Surrounded by a crystal sea and lush mountains
Miyazu’s Bridge to Heaven, Amanohashidate, is known as One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. From one of the overlooks, the natural land bridge looks like a dragon ascending or descending between heaven and earth. Dragons are legendary creatures that freely travel between the two planes and also influence forces of nature, and its believed that visitors who visit this dragon land will be blessed with good luck and happiness.
This easily accessible region only 2 hours from Kyoto City, is home to many of Japan’s ancient deities, historic temples, and sacred shrines with mythical purifying fonts. The people are kind, and life flows slower here than in the city, giving visitors a chance to see a different side of Kyoto, away from the central tourist-packed city.
Recommendations in Miyazu:
Amanohashidate, One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views
Amanohashidate welcomes tourists from all over the world every year. It is a rare pine covered land bridge with white sand beaches. It stretches across two seas and is open only to foot traffic and bicycles. The Shogun who built the Golden Temple visited Amanohashidate many times and called it a profound mystery of the universe.
The breathtaking scenery, called a “mystery of the universe” has to be seen in person. Only then will visitors also be able to see how the bridge to heaven coexists with the surrounding mountains and sea. Nestled in these mountains of Miyazu is the village of Kamiseya that still has thatched-roof houses and Kanabiki Waterfall where visitors can do waterfall meditation. The local Tango Railway also runs along the sea and across the mountains of this incredible area.
Scenery
景色
The breathtaking scenery, called a “mystery of the universe” has to be seen in person. Only then will visitors also be able to see how the bridge to heaven coexists with the surrounding mountains and sea. Nestled in these mountains of Miyazu is the village of Kamiseya that still has thatched-roof houses and Kanabiki Waterfall where visitors can do waterfall meditation. The local Tango Railway also runs along the sea and across the mountains of this incredible area.
Tango Railway Bridge across the sea
The Tango Railway Bridge crosses the sea at the mouth of the Yura River that flows out into the Sea of Japan. The bridge has a beautiful reddish-brown that contrasts the sea and was built in the Taisho era, about 200 years ago.
- ADRESS
- The mouth of the Yura River, Miyazu city, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- INFO
- Trains run all year round (Please do not film from private property)
Kanabiki Waterfall
The best way to reach Kanabiki Waterfall is by rental cycle. Selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, it is an impressive 40 m high and 20 m wide, and has abundant water flow throughout the year. The basin of the waterfall is shallow which makes it easy for visitors to walk right up to the waterfall. It is a perfect spot for travelers looking for mystical landscapes and relaxation.
- ADRESS
- Takiba, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- INFO
- Available Year-round
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Kamiseya
Along with visiting well-known places of interest, we also recommend places that are “off the beaten path!” A 40-minute drive from the downtown Miyazu will take you to terraced rice paddies and thatched-roof houses that look like something out of Japanese folktale.
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- Seya, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
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Amanohashidate View Land
Amanohashidate is also known for “Matanozoki”.viewing. If you stand with your back to Amanohashidate and crouch down to look through your legs, it looks as if it were a dragon ascending to heaven. A real highlight of a visit to Miyazu. Lift or monorail to the observatory is available with a ticket. The park include an amusement park, souvenirs and a food and drink area.
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- Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-22-1000
- INFO
- Opening hours vary by season, so please check the website.
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Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park
The park is located halfway up the hillside toward the famous Nariaiji, and offers a panoramic view of Amanohashidate from the north side. Viewing with “Matanozoki” style from here, Amanohashidate looks like “Bridge to Heaven”. This is origin of the name of Amanohashidate. A rough translation of Kanji “天橋立“ is “bridge to heaven”.
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- 75, Ogaki, Miyazu City. Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-27-0032 (Tangokairiku-Transportation)
- INFO
- Open all year round
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Spectacular Views in winter
Spectacular views in winter featured on the official website of Miyazu City. Magnificent view of the sea, rivers, and mountains. The majestic cultural assets such as temples and shrines. Winter snowfall creates fantastic scenery!
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Related sites
Culture / History
歴史・文化
Miyazu has been inhabited since the mythical origins of Japan, and has been a provincial government office in the Nara and Heian periods. And because of that there are many dignified temples and shrines of various sizes here. The city’s downtown area has had a harbor since ancient times and was an important hub for transportation, which led to Miyazu being a center of historical and cultural exchange. There are many heritage properties, quaint alleyways, the former residence of local merchant, and unique inns representative of the history of Miyazu.
