Miyazu

Tours

Itinerary: Namba OCAT (Meeting Time: 8:50, Dep. 9:00) → Amanohashidate/Kasamatsu Park (Free time to explore/grab lunch 11:45~13:45) → Ine no Funaya 14:10~15:10 (Ine Bay Cruise 14:30~14:55) → Namba (Arr. 18:30) Discover the beauty of Amanohashidate, or Heaven's Bridge, a scenic landmark on the coast of Kyoto named one of the Three Famous Scenic Spots in Japan. We will make a stop near Kasamatsu Park, which has an observatory that offers a breathtaking view of the area. A cable car ticket for Kasamatsu Park is included. You'll have 2 hours of free time to explore the area on your own and grab lunch before we head to our next destination. We'll arrive in Ine, a charming seaside fishing village famed for its unique "funaya," or boathouses, that line the bay. The town is home to Urashima shrine, tied to the classic Japanese folk tale of Urashima Taro. We'll also board the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat and enjoy a relaxing ride around the area. Aboard the cruise, enjoy beautiful views of the bay and its iconic funaya. If you're lucky, you might spot some dolphins swimming alongside the ship. The tranquil waters of the bay are shielded by Aoshima Island, an uninhabited island said to be the home of the gods. It keeps the bay relatively tranquil by acting as a natural barrier to the incoming wind and waves. After a day of exploring Kyoto's seaside, we'll head back to Namba on our comfortable air conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.

Begin your journey at either the VIP Villa Namba location in Osaka or the Kyoto VIP Lounge, where excitement for the day's adventure builds. The tour starts with a visit to the serene Chionji Temple, an important cultural and historical site. Here, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere, exploring the intricate architecture and tranquil gardens that reflect the essence of traditional Japanese spirituality. Following this, you'll head to Amanohashidate, known as one of Japan's Three Scenic Views. This stunning sandbar is often referred to as the "Bridge to Heaven," offering a unique perspective on Japan's natural beauty. The area around Amanohashidate is steeped in history and folklore, making it a fascinating spot for both sightseeing and cultural exploration. Next, you'll embark on an Amanohashidate Cruise, a leisurely boat ride that provides an exceptional vantage point of the sandbar and surrounding landscapes. As you glide across the water, you'll be treated to views of the lush pine-covered strip of land that connects two sides of the bay. visit to Kasamatsu Park. Here, you'll board a cable car that ascends to a viewpoint offering some of Japan's most breathtaking panoramic views. From this elevated position, you can look down upon Amanohashidate, appreciating its full majesty from above. The sight of the sandbar stretching across the bay, framed by the sea and mountains, is truly unforgettable. For lunch, indulge in a traditional Amanohashidate set meal. This meal showcases local ingredients and flavors, providing a delightful culinary experience that complements the day's exploration. After lunch, the journey takes you to the picturesque village of Miyama Kayabuki no Sato. This charming village is famous for its well-preserved thatched-roof houses, which offer a rare glimpse into Japan's rural past. Walking through the village, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, with the traditional architecture and serene countryside providing a stark contrast to the bustling cities. As the day comes to a close, you'll make your way back to either the Kyoto VIP Lounge or VIP Villa Namba in Osaka. This tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending natural beauty, cultural exploration, and culinary delights.

