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There's no better time than summer to visit Amanohashidate. With views of a unique landscape, beautiful beaches, and countryside charm, what's not to love? Amanohashidate, meaning "bridge to the heavens", is about a 2-hour journey from the center of Kyoto. It is one of the region's best summer getaway destinations, and one of Japan's "three most beautiful sights". Amanohashidate: Japan's "bridge to heaven" Amanohashidate is a natural land bridge that stretches across the Miyazu Bay. It's said to be the pathway between heaven and earth, and it's not hard to see how it got that reputation. Amanohashidate is lined by stunning white-sand beaches and a clear sea. There are small shrines, shops, and rest areas dotted along the shores. The small city of Miyazu extends over both sides of the land bridge, offering lovely viewing points, as well as public transport, dining, shopping, and accommodation options. Things to do in Amanohashidate When it comes to things to do in Amanohashidate, there's plenty to choose from. You can opt to head out onto the water with a variety of boat cruises, take the kids for a fun day out at an amusement park, or head to an observation point for beautiful views. 1. Walk or ride along the land bridge To get familiar with the area and really admire its beauty, take a walk or ride along the land bridge. Along the way you'll be surrounded by tall pine trees and get to enjoy a fresh ocean breeze. On foot the walk is about 45 minutes one way, while a ride will only take 15 minutes. That's not counting stops of course, and we encourage those. There are bike-rental shops at both ends of the land bridge, with prices starting at about per hour. In most cases you'll be able to choose between a normal bike or an electric one -- however the e-bike will likely cost more. The bicycle rental shops in Amanohashidate may also offer suggested route maps, or even tours, but English language support may be limited. 2. Visit Ine fishing village This fishing village is gaining in popularity thanks to its picturesque boathouses. The village is just under an hour away from Amanohashidate Station by bus, but it's well worth the journey. The funaya boathouses jut out over the water, with the bottom floor serving as a "garage" for a boat and the top floor as living quarters. Easily the best way to to see them is to hop on a boat and cruise around Ine Bay. There are a few different kinds to choose from, including the Ine Bay Cruise Ferry, and sea taxis. The Ine Bay Cruise Ferry is a larger boat and the ride lasts longer. However, a big "attraction" for this particular cruise is the opportunity to feed seagulls, resulting in huge flocks of them around the boat, which isn't everybody's idea of fun -- especially when they get in the way of photos of the boathouses. The sea taxis are a smaller and more intimate affair -- in fact they're often run by local families. Just note, these smaller boats can cause motion sickness. 3. Amanohashidate View Land Amanohashidate View Land is a mini amusement park located on the southern side of the land bridge. It's one of the spots for the two famous views of Amanohashidate. The amusement park is host to a Ferris Wheel, roller coaster, and mini golf course. One of the highlights is the "View of Skyward Dragon" aka Hiryukan, which has its own special observation deck. The entrance fee, which includes round-trip use of the chairlift, is for adults and for kids. Some of the attractions cost extra ( for the Ferris Wheel, for example). While View Land is no Universal Studios Japan, it's a fun day out for kids and adults alike. 4. Kasamatsu Park On the opposite side of the land bridge lies Kasamatsu Park, the second spot with a famous view of the land bridge. Called Rising Dragon, and Syoryukan in Japanese, the view can only be achieved by turning your back on the view, bending over and looking at it through your legs. Do it for the experience, if nothing else. To get there, you can catch the cablecar which is for a return ticket and is open from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. from April to October. However it closes a little earlier in the colder months. . 5. The beaches So the beaches here pretty much speak for themselves -- soft, white sand, clear water, and shady pine trees too. There are opportunities to swim, kayak, or SUP, so you can experience the sea from all possible levels. The beaches get pretty popular on sunny days and you'll find plenty of cafés, food stalls, showers, and bike rental spots nearby. 6. Shrines and temples in Amanohashidate The Amanohashidate Shrine is where the king of the Eight Dragons is enshrined (dragons are often present in folklore featuring Amanohashidate). And right near the shrine is Isokiyoshisui ("pure water of the beach"), which, as its name suggests, is considered to be one of Japan's purest springs. A bit further in the mountains lies Nariaiji Temple, thought to be a place where wishes come true. The deity Aryavalokitesvara Bodhisattva, represented as a beautiful woman, grants a beautiful body and spirit to those who come to worship her. Whether this is true or not, the temple's gardens are spectacular in spring with its blooming rhododendron flowers and its red maple trees in autumn. How to get to Amanohashidate From Kyoto, there are several ways to get to Amanohashidate. Taking the train to Amanohashidate 2 hours The fastest option is to catch the Hashidate Limited Express -- it's direct, takes 2 hours and costs for a reserved seat. However there are only five round-trip departures per day, so check the schedule ahead of time. All seats on the Hashidate Limited Express are reserved, and it is covered by some JR West Passes. There are other cheaper trains (approximately -), but they require transfers. Google Maps is your friend if you want to plot a cheaper route. Taking the bus to Amanohashidate Approximately 2 hours There are several highway buses per day from Amanohashidate to Kyoto. Tickets start at . You can book online at Willer or enquire at the bus station. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in June 2016. Last updated: July 2024.

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