Traveling in Kansai often means Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara. This time, I ventured to the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture to visit Amanohashidate. The Sea of Japan coastline in Kyoto Prefecture is known as “Sea Kyoto,” featuring multiple scenic spots where you can enjoy the coast, and one of them is Amanohashidate.
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Three Views. It is a sandbar about 3.6 kilometers long and 40–100 meters wide in Miyazu Bay of the Sea of Japan. Formed by tidal deposits, this sandbar connects Miyazu and the Tango Peninsula, and is ranked alongside Hiroshima’s “Miyajima” and Miyagi’s “Matsushima” as one of Japan’s three most scenic views.
Since I traveled by car, this article won’t cover how to get to Amanohashidate by train. By rail, you’d typically go via Maizuru and then transfer to Amanohashidate. But whether you arrive by train or car, it’s recommended to first stop by the service desk next to Amanohashidate Station. Pick up a brochure and ask locals for sightseeing recommendations and bundled ticket options.
There are two main spots to view Amanohashidate: one is the Viewland Observation Deck, and the other is from Kasamatsu Park. Unfortunately, the Viewland Observation Deck and Ryūkō View Corridor behind the station were closed on the day I visited, so I had to admire the view from Kasamatsu Park.
By the way, the station has lockers. Alternatively, you can also leave your luggage at shops across from the station.
The same sky, two places, yet they give off completely different vibes. Coming to Amanohashidate from Osaka felt like transitioning from a bustling street to a tranquil haven.
I started my Amanohashidate journey by parking near Chion-ji Temple.
Parking information: http://www.viewland.jp/tw/access/
Fellow drivers, feel free to check it out.
Attractions Introduction
Chion-ji Temple: Dedicated to Monju Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), one of Japan’s Three Great Monju Temples. Many students and parents visit specifically to pray for academic success.
Revolving Bridge: A red revolving bridge connecting Chion-ji Temple and the pine forest of Amanohashidate. It rotates 90 degrees whenever large ships need to pass through.
Amanohashidate Pine Forest: Walking through the pine forest takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re worried about fatigue or short on time, consider whether it’s worth trekking through the woods.
Besides walking, you can rent a bicycle to save energy and still enjoy the views of the sandbar. Alternatively, taking a sightseeing boat is also a great option.
It’s said that there are over 8,000 pine trees in this forest, with beaches on both sides along the path.
At the end of the trail, there’s a stone monument for Japan’s Three Views. A bit further ahead is the boarding point for the sightseeing boat.
A little farther along is the Motoise Shrine. However, due to time constraints that day, I didn’t go inside.
Kasamatsu Park: Aside from the cable car, you can also take a chairlift, but unfortunately, it wasn’t open on the day I visited.
Once you reach the observation deck, you can gaze down at the full stretch of Amanohashidate, marveling at this continuous sandbar—a natural wonder that leaves you in awe. Some say Amanohashidate resembles a dragon soaring through the sky, hence it’s also called the “Dragon Viewing Platform.” The dense pine forest, blue sea, and clear sky create a breathtaking scene you won’t forget.
In Japanese mythology, Amanohashidate was formed when a celestial ladder to the heavens fell to the ground.
People say to “look at it upside down” to see Amanohashidate as a bridge suspended in the sky. If you plan to visit Shōshō-ji Temple, you can also take a mountain bus from Kasamatsu Park.
Sightseeing Boat: Since I had already walked along the sandbar at Kasamatsu Park and felt a bit tired, I decided to take the sightseeing boat back on the return trip.
The weather was great, so we chose seats on the open deck to enjoy the sea breeze. Boats depart roughly every 20–30 minutes.
As the boat moved forward, one side revealed the very pine forest we had just walked through—it really does look quite long.
A tourist on the sightseeing boat bought a pack of shrimp chips to feed the seagulls, and soon the birds swarmed our boat, livening up the entire vessel.
**I originally planned to write a Kyoto travelogue, but it’s actually quite far from Kyoto. Calling it a “Kyoto travelogue” would be misleading, so I’ll go with a “Kansai travelogue” instead.