Kyoto has a number of sightseeing spots, but one of the most popular areas known to those in the know is Amanohashidate.
Its dragon-like appearance is divine and attracts attention as a spot for good fortune.
In this article, I would like to explain “What is so great about Amanohashidate?” and will introduce Amanohashidate’s features, attractions, and gourmet foods unique to Amanohashidate!
Finally, we will also introduce some of the finest hotels with hot springs in Amanohashidate, so please be sure to check it out until the end.
What is so great about Amanohashidate? 3 Features!
Why is it called“Amanohashidate is amazing!” ? There are three reasons.
Feature 1: Mysterious form created by nature
Amanohashidate is a 3.6-km-long “sand spit” located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, bisecting Miyazu Bay and the Aso Sea.
A “sand spit” is a landform where sediment accumulates at the tip of a cape on the coast and protrudes in the shape of a bird’s beak.
Amanohashidate is a 3.6-km-long landform created by thousands of years of sand accumulation, and is overgrown with 6,700 pine trees.
The appearance of Amanohashidate can truly be described as a “mysterious formation” created by nature.
Feature 2: Beauty is a national treasure!
Amanohashidate is one of the “Three Views of Japan,” a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty,” and a “White Sand and Blue Pine“.
The “Three Views of Japan” are Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, where Itsukushima Shrine is located, and Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture.
And “Special Scenic Spots” are landscapes and views recognized as having such high value that they can be called “national treasures.
Amanohashidate is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty for its beautiful scenery and is cherished as a cultural asset.
Amanohashidate is also recognized as “White Sand and Blue Pine” for its beautiful coastal scenery of white sand and green pine trees.
Feature 3: “God’s Floating Bridge” connecting heaven and earth
The Tango Fudoki, which is believed to have been written around the Nara period (710-794), contains a myth about Amanohashidate.
Izanagi no Mikoto” is the male deity who gave birth to the nation.
Under the command of the female goddess “Izanami-no-mikoto,” he used a “divine floating bridge” to connect heaven and earth.
However, the story goes that one day while Izanagi was taking a nap, the bridge collapsed, and it became Amanohashidate.
From this story, Amanohashidate has long been revered as a “bridge connecting heaven and earth” and “something that brings people together“.
| Amanohashidate adress：Monju,Miyazu,Kyoto 626-0001 TEL：0772-22-8030 Business Hours：free to stroll about regular closing day：open every day of the year HP：https://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/ |
【Five Great Views】Five recommended ways to enjoy Amanohashidate.
You can enjoy the view from the sea on a sightseeing boat or cycling through the rows of pine trees. There are many ways to enjoy sightseeing in Amanohashidate.
Among them, you should not miss the observation points where you can enjoy the sight of Amanohashidate and the sea as a set!
Here we introduce five observation points.
【Hiryu-kan, Amanohashidate Viewland】 Recommended for those who are short on time!
Amanohashidate Viewland is located near Amanohashidate Station.
It is called “Hiryu-kan” (flying dragon view) because it looks like a dragon flying and dancing when you look into the crotch of the dragon.
“Matanozoki” means to stand with your back to Amanohashidate and bend at the waist to look at the scenery from between your legs.
This view is said to have taken root because the sky and the sea are reversed when viewed from between the legs, making Amanohashidate look like a bridge spanning the heavens.
And the view of Amanohashidate from Hiryu-kan is spectacular even during the cold winter season.
In the early morning, fresh snow piles up on pine needles and Amanohashidate can be seen covered with pure white snow.
This sight cannot be seen once the sun rises.
Because of the short time it can be seen, it is also called the “fantastic snowy Hiryu-kan“.
| Amanohashidate Viewland Adress：Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto 626-0001 TEL：0772-22-1000 Business Hours：8:30-18:00, depending on the time of year Regular closing day：open every day of the year HP：https://www.viewland.jp/en/ |
【Shoryukan,Kasamatsu park】The original “Matanozoki”! Recommended for couples
Amanohashidate is crossed by “KasaMatsu Park”.
