A Guide to Kyoto’s Serene Seaside: From Amanohashidate to Ine Fishing Village

When most travelers imagine Kyoto, they may picture famous landmarks, like Fushimi Inari Shrine, or the historic district of Gion. However, a completely different Kyoto––one with a blue sea, fishing villages, castles, and thriving culture––exists just a train ride away from Kyoto Station. This area of Kyoto lies on the prefecture’s northern coast, facing the Sea of Japan, and is one of the ancient capital’s best-kept secrets.

Ideal for those looking for a new experience in Kyoto, this region hosts amazing natural attractions such as Amanohashidate, and historic appeal, like Ine’s funaya (boat houses), Nariaiji Temple, and Fukuchiyama Castle. There’s also a vibrant food and arts culture, from fresh seafood and sake to fine-quality kimono and silks.

Read on to learn what to do in this part of Kyoto, and how to make your experience one-of-a-kind!

Amanohashidate is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the coastal Kyoto area for its impressive and calming scenery. This naturally-occurring sandbar is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Its beauty has inspired throughout history, as suggested by its appearance in “Hyakunin Isshu,” a famous anthology of Japanese poems compiled in the early thirteenth century.

Enjoyable from both up-close via stroll or bike ride, and from afar at Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate Viewland, this is a very popular day trip spot for those coming from Kyoto City or Osaka. When walking or cycling along the sandbar, you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and be cooled by the shade of some 3,000 lush pine trees that grow along the 3.6-kilometer (2.2 mile)-long sandbar. Amanohashidate Shrine can be found on the strip of land, which is also home to white sand beaches where visitors are welcome to dip into the water.

To get to Amanohashidate, take the JR limited express Hashidate from Kyoto Station and ride until the last stop, around two hours. For those wanting to visit Viewland, follow signs from the train station that will lead you away from the coast.

For those planning on crossing the sandbar and visiting Kasamatsu Park, go the opposite way and walk towards the water. For the view from Kasamatsu Park, Fuchu Station runs a chairlift and cable cars that go up to the observatory.

Ine is known for its picturesque funaya, or boat houses, that have been around since the Edo period. The town lies just past the Amanohashidate area and is home to around 230 of these charming funaya––some have been renovated into cafes, restaurants, or lodgings, but many are the living spaces of locals, who store their boats on the sea level and dwell on the second story.

Ine is recognized as one of the most picturesque villages in Japan. Upon visiting for yourself and strolling through the peaceful town, you’ll understand why.

While in Ine, get a guided tour on the water taxi around the bay, and be sure to snap photos! Then, take the time to walk through the town and see how the residents live. You will spot fishers out on the water or reeling in the catch from their boathouse decks. Before leaving, head to the roadside station nestled in the hills above the boathouses for an outstanding aerial view.

Those wanting to spend the night and wake up on the water can do so at one of the boathouse lodgings. See the official Ine Tourism Association website for details. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as these are popular accommodations.