Amanohashidate Sandbar
The Amanohashidate Sandbar (天橋立), is a beautiful, three kilometer long isthmus that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Amanohashidate roughly translates to "bridge in heaven", and it is said that the sandbar resembles a meandering pathway connecting heaven and earth when it is viewed from the mountains at either end of the bay. This famous view has been admired for centuries, and is counted among Japan's three most scenic views alongside Miyajima and Matsushima.
The narrow sandbar, which measures as little as 20 meters across at its narrowest point, is lined with nearly 8000 pine trees and is considered among Japan's finest pine tree spots. Some of the trees exhibit unique shapes and have been given names such as Meoto Matsu (Couples Pine), Nakayoshi no Matsu (Friendly Pine), and Chie no Matsu (Wisdom Pine).
A tranquil dirt road runs underneath the trees for the length of the sandbar and takes about 45 minutes to walk end to end. Alternatively, it takes about 15 minutes to cross by bicycle. Rental bicycles are available from shops and hotels around Amanohashidate Station. A handful of small shrines, the occasional shop, public toilet and rest houses are also found on the sandbar.
The eastern coast of the Amanohashidate Sandbar is lined by white sand beaches, which are popular swimming spots in summer. The beaches, combined with the deep blue water and lush green pine trees, make for some beautiful scenery that can also be enjoyed from the water via a variety of sightseeing cruises that are offered around the bay. These cruises depart from the dock next to Chionji Temple.
The sandbar is best viewed, however, from parks located in the hills on either side of the bay. Amanohashidate View Land lies on the south side of the sandbar behind Amanohashidate Station. This small theme park is accessed by chairlift or monorail and features a variety of amusements, such as a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, go-karts and mini golf. There are several viewpoints from which to look out over the sandbar. Many consider this the better view as from this perspective the sandbar is said to resemble a dragon flying up to heaven.
On the mountain slope on the opposite side of the bay lies Kasamatsu Park which is accessible by chairlift or cablecar. From here the sandbar is said to look like the kanji for "one" (一). The traditional way to view the sandbar is to turn your back towards the bay, bend over and look at it from between your legs. Called "matanozoki", this practice originated at this park, and visitors to Amanohashidate have been following it for over a millennium. The park is also the departure point for shuttle buses to Nariaiji Temple further up the mountain.
Getting there and around
The southern end of the sandbar is reached in about a five minute walk from Amanohashidate Station.
Hours and Fees
Chairlift/Monorail to Amanohashidate View Land
Hours
8:30 to 18:00 (July 21 to August 20)
9:00 to 17:00 (August 21 to October 20)
9:00 to 16:30 (October 21 to February 20)
Closed
Admission
Chairlift/Cablecar to Kasamatsu Park
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Amanohashidate
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TaikyourouBoasting hot-spring baths with restorative waters from 1500 metres below, Taikyorou is only a 5-minute walk from the famous Amanohashidate Land Bridge. Rooms have traditional futon bedding and tatami floors. The Japanese rooms at Ryokan Taikyorou provide nature views, and the elegant simplicity of the decor gives the room a peaceful atmosphere. A satellite TV and full private bathroom are included. Amanohashidate Train Station, Chion-ji Temple and Amanohashidate Hot Spring are all about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. A Japanese breakfast is served at Agura Restaurant, which also offers a local specialities for lunch and dinner.View on Booking.com
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Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto AmanohashidateSituated in Miyazu, 2.8 km from Amanohashidate Beach, Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Amanohashidate features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.7 km from Chionji Temple. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Yumikiro Castle Ruins is 6.9 km from the hotel, while Itanami Plate Row Park is 7.1 km from the property. Tajima Airport is 55 km away.View on Booking.com
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JinpusoLocated in Miyazu and only less than 1 km from Amanohashidate Beach, Jinpuso provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. Each accommodation at the 3-star ryokan has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a hot spring bath and a public bath. The ryokan features family rooms. At the ryokan, all units have a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a shared bathroom, bed linen and towels. A fridge and kettle are also provided. At the ryokan, units are fitted with air conditioning and a safety deposit box. An Asian breakfast is available daily at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Chionji Temple is 600 metres from Jinpuso, while Yumikiro Castle Ruins is 5.6 km away. Tajima Airport is 54 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Hotel KitanoyaHotel Kitanoya offers rooms with ocean views just a 6-minute walk from Amanohashidate Train Station. It boasts hot-spring baths and a Japanese restaurant. The property offers the on-site cafe Hamanasu for staying guests. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms at Kitanoya Hotel have tatami (woven-straw) flooring and an attached bathroom; guests can choose between Western mattresses and Japanese futon beds. Rooms with private outdoor hot-spring baths are available. Amanohashidate Land Bridge is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Bicycle rental is offered, making exploration fun and easy. In addition to public hot-spring baths, an open-air bath can be reserved for private use. Guests can enjoy a stroll through the hotel’s garden, relax with a bit of fishing or unwind with a massage. Restaurant Gakatei serves Japanese breakfasts and multi-course (kaiseki) dinners featuring local specialities.View on Booking.com