The view of Amanohashidate from there is spectacular!
It is called “Shoryukan” because it looks like a dragon ascending to the sky.
The Sky Deck surrounded by transparent glass and the heart-shaped wishing bell are recommended for couples and families.
Amanohashidate Viewland and Kusamatsu Park are two of the most popular sightseeing spots in Amanohashidate, and are often included in tours.
| Kasamatsu park Adress：75 Ogaki, Miyazu, Kyoto 629-2242 TEL：0772-27-0032 Business Hours：9:00～18:00 ,depending on the time of year Regular closing day：open every day of the year HP：https://www.amano-hashidate.com/kasamatsu_park/ |
【Tenpyo-kan, Tango Kokubunji Temple Site】NEW viewpoint! Recommended for history buffs!
A new viewpoint added in 2020 is “Tenpyo-kan”.
Viewed from the Tango Kokubunji Temple site, designated as a national historic site, you can see Amanohashidate from one end to the other.
Located right in front of the Kyoto Prefectural Tango Local History Museum, it is a spot where visitors can view Amanohashidate while thinking about the history of the Tango area of Kyoto.
| Tango Kokubunji Temple Site Adress：59 Kokubu, Miyazu, Kyoto 629-2234 TEL：0772-27-0351 Business Hours：9:00〜17:00 HP：https://www.city.miyazu.kyoto.jp/site/citypro/8744.html |
【Ichijikan, OuchiToge Ichijikan Park】Recommended for outdoor enthusiasts! You can also enjoy BBQ!
Ouchitoge Ichijikan Park is a campground located on the side of Yosano Town, Yosano-gun.
Amanohashidate seen from here is called “Ichijikan” because it looks like a beautiful straight line. Wakasa Bay spreads out in the back.
It is also recommended for outdoor enthusiasts, as they can enjoy staying in cottages or tents while having BBQ.
| OuchiToge Ichijikan Park Adress：3211 Bogi, Yaseno-machi, Yaseno-gun, Kyoto Prefecture, 629-2263 TEL：0772-46-0052 Business Hours：April 1 – November 30 HP：https://ichijikan-kouen.net/ |
【Sesshukan ,Sesshukan Observatory】Mitsuba azalea in full bloom is a spectacular sight!
Sesshukan Observatory is called “Sesshukan” because of its similarity in composition to “Amanohashidate” painted by the ink painter Sesshu.
The Sesshukan Observation Deck is located at the top of the Shishizaki Inari Shrine, which is famous for its azaleas.
The collaboration of azaleas in their peak pink, torii gates along the stairs, and Amanohashidate stretching horizontally is a view that can be enjoyed only in spring.
| Sesshukan Observatory Adress：Shishizaki, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0065 TEL：0772-22-8030 HP：https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/tango/tango-doboku/hashitate_seshu.html |
Sights around Amanohashidate
There are many sightseeing spots in the vicinity of Amanohashidate other than the observatory.
【Kaisenkyo(Swing bridge)】Let’s take a picture of the bridge that rotates around.
The Kaisenkyo Bridge connects Amanohashidate and the land where Monjyudo is located.
It is an unusual bridge that automatically turns 90 degrees every time a ship passes by, and until 1960 it was turned by hand. However, as the number of large ships passing under the bridge has increased, the bridge is now turned by electric power.
At times, the bridge turns about 50 times a day.
The bridge rotates every morning around 9:55 a.m. when sightseeing boats pass by, or when large boats pass by on an irregular basis.
Please try to time your visit so that you can see the bridge turning.
| Kaisenkyo(Swing bridge) Adress：47 Bunju, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0001 TEL：0772-22-8030 Business Hours：Free passage HP：https://www.amanohashidate.jp/spot/%E5%BB%BB%E6%97%8B%E6%A9%8B/ |
【Chionji Temple and Wisdom Circle Lanterns】Recommended for those who wish to receive wisdom!
