Play with Snow Crab Buffet Lunch and Strawberry Picking Bus Tour

Play with Snow Crab Buffet Lunch and Strawberry Picking Bus Tour
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Location: Osaka, Japan
Price: $124.14 per person
Supplier: H.I.S.Co., Ltd.
Contact: +81 80 9426 3363 / [email protected]

A Quick Overview

This all-day tour offers a lively mix of winter delights and shopping adventures, starting early in Osaka at 8:30 am and lasting around 10 hours. For a reasonable price of roughly $124, you’ll visit Mt. Rokko Snow Park, where fresh snow invites for some playful fun under blue skies, then indulge in a crab buffet where you can eat as much as you like — a true highlight for seafood lovers. After lunch, we’ll visit Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets with over 200 stores to browse, and finally, you’ll get to pick ripe, juicy strawberries at a local farm.

Two things we really like: First, the combination of outdoor winter activities with gourmet dining makes this tour a well-rounded experience. Second, the shopping stop at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets offers a chance to score some Japan-exclusive deals, making the trip worthwhile even if you’re not a big shopper.

A potential downside: The success of the tour depends on good weather — snow, clear skies, and mild temperatures are ideal. Poor weather could mean adjustments or cancellations, which might impact your plans.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor fun, delicious food, and shopping, especially if you want a full-day adventure that captures winter’s charm without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Diverse activities: Snow play, seafood feasting, strawberry picking, and shopping in one day
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed journey between sites
• Authentic experiences: Play with real snow, indulge in fresh crab, and pick your own strawberries
• Ideal for food lovers: Sushi and seafood fans will love the crab buffet, while fruit lovers enjoy picking strawberries
• Weather-dependent: Tour’s success hinges on good weather, so check forecast before booking
• Value for money: For around $124, you get a packed itinerary with transport, meals, and entry fees included

A Close Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Mainichi Shimbun Building in Umeda, a central Osaka location with easy access from major train lines. The group travels comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, essential for Japan’s winter chill but also appreciated for its convenience and stress-free transfers. With a maximum group size of 40, you’ll find it lively enough without feeling crowded.

Mt. Rokko Snow Park

The first stop is Mt. Rokko Snow Park, which is particularly appealing on a clear winter day. Imagine stepping outside into a landscape of sparkling white snow, surrounded by crisp mountain air. Here, you’ll have the freedom to play in the snow, perhaps building a snowman or just enjoying the sensation of cold snow under your boots. The experience is straightforward and accessible for most travelers, with no advanced skiing skills required.

Reviewers mention the beautiful winter scenery and the chance to enjoy fresh air, making it a refreshing break from city life. In fact, “under the clear blue sky, you can feel the beautiful winter white snow and super fresh air,” one traveler noted, emphasizing how invigorating this outdoor activity can be.

Crab Buffet at Buffet Dining The HARBOR

Next, the highlight for many: the all-you-can-eat crab buffet. The sight of a large spread of crab legs, seafood salads, and other delicacies is enough to make any seafood fan drool. The buffet’s appeal is not just in quantity but in quality — fresh, sweet crab flavors that satisfy even the most enthusiastic seafood lovers.

We love the idea that you can indulge without worrying about the bill clutching at your wallet, as the “eat as much crab as you want” concept offers fantastic value. One review mentions, “Just looking at the buffet of Buffet Dining The HARBOR is exciting,” which captures how the visual feast adds to the overall experience.

Strawberry Picking

After lunch, the tour heads to a local farm for strawberry picking. Japan’s strawberries are renowned for their sweetness and juiciness, and this hands-on activity allows you to pick your own strawberries, making it both fun and tasty. It’s a simple activity but one that adds a personal touch, especially for families or fruit lovers.

Expect to find popular varieties; you can taste the strawberries fresh from the plant, which makes for a delightful sensory experience. Travelers often mention the joy of picking strawberries directly from the plant, making it a memorable part of their trip.

Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets

The final major stop is at the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, home to approximately 210 stores, making it the largest outlet mall in western Japan. Here, you’ll find a mix of international brands and Japanese stores offering significant discounts. Whether you’re after fashion, accessories, or souvenirs, there’s ample time to browse at your own pace.

Shoppers note that the outlet offers a relaxed environment with plenty of space, and the variety of stores means there’s something for all. It’s a great place to pick up a gift or treat yourself with a stylish item at a reduced price.

Return and End of Day

The tour wraps up back at the original meeting point in Osaka, allowing for easy access to your hotel or further exploration. Given the busy schedule, expect the day to be full but well-paced, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment.

Value and Practical Considerations

At about $124, this tour is a strong value considering transport, entrance fees, lunch, and strawberry picking are included. The crab buffet alone would typically cost a similar amount in Osaka, so the added activities make it a well-rounded experience.

It’s important to note that the tour’s success hinges on good weather, especially for the snow park and outdoor activities. If weather conditions are poor, you might be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Travelers should also be comfortable with a full-day schedule, as some parts involve a lot of walking and time outdoors.

The group size cap of 40 travelers strikes a nice balance between social interaction and personal space, and the professional guide usually keeps things organized and informative. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, couples, and singles who enjoy a variety of experiences in one day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a fun-filled winter day with a mix of outdoor play, delicious seafood, and shopping, this tour fits perfectly. It’s especially suited for foodies, outdoor lovers, and shoppers wanting a convenient way to see some of the best winter activities near Osaka.

Those looking for an authentic Japanese experience outside the city — like strawberry picking and snow play — will find this tour combines typical winter pastimes with a touch of urban convenience. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before booking, as snow and sunshine are the key ingredients for making the most of this experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle between all the stops.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to Osaka.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers transport, entrance fees, bottled water, and a buffet lunch. Dinner is not included.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, cancellations are free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to bad weather, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the activities like snow play and strawberry picking are generally family-friendly.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially for the snow park and outdoor activities. Layering is recommended.

Are there any additional costs?
Shopping at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets is optional, and you may wish to buy souvenirs or extra food.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since activities involve outdoor snow play and walking, it might not be suitable for everyone with mobility concerns.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 41 days ahead, so plan early to secure your spot.

In Closing

This tour offers a lively taste of winter in Japan, combining snow, seafood, and shopping into one accessible package. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a well-rounded, hassle-free day out of Osaka, especially if you enjoy seasonal outdoor activities and good food.

While weather-dependent, the experience of playing in the snow, indulging in delicious crab, and picking strawberries is genuinely memorable. The shopping stop at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets adds a personal shopping element that rounds out the day.

This trip brings together the best of winter fun and local flavors, making it an excellent pick for travelers seeking an authentic, practical, and enjoyable experience in Japan’s Kansai region.