About two hours from central Kyoto, Amanohashidate is one of northern Kyoto’s best-known scenic destinations.
Amanohashidate is one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan, and it is also associated with legends of dragons. It is regarded as a spiritual destination linked with good fortune.
This article explains the highlights of the Amanohashidate area, its main sightseeing spots, and how to get there. This guide is a useful starting point for first-time visitors to Amanohashidate.
What Is Amanohashidate?
Amanohashidate is a sand spit about 3.6 km long in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, separating Miyazu Bay from the Aso Sea.
A sand spit is a landform created when sand and sediment build up at the tip of a coastal headland, extending outward in a shape resembling a bird’s beak.
Sand has accumulated over thousands of years to create this 3.6-kilometer landform. Together with the roughly 6,700 pine trees growing along it, the sandbar forms a remarkable natural landscape that has long been admired.
It is one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan and a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty. A classic way to enjoy it is matanozoki, looking at the view upside down through your legs from one of the surrounding observation points.
Highlights of Amanohashidate and Its Five Famous Viewpoints
There are many ways to enjoy Amanohashidate, from viewing it from the sea on a sightseeing boat to cycling through the pine grove.
Five observation points are especially well known for their views of Amanohashidate together with the sea.
The five observation points are covered in detail in the article below. It is a useful reference if you are deciding which one to visit.
Main Attractions Around Amanohashidate
How to Get to Amanohashidate
Approximate travel times to Amanohashidate from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo are shown below.
From Kyoto, the journey generally takes around 1.5 to 2.25 hours, depending on the mode of transport.
A car is generally the fastest option, while a limited express train offers a convenient rail connection. The highway bus offers a direct journey with no transfers and is less expensive.
Travel Times to Amanohashidate Station
| Highway bus | Train (limited express) | Car | |
| From Kyoto | Approx. 2 hr 15 min | Approx. 2 hr | Approx. 1 hr 30 min |
| From Osaka | Approx. 2 hr 50 min | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Approx. 2 hr |
| From Tokyo | Approx. 4 hr 30 min (Shinkansen + highway bus) | Approx. 4 hr 25 min (Shinkansen + limited express) | Approx. 6 hr 30 min |
| Amanohashidate Address: Amanohashidate Park, Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture Tel: 0772-22-8030 (Amanohashidate Station Tourist Information) Hours: Open 24 hours for walking and sightseeing Closed: No regular closing days Official website: http://www.amanohashidate.jp/ |
Local Food to Try in the Amanohashidate Area
The Amanohashidate area is known for a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood landed at nearby fishing ports and Tango wagyu beef. Fresh crab is a winter specialty, generally available from around November to March.
The article below introduces places to stay where you can enjoy Amanohashidate cuisine, including live crab.