Chionji Temple is recommended for those who wish to do well in their studies.
Many students who are preparing for examinations visit Monjyudo.
The “Wisdom Circle Lanterns,” located next to Chion-ji Temple, is said to have been lit to attract the dragon god.
It is said that if one passes through the Wheel of Wisdom, he or she will receive the wisdom of Monju-sama.
Therefore, there are many people who make three rounds around it.
| Chionji Temple Adress：466 Bunshu, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0001 TEL：0772-22-2553 Business Hours：Free time Parking lot：8:00～17:00 HP：https://www.monjudo-chionji.jp/ |
【Ine’s Funaya】Popular spot with beautiful atmosphere of a fishing town.
“Ine’s Funaya” is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional fishing town.
It is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
It has been used as a filming location for the famous movies “Tsuribaka nisshi” and “Tora-san”.
The Mukai Sake Brewery, which produces the world-famous sake “Ine Mankai”, is also located here.
It is such a popular sightseeing spot that tours are offered in combination with Amanohashidate.
| Ine’s Funaya Adress：Hirata, Ine-cho, Yosagun, Kyoto 626-0423 TEL：0772-22-2553 Business Hours： 8:00～17:00（Parking lot） HP：https://www.ine-kankou.jp/en |
Recommended gourmet food around Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate offers many gourmet delicacies that can only be found here, such as fresh seafood from northern Kyoto, meat from Tango, and sake.
【Seafood】Taiza crab, yellowtail, bluefin squid, etc. can be enjoyed regardless of the season.
The Tango region, where Amanohashidate is located, is rich in plankton due to the intersection of the warm current from Tsushima and the endemic waters of the Sea of Japan on the rias coast.
Therefore, a variety of delicious fresh fish are landed throughout the year, which is why it is also called the “Miracle Sea”.
Spring: sea bream, sayori, mebaru, isaza (white rockfish), etc.
Summer: scallion, cockle, white squid, swordfish, flying fish, sazae, rock oysters, etc.
Fall: aori squid, red snapper (guji), hatahata, flounder, kisu, etc.
Winter: Matsuba crab, yellowtail, natural oysters, etc.
In particular, the rare taiza crab and Ine yellowtail in the winter season are attractive and cannot be tasted in other areas.
Since Hyogo, where Matsuba crab is abundant, is close by, we recommend that you enjoy a full course meal of sashimi, shabu-shabu, nabe, grilled, etc., of crab.
Yellowtail, too, is delicious in shabu-shabu, with its moderate spread of flavor and fat that will make you want to eat more and more of it.
It is such a popular gourmet that people come back year after year for the crab and yellowtail.
【Meat】Kyoto Tankuro Wagyu, Kyotanbakogen pork, sausages, etc.
The Tango area, where Amanohashidate is located, also offers a wide variety of delicious meat dishes such as “Kyo-Tankuro Wagyu Beef” and “Kyo-Tanba Kogen Pork”.
Kyotankuro Wagyu is a crossbreed of Shorthorn Beef and Black Wagyu.
The strong flavor of the lean meat and the delicate fat that melts slowly in the mouth are appealing.
In addition to steak and shabu-shabu, we recommend this meat for BBQ and creative cooking.
【Sake, Vinegar】Ine mankai, Hakurei, Fuji vinegar, Amanohashidate wine, etc.
The area around the Tango area is famous for its terraced rice paddies that take advantage of the pure water springing from Mt. Yuragatake, and for its sake and vinegar breweries.
Among them, Mukai Sake Brewery, located in the boathouse of Ine, is popular both in Japan and abroad for its sake “Ine Mankai” made from red rice.
Combined with the charm of Kuniko Mukai, Kyoto’s first female toji, it has long been a favorite among the locals.
There are also many other sake breweries, including Hakurei Shuzo, famous for its pure rice sake “Hakurei” and “Shuten Doji ,” named after the legend of a demon on Mt. Oe, and Iio sake Brewery‘s “Fuji Vinegar” made with plenty of rice.
