[Kyoto] How to Enjoy Amanohashidate – A 2-Day Model Course from Kyoto to Amanohashidate & Ine

Just about two hours north of Kyoto City lies Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s most breathtaking landscapes and listed among the country’s Top 100 Scenic Views. Often called a “must-see at least once in a lifetime”, this natural wonder is waiting to be explored.

In this 2-day itinerary, we’ll travel from Kyoto to Amanohashidate, stay overnight, and explore not only Amanohashidate but also the charming fishing village of Ine, famous for its traditional “funaya” boathouses. The course includes scenic cycling, sightseeing cruises, historic shrines, and delicious local food.

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DAY1　

On the first day, you’ll head out from Kyoto to explore Amanohashidate’s historic spots and natural scenery. Look forward to cycling along pine-covered sandbars and cruising past Ine’s boathouses.

Dep.  8:38  am  →  Arr. 10:45 am

Train Access
Depart Kyoto Station 8:38 → Arrive Amanohashidate Station 10:45
Take the Limited Express Hashidate for a direct 2-hour ride. Passing through Nijo, Kameoka, and Fukuchiyama, you’ll see the scenery gradually transform from urban streets to lush countryside.

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Get All-Inclusive Free Pass at Amanohashidate Station
Since you will be hopping on bicycles cable cars, buses, and sightseeing boats, the Amanohashidate & Ine Free Pass (1 or 2 days) is the best deal. You can purchase it at the station or reserve online in advance.

11:00 am – Chion-ji Temple : Discover the True Meaning of “Wisdom”

A 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station brings you to Chion-ji Temple, famous for the deity of wisdom, Monju Bosatsu. Many students come here to pray for academic success, but the wisdom of Monju goes beyond exams—it’s about seeing clearly and making the right judgments in life.

Don’t miss the Suehiro fan-shaped omikuji. Tie your fortune slip to the pine trees to wish for happiness and prosperity that expands endlessly, just like an open fan.

Time needed: 30–60 minutes

12:00 pm – Snack Stop : Taste the Legendary “Chie-no-mochi” Rice Cakes

Around Chion-ji Temple, several old teahouses line the street. Only four shops are allowed to make the famous Chie-no-mochi—a sweet said to “grant wisdom when eaten.” These soft, stretchy rice cakes with rich azuki bean paste are handmade daily with precise adjustments depending on humidity and temperature.

Shops:
・Yoshino Chaya
・Kanesuke Chaya
・Kan’nana Chaya
・Chitose Chaya

This delicacy isn’t sold online or at stations, so don’t miss your chance to try it here!

12:30 pm – Lunch at Café du Pin Chitose

This café offers stunning views of Amanohashidate’s pine bridge and the unique rotating drawbridge that turns 90° to let boats pass—sometimes up to 50 times a day.

Order the local specialty Sardine Burger. The oil sardines are handmade using fresh sardines and high-quality oil, resulting in a light yet flavorful taste you won’t find anywhere else.

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13:30 pm  – Cycling Across Amanohashidate

Rent a bike at Amanohashidate Pier and ride across the 3.6 km sandbar lined with about 6,700 pine trees.

 Walking takes 50 minutes, but biking lets you cross in 20. You can return the bike at Ichinomiya Pier on the other side.

14:00 pm – Motoise Kono Shrine & Manai Shrine: Recharge at a Sacred Power Spot

At the far side of Amanohashidate, return your bike and walk to Motoise Kono Shrine, considered the spiritual predecessor of Ise Grand Shrine. Its imperial crest and sacred decorations reveal its prestige.

A 15-minute walk further leads to the hidden Manai Shrine, home to sacred stones (iwakura) worshipped as divine dwellings before shrines existed. 

The deities enshrined include Izanagi and Izanami, the mythical creators of Japan. Standing here, surrounded by old-growth forest and the sound of flowing spring water, you really do feel that raw, mystical power. It’s less about sightseeing and more about feeling the roots of Japan’s spirituality.

