Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate and Ine are a bit far from central Kyoto, yet they attract countless visitors! This article will introduce Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, and Ine, famous for its traditional boathouse views, exploring these two charming coastal towns.
Geographical Introduction
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Amanohashidate and Ine are both located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, and are part of the “Sea of Kyoto” area. Amanohashidate lies in Miyazu City, stretching across the Asō Sea and Miyazu Bay, forming a natural sandbar about 3.6 km long. Ine is located north in Ine Town, with a unique boathouse village along the calm bay.
The two locations are not far apart; traveling by bus or car takes about 40–60 minutes, making it easy to include both in the same itinerary to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and quaint fishing village charm.
How to Get to Amanohashidate and Ine
From Osaka to Amanohashidate:
- JR Line → Tango Railway / JR Line
Board at Osaka Station, take the “Limited Express Kounotori” to Fukuchiyama Station, then transfer to Kyoto Tango Railway or Limited Express “Hashidate.” (Approx. 2h30m fastest)
- Highway Bus:
Board at Shin-Osaka Station, take the “Tango Kairiku Highway Bus.” (Approx. 2h40m–3h)
- Driving:
From Osaka Station, it takes about 2 hours fastest.
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate:
- JR Line:
Board at Kyoto Station, take Limited Express “Hashidate.” (Approx. 2h10m)
- Highway Bus:
Board at Kyoto Station, take the “Tango Kairiku Highway Bus.” (Approx. 2h)
- Driving:
From Kyoto Station, it takes about 1h50m.
For detailed routes, schedules, and timetable of the Tango Kairiku Highway Bus, click here for more information.
Amanohashidate ⇄ Ine Itinerary
- Driving: From Osaka to Ine takes about 2h30m, from Kyoto about 2h20m.
- Public Transport: Transfer at Amanohashidate Station to the Tango Kairiku Route Bus to reach Ine Station.
If taking public transport, it’s recommended to visit Ine first, then return to Amanohashidate. Waiting time for buses in Ine is sufficient, reducing the risk of missing the last bus. Ine’s bus timetable can be found on this website.
Using the “Sea of Kyoto 2-Day Pass” allows unlimited rides on the Tango Kairiku Route Bus.
Recommended Attractions Around Amanohashidate
Located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate’s name originates from Japanese mythology. It is said that a bridge was built to connect heaven and earth by the deity Isanaeginomikoto but accidentally fell into the sea, forming the landscape seen today. Here are recommended spots around Amanohashidate.
Spot 1 | Amanohashidate
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Amanohashidate is one of “Japan’s Three Scenic Views,” a naturally formed sandbar about 3.6 km long, narrowest point around 20 meters, with 6,700 pine trees. Walk across, take a sightseeing boat, or visit the observation deck for stunning views.
Image Source:丹後海陸交通株式会社
Recommended to visit the “Four Viewpoints” to admire Amanohashidate from different angles: Northern Kasamatsu Park (Rising Dragon View), Western Ouchi Pass Ichijo View, Southern Amanohashidate View Land (Flying Dragon View), Eastern Sesshu Observation Deck.
Spot 2 | Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Located on the northern side, Kasamatsu Park is an observation point accessible via cable car or chairlift in 4-6 minutes. Famous for “Matanozoki” – bend over and view Amanohashidate upside-down between your legs, resembling a dragon flying to the sky!
When visiting Kasamatsu Park, we highly recommend taking the “Cable Car up and the Chairlift down” to experience both! Enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride uphill on the cable car, then take the single-person chairlift back down to enjoy a gentle breeze and a completely unobstructed view of the stunning Amanohashidate!
- Address: 55 Ogaki, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Using the “Sea of Kyoto 2-Day Pass,” exchange for a cable car ticket to Kasamatsu Park.
Spot 3 | Amanohashidate View Land
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Located just a 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station. Once you reach the observatory, the “must-do” is definitely “Matanozoki” (peering through your legs). Looking at the world upside down reveals the famous “Hiryukan” (View of the Flying Dragon)!