Remember to try the “crotch view”. Not only will you be able to better understand the origin of the name “Amanohashidate”, but the scenery will also become more beautiful! In addition, you can also take the opportunity to relax in the hot springs or visit surrounding attractions and facilities. Finally, take a cruise on Ine Bay to admire the unique wooden architecture on the water at Ine Funaya and experience the quaint charm of one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. ✨ The four attractions of Amanohashidate 1️⃣ The unique experience of “standing upside down to see Amanohashidate” When you look at Amanohashidate from the observation deck on the top of the mountain, if you turn over and look between your legs, the sandbar will look like a “bridge to the sky”, as if connecting the sky and the earth. This is called “Stock Peeping” - it’s really fun and creative, and a must-try for visitors! 2️⃣ The wonders of nature Amanohashidate was formed by the natural accumulation of sand and ocean currents, with more than 8,000 pine trees growing on it, and stretches along the clear Miyazu Bay. This is a miraculous place where people and nature coexist in harmony. 3️⃣ Beautiful scenery changes with each season 4️⃣ A holy place that integrates culture and faith Amanohashidate is not only a natural landscape, but also carries Japan’s ancient mythology and Buddhist culture. For example, Zhi’en Temple enshrines the god of wisdom “Manjushri Bodhisattva” and is a holy place for candidates and scholars to pray. ️ Ine Funaya｜Home on the sea, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Japan 【Charm of Ine Funaya】 ✅ Preserve the original lifestyle There are no noisy crowds of tourists here. Residents still rely on fishing for a living, and the pace of life is slow and full of human touch. ✅ Living fossil of maritime culture Funaya is not just a house, but also a philosophy of life. It represents the close relationship between man and the sea and is an extremely rare maritime architectural cultural heritage in Japan. ✅ Photogenic spot & healing scenery The sea is as calm as a mirror and the wooden houses are arranged neatly, making it a paradise for photographers and art lovers. The most beautiful time is early morning and dusk, just like walking into the world of “Spirited Away”.

Join a full-day tour to experience a blend of natural beauty and unique culture, departing from Osaka or Kyoto. Marvel at the stunning vistas of Amanohashidate, seek blessings at Chionji Temple, and uncover the secrets of Kyoto at the boathouses of Ine . Accompanied by your guide and driver, venture to Amanohashidate, a sandbar celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views. This 3.6 km natural wonder, adorned with approximately 8,000 pine trees, stretches along the Japan Sea and Amanohashidate Bay, formed by coastal sedimentation. Admire the unique landscape featuring white sandy beaches on both the east and west sides. The sandbar's shape, resembling a bridge reaching towards the sky, has earned it the name "Amanohashidate" or Heaven's Bridge. Immerse yourself in the pure natural beauty and ocean views of the surrounding islands. Optionally, take a cable car to Mt. Monju for a breathtaking view of Amanohashidate from an observation deck (at your expense). From this vantage point, see the sandbar shaped like a dragon soaring into the sky, earning it the name "View of the Flying Dragon." Enjoy a sightseeing car and attractions designed for all ages . Next, visit Chionji Temple, also known as Bussharado, a temple famed for academic success. The temple's gate is the largest in the Tango region. Observe the unique fan-shaped omikuji (fortune-telling paper), which, when hung upside down, symbolizes gradual improvement. Near the temple, witness the revolving bridge connecting Amanohashidate and Bussharado. This bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow large ships to pass. Alternatively, relax at the Amanohashidate Hot Springs, enjoying natural spring waters with a view. Try the outdoor foot bath for free. Finally, journey to the charming world of Ine Boathouses, one of Kyoto's hidden gems. Marvel at the traditional boat-house architecture of this small fishing village. Explore Ine on foot or by bicycle, or feed seagulls by boat, all while appreciating the picturesque coastal scenery.

Glide into Ine Bay — Japan’s “Venice of the Sea” Start your journey in Ine, a coastal village where 230 traditional funaya (boat houses) float right above the sea. The rhythm of life here hasn’t changed in centuries. Locals still live in these water-facing homes, coexisting with the tides. Wander the quiet lanes, sip handcrafted coffee at a seaside café with panoramic bay views, and peek inside the unique two-story boat houses — where the first floor stores fishing boats and the second serves as a cozy home. Walk Across the Sky at Amanohashidate Next, visit Amanohashidate, literally “the bridge to heaven,” and one of Japan’s three most iconic scenic spots. This 3.6-kilometer natural sandbar is lined with over 8,000 pine trees, stretching across the bay like a green dragon. Take the cable car (self-paid) to View Land for the best panoramic view, known as the "Flying Dragon View." Try the traditional way of viewing Amanohashidate upside down between your legs for good fortune. Visit Chion-ji Temple and Monju-do Hall, sacred spots to pray for academic success. Catch a glimpse of the rotating bridge as it turns to let ships pass — a rare and fun sight. Stop by Amanohashidate Shrine and the Isoshimizu Spring, listed among Japan’s top 100 natural waters — don’t forget to cleanse your hands before making a wish. Time Travel in Miyama Thatched Village Your final destination is Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, a storybook village nestled deep in Kyoto’s northern mountains. Known as one of Japan’s three remaining thatched-roof villages (alongside Shirakawa-go), Miyama is home to over 40 Edo-period style houses, untouched by time. Learn how the crisscrossed beams (chigi) and snow-cutting rods (yukiwari) reflect centuries of architectural wisdom. Grab a seat at Café Gallery Saika and enjoy creamy local ice cream while gazing at the peaceful village scenery. Explore artifacts of traditional rural life and peek inside the interiors of a preserved thatched house. Easy, Comfortable, & Carefree Enjoy round-trip transport from central Osaka in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. A friendly tour guide will share stories and insights throughout the journey. Whether you're a nature lover, cultural explorer, or photography enthusiast — this day trip will take you somewhere truly special.

