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Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. This 3.6 km-long sandbar stretches across Miyazu Bay and Aso Sea, resembling a bridge connecting the sky.
For centuries, poets and travelers have admired its spectacular beauty, and today, it continues to captivate visitors from around the world. With viewpoints, historic temples, and multiple ways to explore—from walking and cycling to sightseeing cruises—Amanohashidate offers a unique experience unlike any other.
This guide introduces the must-see spots from the Monju area in the south to the Fuchu area in the north, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this iconic destination.
Amanohashidate’s attractions can be categorized into three key areas: the sandbar itself and the surrounding tourist hubs on both the northern and southern ends.
Monju Area (Southside): The most bustling part of Amanohashidate, featuring the sightseeing cruise terminal, Amanohashidate View Land, and Chion-ji Temple, a famous site for academic success prayers. With Amanohashidate Station located here, this area is the ideal starting point for your journey, offering many restaurants and souvenir shops.
Fuchu Area (Northside): A serene, historically rich region home to Motoise Kono Shrine, which has deep ties to Ise Grand Shrine, and its sacred inner shrine, Manai Shrine. This area also features Kasamatsu Park, a panoramic viewpoint offering a unique perspective of Amanohashidate.
While Miyazu City’s central area near Miyazu Station and other vantage points like Sesshū-kan Rest Area (east of Amanohashidate) and Ichijikan Park (west side) also offer stunning views, this guide focuses on the must-visit Monju and Fuchu areas for their accessibility and top attractions.
One of the most iconic views of Amanohashidate can be enjoyed from Amanohashidate View Land, a hilltop park overlooking the sandbar from the south. The “Flying Dragon View” (Hiryukan) from here makes the sandbar appear like a dragon soaring into the sky—a sight unique to this location.
Visitors can reach the park via monorail or a scenic chairlift ride, both taking approximately five minutes. The chairlift, in particular, offers an open-air experience with refreshing breezes.
Beyond the panoramic viewpoint, the park includes attractions like a Ferris wheel, go-karts, and a mini steam locomotive, making it a fun spot for families and couples. There are also cafes and restaurants, providing a great place to relax while soaking in the scenery.
The breathtaking view alone makes this a must-visit spot, where every step brings new excitement and awe.
Read more about Amanohashidate View Land
Located in the heart of the Monju area, Chion-ji Temple is a revered Buddhist temple known as the “Temple of Wisdom.” It has long been a pilgrimage site for students and those seeking academic success, making it one of Japan’s three major Monju temples.
One of the most striking features of Chion-ji is its grand Sanmon gate, which creates a powerful first impression. The temple grounds also house sacred structures such as the Mikage-do Hall, Shaka-do Hall, and Amida-do Hall, each exuding an atmosphere of solemnity and history.
A stroll along the temple’s approach reveals shops selling Chie Mochi (Wisdom Rice Cakes), a specialty of the area. Many visitors stop by after their prayers to enjoy this local delicacy, making for a well-rounded experience of spirituality, history, and traditional flavors.
| Name | Chion - ji Temple |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Address | 466 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto 626 - 0001, Japan |
| Official Website | https://www.monjudo - chionji.jp/ |
| @monjudou_chionji |
Connecting the Monju area with the Amanohashidate sandbar, the Rotating Bridge (Kaisenkyō) is a fascinating structure that pivots 90 degrees to allow sightseeing boats to pass through. If you’re lucky, you might witness the bridge in action—a rare sight that adds a fun surprise to your visit!
| Address | 47 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto 626 - 0001, Japan |
|---|
For a comfortable and scenic way to experience Amanohashidate, the sightseeing boat is highly recommended. This boat service connects the Fuchu, Monju, and Miyazu areas, making it an efficient mode of transport for visitors.
Walking or cycling the full length of the sandbar can be tiring, but taking the sightseeing boat allows you to enjoy the views from the sea while giving your legs a break.
One suggested itinerary is to rent a bicycle in the Monju area, cycle across the sandbar to the Fuchu area, return the bike there, and then take the sightseeing boat back to Monju. This lets you experience the sandbar from multiple perspectives while keeping your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Onboard, visitors can feed seagulls and black-tailed gulls, which often fly close to the boat, creating a unique and entertaining experience. Additionally, the reflection of Amanohashidate on the calm waters enhances the boat ride’s scenic beauty.
| Name & Operator | Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat (Tango Kairiku Kotsu Co., Ltd.) |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Boarding Locations | There are three boarding points: Amanohashidate Pier, Ichinomiya Pier, and Miyazu Pier. |
| Official Website | https://www.amano - hashidate.com/sightseeingboat/ |
| @amanohashidatesightseeingboat |
The Amanohashidate Pine Grove, stretching about 3.6 km in a gentle arc, is the heart of Amanohashidate’s breathtaking scenery. This sandbar, flanked by Aso Sea and Miyazu Bay, is lined with approximately 8,000 pine trees, creating an enchanting natural tunnel.
This path is perfect for a scenic stroll or a refreshing bicycle ride. Walking through this mystical landscape, surrounded by sky, sea, and lush greenery, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Amanohashidate.
