Located at the far north of Kyoto, the sandy spit of Amanohashidate winds between the Asokai inland sea and Miyazu Bay. It is one of the three most beautiful landscapes in Japan!

History

Legend has it that the sandbank of Amanohashidate originated from a celestial ladder through which the deities Izanagi and Izanami once descended from the heavens. Hayashi Gaho, a scholar of the Edo period (1603–1868), mentioned the site in the Nihonkoku jiseki ko, translated as "Of Japan's Heritage," as one of the three most beautiful views in the archipelago. Amanohashidate inspired countless poems and artistic works throughout the centuries. One of the most precious pieces bears the signature of Buddhist painter Sesshû (1420–1506): "The View of Amanohashidate," designated a National Treasure of Japan. This painting is part of the splendid collection at the Kyoto National Museum.

Discovering Amanohashidate

When seeking relaxation or adventure, residents of Kyoto or Osaka venture to the northern coast of Chugoku to enjoy the hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen, or to contemplate the landscapes of Amanohashidate near Miyazu.

Amanohashidate, Cross the "Bridge to Paradise"

Amanohashidate stretches its tongue of land for 3.6 kilometers. Stroll along the picturesque route lined with thousands of pine trees. On foot, the walk takes about 45 minutes. If you have a bicycle, you can complete the route in roughly 15 minutes. Shops and hotels near Amanohashidate Station rent bicycles to tourists at affordable rates.

For the best views, head to the parks on either side of the bay. On the southern side, the Amanohashidate View Land theme park is accessible via a chairlift and cable car. You'll find mini golf, a Ferris wheel, and go-karts. At the other end of the bay, from Kasamatsu Park, also served by cable car, observation of the natural bridge follows a millennia-old tradition. Matanozoki consists of bending forward with your head between your legs to view Amanohashidate. Seen from this inverted position, with sky and earth reversed, Amanohashidate resembles a dragon in the clouds. Locals call this Hiryûkan, or the "flying dragon view."

Indulge in Beach Pleasures

After treating your eyes, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation on the stunning white sandy beaches of Amanohashidate. Lounge in the shade of lush pines, or embark on a sightseeing cruise through Miyazu Bay. You can purchase tickets at the pier on the island's southern side. Near the port stands Chionji Temple, venerated for over 1,200 years. Primarily students visit to pray to Monju Buddha for success in their exams. Among the complex's main attractions are the traditional stone lantern called "Toro," the pagoda, and omikujis containing hidden messages.

To extend this cultural interlude, visit the Kono Shrine to the north. It is in this sacred site that the principal deities of the Shinto pantheon emerged: Toyoukehime and Amaterasu. These are also venerated at Ise Shrine. Don't miss the Amanohashidate Vineyard meticulously maintained by a Hokkaido company. Following the coastline, admire the rustic setting of the Japanese countryside, dotted with funayas and traditional fishermen's houses. The Amanohashidate wine caves occasionally offer wine tasting sessions.

Miyazu, Discover "Kyoto by the Sea"

Miyazu is a charming town. Beyond the sacred shrines that have attracted pilgrims from all walks of life since time immemorial, the historic merchant wharf and the landscape's changing beauty through the seasons, "Kyoto by the Sea" is renowned for its abundance of fresh seafood. Sit down in a local restaurant and savor crab dishes accompanied by some sake. Sekogani-don rice, buri-shabu stew, and yakisoba noodles will surely delight your palate.

Climate at Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate has a humid subtropical climate with no dry season, classified as Cfa on the Köppen-Geiger map. The area experiences significant rainfall, averaging 1,942.8 mm of precipitation annually. Rain can fall even during the driest period. As for temperature, the annual average is 14.4 °C.

You can reach Amanohashidate by train, continuing with a short walk. From Kyoto Station, board the Hashidate 7 Limited Express and get off at Amanohashidate Station. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. The tombolo is about a 20-minute walk from the station. If you prefer the bus, coaches serve Amanohashidate Station three times daily from Kyoto and from Shin-Osaka and Hankyu Umeda stations in Osaka.

Viewpoints and small villages nestled on either side of the sandbank are easily accessible on foot. On the southern side, Monju village is just steps from the station and home to numerous ryokans, fish merchants, noodle vendors, and souvenir shops. There are several bicycle rental services in Miyazu for cycling enthusiasts. For boat excursion lovers, small motorboats operate through the bay. Inexpensive and taking less than 10 minutes, the crossing connects the two ends of the sandy spit.

What to Do at Amanohashidate?

• Cycle along the sandy spit
• Relax on the beach after a refreshing swim
• Enjoy a boat cruise across Miyazu Bay
• Explore the religious history of the area by visiting Chionji Temple and Kono Shrine
• Taste the seafood specialties of Miyazu city, etc.