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Amano Hashidate HotelSet in Miyazu and only 700 metres from Amanohashidate Beach, Amano Hashidate Hotel offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This 3-star ryokan provides a spa experience, with its sauna and hot spring bath. The accommodation features a lift and luggage storage space for guests. Every unit features a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The units are fitted with a safety deposit box and selected rooms will provide you with garden views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A minimarket is available at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A bicycle rental service is available at the ryokan. Chionji Temple is 400 metres from Amano Hashidate Hotel, while Yumikiro Castle Ruins is 5.7 km away. The nearest airport is Tajima Airport, 54 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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The Gran Resort AmanohashidateOffering sea views, The Gran Resort Amanohashidate is an accommodation situated in Miyazu, 500 metres from Myouryuji Temple and 500 metres from Daijyouji Temple. Featuring free private parking, the 3-star ryokan is 2.2 km from Amanohashidate Beach. The ryokan has family rooms. Some units are air conditioned and include a seating area with a flat-screen TV. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Tango Kokubunji Ruins, Motoise Kono Shrine and Tango Regional Museum of Contemporary Art. The nearest airport is Tajima Airport, 53 km from The Gran Resort Amanohashidate.View on Booking.com
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Amanohashidate Youth HostelOnly a 10-minute walk from Amanohashidate, Amanohashidate Youth Hostel offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations. Free Wi-Fi is available at the shared lounge and bicycle rentals are available for touring the area. Amanohashidate Station is a 30-minute bus ride away. The dormitory-style rooms feature sea views and air conditioning/heating facilities. Guests sleep on bunk beds and Japanese Yukata robes and towels can be rented for an extra cost. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. A coin-launderette and free parking is available on-site, and canoeing activities can be arranged. Guests can watch TV or play billiards at the shared lounge. Luggage storage and photocopying services are provided at the front desk. A Japanese-style set menu is served for breakfast and dinner at the dining room upon reservation in advance. Youth Hostel Amanohashidate is a 15-minute walk from Kasamatsu Park and a 35-minute walk from Amanohashidate Shrine. Guests can take a 20-minute public bus ride from JR Amanohashidate Train Station to Jinja Mae Bus Stop, which is a 10-minute walk from the hostel.View on Booking.com
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Seikiro Ryokan Historical Museum HotelSeikiro has served guests for 320 years and is a registered cultural landmark. Featuring hot-spring baths and a 100 year-old garden, it offers Japanese-style accommodation a 5-minute drive from Amanohashidate. The air-conditioned rooms at Seikiro Ryokan feature traditional Japanese bedding and tatami (woven-straw) floors, and some have a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy garden views with a cup of green tea. Miyazu Church, the oldest Catholic church in Japan, is a 5-minute walk away. Mikami Residence is also just a 5-minute walk. Amanohashidate Land Bridge is about a 5-minute drive away, and Kono Shrine is a 20-minute drive. Guests can relax with a massage, enjoy the in-house museum or simply appreciate the ryokan’s antique decor. The gift shop offers souvenirs and unique items. Japanese Restaurant Seiki serves Japanese dishes made with fresh local ingredients.View on Booking.com
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Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & SpaLocated in Miyazu, 12 km from Chionji Temple, Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a restaurant. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has sea views, and guests can enjoy access to a spa centre. The hotel features a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa each room has bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Yumikiro Castle Ruins is 16 km from Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa, while Itanami Plate Row Park is 16 km away. Tajima Airport is 64 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Auberge AmanohashidateSet in Miyazu, within 800 metres of Amanohashidate Beach and 500 metres of Chionji Temple, Auberge Amanohashidate offers accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is around 5.9 km from Itanami Plate Row Park, 8.2 km from Tango Kokubunji Ruins and 8.3 km from Tango Regional Museum of Contemporary Art. The property is non-smoking and is situated 5.7 km from Yumikiro Castle Ruins. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The units at Auberge Amanohashidate feature air conditioning and a desk. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Miyazu, like cycling. Myouryuji Temple is 9.1 km from Auberge Amanohashidate, while Daijyouji Temple is 9.1 km away. Tajima Airport is 54 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Amanohashidate
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Amanohashidate, Ine Funaya & Miyama Kayabuki no Sato Tour from OsakaVisit the three most popular & scenic spot in Kyoto by this day trip: Miyama Town, Amanohashidate, and Ine Funaya.View on Klook
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Amanohashidate Viewland & Ine Town One Day Tour from Osaka / KyotoAmanohashidate is a sandbar at Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto, and it is one of the "Three Scenic Views of Japan"View on Klook