Kyoto by the Sea Shock: Ambushed by ‘Thugs’ at Amanohashidate?!
If you are planning an independent trip to Kyoto, you absolutely cannot miss the breathtaking ‘Kyoto by the Sea: Amanohashidate.’ Besides taking in the stunning sandbar that ranks as one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views, hopping on the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat is a major highlight, as you get to experience the joy of feeding seagulls firsthand!
I had imagined this picturesque, romantic moment of gently holding out prawn crackers, waiting for the sweet little seagulls to fly my way… Who could have guessed… the ideal was perfect, but the reality was brutally harsh!
Caught on Camera: The ‘Hidden Boss’ of the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat
Sure, the adorable seagulls showed up like expected, but halfway through, we got ambushed by ‘aerial mobsters’! These guys are actually black kites, and they do not mess around! They’re easily double the size of the seagulls, and they swoop in looking aggressively intimidating!
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Fast, Ruthless, and Accurate: The diving speed of these eagles is insane. Half the time, the shrimp crackers vanish from your hands before you can even see them coming!
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Wicked Sharp Claws: I tested this out myself, and the result? My glove was completely shredded and didn’t survive the battle!
The Official Defense Guide:
Truth be told, whether you’re at the ticket booth or boarding gates, there are actually signs warning tourists to ‘Beware of the Black Kites.’ Why? Because feeding the seagulls acts like a magnet for the kites, too! Their talons are incredibly sharp, and their signature move is a sneak attack from behind! The Safest Feeding Strategy: It’s highly recommended to throw the shrimp crackers directly into the sea so they can snatch them mid-flight! Avoid holding onto the snack for too long… I am seriously so glad I was wearing gloves this time!
Although the shock value of the eagle sneak attacks broke the meter, I’ve got to say, witnessing this extreme snatch-and-grab show with seagulls and eagles sharing the sky is absolutely one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have at Amanohashidate.
Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat: Transportation & Cruise Routes
My boat route started at the Amanohashidate Pier and went straight across the water to the Ichinomiya Pier. It’s a quick 12-minute one-way ride, giving you the perfect chance to soak in the gorgeous views of the sandbar!
- Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat
- Fares & Boat Schedule
Genius Budget Hack: You Have to Buy the ：Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat Trip + Cable Car/Lift Round Trip Ticket
If your Kyoto by the Sea itinerary is mainly focused on Amanohashidate, I highly recommend buying the ‘Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat Trip + Cable Car/Lift Round Trip Ticket‘! One pass covers all the transportation listed below, saving you the hassle of buying separate tickets.
📖Further Reading： How to Explore Amanohashidate and Ine, Two of Japan’s Three Scenic Views! Complete Guide to Nearby Attractions and Recommended Tickets!
