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

Just past the boathouse district in Ine lies a patch of beautiful coastal scenery: the Nii terraced rice paddies. Rice is grown in several regions in Kyoto and throughout Japan, but the climate in this coastal area is particularly ideal for producing flavorful rice.

To get a glimpse of the fields when they are flooded (shown in the picture above), visit in May. During other times of the year, the fields will be covered in vibrant green or gold, depending on the crop cycle.

The rice terraces are easily accessed via car, but you can also walk or ride a bicycle to them.

Overlooking Amanohashidate, Nariaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on a mountainside. The prominent temple is a stop along the Saikoku Pilgrimage route in Western Japan and used to be where monks would undergo ascetic training. When visiting, take in the historic main hall, the five-story pagoda, and the sweeping view of Amanohashidate from Mt. Benten observatory.

Nariaiji Temple is full of history and slightly mysterious stories. There is a Jizo statue (*1) that is said to grant the wishes of visitors, provided they convey their prayer in one breath. The main hall houses a historic dragon carving with eyes that seem to follow visitors as they walk.

To get to the temple, take the mountain bus that departs from Kasamatsu Park near the observation deck. Those with cars can simply take the road up to the top of the mountain.

*1… Jizo statues are often found at Buddhist temples in Japan; Jizo is thought to be the protector of children and travelers.

The majestic Fukuchiyama Castle is a major historic landmark located in Fukuchiyama City, which is between Kyoto City and the Amanohashidate area. Constructed in 1579 by Akechi Mitsuhide, an influential military general active in Gifu, Shiga, and Kyoto, the castle acted as a western base for his domain.

The current tenshukaku (castle keep) is a recreation of the castle keep that was present during the Edo period.

For a small fee, visitors can enter the castle structure and climb up the keep. Historic scrolls, records, and artifacts that depict the history of Mitsuhide and the castle are on display inside. Be sure to closely examine the exterior, too. The castle was deconstructed under orders during the Meiji reign in the 19th century, but its stone walls have remained in-tact since they were originally placed; look closely to see that the wall has various types of stone.

Today, the castle is very popular due to its appearance in “Kirin ga Kuru,” a biographical Japanese drama series about Akechi Mitsuhide, broadcasted on NHK. You will likely see banners and posters around the grounds and in the castle reflecting this.

To get to Fukuchiyama Castle, take either the JR express train line or the San’in main line and get off at Fukuchiyama Station. It is around a 15-minute walk from the station to the castle.