Time needed: About 1 hour total

15:00 pm– Check-in at Hoshino-Oto

Unwind at the luxurious Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshino-Oto, where each of the 7 suites comes with private indoor and outdoor hot spring baths using two kinds of mineral waters.

 In the lounge, enjoy a free welcome sweets & drinks service (15:00–17:30) with sparkling wine, juices, and desserts.

16:00 pm – Evening Cruise at Ine Bay

From the Amanohashidate area, a sightseeing cruise offers a stunning journey to Ine, home to its famous “Funaya” boat houses. This district is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where the timeless atmosphere of a traditional fishing town remains beautifully intact.

At sunset, when the fading light paints the sky and sea in brilliant shades of red, the beauty is so profound it can leave you speechless.

Private Charter Cruises
For those wishing to charter a boat for a private experience, a charter cruising option is available. This 60-minute tour allows you to leisurely cruise the area, ensuring a luxurious and exclusive time.

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Hoshino / Kanon – An Exquisite Creative Cuisine Experience by a Master Chef

Dinner is an exceptional experience at “Kanon” the restaurant attached to Hoshino, where you can savor creative cuisine crafted by a master chef.

 The menu features an imaginative selection that highlights the pure essence of premium ingredients: fresh seafood from nearby fishing ports, Wagyu beef, local chicken, domestic pork, and completely pesticide-free vegetables from their own farm. Each dish is a unique masterpiece you won’t find anywhere else.

If notified at the time of reservation, the chef can adjust the menu to accommodate allergies or dietary preferences, including vegetarian requests, ensuring every guest can enjoy the meal. We highly recommend indulging in this artistic culinary journey.

～ About Hoshino ～

“Amanohashidate Rikyu Hoshino” is an exclusive retreat, accepting only seven groups per day to ensure a truly special atmosphere.

Every suite is equipped with both an open-air bath filled with golden-hued hot spring water and an indoor bath with silver-hued water, allowing you to relax completely in private. Soaking in the tranquil waters, you’ll feel your accumulated fatigue and stress gently melt away.

The luxurious furniture and premium bedding in each room further enhance the opulent experience, making it a perfect choice for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant occasions with a loved one.

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DAY2　

Our second day begins at one of Amanohashidate’s classic viewpoints: Kasa Matsu Park. We’ll take the cable car from Fuchu Station to Kasa Matsu Station. If you catch the first cable car at 9:00, you can enjoy a comfortable ride with fewer crowds before the park gets busy!

9:05 am – Kasamatsu Park: Try the Famous “Matanozoki” Upside-Down View

Bend over and look through your legs—the sky and sea flip upside down, making Amanohashidate look like a bridge to heaven! 

 From here, the sandbar resembles a dragon climbing into the sky, earning the name “Shoryukan” (Rising Dragon View). Be sure to try it yourself and see if you can spot the dragon!

The park also features other attractions perfect for couples, such as the “Bell of Wishes” and “Lock of Wishes.” It’s a wonderful spot to make a wish for a harmonious marriage or lasting happiness.

A visit to Kasa Matsu Park typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

10:00 am – Nariai-ji Temple & Panorama Observatory

A short bus ride (under 10 minutes) from Kasa Matsu Park brings you to a hidden gem with spectacular views: Nariai-ji Temple. 

The temple’s name, “Nariai,” comes from the idea of wishes “coming together” to be fulfilled, making it a powerful spot for praying for your dreams to come true.

The temple grounds also feature spots with slightly eerie legends, such as the “Substitute Kannon,” the “Bottomless Pond,” and the “Unstruck Bell.” Knowing these stories before you visit will allow you to appreciate the deep history and unique atmosphere of this place on a much deeper level.

If you’d like to learn more about these fascinating tales, be sure to check out our dedicated article.

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If you have energy to spare, be sure to make the climb up to the Nariai-san Panorama Observatory. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll feel like you can almost touch the clouds while taking in breathtaking views of the entire area.

The scenery is so spectacular that many visitors call it “Amanohashidate’s No. 1 Viewpoint!”

The walk from Nariai-ji Temple to the Panorama Observatory takes about 25 minutes on foot.

