Amanohashidate — Attraction in Miyazu

Amanohashidate is truly a unique and beautiful place to visit in Japan. However, what is truly baffling is why this place has the name "Kyoto by the Sea". The place has a handful of temples and shrines but they are nowhere near the grandeur of temples and shrines in places like Kyoto or Nara. More importantly unlike places like Kyoto or Nara, Amanohashidate doesn't have the ambience of a city steeped in traditions, spirituality and culture. Amanohashidate has the ambience of a beautiful albeit touristy coastal village. You come here to walk or cycle through the sandbar, relax in the beautiful pine tree adorned beaches and go up in a cable car to view one of the three best scenaries in Japan. The handful of temples earlier mentioned are just an added bonus. Finally unlike Kyoto which is a city that beautifully combines modernity with tradition, Amanohashidate is truly rustic and hence not for club hoppers, shopping junkies or food tourists. You can get Amanohashidate beer, and few Amanohashidate themed merchandise here and nothing else noteworthy to shop or eat. There are few restaurants here that serve decent food but nothing special. There is a nice cafe near the train station, however that has newspaper cuttings of moon landing and serves nice coffee and bread. That's about it.

So, in short forget the description "Kyoto by the Sea" and understand that Amanohashidate doesn't need to be known by the name of another Japanese popular tourist spot. It has its own unique charm and it needs to be known and...

A Magical Experience at Amanohashidate – A Must-Visit in Japan!

Amanohashidate is nothing short of breathtaking! Known as one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views," this pine-covered sandbar truly lives up to its name as the "Bridge to Heaven." The moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning natural beauty—walking or cycling along the 3.6 km stretch of lush pine trees with the bay on either side felt like stepping into a postcard .

One of the highlights was taking the cable car up to Amanohashidate View Land , where the panoramic view of the sandbar from above was absolutely surreal. The famous matanozoki (looking upside down through your legs) made the scenery even more magical, as the sandbar appeared to float like a pathway to the sky .

I also loved exploring Chionji Temple, a serene spiritual site near the southern end, and taking a relaxing sightseeing cruise around Miyazu Bay for a different perspective of the landscape . The nearby Kasamatsu Park offered another fantastic vantage point, with its peaceful atmosphere and scenic trails .

For accommodation, I stayed at Amano Hashidate Hotel, which was perfect—comfortable rooms with sea views, an amazing onsen, and just steps away from the beach and train station . The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the traditional kaiseki dinner was a culinary delight!

Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just seeking tranquility, Amanohashidate is a dream destination. I can’t recommend it enough—I’ll definitely be back! 5/5 stars...

Must see naturally occurring land-bridge across two bays. Amanohashidate is known as one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views," and rightfully so. This natural landbridge is covered with a pine forest and stretches 3.6km across two bays (Miyazu Bay named as one of UNESCO's world's most beautiful bays). There is a wide walking/cycling path across the entirety and it is beautifully maintained. The only cars allowed are people who maintain the location. Along the side of the land bridge is a beautiful, white-sand swimming beach. The further down you walk the more private it will be. I suggest coming here on a weekday (and avoid beach season from mid July to mid august if possible). It really isn't ever crowded outside these times. While there isn't much to do at night, the summer months offer light up events, food stalls, and even a fireworks festival. There are two overlooks for those who want an areal view of Amanohashidate. I prefer Kasamatsu Park on the far side. You can get there by walking, renting a bicycle, or even taking a sightseeing boat across the bay. If you can, try to find the shrine in the middle of the land bridge. It has a rare purifying font that is natural fresh water despite the bays on either side...