Amanohashidate Guide: A beautiful sandbar in Northern Kyoto

Last Updated on 27th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Amanohashidate, roughly translating to “bridge to heaven” is named so because of the way it resembles a meandering pathway, connecting heaven and earth when viewed from the mountaintops at either ends of the bay. As such, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful and scenic spots in all of Japan!

Here’s an insider’s guide on how to visit Amanohashidate, as well as top tips and how to get there.

What is Amanohashidate?

The Amanohashidate Sandbar (天橋立) is a 3km narrow stretch of sand that measures as little as 20 meters across at its narrowest point, spanning the mouth of Miyazu Bay. The sandbar is covered in hundreds of emerald green pine trees, which are thought to be some of Japan’s finest!

When viewing Amanohashidate from above the sight is breathtaking and as such has been counted as one of Japan’s top three most scenic views, alongside Miyajima and Matsushima.

Either side of the sandbar you’ll find a little village, each with its own train station (the Amanohashidate station and the Fuchu station). I personally prefer the side close to the Amanohashidate station as there were more activities and the view from the top of Amanohashidate Viewland is pretty much unparalleled!

The story of Amanohashidate

There are many myths and legends associated with the enchanting Amanohashidate. But one that remains central to the mystery and fascination of the island is that of the Japanese creation myth that tells the tale of the goddess Izanami and the god Izanagi (both of whom are progenitors of many deities).

Legend says that Izanagi used a ladder, Ame-no-ukihashi, which translates to ‘floating bridge of heaven’ to visit his lover on earth, Izanami. Unclear as to whether he tripped or the ladder simply just tumbled down, but it’s said to have fallen out of the sky and into the sea, becoming Amanohashidate.

There is of course the minor detail that these two were brother and sister… nonetheless, the sandbar has come to be known as a place for lovers thanks to this intriguing folk tale!

Where is Amanohashidate?

Amanohashidate is a natural wonder that lies in the Sea of Japan, along the Miyazu Bay, and forms part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Oeyama Quasi-National Park. It is located in the northern part of Kyoto prefecture, around two hours drive north of Kyoto.

Amanohashidate View Land, from where you view the mesmerising sandbar, is situated on top of Mt. Monju. 

Things to do in Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate Shrine

Located on the sandbar itself standing in the centre is, Amanohashidate Shrine, which is said to be dedicated to dragons, where eight dragon kings are enshrined. Next to the shrine is a purifying spring, Isokiyoshisui, which flows with fresh water for visitors to wash their hands before approaching the shrine.

Due to the folklore of the archipelago, the shrine has also become somewhat of a a popular spot for couples. It’s seen as custom to put a stone on top of the tori (shrine gate), with hopes that it will support their fulfilment of love.

As well as the shrine, the sandbar is scattered with a handful of other small shrines, a shop, public toilet and a few rest houses.

Walk across the sandbar

It’s possible to go across the sandy isthmus! However, no vehicles are allowed on the island, so the only way to get across is by renting a bicycle or walking.

By following the scenic path that threads through the tress, it takes around 45 minutes by foot. Or you can cycle, this takes 15 minutes and you can rent a bike from one of the shops or hotels nearby Amanohashidate Station.

Take a boat tour

Yet another way to enjoy the sandbar from a slightly different perspective is to take a boat out onto the water and take in the landscape from the sparkling sea. You can pick from several different sightseeing-boat cruises at Miyazu bay, which happens to be the sister bay of Mont Saint-Michel in France and was also named by UNESCO as being part of the “Worlds Most Beautiful Bays” list.

Amanohashidate Beach

The beach of the sandbar is a long stretch of plush, fine white sand and is famed for its dunes that are shaped into wavelike crescents. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, it makes for a popular swimming spot, particularly during the summer months.

Yosano Akiko and Yosano Tekkan monument

This monument is for the famous travel poet, Yosano Akiko and husband Yosano Tekkan (a fellow poet) who apparently visited Amanohashidate often. There’s not much information on this monument, but as far as research suggests, it’s said that the two large engraved rocks next to one another have been built as such so that they can look out to sea.

Kaisen Bridge

This bridge is unique in that it actually turns to allow boats to go past and, if you’re lucky, you’ll even see the bridge in action during your visit!

Linking the mainland to the sandbar, the bridge rotates 90 degrees when ships have to pass through the waterway. Built in 1923, the original bridge was hand-operated, but much later it was made electric due to the increase in the number of ships passing by.

Café des Pin

One of the nicest views of the Kaisen bridge can actually be found within Café des Pin. Named for the pine trees which are prevalent in the area, this coffee shop serves up speciality coffees, sandwiches, and a variety of tasty cakes.

Chionji Temple (智恩寺)

This Buddhist temple lies at the southern entrance of the sandbar and is one of three temples in Japan which are dedicated to Monju Bodhisattva (the Buddhist god of wisdom and intellect), housing important statues of this figure. As such, visitors and students come to the temple to pray for both wisdom and academic personal success.

A unique aspect of Chionji Temple is that it hosts a flea market on the 15th of every month. Filled with beautiful handicrafts, this is the perfect spot to pick up locally made souvenirs to remember your trip by!

Amanohashidate View Land

For the best views of the sandbar, visit Amanohashidate View Land. Situated on the south side behind Amanohashidate Station, this small theme park is accessed by chairlift or monorail and features a variety of amusements including, a ferris wheel, roller coaster, mini golf and go-karts to keep you entertained.

Motoise Kono Jinja (元伊勢籠神社)

Standing on the northern end of the sandbar, this historic shrine is considered to be the most important of the Tango Region in the northern Kyoto Prefecture. Said to have once enshrined Shinto’s most venerated deity, Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) and Toyoukehime (a local deity of clothing, food and housing). Unfortunately you can’t take any photos within the religious complex itself.

Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park

Leading up to the chairlift that will take you to the park, you’ll find a number of stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. There’s also an observatory deck where you can overlook stunning views of Amanohashidate.

There’s also a spot where visitors are encouraged to do ‘Matanozoki’ which means to look upside down through your legs. It’s said that this is the right way to view Amanohashidate and some people say it looks like a dragon ascending to the heavens, others have said it looks like a dragonfly!

Visit the nearby town of Ine

If you have time while visiting Amanohashidate, I highly recommend making a stop at the nearby town Ine, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Japan!

This delightful traditional fishing village is characterised by its ‘funaya’ two storey wooden boat houses where the boat is stored underneath and the family lives above. Today around 230 of these houses survive. Although it’s predominantly residential, visiting for its unique beauty alone makes it worthwhile.

If you have your own transport it’s only a 30 minute drive from Amanohashidate, but by public transport it is a bit more of a trek as it’s 1 hour by bus one-way (if you want to see both in one day then I really recommend renting a car).

Getting to Amanohashidate

We personally opted to rent a car so that we could combine a visit to Amanohashidate with the nearby picturesque town of Ine. The drive to Amanohashidate was just under 2 hours one-way, so it makes for the perfect day trip from Kyoto. Check car rental comparison prices here.

That being said, Amanohashidate is easily accessible by public transport, with the easiest city to travel from being Kyoto (check more Kyoto day trip suggestions here).

By train: from Kyoto Station you can take the Hashidate limited express train to Amanohashidate Station. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. Once you arrive the sandbar is a 20 minute walk from the station.

Alternatively, if you wish to see both Amanohashidate and Ine town, you could book an organised trip like this one, Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto Coast, Amanohashidate & Ine Bay Day Trip.

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