Discover Amanohashidate’s Oceanside Charm in Northern Kyoto

Amanohashidate may seem off the beaten path at first glance, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach from Kyoto Station. This makes it an ideal day trip for those already staying in the Kansai region. The journey itself is like a breath of fresh air, offering a scenic escape through the rolling landscapes and rural charm of Japan. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking coastline of the Japan Sea. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy fresh seafood dishes, locally brewed sake, and sweeping ocean views.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Amanohashidate is surrounded by a handful of coastal towns worth exploring. Just a short distance away are towns like Kyotango, Ine, and Maizuru, each brimming with unique experiences. Take a dip in the tranquil hot springs of Kyotango, visit Ine’s picturesque boathouses, or stroll through Maizuru’s historic red brick buildings from its naval past. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a day filled with adventure, Amanohashidate offers the best of both worlds.

There are several train options for getting to Amanohashidate. From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Limited Express Hashidate and ride until the last stop, a scenic two-hour ride. From Osaka, catch the JR Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station, then transfer to the JR limited express Hashidate and ride until Amanohashidate, which takes about 2.5 hours, making it an easy day trip. For those starting in Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and then transfer to the JR Limited Express Hashidate. While it’s a longer trip, the combination of high-speed rail and scenic local trains makes it a worthwhile journey. Note that the Limited Express trains are reservation-only and require a separate seating ticket in addition to your regular fare.

Amanohashidate offers a variety of attractions that showcase both its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone in and around this coastal paradise. Below are some of the top things to see and do while you’re visiting the area.

● Amanohashidate Viewland: Perched on Mt. Monju and accessible by cable car, this spot offers breathtaking panoramic views and a range of family-friendly attractions.

● Chion-ji Temple: Chion-ji Temple is one of Japan’s three Monju temples, and is famed for its wisdom blessings and its massive Zen Buddhist gate, the largest in the Tango region.

● Amanohashidate Sandbar: Stroll along the iconic sandbar, which stretches over 3 kilometers, offering ocean views and peaceful surroundings.

● Amanohashidate Shrine: This shrine stands in the center of Amanohashidate and offers a quiet retreat.

● Motoise Kono Shrine: Located north of Amanohashidate, this shrine is famous for once housing the deities Amaterasu and Toyo-uke Daijin, and for its rare five-colored “suedama.”

● Kasamatsu Park: Located between Motoise Kono Shrine and Nariai-ji Temple, Kasamatsu Park boasts a restaurant with panoramic views of Amanohashidate and is an iconic photo spot.

● Nariai-ji Temple: Nariai-ji Temple offers stunning views of Amanohashidate and a picturesque scene with its five-story pagoda, especially during the autumn.

● Tango Kuro-matsu: This scenic train runs along the coastline, offering passengers stunning views of the Japan Sea and providing a unique and relaxing way to take in the region’s beauty.

Amanohashidate also has relaxing accommodations and delicious local cuisine to enjoy. Try staying in one of the many onsen retreats, relaxing in a seaside café, or tasting Miyazu’s freshest local seafood. You’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs in Amanohashidate. Here are some places to stay and eat during your visit.

Where to Stay:

For a truly immersive experience, stay at Monjusou, a ryokan offering breathtaking views of the Amanohashidate sandbar and its iconic pine trees. With a history dating back to 1690, it has welcomed visitors through 13 generations under various names. Surrounded by historical temples, scenic viewpoints, and seasonal delights like Ishigama cuisine, Monjusou is the perfect base for exploring the natural and cultural wonders of the area.

Another option is Amanohashidate Hotel. Located just a minute’s walk from Amanohashidate Station, this hotel offers a perfect blend of convenience and stunning views. The hotel features 13 natural onsen, or hot spring baths, each inspired by the legend of Amanohashidate, including an open-air bath with a view of this iconic scenic spot. You can enjoy seasonal kaiseki dining, with a winter specialty of crab, all while taking in the serene landscape of Amanohashidate from your room.

Where to Eat:

Looking for a cozy spot to unwind after exploring Amanohashidate? Café du Pin Chitose is the perfect escape, with its French Western-style flair in a traditional Japanese-style house. The café serves up rustic sandwiches, coffee, and decadent desserts. As you relax, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the Kaisenkyo Bridge, a unique swing bridge that rotates to let boats pass.

For those craving a fresh seafood feast, Tsuruya Shokudo is the place to be. Located down a quiet, stone-paved street behind Motoise Kono Shrine, this cozy, teahouse-like restaurant offers a warm and rustic atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed meal. Known for its fresh catches from the local area, Tsuruya Shokudo also serves up one-of-a-kind dishes like purple soba and red rice udon.

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start your journey. Fear not, we have you covered with our suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your visit. Here are two itineraries to get you started:

The first is our two-day trip to Amanohashidate and Ine. You’ll start at JR Kyoto Station and head to Amanohashidate for serene sandbar walks and stunning views from Amanohashidate Viewland. On day two, you’ll visit Ine’s charming boathouses and enjoy the peaceful coastal scenery.

The second is a three-day coastal getaway. For this trip, you’ll explore Amanohashidate, Ine, and Kyotango over three days. Discover breathtaking sandbars, charming historic boathouses, and dramatic coastlines. It’s a perfect mix of tranquility, tradition, and scenic wonders.

However you choose to explore, you can’t go wrong with making Amanohashidate your next destination.