[2025 Miyazu Attraction] Travel Guide for Chionji Temple (Updated Mar)

Amanohashidate, located in Kyoto's furthest suburbs, is a natural bridge created by nature and one of Japan's three scenic views. It's a must-see! 🔷🔷🔷My Amanohashidate One-Day Itinerary: 🚗Transportation: Direct bus from Kyoto Station, about two and a half hours to Amanohashidate Station 🏨Accommodation: Amanohashidate Japanese Inn, a 1-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station 🗺️My Amanohashidate One-Day Itinerary: ⏰Morning - Chion-ji Temple (near Amanohashidate Pier) - Kasamatsu Park (15 minutes by boat, then cable car up) 🕐Afternoon - Motoise Kono Shrine (5-minute walk after getting off the Amanohashidate boat) 7:30–17:00 💎Highlights: 📍Chion-ji Temple: Dedicated to Manjushri Bodhisattva, a place to pray for academic success. The temple is not very large, with a big red lantern at the entrance and many small wishing fans hanging on the trees, which is very cute. There is also a swing bridge nearby that rotates 90 degrees when large ships pass by! 📍Kasamatsu Park: Home to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three scenic views. Here, you can see the S-shaped curve from afar, like a flying dragon soaring into the sky. There's a unique way to view this scenery: bend over and look between your legs to see its beauty! 📍Motoise Kono Shrine: An ancient shrine and a must-see on the way to Kasamatsu Park. It is said to be the origin of Ise Jingu Shrine, and there are many national treasures and important cultural properties inside. 📌Tips: 1️⃣You can buy a 2-day Amanohashidate pass online for CNY 115, which allows unlimited rides on local buses, the Kasamatsu Park cable car, and sightseeing boats. It's a great deal! 2️⃣For Kasamatsu Park, the boat is recommended; it only takes 12 minutes, 20 minutes faster than the bus! 3️⃣Lunch can be arranged on the street from Kasamatsu Park to the pier, but there are not many dining options. We went back to the hotel area hungry to eat, so you can bring some snacks. 4️⃣Viewing the natural seascape known as "Flying Dragon View" from Kasamatsu Park requires good weather! Against the backdrop of the blue sky, it's truly stunning. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily, and we didn't see this spectacular view.😔

Amanohashidate, along with Matsushima in Miyagi and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, is one of Japan's Three Scenic Views. Known as the 'Bridge to Heaven,' its breathtaking scenery is truly mesmerizing. This natural sandbar stretches 3.6 kilometers, surrounded by clear blue waters on both sides and adorned with approximately 8,000 pine trees, resembling a green dragon floating on the sea. The scenery is both elegant and unique. The most classic way to view Amanohashidate is through 'Matanozoki'—standing on a viewing platform on the mountain, bending over and looking at Amanohashidate from between your legs. This creates a magical illusion, making it seem like a 'Bridge to the Sky' connecting heaven and earth, which is also the origin of its name. To enjoy this beautiful scenery, the most recommended viewing spot is accessible by taking a cable car or chairlift. This is the classic viewing point and the perfect place for Matanozoki. No matter the angle, you can feel the grandeur and uniqueness of Amanohashidate, truly stunning! Besides enjoying the view from above, there are other interesting ways to experience Amanohashidate, such as taking a leisurely walk along the sandbar, enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful scenery along the way. You can also visit Chionji Temple nearby, which enshrines Monju Bosatsu, said to bring wisdom, making it a popular place for students to pray for success in exams. Summary: The scenery of Amanohashidate is incredibly beautiful! Whether overlooking from the mountain or walking on the pine tree-lined sandbar, every moment allows you to feel the magnificence and tranquility of nature. Visiting here feels like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, immersing yourself in a dreamlike landscape. If you love nature and beautiful scenery, Amanohashidate is definitely a must-visit place in your lifetime!

