Breathtaking Cycling Adventure at Amanohashidate—A Jewel of Japan’s Scenic Trio
Japan is home to three iconic scenic spots, collectively known as Nihon Sankei—the Three Views of Japan.
In this column, we’ll take you along as a member of the Payke team visits one of them: the stunning Amanohashidate!
What is Amanohashidate?
Have you ever heard of the “Three Views of Japan”?
They’re Japan’s most celebrated scenic spots: Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, Amanohashidate in Kyoto, and Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) in Hiroshima.
You might already be familiar with Miyajima—it’s a popular tourist destination, after all.
But did you know that Amanohashidate, located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, is also one of these iconic spots?
When people think of Kyoto, temples and shrines usually come to mind, but among Japanese locals, Amanohashidate is just as beloved!
Biking Through the Beauty of Amanohashidate!
Amanohashidate is a 3.6-kilometer-long sandbar that beautifully stretches across Miyazu Bay, splitting it into two. What makes it even more special is the pine forest that grows along the sandbar.
You can walk through this scenic pine path, but it takes about 50 minutes one way on foot.
Luckily, there are several places around Amanohashidate where you can rent a bicycle—making the ride a breezy 20-minute trip instead!
Source : Official Kasamatsu Sightseeing Motorboat website
We couldn’t pass up the chance to try it ourselves—so we headed straight to a rental shop near the station and signed up!
There are several companies offering rental bikes in the area, with two popular options being Tango Kairiku Kotsu and Kasamatsu Sightseeing Motorboat’s “Charibo” service.
Tango Kairiku Kotsu even offers tandem bikes for couples and package deals that include a cable car ride. But since we were eager to try the motorboat too, we went with Charibo: cycling one way, and cruising back by boat!
With our bikes rented, we were off on our adventure!
The first landmark that comes into view is the famous Kaisen-kyo, or Rotating Bridge.
Source: Amanohashidate Tourism Guide
The Kaisen-kyo, or Rotating Bridge, is famous for turning 90 degrees to let sightseeing boats pass through Amanohashidate.
Unfortunately, we didn’t catch it in action—but if you happen to be there at the right moment, you can watch the bridge slowly rotate right in front of you!
Once you pass the bridge, you’re immediately greeted by sweeping views of the blue sea on both sides and the tranquil pine forest stretching ahead.
Source: Miyazu City Official Website
I had only seen photos of Amanohashidate from the famous viewpoint we’ll introduce later, but I was amazed by how breathtaking it is from ground level too!
No wonder it’s one of Japan’s top three scenic spots—it’s truly a place you have to see at least once in your life.
Taking the Cable Car Up to Amanohashidate View Land
After enjoying our bike ride, we hopped on the cable car and headed up to Amanohashidate View Land.
At the top, a spectacular panoramic view awaits—and the highlight here is the quirky but iconic “matanozoki” pose.
Source: Miyazu City Official Website
When you bend over and look at Amanohashidate upside-down from the viewing platform—a pose known as matanozoki—you’ll see the sandbar appear like a bridge rising into the sky, which is where its name comes from!
Amanohashidate View Land also has fun attractions like a Ferris wheel, making it a great stop for families with kids.
There are several viewpoints to choose from, so be sure to check the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Guide for your options.
In spring, you can also enjoy the stunning sight of pink azaleas blooming alongside traditional torii gates!
Enjoying Amanohashidate from the Sea by Motorboat
Source: Kasamatsu Sightseeing Motorboat Official Website
After soaking up the sights on our bikes and from the viewpoint, we headed back by motorboat to enjoy Amanohashidate from the sea.
The ride was refreshingly exhilarating and offered a different kind of fun compared to the sightseeing boats.
From the water, you can take in stunning views of the sandbar stretching out between the two bays on either side—an unforgettable perspective!
How to Get to Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate is about a 1.5-hour drive from Kyoto.
No car? No problem—you can also get there by train or highway bus.
From Kyoto Station, the limited express “Hashidate” train takes you directly to Amanohashidate Station in about 2 hours. Highway buses from Kyoto Station also take roughly 2 hours, making it an easy and scenic day trip option!
Local Eats Around Amanohashidate
If you make the trip to Amanohashidate, be sure to treat yourself to the local cuisine too!
Source: Miyazu City Official Website
One of the top recommendations is fresh seafood—Amanohashidate is surrounded by great spots where you can enjoy delicious local dishes and charming cafes.
We had to skip it since we were driving, but the “Amanohashidate Winery” is known for serving local wines paired with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients… definitely one for the list next time!
And don’t miss Chie no Mochi, a traditional sweet that’s a must-try while you’re here.
Source: Miyazu City Official Website
This mochi has been a beloved traditional sweet for over 300 years, known for its gentle, comforting sweetness.
You can find Chie no Mochi at four long-standing teahouses: Hikobei Teahouse, Yoshino Teahouse, Kanshichi Teahouse, and Chitose Teahouse.
Summary
Amanohashidate is a place that offers something special in every season.
In spring, cherry blossoms and mitsuba azaleas paint the landscape in vibrant pinks.
Summer brings beach fun along the coast, while autumn transforms the area with stunning foliage in harmony with the sandbar’s natural beauty.
No matter when you visit, Amanohashidate shows off a unique charm throughout the year.
With so many ways to enjoy it, why not create your own unforgettable memories here?