Start with a pickup in Osaka. Come directly to the meeting point and get on the bus. Next, drive to Amanohashidate, a sandbar which connects both sides of Miyazu Bay. Appreciate the view at this site, which translates to "Bridge to Heaven" and is one of Japan's Three Views. Enjoy the view of the pine trees that cover this sand bar, and take photos of the white sandy beaches. Gaze at the Aso Sea and the Sea of Japan as well. Afterward, continue to Chion-ji Temple, located at the south of the sandbar. Learn how it was dedicated to Manjushri, the god of wisdom. Hear how students visit this temple to seek blessings that help them succeed in their studies. Also, walk through the ancient gate on the way in and see a fan-shaped signed poem that symbolizes progress and improvement. Continue to the town of Ine, a fishing village known for its boat houses. Check out these boat houses along the waterfront and pay for a boat ride if you want. Have a walk around the town to see the shops and restaurants as well. Finally, get back on the bus and drive to Osaka to finish up the activity.

The beauty of Kyoto is not limited to shrines and temples, due to surrounding by the sea on three sides, there are also many beautiful natural scenery to explore, today we will experience the “Kyoto by the sea”. In the morning, our professional driver will pick you up at the door of your hotel to start your journey. First, we will go to Amanohashidate, which is known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. The 3.8 km long white sand beach land bridge is covered with more than 8,000 dark green pine trees, and there is a quiet shrine among them. The adjacent Kasamatsu Park and Amanohashidate Viewland can also overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Amanohashidate. Next, we'll continue north along the coast to the famous Ine’s Funaya Boathouses. More than 230 houseboats are built around the water, many of which have been renovated into cafes, restaurants and hotels. You can choose to take a boat cruise or walk here, and of course don't forget to taste the delicious seafood. You don't have to rush your day trip, just relax and enjoy your time in “Kyoto by the sea”. We will return to your hotel around evening. Our trip will also end here, and we hope you will have good memories of. If there are other places you would like to explore, we will be in touch after you booking.

Your adventure begins with a hassle-free departure from Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 8:00 AM. Sit back and relax as we head toward our first destination! Begin your journey at Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s top three scenic views. This natural sandbar stretches across Miyazu Bay, lined with over 5,000 pine trees, creating a picturesque path that appears to connect heaven and earth when viewed upside down. Visit Amanohashidate View Land, where you can take a chairlift or monorail (850 Yen in own expense) to a hilltop park offering panoramic views. The highlight here is the "sky bicycle", a thrilling experience that lets you pedal across a high-altitude track with unbeatable scenery. Nearby, explore Chionji Temple, a peaceful Buddhist site famous for its giant folding fan-shaped fortune slips, where visitors pray for wisdom and success. Stroll across Kaisen Bridge, a unique rotating bridge that opens for passing boats, or take a walk along the scenic Amanohashidate Beach, where you can enjoy the sea breeze or rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride along the pine-lined path. During your visit, you’ll have time for lunch at your own expense, with plenty of local options to choose from. Next, travel to Ine no Funaya, a charming seaside village known for its over 200 traditional boat houses ("funaya") built right on the water. These historic structures, with boat garages on the ground floor and living spaces above, create a stunning floating townscape. For a unique perspective, opt for an optional sightseeing boat ride (1,000 Yen), where you can cruise along the bay and see the funaya up close, with their reflections shimmering on the water. As the day winds down, sit back and enjoy a comfortable ride back to Osaka, reflecting on the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Kyoto by the Sea. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a laid-back, immersive experience away from the crowds.

