Amanohashidate in Kyoto, Japan, is a place of traditional Japanese culture and wonderful natural scenery.
Amanohashidate in Kyoto is a place of traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty, and is attracting attention from Japan and abroad as a spot for good fortune, with legends about dragons.
However, it is not an easy place to visit from Tokyo, as it takes less than 5 hours one way and costs from 15,000 to 35,000 yen. However, Amanohashidate has many attractions that other places do not have!
So, in this issue, we will introduce how to get to Amanohashidate from Tokyo, tips to make your trip easier, and ways to fully enjoy your travel time!
Access to Amanohashidate from Tokyo
There are several ways to get to Amanohashidate from Tokyo.
Among them, we recommend the following means.
Recommendation: Shinkansen + Highway buses or Shinkansen + Express train
The most common way to get to Amanohashidate from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen and Highway buses, or the Shinkansen and limited express train.
Alternatively, visitors can fly from Haneda to Osaka and then take Highway buses or express trains.
【Recommendation! Tokyo→Amanohashidate Transportation Comparison Chart】
Required time | Price | Transfer | |
| Shinkansen + Highway bus | About 4hours30min | 17,000 yen and up | 1 |
| Shinkansen + express train | About 4hours25min | 19,000 yen and up | 1 |
【(Reference) Transportation from Tokyo to Amanohashidate Comparison chart】
| Required time | Price | Transfer | |
| Airplane + Highway buses | About4hours40min | 33,000円yen and up | 1 |
| Night bus + Highway buses | About10hours | 9,000円yen and up | 1 |
| Car | About6hours30min | 13,000円yen and up | 0 |
Please note that exact prices and travel times may vary depending on the season and time of day, so use the following information as a general guide.
Traveling from Tokyo to Amanohashidate takes over 4.5 hours regardless of which mode of transportation you choose. Since there’s no airport near Amanohashidate, if you prefer to fly, the best option is to take a flight from Haneda Airport to Osaka Itami Airport, then transfer to a highway bus from there to Amanohashidate.
For those considering driving, the journey from Tokyo to Amanohashidate takes approximately 6.5 hours by car. This option is ideal for travelers who find it more relaxing to stay in one vehicle rather than transferring between different modes of transportation.
If you’re looking to keep costs down, there’s also the option of combining an overnight bus with a highway bus.
Next, we’ll introduce the two most recommended routes in more detail:
【Shinkansen + Highway Bus】 and 【Shinkansen + Limited Express Train】.
[Shinkansen + Highway Bus] Traveling from Tokyo to Amanohashidate
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, then transfer to a highway bus from Kyoto to Amanohashidate.
[Traveling by Shinkansen + Highway Bus]
① Tokyo Station → Kyoto Station
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes / ¥14,170
(example using the JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi”)
② Kyoto Station → Amanohashidate Station
Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes / ¥3,100 and up
(using the Tango Kairiku Kotsu Kyoto Line highway bus)
The Shinkansen runs frequently, with departures every 3 to 15 minutes. From Kyoto to Amanohashidate, there are five highway bus departures each day—at 7:20, 9:00, 12:25, 16:20, and 18:20. Be sure to plan your Shinkansen ride to align with the bus schedule.
The ride from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi” takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. A reserved seat on the Nozomi typically costs around ¥14,000, though you may be able to get a lower fare with early-bird discounts.
All seats on the highway bus are reserved, so you’ll need to purchase your ticket in advance. Tickets can be bought at bus terminals, by phone, online, or at convenience stores.
【Shinkansen + Limited Express Train】 Traveling from Tokyo to Amanohashidate
If you travel from Tokyo to Amanohashidate using the Shinkansen and a limited express train, the total journey takes just under 4.5 hours and costs slightly under ¥20,000.
【Traveling by Shinkansen + Limited Express Train】
① Tokyo Station → Kyoto Station
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes / ¥14,170
(example using the JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi”)
② Kyoto Station → Amanohashidate Station
Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes / ¥4,790
(using a limited express train such as the “Hashidate”)
As mentioned above, the ride from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes using the JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi.” If you’re looking to save a bit, booking early can help you get a better deal.
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate, you can take the Limited Express Hashidate, which offers a direct connection—no transfers needed—and takes around 2 hours. The fare for a reserved ordinary seat is ¥4,790, but this can vary slightly: it’s ¥200 cheaper during the off-season and ¥200 more during peak travel periods.
This route is ideal for travelers who want to skip sightseeing in Kyoto and head straight to Amanohashidate, or for those who prefer a smooth transfer within JR lines without exiting the station.
【Sightseeing Train】Take a Scenic Sightseeing Train in Japan
The trip from Tokyo to Amanohashidate may be a long one—but why not turn that travel time into one of the highlights of your adventure?
From Kyoto onward, you can hop on one of the scenic sightseeing trains operated by the Kyoto Tango Railway: the Akamatsu, Aomatsu, or Kuromatsu. Each train has its own unique charm and design, created by renowned railway designer Eiji Mitooka.
Whether it’s beautifully crafted interiors, panoramic seaside views, or gourmet meals served onboard, these trains offer more than just transportation—they elevate your entire travel experience. With great food, stunning scenery, and a touch of elegance, this is a journey you’ll remember long after you arrive.
