Amanohashidate

What to know

Amanohashidate (天橋立) is a pine-covered sandbar stretching across the mouth of Miyazu Bay in the scenic coastal area of northern Kyoto Prefecture. When viewed from the mountains at either end of the bay, this sandbar—whose name means "bridge in heaven"—resembles a pathway connecting heaven and earth. Admired for centuries, it is counted among Japan's three most scenic views.

At both ends of the sandbar, you can explore several attractions on foot or by rental bicycle, including temples, a shrine, a small amusement park, and observation decks offering stunning views. Sightseeing cruises around the bay and sandy beaches along the sandbar are also popular activities.

Activities and attractions

IneVillage of boat houses around a bayAmanohashidate SandbarCelebrated pine-covered sandbar across the bayNariaiji TempleTemple in the mountain north of the sandbarChionji TempleTemple standing at the sandbar’s southern endMotoise Kono ShrineShrine with an interesting connection to Ise