The viewpoint
From the hill.
lumoplank — CC0 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · Naokijp — CC BY-SA 4.0 · inunami — CC BY 2.0 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5
Amanohashidate is a sandbar in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto prefecture and one of Japan's three most celebrated views. It lies about 4 km from central Miyazu in a straight line and is part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park. The bar runs 3.3 km across the bay and is covered with about 7,000 pine trees. Its name means «bridge standing towards heaven». Kono Shrine stands near its northern end and Chion-ji temple at its southern end, and on the bar is a freshwater well prized since the Heian period. You can cross it on foot or by bicycle among the pines and along the sandy shore, or view it from the hills on either side of the bay, reached by cable car or chairlift. A local custom is to bend over and look at the bar between your legs, so it seems to float in the sky. Amanohashidate Station is close to the southern end, about two hours by train from Kyoto or Osaka. Half a day is enough to cross and climb to one viewpoint.
From the hill.
On foot or by bike.
Sand on the bay.
Miyazu Bay, northern Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Yes; the cable car is paid.
About an hour on foot.