The Hidden Corners of Japan's Three Scenic Spots: A Heavenly View of Amanohashidate

If you ask me what in Japan can make you feel the serene beauty of nature, I would definitely recommend 'Amanohashidate.' As one of Japan's three scenic views, Amanohashidate is not just picturesque; it is like a 'natural bridge' quietly stretching between heaven and earth, captivating people with its unique charm. Easy Transportation: Half-Day Trip Guide from Kyoto to Amanohashidate Getting to Amanohashidate is very convenient. You can take the Hashidate Limited Express from Kyoto Station and arrive at Amanohashidate Station in 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the tranquil atmosphere of a small town. A 20-minute walk from the station will take you to the pine-covered sandbar. Along the way, there are Japanese-style shops and scattered cafes, making it a warm-up exercise for the journey. Pine Forest and Sandbar: Walking the Bridge to Heaven The name 'Amanohashidate' is very romantic; it symbolizes a bridge connecting heaven and earth. Viewed from above, the sandbar looks like a long, thin ribbon gently crossing the bay. The narrowest part of the sandbar is only 20 meters wide, and it stretches for 3.6 kilometers, covered with tall pine trees. Walking among them, surrounded by greenery, you can't help but take a deep breath, feeling as if your entire body and mind have been refreshed. Kasamatsu Park: The Fun of 'Flying Dragon' and Upside-Down Viewing In our itinerary, we rented a bicycle and leisurely rode to Kasamatsu Park on the opposite shore. The chairlift here takes you directly to the top of the mountain, where you can overlook the magnificent view of Amanohashidate. Locals say that from here, the sandbar looks like a flying dragon ascending to the sky, which is very impressive. The most interesting part is the long-standing tradition of 'Matanozoki'—a posture of bending down and looking at the scenery upside down through your legs. This action may seem funny, but when we tried it, the view was indeed different. The outline of Amanohashidate seemed to float in the air, perfectly blending with the blue sky and ocean, making us exclaim in amazement. Dancing with Seagulls: A Special Experience on the Sightseeing Boat After finishing the sandbar and mountain top tour, we chose to take a sightseeing boat back to the starting point. This journey added a highlight of interacting with nature—feeding seagulls. The boat sells shrimp crackers, and many tourists use them to attract seagulls. A large flock of seagulls circles around the boat, skillfully catching the thrown food. At that moment, you feel like you are part of the seagulls, sharing the blue sky and white clouds with them. Must-Do Checklist: Making the Amanohashidate Trip More Fun Rent a Bicycle to Cross the Sandbar Riding a bicycle through the pine forest, enjoying the fresh air and cool shade, is very relaxing and pleasant. Try the 'Matanozoki' Tradition This is a unique fun of Amanohashidate. Viewing the world upside down adds a lot of fun to the trip. Interact Closely with Seagulls Don't miss the feeding experience on the sightseeing boat. Be sure to prepare shrimp crackers and have an interesting interaction with nature. Photograph the Scenic Views from the Mountain Top At the top of Kasamatsu Park, whether it's the 'Flying Dragon' view or the surrounding sea and sky, it's a perfect background for photos. A Peaceful Journey Away from the Crowds Compared to tourist hotspots like Kyoto and Osaka, Amanohashidate is quieter and more low-key. There are no large crowds of tourists or bustling noise, only green pine trees, a blue bay, and a serene sky. If you are tired of crowds and noise, a walk, ride, and companionship with seagulls here will surely help you find inner peace. Amanohashidate, truly one of Japan's three scenic views, is a heavenly natural place worth spending a whole day to experience. I hope your next travel list includes this beautiful scenery!