Amanohashidate
- Bridge to Heaven carved out by the power of nature over thousands of years. Famous for its myth, it's one of the three most scenic spots in Japan - |
 
'Amanohashidate' along with 'Matsushima' and 'Miyajima' is crowned as one of the three most outstanding scenic spots in Japan. 'Heavenly Bridge' is a 3.6 km long sandbar, sheltered by 8,000 pine trees. The name finds its roots in the ancient myth that gods used the bridge to ascend to heaven, thus aptly called 'Amanohashidate' (bridge to heaven). Numerous tourists visit throughout the year to enjoy many attractive sightseeing spots such as 'Chion-ji Temple', 'Chieno-yu Onsen' (hot spring of wisdom).
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 Amanohashidate Map
 click available sight spot names. |
Recommended ways of enjoying views of Amanohashidate
There are three recommended ways to enjoy views of 'Amanohashidate'. |
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1. Matanozoki
Try the fun 'Matanozoki'(peek between your legs) from the lookout deck at Kasamatsu Park. With your back to the sea, bend down, peer through your legs so that the sand bar literally appears to be a land bridge to heaven. |
2. From Ferry
Take a ferry and enjoy different perspectives of 'Amanohashidate'. |
3. By Walking Through
Stroll across 'Amanohashidate' by walking the pine tree lined path taking about 40 to 50 min. to reach the opposite shore. Rent-a-bike is also available. |
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| In and about Amanohashidate |
Chion-ji Temple/Chieno Wa
Located by the train station, this venerable temple tells the tale of an ancient proverb; "Out of the counsel of three comes wisdom". Visitors from across Japan come to worship 'Monju' (a Bodhisattva of wisdom). Within the temple grounds are found many important cultural assets, and it's said the pilgrim will receive wisdom when passing three times through the ring of 'Chienowa Tourou' (wisdom stone lantern). |
Chie-no-yu (Hot spring of wisdom)
Situated close by the station, 'Chieno-yu' Onsen is also known as 'Bihada-no-yu' (water of beauty) to help increase beauty. Enjoy a free foot bath outside the building. |
Chie-no-mochi (Soft rice cake of wisdom)
Visitors must not miss the local specialty 'Chie-no-mochi' at teahouses by 'Chion-ji' Temple when visiting 'Amanohashidate'. Savour soft rice cakes with slightly sweet red bean paste which has been made and enjoyed as far back as 300 years ago. |
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| Kotobikihama Beach | Yuhigaura Coast |
Visitors will smile as they enjoy making the 'sand sing' while striding on 'Kotobikihama' beach, the biggest 'Nakisuna' (singing sand) site in Japan.
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Tango Peninsula boasts of magnificent coastline panoramas and at sunset, sightseers can view towering waves crashing upon the rocky, indented coastline at 'Yuhiga-ura'.
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Ine no Funaya Houses
- Traditional seafaring buildings provided location for a well-known film - |
'Funaya' is a large cluster of traditional fishermen houses located in Ine Town. The first floor is a convenient boat slip and the second floor serves as a home dwelling; about 230 of these houses line up along Ine Bay appearing at full tide as if they are afloat on the ocean. Take pleasure in the panoramic view of 'Funaya' from the ferry; feeding sea gulls hovering nearby is an
amusing experience too. An overnight stay at one of these fishermen's house makes your visit memorable. Located at the highest point 'Ine no Funaya', commands a panoramic view from 'Funaya' to 'Funaya-no-sato' park, one to be remembered for years to come.
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World Brick Museum
- World brick museum featuring the proud history of the former Japanese Navy - |
A renovated warehouse of the former Japanese Navy built in 1903, this museum is the oldest existing steel-framed brick building in Japan. It is a unique museum that displays brick building structures found around the world and focusing on "The World's Four Great Streams of Civilization". Many storage warehouses located around this museum are often used for shooting TV dramas. It's a romantic experience to enjoy the museum lit up at night.
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| Hot Springs | Miyama nature and culture village |
| Tango Peninsula is renowned as a famous 'Onsen' (hot spring) site and home to more than 20 hot springs. It offers visitors majestic views of the Sea of Japan, surrounded by superb natural sites and soothing and relaxing hot baths. |
Asamogawa Onsen
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Yasaka Ashiginu Onsen
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Ukawa Onsen
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Caught in winter, 'Matsuba-gani' is a very popular crab in Japan. Also. famous 'Kanburi' (yellowtail fished in winter) is tastiest when eaten as 'Buri-shabu'(Japanese hot pot).
'Chirimen' is a traditional technique in the manufacture of silk textiles carried on since the Nara Period (710-794). A variety of 'Chirimen' fabrics are weaved in Tango, used for the creation of gorgeous kimonos and accessories.
In Tango the visitor will discover many traditional 'sake' brewing companies closely guarding their own unique brewing processes. Enjoy a brewery tour with 'sake' tasting.
A traditional 'sushi' dish created with shaved mackerel and served on special occasions. 'Barazushi' is decorated with colorful ingredients such as eggs and fish cake.