If you do a generic internet search on top places to visit in Japan, Amanohashidate will not appear. Even if you search for offbeat places, Amanohashidate will likely not appear. It was just by chance that I decided to search for top scenic places in Japan and that’s when Amanohashidate popped up. It was just as well that it was accessible on a day trip from Kyoto as my itinerary included Kyoto.
The top 3 scenic places as per Japan Guide are Matsushima Bay, Miyajima and Amanohashidate. So did Amanohashidate live up to the hype? Yes!
Bridge to Heaven, that’s what Amanohashidate translates to. The reference is to the famous narrow sandbar full of pine trees that connects the two ends of Miyazu Bay. But Amanohashidate is not a beach resort.
How to get to Amanohashidate from Kyoto
Amanohashidate is located in the northern part Kyoto prefecture, about 100 kms from Kyoto. By public transport, the best option is the direct JR Hashidate Limited Express train that takes little over 2 hours. Direct bus takes 2.5 hours and is a fair option if you start early. Renting a car can also be considered.
My Hokuriku Arch Pass did not cover even part of the journey
I was unable to book tickets online using my Hokuriku pass and had to visit the Kyoto station. Contrary to my understanding that part of the journey till Fukuchiyama was covered by the pass, I was told the pass is not valid on JR Hashidate Limited Express and hence, I had pay the full return fare of ¥9700 per adult. I took the 10.25am train as the 8.38am train was fully booked. Returned by the 6.09pm train in time for dinner.
The train passes through Arashiyama and overall, the train journey was quite scenic, especially the last 30 minutes.
What to do in Amanohashidate
There is not a whole lot of things to do here. I planned to take the cable car to the view point (View Land) first and thereafter, walk or cycle on the sandbar to the other end, returning by a boat. But first things first – since I reached around 12.30pm, I headed to Genmyoan café located on the way the cable car station. For a change, I had few vegan options to choose from and the staff knew exactly what it meant to be a ‘no egg vegetarian’!
1. Chairlift/Cable car to View Land
The chairlift looked more exciting than the cable car and hence I decided to take the chairlift up and come down by cable car. The round trip cost is ¥800 per adult and one is free to choose any of the two modes. The queue for the chairlift was quite long and I must have waited for 45 minutes or so. Thankfully, part of the waiting area had a roof but it was still quite warm. But once I was seated on the chairlift, I reached the top of Mt. Monju in less than 10 minutes.
The view from the top is simply mesmerizing. The sandbar with its pine trees. The Bridge to Heaven. Picture postcard perfect. Reminded me of Hallstatt, Austria.
Few other activities here include Ferris wheel and other rides. There is also a restaurant here. In all, I spent about 45 minutes here. For the way down, there was a common queue for both the chairlift and the cable car. Just as I was joining the queue, a staff announced that those who wished to take the cable car could step forward. Hardly anyone did and I was glad to get into cable car without any waiting time!
2. The Sandbar
The 3.6 kms long sandbar, popularly referred to as the Bridge to Heaven, connects the two ends of Miyazu Bay. With thousands of pine trees and flanked by sandy/rocky beaches, the walk is exhilarating. The sandbar width varies from 20m to 170m. Initially, I was walking quite leisurely, soaking in the views, and often venturing to the edge. But after I got to the mid-point, my pace quickened as the realization dawned that I had a train to catch at around 6pm and I was unsure of the boat departure timings from the other end!
Cycling too is an option(rent is nominal ¥500 for 2 hours) which saves almost 45 minutes though I think leisure walking is more enjoyable. There are a couple of cafes, a shrine and quite a few public toilets on the way.
3. Boat cruise
Sightseeing boats take under 15 minute for the ride between Amanohashidate boat deck and Ichinomiya boat deck. Apart from the view, the highlight was the flock of seagulls chasing the boat, attracted by the ‘Bait Feed’ that passengers can purchase at the docks. Speed boats can also be hired for a short ride in the Miyazu Bay/Inland sea. I reached Ichinomiya dock around 4.30pm and it was fortunate that the last boat was leaving at 5pm. I paid ¥800 per adult for the one way ride.
While the boat was close to the Amanohashidate dock, the Turning Bridge started opening up to allow another boat to pass through. The bridge can turn up to 90°.
Next to the dock is the Chion-ji temple where I spent a few minutes before heading back to the station.
4. No time for Kasamatsu park view point
This viewpoint is located across the bay, close to the Ichinomiya boat dock, and provides a view of Amanohashidate from the southern end. If I had another 90 minutes, I would certainly chosen this view point as well.
5. What else?
Not much for a day visitor. Ine fishing village is one option if you have a car. Not sure if there is a bus service. There are few other shrines/temples in the vicinity all of which can be safely skipped. One can rent Kayaks at the Activity Center located near Ichinomiya dock.
Vegetarian food
I did not look beyond Genmyoan café that served few 100% vegan items. It cost ¥3k for two of us. While buying an ice-cream, I learnt that the cone generally contains egg in Japan! Not that it mattered to me. There are couple of convenience stores and plenty of cafes serving tea/coffee and other beverages. Vegetarians who do not consume egg even indirectly can still manage but will need to set apart a bit more time for food and drinks.
Weather in October
I visited in the first half of October when the weather was quite pleasant though afternoon was a bit warm.
Should one stay overnight?
There is nothing ‘must do’ or ‘must see’ beyond the two view points and the sandbar. For international tourists, day visit is sufficient. There are good hotels in the vicinity and hence there must be visitors who stay over, possibly more domestic than international.
It would be best to take the 8.38am train from Kyoto as that would give adequate time to visit Kosamatsu Park view point in addition and also perhaps indulge in Kayaking. In hindsight, I would also not wait in the queue for chairlift to View Land if cable car is quicker.
Cash is required
For the boat, I had to pay cash. Food and chairlift/cable car were paid by card(suica or credit card).
Is Amanohashidate worth visiting?
Absolutely. I must have spent just ~¥28k for a couple, Kyoto station to Kyoto station. In that, the train fare was the biggest component, ¥19,400.
For more information
https://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en
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