Moto Ise Kono Shrine
Moto Ise Kono shrine is located on the far (north) side of Amanohashidate. The area around this shrine is called Fuchu and was a very important place where the ancient local government was established during the Nara and Heian periods. It’s closely affiliated with the famed Ise Jingu Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture as ‘moto Ise’ means “the former Ise”.
- ADRESS
- 430 Ogaki, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-27-0006
- INFO
- Open for visits all year round.7:30~16:30
*Phone and Goshuin services start at 8:30.
Chionji Temple
Chionji Temple is located at the southern entrance to Amanohashidate and is dedicated to Monju, Bodhisattva of Wisdom (a deity who bestows wisdom). It is widely known as the first sacred place of the three Monju shrines in Japan. Many students visit here to pray for success in their exams. In addition to the many nationally important cultural properties on the temple grounds, a fan-shaped omikuji (fortune) tied to a tree is also a highlight of the temple.
- ADRESS
- 466 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
- TEL
- 0772-22-2553
- INFO
- Open for visits all year round. Parking available
*Check the website for event information.
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Catholic Church, Miyazu
A church with tatami mats in a Japanese-Western style. Built in the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912). Designated as a tangible cultural property by Kyoto Prefectureecture. The oldest active church in Japan. *Photography is not allowed. Exterior is OK.
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- 500 Miyamoto, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-22-3127
- INFO
- Open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 13:30 to 16:30.
*Check the web site for mass and church open day.
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Former Mikami Residence
The former residence of local merchant dealing with thread wholesaler, a sake brewery, and a shipping during the Edo period. Designated as a tangible cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. The house represents the history of Tango Chirimen, local crepe fabric. The garden also shows the grandeur of a wealthy merchant family.
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- 1850 Kawahara, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-22-7529
- INFO
- available 9:00 ~ 16:30.closed on Wednesday, only.
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Chie-no-yu Onsen
Located next to Amanohashidata station, the only stand-alone spa facility in the city. This hot spring has a wide range of beneficial effects, from beautiful skin and neuralgia to sensitivity to cold. The exterior is designed in the old Japanese style, with an undulating bargeboard. The bathtub is made of withered pine trees in Amanohashidate. After taking a bath, be sure to try the Amanohashidate Pudding.
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- 630-73 Monju, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-22-1515
- INFO
- Closes on Wed. Open 12:00~21：00
*Check the website.
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Seya/ simple living
The Seya area, introduced in the "Scenery" category, has many unique creators and a significant number of newcomers from outside. The linked site provides valuable information for those who want to live in a place with traditional Japanese rural landscapes, shared by residents of Kamiseya. As an undeveloped region, it is a hidden gem for those who want to experience an explored area.
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- Seya, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
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Wisteria Weaving Preservation Society
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- Seya, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
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Miyazu Odori, traditional folk dance.
Related sites
Gourmet
食
Miyazu has a unique topography, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the sea. The seasonal ingredients nurtured in this rich terrain are also a highlight. Especially local sake made from rice grown in pure water and wine from local grapes grown in the ocean breeze. There are a wide variety of souvenirs, from marine products to sweets. Try the curry yakisoba stir-fried noodles served in curry soup. There are lots of good cheap eating recommended in the area.
Seafood, sourced in the ‘miraculous sea’, the pride of Miyazu
Springs and rivers flow down from the mountains. Nutrient spring water rises up from the sea bottom. There are calm tidal currents and a varied climate. Thanks to these rare and favorable conditions, the sea around Miyazu nurtures large amounts of plankton and seaweed, making it the perfect home for fish and shellfish. The sea of Miyazu is not only rich in natural scenery, but also a treasure trove of fresh and abundant seafood. This place, filled with the breath of life, is called the “miraculous sea” by the locals.
The seafood nurtured in this “miraculous sea” is of extremely high quality, to the extent that Miyazu is known as one of the best fishing grounds for seasonal fish and shellfish throughout the year. There are also rarer varieties that are specially branded which are available only to people who visit Miyazu in person.
