Drive Tour – Mitaki Temple and Kintaikyo Bridge

Overview

A Chauffeur Driven Tour: Hiroshima’s hidden gem Mitaki Dera, Landmark Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni + sushi – 8 hours

Join me for a guided tour of two of the region’s perhaps lesser-known but very equally captivating and historic attractions.

Mitaki Temple is a serenely quiet, hidden gem, nestled on a hillside on the outskirts of the city of Hiroshima, and dotted with Buddhist statues and little-known memorials for A-Bomb victims.

Then followed by a sushi lunch en route, to the west we’ll visit Kintai Bridge, an elegant ancient five-span arch wood and a stone bridge spanning the banks of the Nishiki River; its high arches were originally constructed without nails.

** Cost calculated on guide fee + needed seating capacity for rental car (includes fuel and parking, toll charges)

• ¥57000 up 2 people
• ¥61000 up to – 4 people
• ¥64000 up to – 6 people
• ¥102000 up to – 9people

Included

• Guide Fees & Entries

Excluded

• Meals, refreshments, souvenirs, transport by chauffeured vehicle: **cost TBC according to the size of the vehicle required: 2 – 3 guests ¥15,000 / 4 – 6 guests ¥22,000 to be payable in cash in JPY on the day of the tour.

What to look forward to

I’ll greet you at your hotel or designated meeting point and we’ll make the short drive to Mitaki Temple stroll the grounds, then drive to the famed landmark Kintai Bridge, the elegant, wooden bridge of five bold arches spanning massive stone pillars across the Nishiki River, stopping for sushi en route.

If you are arriving for a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, I will be happy to recommend your best inbound train schedule and make return bookings for you.

TINERARY

Chauffeured guided tours in three sections of: Mitaki - truly a gem to start the day and the distinguished landmark Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, followed by a visit to Shukkei-en Gardens in downtown Hiroshima.

Mitaki:
An ancient temple, set amidst serene landscaped gardens dotted with monuments and memorials, it’s nestled on a hillside on the outskirts of the city.

Kintaikyo and environs:
Visit the stunning feudal age multiple arched wooden structure bridge spanning the Nishiki River and surrounding park and its feudal age structures and monuments in the adjacent park.

Shukkei-en Gardens: The beautiful feudal age modelled classical styled landscaped pond and gardens in downtown Hiroshima.

MEETING POINT + TOUR EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

Meeting Point Options: Rail or Bus Station, Cruise Ship Port berth, Airport, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building, Suggested by Guide: your hotel, cruise ship birth or Hiroshima Station

Duration: 8 hours

• 9 AM Greet you at your hotel, the bullet train station or cruise ship.
• Transit to nearby Mitaki Temple, and tour temple grounds. Total time: approximately 2-3 hours.
• Board our comfortable chauffeur driven vehicle and set out for the bridge, approximately one hour’s drive away.
• Return to mainland board our chauffeur driven vehicle and set out for the bridge, approximately one hour drive away.
• LUNCH: En route, we will stop for your lunch (pre-determined) choice.
• Arrive at Kintaikyo Bridge and learn its history, stroll the adjacent park with its monuments and feudal age buildings.
• Return in our chauffeur driven vehicle to Hiroshima City (approximately 90 minutes and visit historic Shukkei-en Gardens.
• 5 PM Deliver you back in our chauffeur driven vehicle to your hotel, the bullet train station or cruise ship.

**I do not designate strict times of each stage component as timing often depends on the most comfortable pace according to the guest and it is flexible according to the day’s experience, ALSO, timing may differ according to Cruise ship departure schedule)

TRANSPORTATION

Chauffeur driven in clean and comfortable late model vehicle, sized according to number of guests. **See below for cost range.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Guiding Services
• Venue admission fees

ESTIMATED LOCAL CASH NEEDED

• ¥3500 for lunch, refreshments
• souvenir spending

WHAT'S EXTRA?

•  Personal Expenses
• Souvenirs
• Food, Drinks, Snacks

Other: as mentioned above a one time payment for  vehicle hire  – late model sedan/van –  including all tolls, fuel, and parking – cost TBA according to the size of the vehicle required: 2 – 3 guests ¥15,000 / 4 – 6 guests ¥22,000

ACTIVITY LEVEL

light to moderate

DETAILS

Involves walking for approximately 2.5 kilometres (about 1.5 miles) with a steep path at one section of Mitaki. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilise a wheelchair. Wear comfortable clothing. You will need comfortable walking closed-toe walking shoes. Carry a water bottle.

RESTRICTIONS

 None.