- Address: 626-0001 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto
Spot 4 | Rotating Bridge
Image Source:海の京都DMO
The rotating bridge connects Amanohashidate sandbar with Monju area. The bridge rotates 90° for passing ships – a rare and fun sight. Check the schedule to catch it in action.
Walking along the bridge toward the sandbar leads to Amanohashidate Shrine and natural attractions of Tango Amanohashidate Oeyama Quasi-National Park – a perfect starting point for a stroll.
Spot 5 | Chion-ji Temple
Known as one of Japan’s three main temples dedicated to the Monju Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), students often come here to pray for academic success. A unique feature here is the Suehiro (fan-shaped) omikuji hanging from the pine trees, creating a beautiful scene reminiscent of fallen snow.
- Address: 466 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto
Gourmet 1 | Seafood Kobo Hashidate Bussan (Matsuba Crab Direct Sale)
In addition to limited-edition Kasumi Crab Bento, they sell a variety of crab and shrimp snacks that are perfect as souvenirs or as a savory side dish for rice!
- Address: 470-1 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto
Gourmet 2 | Amanohashidate Shogin
This restaurant offers a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Be sure to try the Clam Udon, bursting with the sweetness of the sea, and the rich, flavorful Oyster Curry. You can even watch the Kaisyo-kyo (Rotating Bridge) in action right from your window!
- Address: 468 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto
Recommended Attractions Around Ine
Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Ine Town is famous for its funaya boathouse village. These traditional buildings are built right along Ine Bay, showcasing a rare lifestyle where people live in harmony with the sea. Compared to bustling tourist destinations, Ine is better suited for slowing down, taking a stroll, or hopping on a sightseeing boat to fully experience the unique charm and local culture of this quiet coastal town.
Attraction 1 | Ine Funaya Boathouses
Image Source:photoAC
Image Source:海の京都DMO
The first floor of each funaya is mainly used for docking fishing boats and fishing-related work, while the second floor is used for drying fishing nets or as living space. Because the boathouses line the coast so closely, they appear to float on the sea when viewed from a distance, creating a truly unique scene. It is highly recommended to take an Ine Bay sightseeing cruise to admire the funaya up close from the water and fully appreciate Ine’s distinctive fishing village atmosphere.
- Address: 491 Hirata, Ine Town, Yosa District, Kyoto Prefecture
- With the “Kyoto by the Sea Pass (2-Day Pass),” you can redeem a ticket for the Ine Bay sightseeing boat.
Attraction 2 | Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat
Image Source:Copyright © Tango Kairiku Kotsu Co., Ltd. All Right Reserved.
The sightseeing boat offers the best perspective to admire the Funaya (boathouses) from the front! During the 25-minute cruise, you’ll see 230 boathouses lined up along the coast, reflecting beautifully on the water. You can also feed the seagulls by hand and feel the thrill of them soaring around you! Boats depart every 30 minutes, with the last trip at 16:00.
- Address: 11 Hide, Ine-cho, Yosa-gun, Kyoto
- Note: Operations may be suspended due to weather. Operating hours vary by season.
Attraction 3 | Mukai Shuzo Brewery
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Founded in 1754, Mukai Shuzo is famous for its signature “Ine Mankai” red rice sake, which was served at the G20 Summit. It is highly unique with a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Still using traditional methods, it is a must-visit in Ine.
- Address: 67 Hirata, Ine-cho, Yosa-gun, Kyoto
Attraction 4 | Funaya Shokudo
Image Source:© 2026 Okuine Onsen Aburaya All rights reserved.
A historic restaurant located on the second floor of the Ine Tourism Association. Here, you can enjoy seasonal fresh fish while gazing at the rows of boathouses outside. Don’t forget to check out the souvenirs on the first floor!
Attraction 5 | Funaya Biyori
Image Source:Copyrightc2017 Ine Town. All rights Reserved.
This complex includes INE CAFE and a seafood restaurant. The highlight is the “front-row sea view” window seats. While enjoying exquisite meals, you can look out at the shimmering Ine Bay and distant islands—the perfect rest stop for your journey.
Attraction 6 | Funaya-no-Sato Park
Image Source:Copyrightc2017 I e Town. All rights Reserved.
