Discover the Highlights and Local Food Around Amanohashidate

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery in Japan, Amanohashidate should definitely be on your list.
Located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, it is one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Itsukushima (Miyajima) in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The view of Amanohashidate looks like a dragon rising into the sky, which is considered a symbol of good fortune. This breathtaking scenery has recently become popular among tourists from China and other countries.
In addition to the stunning view, the area is rich in attractions, including historic shrines and charming traditional fishing villages.

In this article, we’ll introduce the best spots to visit in Amanohashidate, must-see attractions nearby, and some of the local gourmet foods you won’t want to miss!

What Is Amanohashidate?

Located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, known for its breathtaking natural beauty.
It is a rare landform called a sandbar, formed by the accumulation of sand carried by ocean currents. Stretching 3.6 kilometers long and 20 to 170 meters wide, it’s covered with a stunning path of over 5,000 pine trees.

The name “Amanohashidate” means “Bridge to Heaven” because the sandbar looks like a bridge floating across the sky when viewed from the surrounding hills.
According to Japanese mythology, it’s said to be the remains of a ladder that the god Izanagi used to travel between heaven and earth, which later fell and became Amanohashidate.

In reality, this landform took thousands of years to form due to changes in sea levels and sediment carried by natural events like earthquakes.
Despite the harsh environment of salty, sandy soil, pine trees thrive here, creating a beautiful, lush green landscape.

As you walk or cycle along the 3.2-kilometer-long path, you’ll find many unique pine trees, each with its own name and story. Taking your time to explore these trees adds to the charm of the experience.

In summer, Amanohashidate also becomes a popular beach destination, attracting families and couples who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and calm, refreshing sea.

How to Get to Amanohashidate

Address: Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture
Contact: +81-772-22-8030 (Amanohashidate Tourism Association)

By Public Transportation:
Take the Kyoto Tango Railway (Miyazu Line) and get off at Amanohashidate Station. The scenic area is just a short walk from the station.

By Car:
From the Kyoto Jukan Expressway (Ayabe-Miyazu Road), take the Miyazu-Amanohashidate IC exit. It’s about a 10-minute drive from there.

Parking:
There are plenty of parking lots available nearby. Most of them are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Must-Visit Spot Near Amanohashidate: The Best Place to Enjoy the View!

To truly appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Amanohashidate, the best views are from high vantage points. The most popular spots are located on the south and north sides of the sandbar.

Southern View: Amanohashidate View Land

For a stunning view from the south, head to Amanohashidate View Land, a park located at the top of Mt. Monju.

Here, you can try the famous “Mata-nozoki” pose—bending over and looking at the scenery upside down through your legs. When viewed this way, the sea looks like the sky, and Amanohashidate appears like a dragon soaring into the heavens, which is why this view is called “Hiryukan” (meaning Flying Dragon View).

You can reach Amanohashidate View Land by chairlift or monorail.

The park feels like a small amusement park, featuring attractions like:

• Archery range
• Go-karts
• A mini steam locomotive (SL)
• Merry-go-round
• Ferris wheel

It’s a fun spot for visitors of all ages, especially families with children.

Don’t miss trying your luck with “Kawara-nage”, a traditional game where you throw small clay discs toward a distant ring called the “Chie-no-wa”. If your disc passes through the ring, it’s said your wish will come true!

Northern View: Kasamatsu Park

For a breathtaking view from the north side, head to Kasamatsu Park. Here, you can also try the famous “Mata-nozoki” (upside-down viewing).

When seen from the north, Amanohashidate looks like a straight line across the water, earning it the name “Naname Ichimonji” (Diagonal Straight Line View). It also resembles a dragon soaring into the sky, which is why this view is called “Shoryukan” (Ascending Dragon View). During winter, the sight of a snow-covered landscape with a “flying dragon” is truly mesmerizing.

Kasamatsu Park is also known for its romantic attractions, making it a great spot for couples.

• “Wishing Locks” – Couples attach locks to a dedicated area, symbolizing their wishes reaching the heavens.
• “Wishing Bell” – A heart-shaped bell that is said to bring good fortune in love.
• “Kawarake Throwing” – Try your luck by tossing small clay discs (kawarake) through a ring at the end of a pillar. If your disc passes through, it’s believed to bring good luck!

Additionally, from Kasamatsu Park, you can take a mountain bus to visit Nariai-ji Temple, the 28th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

Must-Visit Spot Near Amanohashidate: Temples & Shrines

The area around Amanohashidate, known for its dragon-like shape, is home to many historic temples and shrines. In fact, the entire region is considered a spiritual power spot.

Here are some of the most notable places to visit.

Amanohashidate Shrine (Hashidate Myojin)

Located along the Amanohashidate sandbar, this shrine is dedicated to the Eight Great Dragon Kings—a fitting connection to the area’s famous dragon legends. It is also known as a power spot for romance, attracting visitors seeking good fortune in love.

Next to the shrine, you’ll find Iso Shimizu, one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters. Despite being on a sandbar surrounded by the sea, this mysterious well produces fresh water. While it is not for drinking, visitors can use it for purification before praying at the shrine.