In addition, there is Amanohashidate Wine, made by combining grapes grown in the beautiful nature with authentic German winemaking techniques.
Why not visit an auberge or restaurant where you can enjoy innovative cuisine along with Amanohashidate wine?
All of these drinks complement the ingredients of Amanohashidate, so please try them with your palate.
Recommended hotels for sightseeing in the Amanohashidate area
The following are recommended accommodations for visitors to Amanohashidate.
【Hoshino oto】Recommended for couples.
For sightseeing in the Amanohashidate area, we recommend using Marinetopia Resort, where you can enjoy fresh seafood gourmet cuisine and hot springs in a private space in northern Kyoto.
Among them, “Hoshino oto” is an inn with a special atmosphere and is limited to 7 groups per day.
All rooms have private pools and natural hot springs(Onsen), so you can spend a relaxing time without worrying about your surroundings.
The meals feature Japanese beef, local chicken, pork, and seasonal seafood.
Especially popular is the limited winter crab course.
At “Crab Marche,” the in-house experience facility where you can choose and eat freshly caught local crabs directly from the fish tank, brand crabs such as the fantastic “Taiza Crab” are available.
We invite you to try the taste of live, not frozen, crabs.
And if you contact us at the time of reservation, we can adjust the ingredients to accommodate those with allergies or vegetarians.
Please enjoy the gourmet food of Miyazu that you can only eat here.
If you contact us at least 3 days prior to your stay, we will provide free transportation from Amanohashidate Station to the inn.
Please take advantage of this service when celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or traveling with your special partner.
| Hoshino oto Adress：2686 Hioki, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto 626-0225 TEL：0772-27-1101（ 9:00-18:00） Mail：yoyaku@hoshino-oto.jp HP：https://www.hoshino-oto.jp/ |
【MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS】Excellent access! Recommended for families
All-suite type villas limited to 4 groups per day.
A private pool for small children and adults alike, and rooms with hot spring baths offer a spectacular view of Miyazu Bay.
In the private garden, there is an open-air bath with Jacuzzi and a fire pit.
You can spend a luxurious time in the flickering flames.
For meals, in addition to the “Glamping BBQ Plan” using Japanese black beef, there is also the winter-only “Crab Marche Plan” that you can enjoy in the comfort of your room.
A kids’ plate is also available for children, so the whole family can enjoy the delicious Miyazu and Amanohashidate gourmet meals.
MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS is only a 10-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station!
We recommend it for those who place importance on accessibility.
If you have too much luggage to walk, you can take a taxi. If you have too much luggage to walk, you can take a cab.
We will refund the cab fare from Amanohashidate Station to the inn.
| MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS Adress：1058-13 Mangen, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto 626-0002 TEL：050-3161-4573（ 9:00-18:00） HP：https://en.mezzo-allsuite.com/ |
【MARINETOPIA THE SUITE】Family gatherings around the hearth
“Marinetopia the Suites” is located on a hill overlooking the natural beauty of Amanohashidate.
There are a total of 13 suite villas, all of which are single rooms for private use.
This suite is also equipped with a private pool and natural hot spring, so you can relax and unwind from your trip in a luxurious space.
For meals, in addition to the “Glamping BBQ Plan” using Japanese black beef, there is also a winter-only Crab Marche Plan where you can enjoy a meal with your family around a hearth where you can enjoy a traditional atmosphere.
A kids’ plate is also available for children, so the whole family can enjoy delicious Miyazu and Amanohashidate gourmet meals together.
If you contact us at least 3 days prior to your stay, we will provide free transportation from Amanohashidate Station to the inn.
We hope you will take advantage of this service for your trip with your family or your loved ones.
| MARINETOPIA THE SUITE Adress：3700-6 Hioki, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto 626-0225 TEL：050-3161-4574（ 10:00-18:00） HP：https://www.marinetopia-suite.com/ |
