Tsuruga Port, Fukui Prefecture
@thanyarat07

Relaxation area at the top of the Rainbow Line

Julien Giry, your guide for the excursion

Traditional kaiseki dinner at the minshuku

A Guided Getaway to the Five Lakes Region

2 days
Kyoto, Hayase, Tsuruga, Kanazawa

This itinerary whisks you away to the Mikata Five Lakes, a breathtaking cluster of fresh water bodies and natural scenery nestled in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Over two days, you'll be immersed in nature's beauty, explore hidden cultural gems, and discover the region's unique charm.

Your expert guide, Julien, brings Japan Experience's knowledge to life. Having explored Japan extensively, he fell in love with this area and decided to call it home. With Julien's insider tips and deep understanding of the region, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

From captivating landscapes and cultural treasures to delectable cuisine, this adventure caters to nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Get ready to discover the magic of the Mikata Five Lakes!

This itinerary whisks you away to the Mikata Five Lakes, a breathtaking cluster nestled in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Over two days, you'll be immersed in nature's beauty, explore hidden cultural gems, and discover the region's unique charm.

2 days itinerary throughout the Five Lakes of Mikata

Departure city : Kyoto or Kanazawa
Hayase
Tsuruga
Return city : Kyoto or Kanazawa

Please find detailed itinerary information below.

Please note that for this excursion, the choice of starting and ending in either Kyoto or Kanazawa is yours to make! You can also pick one city, Kyoto or Kanazawa, for both arrival and departure.

Why choose this excursion to Japan ?

Witness the great scenery of the Mikata Five Lakes, each with unique hues.
Explore hidden cultural treasures beyond the typical tourist path.
Savor the unique flavours of Fukui Prefecture, from fresh lake fish to regional specialties.
Benefit from Julien's extensive knowledge and passion for the region.
Many recommendations available in your digital travel guidebook.

Your excursion in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : The Mikata Five Lakes from above

Depart Kyoto or Kanazawa mid-morning and journey to Tsuruga, a charming coastal city. Your dedicated guide, Julien, will meet you at the station and escort you to your traditional Japanese accommodation.
Join Julien on a personalised exploration of the stunning Mikata Five Lakes region. Depending on your interests and the season, you might visit a local sake brewery, stroll through a quaint village, or enjoy panoramic views from the Rainbow Line.
In the evening, experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality with a stay at a traditional minshuku inn near the harbor.
Julien will introduce you to your host, who will then guide you through a delicious home-cooked dinner featuring local ingredients. Relax on a futon and soak up the authentic atmosphere.
Day 2 : Unveiling a less travelled Japan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the minshuku. Then, your guide Julien will drop you off at Tsuruga station, where you can catch a train to Kyoto (1h), Kanazawa (45min), or Tokyo (3h), or continue exploring the local area.
If you're feeling adventurous, visit the Kami-Warabe Museum, stroll along the harbor, take a walk on the beach, or visit Kehi Shrine. Enjoy a delicious sushi lunch at a local restaurant overlooking Wakasa Bay.
After a morning filled with discoveries and a delightful lunch, it's time to continue your journey to your next destination!

From

$371

Contact an advisor

Accommodation
- 1 night in traditional Japanese accommodation "minshuku"
The base rate includes a twin room.
Transportation
- JR Thunderbird tickets from Kyoto > to Tsuruga, seats reserved in standard class
- Hokuriku Shinkansen tickets from Tsuruga > to Kanazawa, seats reserved in standard class
Visit & meals
- Traditional dinner (featuring the freshest fish!) and breakfast included at the minshuku
- Guided tour of Hayase, Tsuruga and its surroundings

Other services
- Complete digital travel diary sent 10 days before your departure
- Bilingual English and Japanese telephone support is available 7 days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM. The number will be provided in your travel diary.
Not included in the price of your excursion
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including lunches (you will find recommendations selected by us in your travel pack)
- Entrance fees to museums, gardens or temples
- Access to internet (Pocket WiFi or e-SIM card)
- Everything not included in the "Included in your excursion" section

More information about your trip

Your excursion:

- Please note that at least one person taking part in the trip must have a driving licence valid in their country.

- The prices shown on this page may vary according to the Japanese ¥ exchange rate.

- Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

- Children aged 3 and over may participate. Child rates available for children ages 3 to 11 included.

- Unfortunately, pets are not able to be brought onto this excursion.

- This program may be subject to changes due to imperatives such as weather conditions or other events. Please note that due to the current situation, all mentioned information is subject to change or adaptation.

- In order to benefit from an internet connection, reserve an e-SIM card with Japan Experience.

- This tour must be booked at least 45 days before the start date of the tour.

- Your travel documents will be sent to you by email before your departure.

Your accommodation:

- Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the town and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the cost of the reservation. It generally amounts to ¥200/night/person (about €1.60) but may be a little higher in 4-star hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception.

- Single room: People travelling alone and/or wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. Please note that a single room supplement for an order of more than 2 people will be applied in all accommodation except ryokans (3 and 4*). As this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people.

- 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, you will be allocated a triple room.

- Hotel names: The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled.

- Stay in a minshuku: A minshuku is a type of Japanese accommodation that can be described as a family-run bed and breakfast. Rooms in a minshuku often feature tatami flooring and futon bedding instead of beds. In most minshuku, the bathroom facilities, including the toilet and shower, are shared among guests. Some minshuku offer breakfast or even dinner, often featuring local ingredients and homemade dishes. Overall, a minshuku is a great choice for travellers who want to experience Japanese culture and hospitality firsthand, in a comfortable and affordable setting.

Your transport:

- JR Thunderbird tickets from Kyoto > to Tsuruga, seats reserved in standard class.

- Hokuriku Shinkansen tickets from Tsuruga > to Kanazawa, seats reserved in standard class.

Your meals:

- Traditional dinner and breakfast included at the minshuku.

- For other meals, you will find recommendations selected by us in your travel diary.

A 35% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 35 days before the departure date.

What kind of insurance coverage is available for your Japan trip ?

When you book with Japan Experience, you have the option of purchasing two types of coverage:

Japan Experience Flex : This insurance covers expenses related to trip cancellations for specific reasons (disease, accident, passing...)

Japan Experience Protect : This insurance provides overall coverage for various aspect of the trip. For instance: cancellation, flight delay or missing flight, lost luggage, travel incident and repatriation, assistance, etc...