Motoise Kono Shrine

Motoise Kono Shrine is an ancient shrine known as “Moto-Ise” (Original Ise) because it once enshrined Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami before they were moved to Ise Jingu.

Inside the shrine grounds, you can find a suikinkutsu, a traditional water feature that creates beautiful sounds. Another highlight is the Five-Colored Suetama, sacred orbs that can only be seen at Ise Jingu and Motoise Kono Shrine.

Manai Shrine

This shrine serves as the Okumiya (inner sanctuary) of Motoise Kono Shrine and is considered a spiritual power spot. It is famous for “Ame no Manai no Mizu,” a sacred spring believed to have divine properties. Many visitors come from all over Japan to collect its water.

Behind the main hall, you can find an ancient ritual site called Iwakura, a sacred rock formation that has stood for over 2,500 years in this serene location.

Chion-ji Temple

Chion-ji Temple is dedicated to Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri), the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and is one of Japan’s Three Great Monju Temples. Many visitors come here to pray for success in exams and qualifications.

The temple’s majestic gate, also called the “Golden Pavilion,” is a designated cultural property of Miyazu City. Another unique feature is the Suehiro Sensu Omikuji, a special fan-shaped fortune slip. These fans, hanging on the temple’s pine trees, symbolize expanding good fortune.

Must-Visit Spot Near Amanohashidate: Take a Trip to the Retro Fishing Village of Ine

Just about an hour’s drive from the Amanohashidate area, Ine Town is gaining popularity as a hidden gem for travelers.

The 5-kilometer-long Ine Bay is lined with funaya (boat houses), creating a nostalgic and picturesque scene.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this unique bay faces south—an unusual feature for the Japan Sea coast. With calm waters year-round due to minimal tidal fluctuations, the area has thrived as a fishing hub.

There are around 230 funaya, some dating back to the late Edo period. Ine’s traditional architecture and natural surroundings are carefully preserved, with even tree-cutting requiring special permission.

If you love fishing, hop on the Eiseimaru, a chartered fishing boat launched in April 2017. Choose from a 2-hour fishing experience or a full-day fishing trip, guided by an experienced longline fisherman who knows the best hidden fishing spots.

Ine is home to restaurants serving fresh local seafood, and for an even more immersive experience, you can stay overnight in a funaya. Enjoy the charm of this retro fishing village at your own pace.

Relax in Onsesns & Hotels Near Amanohashidate

The hot springs in the Amanohashidate area are famous for their skin-beautifying properties. The gentle, soothing waters leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated after a bath.

There are many hotels and ryokan in the area where you can enjoy both breathtaking views and relaxing onsen.

Monjusou

Monjusou is a traditional ryokan with 100% natural hot spring water. Every guest room offers a beautiful view of the Amanohashidate Canal and pine trees, making it a perfect place to unwind.

A special treat awaits guests in the evening—a refreshing cold sweet soup from their group restaurant, Kan-shichi Chaya.

Amanohashidate Onsen Hotel Kitanoya

Hotel Kitanoya offers stunning views of Amanohashidate along with a spacious garden-view indoor bath and private open-air baths.

During winter, guests can enjoy seasonal delicacies such as Matsuba crab and Buri Shabu (yellowtail hot pot), a dish that originated in Amanohashidate.

For added comfort, the hotel provides barrier-free facilities, ensuring a pleasant stay for elderly guests and those with mobility challenges.

Must-Try Local Food in Amanohashidate

When visiting Amanohashidate, don’t miss out on fresh seafood and delicious sweets!

As you stroll through the area, you’ll notice many shops selling asari clams, crab, black chikuwa (grilled fish cake), and traditional Japanese sweets. Here are some great places to stop by for a taste of Amanohashidate.

Monjusou Kan-shichi Chaya

Located near Monju-do Temple, this historic tea house has been in business since 1690.

Their specialty is Chie no Mochi, a traditional rice cake said to bring wisdom to those who eat it. The soft, freshly pounded mochi is topped with smooth, sweet red bean paste, offering a simple yet delightful flavor.

Price: ¥450 (3 pieces per plate) – Perfect for a quick snack!

Address: 471-1 Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto
Contact: 0772-22-2105

Hashidate Chaya

This tea house is a great spot to take a break while exploring Amanohashidate. Whether you want a relaxed meal in the dining area or a quick bite from the shop, you’ll find plenty of local specialties to enjoy.

Asari Don (Clam Rice Bowl) – ¥1,100 (made with fresh local clams)
Hamayaki Zen (Grilled Seafood Set) – ¥1,800 (includes fresh seafood and clam soup)
Miyazu’s Famous Black Chikuwa – ¥450
Chie Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup with Mochi) – ¥620
Chie Dango (Sweet Rice Dumplings) – ¥400

Address: Monju, Amanohashidate-Tango-Amanohashidate-Oeyama Quasi-National Park, Miyazu, Kyoto
Contact: 0772-22-3363

Amanohashidate, a natural work of art, is a place you can enjoy from every angle—whether by viewing it from above or walking along its scenic path.

As part of “Kyoto by the Sea,” the area is also known for its delicious fresh seafood.

Whether you’re visiting with family, a partner, or friends, there are plenty of fun activities for everyone. Be sure to add Amanohashidate to your travel plans!

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