Amanohashidate is a scenic destination in northern Kyoto.
Stretching about 3.6 km and lined with roughly 6,700 pine trees, Amanohashidate is famous for its remarkable natural formation.
It is one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan and a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty. One of the classic ways to enjoy the view is matanozoki, looking at Amanohashidate upside down through your legs from one of the five viewpoints, but there is more to see than that.
This article covers the highlights of Kaisenkyo, an unusual bridge that turns 90 degrees, along with nearby sightseeing spots and how to get there.
Highlights of Kaisenkyo Bridge
Kaisenkyo Bridge connects the Amanohashidate sandbar with the Monju area, where Chion-ji Temple is located.
It is an unusual swing bridge that rotates 90 degrees to allow boats to pass. Until 1960, the bridge was operated manually. As the number of larger vessels increased, it was converted to electric operation.
On busy days, the bridge may rotate around 50 times a day.
The bridge is usually scheduled to rotate at around 9:55 a.m. for the sightseeing boat, and at other times when larger vessels need to pass.
If possible, time your visit to see the bridge rotate.
Kaisenkyo Bridge Rotation Times
• Large vessels: irregularly, as required
• Sightseeing boat: around 9:55 a.m. daily
• Sundays: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 (once an hour between 11:00 and 15:00)
*Rotation may not take place depending on vessel operating conditions.
Getting to Kaisenkyo Bridge
Kaisenkyo is a 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station.
It is located on the Monju side, close to Amanohashidate Station and Amanohashidate View Land, making it easy to visit before walking onto the Amanohashidate sandbar, before boarding the sightseeing boat, or on your way back to the station.
Approximate travel times to Amanohashidate Station from Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo are shown below.
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 |
| Kaisenkyo Bridge Address: 47 Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto Tel: 0772-22-8030 (Amanohashidate Station Tourist Information) Access: Open 24 hours for pedestrian access Closed: No regular closing days Official website: https://www.amanohashidate.jp/spot/%E5%BB%BB%E6%97%8B%E6%A9%8B/ |
Things to See Near Kaisenkyo Bridge
