Amanohashidate: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Amanohashidate is a spectacular scenic area located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, recognized as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. A beautiful sandbar stretching approximately 3.6 kilometers connects Miyazu Bay with the inland sea of Aso Bay. The sight of around 8,000 pine trees lined up along this formation resembles a “bridge to heaven,” which is the origin of its name.

The famous way to enjoy Amanohashidate’s scenery is through the unique “Matanozoki” (viewing between the legs) experience. This can be enjoyed at Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate View Land. When viewed through this distinctive method, Amanohashidate appears upside down and resembles a dragon floating in the sky, which is why it’s also called “Hiryu-kan” (flying dragon view).

The surrounding area features historic temples and shrines such as Chionji Temple and Motoise Kono Shrine, allowing visitors to experience Kyoto’s deep history and culture. Local cuisine using fresh seafood from Miyazu Bay is another attraction, particularly delicacies such as the premium “Tango-guji” fish and locally raised “Tango beef.”

Access to Amanohashidate takes about 2 hours by express train from Kyoto Station, or about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Osaka. While it requires some travel time, this distance has preserved its quiet atmosphere and calm environment with fewer crowds, which is actually an attraction for travelers who want to escape the urban bustle. Amanohashidate is a hidden gem in Kyoto where you can enjoy Japan’s beautiful nature, history, culture, and cuisine all at once, making it well worth the journey.