Along the way, visitors can stop at points of interest such as Iso-Shimizu, a natural fresh water spring selected as one of Japan’s 100 best water sources, despite being surrounded by the sea. Another highlight is Amanohashidate Shrine, a serene, sacred site blending nature with spiritual tradition.
While it is possible to walk the entire path, renting a bicycle for a one-way trip and taking the sightseeing boat back is a popular option. This allows visitors to enjoy the landscape at their own pace without feeling exhausted.
For those planning to walk, be mindful of the time required. The average walking speed for an adult male is about 5 km/h, meaning the 3.6 km route would take approximately 43 minutes to complete.
| Name | Amanohashidate |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Address | Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto 626 - 0001, Japan |
| Official Website | https://www.amanohashidate.jp/ |
| @amanohashidate.tourism (Amanohashidate Tourism Association) |
Located in the Fuchu area, Motoise Kono Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine historically linked to the Ise Grand Shrine. According to legend, the deities Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami were first enshrined here before being relocated to Ise, making it one of the significant “Moto-Ise” shrines in Japan.
The shrine’s main and worship halls follow the architectural style of Ise Grand Shrine, and the grounds feature relics from ancient Shinto practices, such as protective komainu (guardian lion-dog statues) from the Kamakura period.
A visit to Motoise Kono Shrine offers not just a connection to nature but also a deep insight into Japan’s religious and historical roots.
| Name | Motoise Kono Shrine |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | [Feb – Nov] 7:30 am – 5:00 pm [Dec – Jan] 7:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Address | 430 Ouchi, Miyazu City, Kyoto 629 - 2242, Japan |
| Official Website | https://www.motoise.jp/ |
A short walk north from Motoise Kono Shrine leads to Manai Shrine, the shrine’s inner sanctuary and one of the most spiritually significant places in Amanohashidate. The area is deeply connected to ancient Japanese spirituality and exudes a tranquil, otherworldly atmosphere.
Some parts of the shrine are considered so sacred that photography is strictly prohibited, preserving the quiet reverence of the space.
Manai Shrine is more than a sightseeing destination—it’s a place for quiet reflection and spiritual connection. Visitors are encouraged to explore it with deep respect.
| Name | Manai Shrine |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | [Feb – Nov] 7:30 am – 5:00 pm [Dec – Jan] 7:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Address | 905 Nakano, Miyazu City, Kyoto 629 - 2232, Japan |
| Official Website | https://www.motoise.jp/about/okunomiya/ |
Perched on the mountainside of the Fuchu area, Kasamatsu Park offers a breathtaking northward view of Amanohashidate. From here, the sandbar appears like a dragon ascending to the heavens, giving rise to its name: the “Rising Dragon View” (Shoryukan). This stunning perspective contrasts with the Flying Dragon View seen from Amanohashidate View Land.
Visitors can reach the park via cable car or chairlift, both of which take about four minutes to ascend. The ride itself is a delightful experience, providing picturesque glimpses of the surrounding scenery.
AmaTerrace – Source: AmaTerrace | Visit Amanohashidate (Tango Kairiku Kotsu)
At Kasamatsu Park, visitors can also try “Matanozoki” (Upside-Down Viewing), a unique tradition that makes Amanohashidate appear as if it’s floating in the sky. Additionally, the Kawarake-nage (ceramic disc throwing) activity allows visitors to test their luck.
The park is home to AmaTerrace, a complex featuring a restaurant, café, and souvenir shop, ensuring visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience beyond the scenic views.
| Name | Kasamatsu Park |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Address | 75 Ouchi, Miyazu City, Kyoto 629 - 2242, Japan |
| Official Website | https://www.amano - hashidate.com/kasamatsu_park/ |
| @amanohashidate_kasamatsu_park |
The locations introduced in this guide form a well-balanced itinerary, combining natural beauty, cultural significance, and accessibility. Whether on foot, by bicycle, or by sightseeing boat, Amanohashidate offers a seamless and fulfilling travel experience.
Visiting Amanohashidate reveals why it is considered one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views and continues to captivate people across generations.
From the Monju area in the south to the Fuchu area in the north, the 3.6 km-long pine-covered sandbar stretches like a natural wonder sculpted by time. Whether you witness the Flying Dragon View from View Land or the Rising Dragon View from Kasamatsu Park, Amanohashidate’s majestic presence is undeniable.
Beyond the scenic views, the area is rich in history and spirituality, with landmarks like Chion-ji Temple, Motoise Kono Shrine, and Manai Shrine, which offer glimpses into Japan’s deep-rooted religious traditions. These places allow visitors to connect with the past and experience a sense of timeless reverence.
Amanohashidate’s enduring appeal lies in its perfect harmony of breathtaking scenery, historical significance, and mystical allure.
From the shimmering sea to the whispering pines, from ancient shrines to panoramic viewpoints, every aspect of Amanohashidate creates a travel experience unlike any other.
If you’re seeking a destination that encapsulates Japan’s natural beauty, culture, and history in one place, look no further than Amanohashidate.
