Some of the best coastal waters

After you arrive in Japan, travel from Kansai International Airport up to Miyazu in Northern Kyoto. Spend the first half of your day touring the Hakurei Sake Brewery that also includes a tasting (Note: the brewery is closed every Wednesday). After the brewery head over to Amanohashidate (aka "the bridge to heaven") for lunch and take a walk along this beautiful land bridge.

If you have time, we suggest taking a boat cruise from Amanohashidate to Ine. A small fishing town famous for its boathouses that line the harbor. Take some time to tour this picturesque town. After you are done sightseeing, move onto Taiza Onsen. Be sure to take in the sites along the coast, especially of Tango Matsujima. It got its name from its resemblance to Matsushima, one of the three great views of Japan. The view of the ragged coastline which goes on until it reaches Cape Kyoga creates a beautiful silhouette against the morning and evening light. For accommodations, we suggest staying at Totoya.

If you are an early riser you are going to want to sign up for a net fishing experience through Totoya Hotel. (Available option from April to October). After breakfast pay a visit to Tango Kingdom, a large roadside rest area that features several restaurants, a small petting zoo and a few other attractions. If you are interested, you can take part in a tea ceremony at Tango Kingdom but reservations will be needed in advance.

From July to September you can also opt to pick locally grown fruits. There are a few fruit farms in Kyotango area where you can do this. Each month features a different fruit; July is melon picking, August is grape picking, and September is nashi (Japanese pear) picking season.

After sightseeing in Kyotango and northern Kyoto area travel over to Toyooka city and grab a delicious yakiniku (Japanese BBQ style) lunch. During the week Maruzen Yakiniku Restaurant has a special lunch menu. This restaurant is locally famous for having the best meat, they serve Japanese wagyu cattle or more specifically Tajima Beef. Tajima Beef is where Kobe Beef comes from.

After lunch go up north to Kinosaki Onsen, the hot spring town known for its charming atmosphere, 7 public hot spring bathhouses and visitors dressed in yukata. Spend the afternoon walking through this lovely town. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk from the train station at the front of the town to the ropeway at the back. Even if you aren't staying in Kinosaki at one of the establishments you can still rent a kimono from Iroha Yukata Shop. If you plan on trying out 2 or more of the hot springs we suggest purchasing a hot spring pass for 1,200 yen. You can purchase it at any bathhouse.

Continue on north of Kinosaki to Takeno. A lovely seaside and beach town. Takeno is known for its white sandy beach that stretches along the Sea of Japan for more than 1km. We suggest staying at Okukinosaki Seaside Hotel, a hotel located right on the beach. The beach is most popular and crowded from mid July to the end of August but the crowds tend to disperse from about 4pm. Arrive at your hotel around 5pm and you won't have to battle the summer crowds.