Located in Amanohashidate, Kyoto Prefecture, one of Japan's three scenic views, Chionji Temple is a renowned site for academic prayers. For students, scholars, or anyone seeking to enhance their wisdom, this is an unmissable spiritual retreat. As you enter Chionji Temple, passing through dense pine forests, the clear air and the sound of the temple bell transport you to another world. Here, you can not only feel the rich cultural atmosphere but also the sacred power. 🚩A Hall of Efficacious Academic Prayers Since ancient times, Chionji Temple has been known as a place for praying for academic progress. The temple enshrines Monju Bosatsu, revered as the 'First in Wisdom,' who is believed to help devotees open their minds and improve their academic performance. During exam seasons, the temple is crowded with students and parents. Many students earnestly make wishes for successful exams and academic improvement as they pray in the main hall. The solemn atmosphere and the swirling incense create a sense of peace and hope. 👍Good Fortune on Pine Trees: A Unique Way to Pray Chionji Temple's unique 'fortune tying culture' attracts countless visitors. After drawing a fortune slip, if it is a good one, devotees tie the slip to a pine tree in front of the temple instead of the usual ropes found in other temples. This practice stems from the worship of pine trees, symbolizing eternal wisdom and deep roots. Pine trees not only signify longevity and prosperity but also the arrival of good fortune (the Japanese word for pine tree sounds like 'waiting'). Tying the fortune slip, one can feel a connection with nature and wisdom. Looking up at the fortune slips fluttering among the pine needles, it seems as if each leaf carries someone's dreams and hopes. 🎉Wisdom Mochi: A Sweet Treat for the Soul Besides praying, another must-do at Chionji Temple is tasting the famous 'Wisdom Mochi.' This simple-looking snack has profound meaning. It is said that eating Wisdom Mochi can enhance memory and concentration, aiding in academic performance. Made from carefully selected local rice flour, it is crispy and melts in your mouth. Paired with the beautiful scenery of the temple, it brings joy to the heart. Both children and adults buy boxes of it to share with friends and family, sending their sincere blessings. 👍A Spiritual Feast for the Journey A visit to Chionji Temple is not just a pilgrimage for academic prayers but also a journey of soul purification. Whether you come to pray or simply enjoy the scenery, you will feel a sense of tranquility and inspiration. May everyone who visits Chionji Temple leave with blessings and wisdom, embarking on a hopeful future journey. As you leave Chionji Temple and look back at the hope-filled pine forest, you may realize that this journey has not only left you with expectations for the future but also brought you peace and wisdom. I hope this travelogue inspires you to visit Chionji Temple in person, to witness this spiritual sanctuary and experience its unique and profound wisdom. 🟡Travel Guide: Take the JR to Amanohashidate Station and walk to the temple 🔴Must-Visit Spots: Chionji Temple, Amanohashidate Scenic Area 🟠Recommended Hotels: Amanohashidate Hotel 🟢Must-Try Food: Wisdom Mochi 🔵Shopping Guide: Lucky Charms, Amanohashidate Souvenirs

●Chion-ji Temple Chion-ji Temple is well-known for the saying, "Three heads together make a great manjusri's wisdom"! People who wish for academic success come to visit from all over the country! These fan-shaped fortune slips are super cute❤️ It was also nice to see them hanging on the pine trees!! ●Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat (Amanohashidate Pier) A sightseeing boat that runs between Miyazu, Amanohashidate, and Ichinomiya! Feeding the seagulls was also popular! It was cute to see the seagulls waiting nearby even when the boat🚢 was stopped🥺 By the way, the food for the seagulls is kappa ebisen! ●Kaisenkyo Bridge A rare bridge that rotates 90 degrees every time a boat passes! It is a bridge that connects Amanohashidate and the land where the Monjudo Hall is located♪ When it starts moving, it is impossible to pass for about 5 minutes! 🙆♀️ #Domestic Travel Record Line

Visited while the monthly market was set up, very nice. Lots of local vendors selling anything from clothing to food. A great surprice, without people and amaizing. Perfect place to admire traditional architecture of Japan The Handicraft Market open on the 15th of every month is cute and fun to see. Not cheap stuff since most times are handmade but if you want unique pottery/clothes/jewelry/leather goods or knick-knacks #瑞生尖沙咀酒店