Okayama Korakuen, Sushi Making and Kurashiki Walking from Kyoto
Active
11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
・Take a thorough tour of Korakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter.
・Experience making "kakushi sushi" (seafood chirashi sushi), a local dish from Okayama with a history of about 300 years, invented during the Edo period (1603-1868), and enjoy lunch.
・At Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, after touring the Inoue House which is one of the largest, most iconic townhouses in the Important Traditional Building Preservation District, freely enjoy exploring Kurashiki's traditional townscape with a sightseeing coupon which can be used for your choice among admission to the Ukiyo-e Museum, eating out on the go, or a simple experience activity.
・Enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen ride between Kyoto and Okayama or Hiroshima.
・Please book a Okayama round-trip tour if you have a JR Pass.
Available options
Tour end at Hiroshima
From Hiroshima Station: No drop-off service to hotels will be provided. Please head to your next destination on your own.
<br/>Lunch: If you would like a lact-obo vegetarian meal, please indicate them when booking. On the day of the tour, can NOT be changed<br/>Please note: vegan, allergy-friendly, halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available.
Round Trip from Kyoto
Lunch: If you would like a lact-obo vegetarian meal, please indicate them when booking. On the day of the tour, can NOT be changed.<br/>Please note: vegan, allergy-friendly, halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available.
What's included
Shinkansen Tickets
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Kurashiki Sightseeing Coupon
Kakushi Sushi Making Experience and Lunch
Detailed itinerary
1
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Okayama Station. Upon arrival in Okayama, walk to Momotaro Tourist Center by yourself [Immediately on the left side after leaving through the Shinkansen ticket gate] The tour guide will be waiting for customers in front of Momotaro Tourist Information Center.
2
Hop on the charming Okayama Electric Tramway at Okayama Station! After a quick 4-minute ride to Shiroshita Station, walk to Okayama Korakuen Garden
3
Stop 3
One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen is a beautiful landscaped garden from the Edo period (1603-1868) covering an area of approximately 13 hectares. With vast ponds, elegant teahouse, and lovely seasonal flowers, the garden showcases the changing atmosphere throughout the four seasons for visitors to enjoy. The neighboring Okayama Castle is also known as "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior, and is quite spectacular when viewed from across the garden.
4
Head to Okayama Station by tram and on foot
5
Kakushi Sushi Making Experience & Lunch: Experience Japanese cuisine by crafting your own chirashi sushi on our hands-on tour. Arrange fresh sashimi, seafood, and colorful vegetables on sushi rice. Then savor your creation as a delightful and authentic lunch.
6
Take the JR local train from Okayama to Kurashiki
7
Stop 7
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is an attractive area with a charming townscape featuring white-walled storehouses and black roof tiles. Relish the traditional Japanese scenery while visiting many museums, cafes, and shops.
8
The Inoue House is one the largest, most iconic townhouses in the Important Traditional Building Preservation District of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This 300-year-old house was designated as an important cultural property of Japan in 2002.
9
Stop 9
Free time for sightseeing. Enjoy exploring on your own using the Kurashiki Sightseeing Coupon which can be used when entering the Ukiyo-e Museum and eating out on the go.
10
Take the JR local train from Kurashiki to Okayama. At Okayama Station, board a bullet train "Shinkansen" to Kyoto or Hiroshima Station. Please note that no guide will accompany you from Okayama Station.
What's not included
Fees other than those listed in Includes
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All seats in the Okayama and Kurashiki area are unreserved, as public transportation is used. Please note that seating is not guaranteed
Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with Shinkansen seats, lunch, and Kurashiki Sightseeing Coupons. If Shinkansen seats, lunch, or sightseeing coupons are required, please book them under the child rate
If the Inoue House cannot be entered, the tour will visit the Former Ohara House or the Ohashi House instead
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
Allergy-friendly, halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available
As this is a walking tour, please wear shoes and clothing that are suitable for walking. The total walking distance for this tour is approximately 3 miles
For those who would like a lact-ovo‐vegetarian meal (vegetables will be used instead for kakushi sushi; eggs and dairy products are used in other menu items), please be sure to request at the time of booking. If requests are not provided in advance, same-day changes cannot be accepted
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Kurashiki Sightseeing Coupon applicable facilities and shops may be subject to change
For lunch, the menu includes kakushi sushi made by customers during the experience, side dish, red miso soup, and dessert
Tour's total duration is 11 hours, although the total duration listed in the itinerary is 4 hours 30 minutes. The remaining hours are allotted for travel time.
Meeting point
Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F [across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit] 7:30 Meet-up, 7:40 Departure. After the meet-up, walk to JR Kyoto Station. An assistant will guide participants to the Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform, but will not board the Shinkansen.
Important notes
・You can refer to below link for specific directions:
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/access/avanti
• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (Operated between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
• In case bookings have been made separately, you may be assigned to be on separate tour buses.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