After exploring both Nariai-ji Temple and the Panorama Observatory, take the bus back to Kasa Matsu Park. From there, ride the lift down to Kasa Matsu Station to continue your adventure.

For a scenic and breezy descent, we highly recommend taking the lift from Kasa Matsu Park down to Kasa Matsu Station. As you ride, be sure to look up at the illustration of a pinecone on the lift’s canopy—it’s the symbol of Kasa Matsu Park!

From Kasa Matsu Station, you can use your travel pass to board the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat, which will take you back to the Monju area, where Amanohashidate Station is located.

11 : 15 am –  Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat : Try your hand at seagull feeding!

The cruise between Ichinomiya Pier and Amanohashidate Pier takes about 12 minutes. Sightseeing boats depart approximately twice per hour.

It’s a delightful experience to view Amanohashidate from the sea while feeding the seagulls that fly alongside the boat!

11:40 am – Amanohashidate View Land (Hiryukan)

After returning to the Monju side, head to Amanohashidate View Land—another classic viewpoint that stands alongside Kasa Matsu Park.

Here, the “matanozoki” method offers a different perspective known as the “Flying Dragon View,” as the landscape is said to resemble a dragon soaring through the sky. It’s a great spot to compare the scenery with the view from Kasa Matsu Park and see which one you prefer.

Amanohashidate View Land also offers a variety of activities like a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round, as well as restaurants.

The Ferris wheel, in particular, is situated at a significantly greater height than those typically found in cities. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views not only of Amanohashidate itself but also stretching over Miyazu City and towards the town of Ine.

13:00 pm  – Lunch at Auberge Yusai : A Final Luxurious Meal in Amanohashidate

For your final meal in Amanohashidate, indulge at the sophisticated Auberge Yusai. This Japanese-style auberge is meticulous about every detail, from the fresh fish landed at nearby ports and wagyu beef, vegetables, and rice grown in Tango, to even the salt and vinegar used for seasoning. They specialize in a unique cuisine they call “Kyoto-New Wave Washoku.”

We highly recommend the “Kyoto-New Wave Washoku Course.” The dishes, created using cooking techniques designed to maximize the ingredients’ inherent deliciousness—unconstrained by the boundaries of Japanese, Italian, French, or Chinese cuisine—are truly one-of-a-kind.

If you have specific ingredients you’d like to try, such as Tango beef or local pufferfish, the chef can accommodate your request based on your budget.

In all cases, be sure to make your reservation at least 3 days in advance (or 5 days in advance for requests outside the set course menu).

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15:00 pm  – Time for Amanohashidate Souvenirs!

Let’s wrap up the trip with some shopping at the road station! “Michi-no-Eki Umi no Kyoto Miyazu” features places like the “Miyazu Magokoro Ichiba” direct-sales market, which is full of fresh local produce, and the “HAMAKAZE Cafe,” a perfect spot to take a break.

Among the many delights, you’ll find souvenirs you’ll be eager to take home, such as the “Amanohashidate Cheesecake” with its eye-catching packaging that makes everyone do a double-take, Miyazu’s soul food “Curry Yakisoba,” and local sake sourced from breweries in the Tango region.

You can also find sweets inspired by Amanohashidate’s iconic pine tree alley. Be sure to explore and find your own favorite!

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Dep. Miyazu st / 16:02 →Arr. kyoto st / 18:07

And just like that, your wonderful Amanohashidate trip comes to an end. It’s time to head home, carrying with you a treasure trove of memories and souvenirs.

You’ll board the Limited Express “Hashidate No. 6,” arriving at Kyoto Station in about two hours. Be sure to enjoy the passing scenery from your window until the very last moment.

Wrap – Up

We hope this 2-day, 1-night itinerary gives you plenty of ideas for your own trip to Amanohashidate! 

The spots we’ve featured are perfect even for repeat visitors to Japan or those who already love Kyoto’s history and cuisine.

Furthermore, with its selection of locally-recommended restaurants and accommodations, this guide is also ideal for planning a special trip with someone important to you. 

We truly hope you find it useful for creating your own unforgettable journey!