• Enjoy a rare setting in Japan
• You’ll look like an idiot but you have to do this!
• Don’t forget to eat fish just caught in the Sea of Japan.
• The famous bridge that opens up to 50 times a day
• Map

Enjoy a rare setting in Japan

Amanohashidate is said to be built by gods as a bridge to heaven. If you are in Kyoto, a little tired of the usual temples and green tea, just grab the next train! Only 2 hours from Kyoto you can enjoy one of the three most beautiful views of Japan, the clear water of the sea,  and delicious seafood.

So, Amanohashidate is famous for being one of the three best scenic views of Japan, but as a beach itself, it is pretty rare too. Maybe you have not heard about it, but generally speaking, Japanese beaches are usually not clear enough to enjoy scenery or for swimming!  Amanohashidate is different, and  the southern part of the beach is full of families who come to swim in the sea.

The water is so clear you can see fishes, crabs, hermit crabs. You can rest under the shade of the pine trees. The combination of the sea and pine trees looks like it’s out of a woodblock print, and it looks typically Japanese even to Japanese people!

There’s a beach house with a variety of foods and drinks. Don’t forget to ask for the English menu!  You can even rent bicycles. Clean public toilets and free showers are also available. Overall the prices are rather cheap and having access to everything at this one place makes everything easier.

You’ll look like an idiot but you have to do this!

Amanohashidate famous observation point is near the beach. The best way to view the scenery is very famous because it’s funny and makes you look a bit like an idiot: locals call it mata-nozoki, or peeping through your legs.
If you look at the scenery from between your legs, it will look as if a dragon is ascending into heaven! No need to be shy: everybody does it!

Other observation points are in the southern and northern parts at “Amanohashidate view land” and “Kasamatsu-koen”.

Don’t forget to eat fish just caught in the Sea of Japan.

You can enjoy awesome, extra fresh seafood in the nearby onsen, hotels, and restaurants. Don’t miss out! If you want to have great sashimi, this is the place.

The famous bridge that opens up to 50 times a day

Another picturesque scenery is the Kaisenkyo bridge. It turns at a right angle as ships pass. You can enjoy it from a boat, as there are cruises through the pine-treed areas, or you can gather with the locals who enjoy watching the ship passing through the gate.

Map

Amanohashidate koen, Monju, Miyazu city, Kyoto