AMANOHASHIDATE

One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views

Where is the most beautiful place in Japan? Well, Japan has narrowed it down to three. Japan's "Three Scenic Views" are comprised of Matsushima in Miyagi, Miyajima in Hiroshima, and Amanohashidate (here in Miyazu, Kyoto).

Amanohashidate is an iconic land bridge that straddles the Aso inland sea and Miyazu Bay which connects to the Sea of Japan. The land bridge itself has thousands of pine trees of all different varieties with beaches on both sides spanning 3.6K. From one of the scenic overlooks, you can get a unique perspective of the scene by looking upside-down between your legs. The sea and bay reflect the sky and the pine forest turns into a winding green dragon crossing the heavens.

Monju Area (train station side)

You won’t have to stray far from Amanohashidate Station to be charmed by this iconic area. There are shops, restaurants, hot spring inns, temples, and the land bridge of Amanohashidate all within a 2 minute walk of the station.

Amanohashidate Viewland is located above Amanohashidate and great for families. The cable car and chair lift is a 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station. At the top there are a variety of rides, games, and activities that will occupy those traveling with small kids. The views are stunning and worth the stop by.

The train station side also has the majority of the Japanese inns and hotels at Amanohashidate, which is convenient for those who plan to travel only by rail.

Kasamatsu Area (far side of Amanohashidate land bridge)

For those who cross the 3.6km landbridge and find themselves on the Kasamatsu side, be sure to visit Motoise Kono Shrine, Nariaiji Temple, Kasamatsu Park, and one of the great restaurants located on this side. While there aren’t as many inns, there are some highly recommended restaurants, one of Japan’s most important shrines, and a pilgrimage temple on top of a mountain overlooking the sea.

This side also has an overlook with cable cars and chair lifts. It’s quieter on this side, with less tourists and families and offers a different perspective of the Amanohashidate land bridge.

Check out some of Amanohashidate’s best restaurants.

TEL: 0772-22-8030 (Amanohashidate Tourism Association)
address: Monju, Miyazu-shi, Kyoto Amanohashidate park
what3words address (bridge/entrance to land bridge): ///heartland.flopped.showed
hours: Amanohashidate is always open for walking
cost: free
access: Amanohashidate is only a 2-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station (linked on the map below).