Perched on a hill, this is the best spot for a panoramic view of the 230 boathouses and Ine Bay. The park offers a wide range of local souvenirs and houses two restaurants where you can capture the beauty of Ine while dining.
Attraction 7 | Honjo Beach
Image Source:海の京都DMO
Located near Ine Bay, Honjo Beach is a popular seaside spot during summer. It is said that the legendary “Tokoyo no Hama” from the famous Japanese folktale Urashima Taro refers to this very beach, adding a touch of mystery to the coastline. With clear waters and gentle waves, it is perfect for swimming, playing in the water, or taking a relaxing walk along the shore.
Attraction 8 | Arai Rice Terraces
Image Source:photoAC
Located on the hillside of Ine Town, the Arai Rice Terraces offer a unique view where terraced fields and the sea can be enjoyed at the same time. The scenery changes with each season. In spring, the lush green rice fields contrast beautifully with the deep blue ocean, creating a picturesque landscape where mountains and sea intertwine.
“Kyoto by the Sea” 2-Day Recommended Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
| Day 1 | Chion-ji Temple → Rotating Bridge → Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat → Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park → Head to Ine (Overnight stay) |
| Day 2 | Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat → Funaya-no-Sato Park → Mukai Shuzo Brewery → Funaya Shokudo → Funaya Biyori → Ine no Funaya Miyabi (Stay) |
Recommended Pass | Kyoto by the Sea Pass (2-Day Pass)
The “Kyoto by the Sea Pass (2-Day Pass)” is an extremely practical transportation pass for traveling around Amanohashidate and Ine. During the valid period, you can enjoy unlimited rides on Tango Kairiku Bus routes and Kyoto Bus routes, reaching all major attractions with ease. In addition, the pass allows you to choose two experiences from five designated nearby attractions, offering excellent value for money.
①Unlimited Rides | Tango Kairiku Bus Routes & Kyoto Bus Routes
The Tango Kairiku Bus routes cover the areas around Amanohashidate and extend to the Ine region, making them ideal for both day trips and more in-depth travel itineraries.
Kyoto Bus routes mainly operate in the Maizuru and Fukuchiyama areas, with a wide network of routes. If you still have time after visiting Amanohashidate and Ine, this pass is perfect for continuing your journey and exploring these regions as well.
②Choose Two from Five Popular Attractions
You may choose any two experiences from the following five attractions:
- Fukuchiyama Railway Museum (FukuRail)＋Red Brick Museum＋Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum
- Bicycle Rental＋Ayabe Onsen Bath Ticket
- Amanohashidate Cable Car + Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat
- Bicycle Rental＋Tango Chirimen & Yosano Silk (Handwoven Original Coaster-Making) Experience
- Wakuden no Mori Forest House Anno Mitsumasa Museum
This article focuses on experiences related to Amanohashidate, as well as the Tango textile and Yosano silk craft experience. If you are interested in other options, you can visit the official websites of each facility for more information.
- Amanohashidate Cable Car + Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat
Image Source:海の京都DMO
If you want to explore both Amanohashidate and Ine Bay in one trip, this combination is highly recommended. You can first take a bus to Ine and enjoy a sightseeing cruise to admire the funaya village from the sea, then return to Amanohashidate and ride the cable car up to Kasamatsu Park for a stunning panoramic view from above.
- Bicycle Rental + Tango Chirimen & Yosano Silk (Handwoven Original Coaster-Making) Experience
Image Source:与謝野町観光協会
Yosano is an important production area for Tango chirimen silk, with a history of over 300 years. It was once a core region for producing high-end kimono fabrics. Here, you can experience Tango silk culture firsthand by weaving your own original coaster, learning about the silk-making process and the craftsmanship behind it, and taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Friendly reminder: If you plan to rent a bicycle, please be sure to inform the staff in advance when exchanging your pass.
Whether you want to admire the breathtaking scenery of Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, or step into the tranquil and rustic funaya village of Ine, this “Kyoto by the Sea” journey offers a completely different experience from city travel. For a more flexible itinerary, the “Kyoto by the Sea Pass (2-Day Pass)” is highly recommended, allowing you to seamlessly connect Amanohashidate, Ine, and nearby experience spots in one trip!