【Travel Tips for Visiting Amanohashidate】 Money-Saving Ticket Options
If you’re planning to fully explore the Amanohashidate area and the Kyoto Tango Railway line, we highly recommend taking advantage of the special travel passes offered by Kyoto Tango Railway.
These value-packed tickets allow unlimited rides on local attractions such as the Amanohashidate sightseeing boat, the Kasamatsu Park cable car and lift, and the Ine Bay sightseeing cruise. Be sure to check them out—they’re a great way to save while making the most of your trip!
Kyoto Tango Railway One-Day Pass
This one-day pass offers unlimited rides on local, rapid, and limited express trains (including both reserved and non-reserved seats in ordinary cars) on the Kyoto Tango Railway, also known as the “Tantetsu Line.”
One of the best parts about the Tantetsu Line is that it covers three scenic routes across northern Kyoto, making it easy to explore the entire region at your own pace.
If you have a one-day pass, there’s no need to buy individual tickets every time you board—super convenient, right?
However, do note that the Limited Express Tango Akamatsu requires a separate seat reservation ticket.
Also, be aware that this pass cannot be used during peak tourist seasons such as spring break, summer vacation, and winter holidays.
| Kyoto Tango Railway One-Day Pass Price: ¥2,500 for adults / ¥1,250 for children Not valid during: April 25 – May 10 August 10 – August 20 December 20 – January 15 (of the following year) |
Sea of Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Free Pass (1-Day / 2-Day)
This all-in-one free pass gives you unlimited access to all local, rapid, and limited express trains (non-reserved seats) across the entire Kyoto Tango Railway network—and lets you enjoy popular sightseeing spots around Amanohashidate as well.
You can ride the Amanohashidate sightseeing boat across the famous sandbar, take in the stunning view from Kasamatsu Park’s “Matanozoki” lookout, and then cruise past the iconic boathouses of Ine Bay—all with ease.
As a bonus, pass holders receive special discounts on the round-trip fare for the mountain shuttle bus and on bicycle rentals in the Amanohashidate area, making your sightseeing even more convenient and affordable.
| Kyoto of the Sea: Amanohashidate & Ine Free Pass (1-Day / 2-Day Options) What’s Included: Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat ticket Cable car & lift access to Kasamatsu Park (famous for the “Matanozoki” viewpoint) Ine Bay Sightseeing Cruise ticket Price: 1-Day Pass: ¥3,550 for adults / ¥1,780 for children 2-Day Pass: ¥4,550 for adults / ¥2,280 for children Bonus Perks for Pass Holders: Mountain shuttle bus (round-trip): ¥720 → ¥400 Amanohashidate bicycle rental (1 hour): ¥400 → ¥200 |
Other options include the 4-Company Pass (Kōfuku Pass), which offers unlimited rides on trains and buses in the Northern Kinki area for 3 days, and the Family Day Out Ticket, perfect for weekend family trips.
For details, please check the official website!
NEW! Limited “Miyazu-go” Commemorative Ticket for Commencement of Service
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Kyoto Tango Railway Miyazu Line, a special revival train called the “Miyazu” began service on February 1, 2025. This train is modeled after the classic Kiro 28 series that ran during the Japan National Railways era in the 1980s.
To mark the occasion, a special commemorative ticket is now on sale. It offers unlimited rides on local and rapid trains across the Tango Railway network for one day. You can hop on and off as many times as you like during the valid date.
Only 4,000 of these commemorative tickets are available, and sales will end once they’re sold out. Each ticket features a retro design of the Miyazu train and comes with two original pin badges.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a piece of railway history.
| “Miyazu” Commemorative Ticket On Sale: From February 1, 2025 (until all 4,000 tickets are sold) Validity: Valid for 1 day of unlimited rides within 1 month from issue date Price: ¥2,000 (Adult) / ¥1,000 (Child) Bonus: Includes 2 original pin badges Available At: Fukuchiyama, Nishi-Maizuru, Miyazu, Amanohashidate, and Toyooka Stations Note: Not sold online or via travel agencies. No refunds. Official Website: https://trains.willer.co.jp/planned_ticket/ |
【MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS】 Recommended Accommodation for Exploring the Amanohashidate Area
Relax After the Journey with Fine Dining and a Private Onsen Stay
After a long trip, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a delicious meal and a soothing soak in an onsen.
For your stay in the Amanohashidate area, we recommend Marinetopia Resort, where you can enjoy fresh local seafood from northern Kyoto and relax in a private hot spring.
Among their accommodations, MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS stands out for its unbeatable location—just a 10-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station.
This exclusive villa-style property offers only 4 suites per day, making it an ideal choice for couples, families, or small groups of friends seeking privacy and comfort.
Worried about carrying heavy luggage? No problem—taxi fares from Amanohashidate Station to the hotel will be reimbursed.
Dining options include a luxurious glamping BBQ plan featuring premium Japanese Black Wagyu, and in winter, a seasonal “Crab Marche” course served in your room for a more relaxed experience.
Whether you’re traveling with loved ones, family, or friends, MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS offers the perfect retreat to complete your trip in style.
| MEZZO ALL SUITE VILLAS Address: 1058-13 Mannen, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Phone: 050-3161-4573 (Reception Hours: 9:00–18:00) Official Website: https://www.mezzo-allsuite.jp/ |