Seafood specialties in the region, Tango tilefish, Maizuru crab, and Torigai shellfish
Excellent Sake and Wine, thanks to Miyazu’s climate
Surrounded by mountains abutting the Sea of Japan, Miyazu’s unique geographical features allow high-quality rainwater to flow down the mountains to the sea, enriching the soil along the way. It is not only the sea that benefits, but the rice fields that produce high-quality rice.
Sake, the symbol of Japan, is made from good quality rice. Sake brewing has long been a specialty in Miyazu. Wine and olive groves have also become prized local products because Miyazu’s environment, with plentiful sunlight and sea breeze, is a great location for grape and olive cultivation.
Miyazu is a gastronomic heaven, a land abundant with delicious exquisite ingredients and fully sea / farm to table. Plus the ability to pair offerings with local sake or wine makes for an exceptionally luxurious form of culinary tourism that can only be experienced by visiting the region yourself.
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IIO Jozo Vinegar Brewery
Iio Jozo has been making vinegar for 130 years since 1893. Their products are found at Michelin-star restaurants worldwide, and for good reason. It manages the entire process of vinegar brewing from start to finish, beginning with the growing of their own pesticide-free rice. Recommended for ladies care about health.
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- 373 Odashukuno, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-25-0015
- INFO
- Open weekdays and Saturdays: 9:00~12：00 and 13:00~17：00
*Check the website
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Hakurei Sake Brewery
Established in 1832 and in business for 190 years. The brewery at the time of the company's founding is still being used as a storehouse for sake. Sweets made with local water and rice, flavored with local sake also available.
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- 949 Yura, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 0772-26-0001
- INFO
- Open from 9:00 to 17:00. Closed Wednesday and the New Year holidays.
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Maeda Olive farm
Farm where you can become a member and owner of an olive tree. Experiential content is being prepared for each season. Please check detailed information by website.
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- 236-1 Nakano, Myazu City, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
- TEL
- 0772-27-2270
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Luxurious ingredients in early summer, “Tango cockle Torigai”.
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Local Rice Bowl
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Dried squid Sake bottle
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Kyoto by the Sea’s website featuring “Sake”
“Kyoto by the Sea, introducing Sake in the area.
Related sites
Activities
体験
There are many activities in harmony with nature, food, culture, and history: Stand Up Paddleboard in the blue ocean, waterfall rituals at one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, Ajikan meditation (similar to yoga), pottery and crafts tours, food workshop tours and so on. Any one of these unique activities is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Amanohashidate SUP
(Stand Up Paddleboard)
Take a ‘walk on the sea’, on a stand-up paddleboard, with the mountains and pine forest beaches of Amanohashidate right in front of you. The activity is available in the morning and the evening when the sea is calmer.
- ADRESS
- Amanohashidate Activity Center 934-1 Nakano, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture.
（天橋立アクティビティセンター） MAP
- TEL
- 0772-22-8030
- INFO
- Amanohashidate Tourism Association
*Booking call required.
Ajikan meditation experience at Nariaiji Temple, a sacred site of Shugendo, an ancient Japanese practice
Nariaiji Temple has been a place of ascetic practice undertaken in the mountains. You can experience Ajikan meditation, a practice that takes sacred breath into the body in order to feel the world of Buddha. After meditation, which is guided by the assistant chief priest, guests will have time for a lecture or consulting with the monk while having local sweets and tea.
- ADRESS
- 284-4 Sou, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. MAP
- TEL
- 080-8018-8596 (on Weekdays)
- INFO
- AmanohashidateDMC/Destination Managing Compnay
Related sites
Access
2 hour drive from the Expo site to Miyazu. By JR train, only one transfer from Osaka Station. Whether by car or train, the journey to Miyazu is relaxing with views of the countryside.
Public Transportations
From the Expo site
Board the Chuo Line of Osaka Metro at “夢洲Yumeshima” Station(Expo site). Approximately 2 hours to Miyazu.
→At “本町Honmachi” Station, transfer to Midosuji Line.
→Get off at “梅田Umeda Station”. Walk a short distance to JR Osaka Station And take the JR Fukuchiyama Line to the last station, “福知山Fukuchiyama”.
→At Fukuchiyama Station, transfer to Kyoto Tango Railway, take this line to “天橋立Amanohashidate station”.
From Osaka station.
Board on JR Fukuchiyama line at Osaka station.
At Fukuchiyama Station, transfer to Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate station.
Stay
There are various type of accommodations in Miyazu City.
We hope you visit and stay Miyazu.