Amanohashidate in Miyazu Bay in the Sea of Japan in the northern part of Kyoto is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, along with Matsushima in Mutsu and Miyajima in Aki. It is a rare terrain with about 6,700 pines on a sandbar with a width of about 20 to 170m and a total length of about 3.6km, and it is a mysterious shape created by nature over thousands of years. You can fully customize your own itinerary in Amanohashidate and Ine-cho area of Kyoto or refer to our recommended route. If you want to customize your own tour, please select your most favorite attractions in Amanohashidate and Ine-cho area and share your other special requests with us. We will help you plan the route, draft an itinerary and make advanced reservations if necessary. REMARKS: You can always make change to the itinerary (Within Amanohashidate and Ine-cho area) even while traveling on the vehicle, The tour is flexible to your own needs and goals. We provide departing from Kyoto/Osaka. (Attention: we can only pick up customers live in urban areas.). We will contact you to confirm the tour details in advance. (For example: the number of passengers and the quantity of your luggage. The luggage defaults to 24 inches. And also the starting time of the day.) One day before the trip, you will receive the phone number of your driver for your convenience. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. We provide customer service, please feel free to contact us by email, WhatsApp, or phone. You can't select the drivers' nationality. We have drivers speaking English/Japanese/Chinese but they are arranged at random. The vehicles' pictures are for reference only, please refer to the actual situation for details. Please note that the schedule is for reference only, and the actual itinerary may change due to factors such as traffic, passenger flow and visit time. When confirming the itinerary with the driver, you can discuss and adjust it according to the specific situation.

*For groups of fewer participants, the driver will also serve as the guide. From Osaka: Amanohashidate, Ine Bay, and Miyama Day Trip ・Meeting Point: 07:00 AM at Kani Doraku Dotonbori East branch, Osaka ・Departure: 07:15 AM, on time Departing from Osaka, this one-day trip brings you to some of Japan’s most iconic scenic and cultural sites. Cruise through the picturesque Ine Bay, admire one of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views” at Amanohashidate, and stroll through the fairy-tale-like thatched-roof village of Miyama—all in one unforgettable journey. Meet at one of Osaka’s most popular landmarks, conveniently located in central Dotonbori. Board a comfortable and air-conditioned coach and begin your relaxing one-day adventure. Cruise through the picturesque Ine Bay, often called the "Venice of Japan." Ine Bay is a peaceful fishing village lined with over 230 traditional funaya—unique boathouses with boat docks on the first floor and living quarters above. Enjoy a tranquil sightseeing cruise across the bay, offering close-up views of these rare seaside homes nestled between the sea and the hills. On a clear day, you may even spot seabirds soaring overhead or capture stunning reflections on the water—a picture-perfect experience. Next, head to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s top three scenic views—a 3.6 km sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay like a natural bridge. Ride either a ropeway or a single-seat lift (your choice) to the famous Kasamatsu Park observatory. From here, enjoy a panoramic view of the sandbar that appears like a “flying dragon.” Don’t miss the chance to try the quirky "matanozoki" pose—bending over to look between your legs—which is said to bring good luck. Enjoy a delicious local specialty featuring sashimi from the nearby fishing port, served with miso soup and side dishes. After lunch, step into the mountain village of Miyama, a hidden gem in Kyoto Prefecture, home to dozens of well-preserved kayabuki (thatched-roof) houses. Dating back to the Edo and Meiji periods, many of these traditional homes are still inhabited today, offering insight into Japan’s harmonious way of living with nature. Strolling through the village is like stepping back in time. Depending on the season, enjoy cherry blossoms, lush green hills, autumn foliage, or snow-covered rooftops. You can also visit folk museums or browse handcrafted local souvenirs—an ideal place to experience authentic rural Japan. Arrive back in Osaka in the early evening. You may continue exploring Dotonbori, enjoy dinner, or shop at your leisure.