Hey travelers! đ If you’re planning a trip to Japan and looking for something beyond the usual tourist spots, this one’s for you.
Today, weâre escaping the hustle of Osaka and heading off the beaten path to explore the hidden gems of Northern Kyoto.
Trust me, youâre about to discover the side of Kyoto most visitors never seeâlocals call it âKyoto by the Sea,â and itâs absolutely breathtaking. Ready for an unforgettable one-day journey? Letâs go!
đ The Journey Begins: A Perfect Day Trip from Osaka
This full-day adventure starts bright and early in Osaka and takes you to three stunning locations:
- đ˛ Amanohashidate Sandbar â one of Japanâs Three Scenic Views
- đ¸ Kasamatsu Park â a mountain viewpoint with jaw-dropping vistas
- đś Ine Fishing Village â a peaceful town with boathouses floating on the bay
No need to worry about logisticsâeverything is arranged for you. Transportation, entrance tickets, and even an English-speaking guide are all included. Your job? Just sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of northern Kyoto.
đ Stop #1: Amanohashidate â âBridge to Heavenâ
Our first stop is Amanohashidate, a natural wonder stretching across Miyazu Bay. This 3.6-kilometer sandbar is covered with around 8,000 pine trees and is often ranked among the top three scenic views in all of Japan.
You can choose to walk or rent a bicycle to cross the sandbar (highly recommend bikingâit only takes about 20 minutes!). Along the way, you’ll pass sandy beaches perfect for a summer dip and pine-lined paths that feel like something out of a fairytale.
Donât forget to try the quirky but traditional matanozoki viewpoint: bend over and look at the sandbar upside down through your legs! It sounds silly, but it makes the sandbar look like it’s floating in the skyâhence its name, âBridge to Heaven.â
If you enjoy temples, make a quick stop at Chionji Temple near the sandbar. It’s a peaceful spot with impressive Buddhist architecture. Try the local treat Chie no Mochiârice cakes believed to make you smarter!
đ Stop #2: Kasamatsu Park â The Iconic Viewpoint
Next, hop on a scenic cable car up to Kasamatsu Park, which offers the most famous view of Amanohashidate. As you rise above the bay, the view just keeps getting betterâperfect for snapping some envy-worthy photos.
At the top, explore observation decks like the thrilling Sky Deck, which has a glass floor for a heart-pounding view 40 meters above the ground. If you’re visiting during spring, the area is lined with blooming cherry blossoms, creating a picture-perfect frame for Amanohashidate below.
Feeling hungry? The on-site restaurant serves fresh seafood from the nearby Tango Peninsula. Imagine enjoying sushi or grilled fish while staring out over one of Japanâs most stunning natural scenes. Yes, itâs as dreamy as it sounds.
đď¸ Stop #3: Ine â The Venice of Japan
Our final stop is the quiet and charming Ine Fishing Village, often referred to as âThe Venice of Japan.â This village is famous for its unique funayaâtraditional wooden boathouses built right over the water.
There are about 230 funaya lining the bay, with the lower level used as a boat garage and the upper level as living space. These boathouses date back to the Edo period and are still home to generations of fishing families.
The best way to see Ine? Take a boat cruise around the bay. From the water, youâll get a close-up view of the boathouses in their full glory. Watch local fishermen at work and maybe even feed some friendly seagulls trailing the boat.
What makes Ine extra special is that itâs a living village, not just a preserved historical site. While some funaya have been converted into cozy guesthouses, most are still active homes. Itâs a rare peek into traditional coastal life in Japan.