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Have you ever heard of “Amanohashidate”? It’s a sandbar located in Miyazu Bay, northern Kyoto Prefecture, and is known as one of the “Three Scenic Views of Japan.” One of the best places to admire its stunning beauty is “Amanohashidate Viewland.”
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how to get to Amanohashidate Viewland from Amanohashidate Station, to detailed highlights within the park. Based on our own experience, we’ll show you the famous “Matanozoki” (Upside-Down Viewing Spot), kid-friendly attractions, dining options, and more.
There’s especially a lot of useful information for families with kids! We’ve packed in practical tips like how to get there, how much time to plan, and details about child-friendly facilities. Plus, we experienced both the monorail ride on the way up and the lift ride on the way down to enjoy the amazing scenery twice as much!
If you’re planning a trip to Amanohashidate Viewland or are simply interested in Japan’s spectacular scenic spots, this article will help you make the most of your Kyoto journey.
For a detailed look at the highlights of Amanohashidate Viewland, check out the article below:
Read more about Highlights of Amanohashidate Viewland
Let’s dive into all the charms Amanohashidate Viewland has to offer!
To get to Amanohashidate Viewland, first walk from Amanohashidate Station to the monorail boarding area. (About a 5-minute walk)
As long as you make the correct right turn, the rest of the walk is very straightforward.
You’ll see clear signs for the lift and monorail boarding area along the way.
Make a right turn where there’s a large sign marked with a “P”.
A big guide sign will tell you exactly where to turn, so there’s no chance of getting lost.
Cross the railroad crossing.
After crossing the tracks, take the right-hand path.
On the right-hand side, you’ll see a parking lot for Amanohashidate Viewland. (Cars: 700 yen, Motorcycles: 400 yen)
You’ve arrived at the Lift & Monorail Boarding Area for Amanohashidate Viewland.
Go ahead and buy your round-trip ticket and entrance ticket for Amanohashidate Viewland at the ticket window.
The entrance ticket and round-trip ticket for the lift or monorail come bundled together, so you only need to buy one combined ticket here.
You can pay with cash, credit card, or QR code payment options.
You can choose between the lift or monorail when boarding.
We chose the monorail for the trip up. Head up the stairs to the monorail boarding platform.
There’s a waiting room in the back where you can wait until departure.
The view from the monorail was great! The ride takes about 7 minutes.
You’ve reached the top and arrived at Amanohashidate Viewland.
There are several scenic spots in Viewland where you can get sweeping views of Amanohashidate and Miyazu Bay.
We especially recommend the Hiryukan Corridor, which offers a particularly stunning view.
Now for the climax of your visit to Amanohashidate Viewland—the famous Hiryukan view.
The view is absolutely breathtaking.
Everyone captures their favorite shot of Amanohashidate.
Use the “Chie-no-Wa Lantern” (Ring of Wisdom Lantern) set up in the area to snap a nice photo.
Viewland features the “Hiryukan Corridor,” an elevated walkway where you can climb higher for an even better view.
Once you reach the top, the view of Amanohashidate becomes even more spectacular.
This is the best spot for seeing Amanohashidate, and we highly recommend it.
Kawarake Throwing is a traditional fortune-telling game. If your unglazed clay disc passes through the ring, your wish is said to come true. (300 yen per throw)
Write your wish on the disc and throw it toward the ring.
Amanohashidate Viewland has plenty of fun for families—it’s also a charming mini amusement park.
There’s a mini SL (steam locomotive), Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and kids’ corner, making it enjoyable even for younger children.
Besides the kids’ attractions, there’s also archery and go-karts—fun even for adults.
To enjoy these attractions (except the kids’ corner), you’ll need to purchase tickets from the ticket machine located in the center of the park.
There are family-friendly amenities like nursing rooms, rest areas, and even free umbrella rentals for rainy days.
There’s also a small souvenir shop selling items like tea, candy, and postcards.
Toilets are clearly marked and conveniently located so that even if your kids suddenly need to go, you won’t have any trouble.
Here’s the designated smoking area.
Viewland features a large dining area called the “Observation Restaurant,” so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to eat.
The view of Amanohashidate from right in front of the restaurant is also beautiful.
In addition to the Observation Restaurant, there’s also a café. Since it’s located next to the kids’ corner, you can enjoy a relaxing coffee break on the wooden deck while your children play nearby.
You can check the menu for the Observation Restaurant and the café on the official website.
https://www.viewland.jp/restaurant/
We took the monorail to go up, but just like on the way up, you can choose between the monorail or the lift for your descent.
We highly recommend taking the lift on the way down. The open-air ride offers a liberating feeling and allows you to fully soak in the stunning view of Amanohashidate.
Amanohashidate Viewland lets you enjoy one of Japan’s most iconic scenic spots, while keeping your kids entertained and happy. It’s also family-friendly, and the compact size makes it easy to explore without getting too tired.
No stress, no confusion—just a fun, laid-back time. There are benches throughout the park where you can relax, and there are also low-key attractions that adults will enjoy, making it a great spot for girls’ trips or couples too.
The average visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s easy to access, offers spectacular views, and is packed with attractions for both adults and children!
If you’re going to enjoy one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, be sure to make a stop at Amanohashidate Viewland.
