIDED
TOURS
Follow the road at your own pace with our self-guided tours where you are your own tour guide. We feel that the best way to see the area is at your own pace and not rushed as with a tour group. Make your own detours and your own adventures along the way. Follow the coastline for spectacular cliff views or head into the mountains to hidden temples and viewpoints.
Bike or walk through this coastal town to the base of Nekozaki Peninsula. Walk along the peninsula that juts out into the Sea of Japan providing breathtaking views. After your hike head back into town to relax in the beach front onsen before checking into your hotel. Sit along the beach for a beautiful sunset.
DAY 1
START : Takeno Snorkeling Center
Begin your tour at the Takeno Tourism Center where you can rent a bicycle.
Kazemachi Museum
Stop by the museum for a break and refreshments. You can learn about the history of Takeno, its geographical features and the birth of the Japanese islands through the new projection mapping. There are also pamphlets and information on local activities.
Hike Nekozaki Peninsula
The hike out to the tip of the peninsula provides beautiful panoramic views over the Sea of Japan. The hike starts off easy but gradually becomes more physically demanding the further out you get. Sturdy walking shoes should be worn and water should be taken with you.
Onsen
After your long hike a soak in the onsen (hot spring) is just what the doctor ordered. There is a beach side onsen just for you.
Check-in and Sunset Viewing
Check into your hotel and relax for a little bit before heading back out to the coast for a spectacular view of the setting sun. Keep your eye on the horizon and see if you can spot the lights of the fishing boats.
DAY 2
Morning stroll
Walk along the beach early in the morning. Rent a bike from the information center.
Nagomite
Grab a quick coffee and morning snack before hitting the road at this renovated residential house. You can also purchase hand made crafts made by local residents and taste homemade treats.
Takeno Town
Bike through Takeno town. Take note of the narrow streets lined with old buildings distinct for their burnt cedar board sidings. A centuries old technique that was almost lost but is now being revived here in Takeno.
Hasakari Rock
Continue your bike ride through the town and past the snorkeling center along the coastal road. Keep your eye to coast you will soon see one of Takeno's famous land formations called Hasakari Rock. It is thought that a rock got caught between other rocks when the erosion from waves caused the ceiling of a cave to collapse. The word "hasakari" means "hasamari" or to be caught in between.
Cook your own rice over an open fire
Learn how they made rice back before the convenience of rice cookers. Split your own fire wood and stoke the fires. This will be some of the best tasting rice you have had. Staff will show you how to make everything from step one.
Return Bike and head down to Kinosaki Onsen
Drop your bike off at the train station before you catch the train down to Kinosaki Onsen.
Enjoy the beauty of the Sea of Japan up close and personal. Dive below the crystal clear waters and swim with the fish, snorkel gear rental is available at the snorkeling center or tourism center. Cruise the waters in a kayak or on a bay taxi cruise. Find fun and excitement propelling yourself above the waters on a flyboard. Plenty of things to do for 2 days, some ideas are listed below for an enjoyable time.
DAY 1
START : Takeno Snorkeling Center
Rent gear from the snorkel center. You will find a wide variety of sea-life along the shore near the center. The water is shallow
Take a swim / Flyboard
Enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Takeno, because when you come to the beach what better way to spend your time. Walk east down the beach and you will find “wan-wan” (doggy) beach just for our furry four-legged friends. If you are feeling adventurous give the newest marine sport of Flyboard or jetpack a go. Propel yourself over the waters with high powered water jets.
Beach House
Stop by one of the beach houses to fuel up. You can find an assortment of foods such as ramen, yakisoba, curry rice, karage and more. As well as shaved ice and refreshments. Note, some beach houses charge fees for use of their lounging areas.
Sea Cab
For a more relaxed tour of the coast take a sea cab out for a tour of the geological landmarks hidden out at sea. Reservations needed. Call to find out about the sunset cruises.
Onsen
After your long day of fun in the sun take a soak in the onsen (hot spring) is just what the doctor ordered. There is a beach side onsen just for you.
Check-in and Sunset Viewing
Check into your hotel and relax for a little bit before heading back out to the coast for a spectacular view of the setting sun. Keep your eye on the horizon and see if you can spot the lights of the fishing boats.
DAY 2
Geo Canoe / Sea Kayak
Choose from a variety of canoe courses. If you are an early riser the sunrise canoe tour is highly recommended. You will meet with an instructor and go over the basics of kayaking before heading out. Follow your guide as they tell you all about the coastal landscapes
Tide Pools and Fossil foot prints
After touring the bay take a moment to observe the land that it sculpted. See if you can find the fossilized foot prints of the elephants and dears that once walked the land.
Lunch
After a long day of activity and fresh air you must be ready for some delicious local cuisine. Why not try one of these local favorites?
All Done
That is all for this tour. We hope you enjoyed your time in Takeno.
Rent a cycle and pedal along the coastal cliffs for incredible panoramic views of the sea from Kinosaki to Takeno. Rent a cycle and pedal along the coastal cliffs for incredible panoramic views of the sea from Kinosaki to Takeno.
DAY 1
Kinosaki Onsen JR Station
Drive or bicycle from Kinosaki Onsen Station.
Ryugu Castle
The first view point on the road is Ryugu Castle from the Japanese legend of Urashima Taro. This is the castle that Urashima Taro is said to have been taken to after saving a turtle who turns out to be princess Otohime.
Takuhi Village
Takuhi Village is hidden between two mountains along the coast. As you come around a turn in the road you will see the roofs of the village houses below you. The only way to get to it was through a hidden mountain path until a road was completed in 1964. Because the village was so well hidden it is said to have been the hiding place for fleeing Heikei warriors after losing the battle for control of Japan in the Genpei War. It is rumored that weapons of these warriors are still hidden here. At the far end of the village you will also find a small shrine built into the cliff side. This shrine is to give prayer and thanks to the goddess Benzaiten for successful fishing.
Takeno Beach
Welcome to the prestine beaches of Takeno. Voted the number one family beach in Hyogo prefecture and ranked in the top 100 beaches of Japan. Soft white sandy beach stretches for over 1km down the coast of the Sea of Japan. Here you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and other marine sports and activities. Take a rest on the beach and enjoy the calm atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Takeno Town
Bike through Takeno town. Take note of the narrow streets lined with old buildings distinct for their burnt cedar board sidings. A centuries old technique that was almost lost but is now being revived here in Takeno.
Hasakari Rock
Continue your bike ride through the town and past the snorkeling center along the coastal road. Keep your eye to coast you will soon see one of Takeno’s famous land formations called Hasakari Rock. It is thought that a rock got caught between other rocks when the erosion from waves caused the ceiling of a cave to collapse. The word "hasakari"* means "hasamari" or to be caught in between.
|
