Kyoto’s Bridge to HeavenAmanohashidate is a summer swimming and relaxation paradise
Amanohashidate in Miyazu city is ranked as one of the 3-most beautiful places in Japan. This legendary land bridge, said to have been formed by two of Shinto’s most powerful deities as a way to get to heaven, is made of 3.6 kilometers of white sand covered by 8,000 pine trees, and has beaches and great cycling routes. Excellent views of Amanohashidate can be had from Kasamatsu Park, and the Amanohashidate View Land (accessible by cable lift). Rintaku, a nostalgic, open bicycle-cab tour of the Amanohashidate area, is also a memorable way to see the peninsula. There are several interesting sights on the peninsula including individually named pine trees. The Isoshimizu spring water is ranked as among the best 100 natural waters in Japan. Access: JR San-in Honsen line to Fukuchiyama, then change to the KTR Miyafuku line to Amanohashidate Sta. Area Info: 0772-22-0670.
July Area Event Highlights
Beach Opening: The beach is open for swimming. Honoono Kakehashi Fire Bridge: After a magnificent fireworks display, 200 torches along the beach light up this “bridge to the heaven.”.
Monjudo Defune Festival (7/24): A traditional celebration held by Chion-ji Temple, this festival features an area lantern display (from 20:00) followed by a dragon float parade and lively ancient music and dancing; later a fireworks display is also held.