Wondering if Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya are worth visiting from Kyoto or Osaka? Absolutely!
These beautiful, relaxed towns offer an authentic taste of local life and stunning views away from busy city areas.
In this guide, I’ll share how to get there and highlight must-see spots.
I hope this guide helps take away the stress of planning your day trip, making your visit relaxing and enjoyable! 😊
Option 1 – 7:20 AM: Getting from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station
Method 1: By Highway Bus
- Route: Take the Tankai Express Bus directly from Kyoto Station (Bus Stop C2) to Amanohashidate Station.
- Journey Time: Around 2 hours and 5 minutes.
- Fare: ¥3,200 to ¥3,400 (one-way). Prices might change depending on your travel date.
- Earliest Departure: The first bus leaves Kyoto Station around 7:20 AM.
- Timetable: Check the latest Tankai Express Bus schedule here before traveling.
- Booking Tickets: Reserve your seats online through the WILLER EXPRESS Bus website.
Method 2: By JR Hashidate Limited Express
- Route: Take the JR Hashidate Limited Express train directly from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station.
- Journey Time: Around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Fare: ¥4,800 to ¥5,000 (one-way). Exact fares can vary depending on your travel date.
- Earliest Departure: The first direct train leaves Kyoto Station around 8:38 AM.
- Timetable: Before traveling, check the JR Hashidate Limited Express timetable here. Under the “Filter Trains” option, select “Limited Express” and look for trains marked as “Amanohashidate”.
- Important Note: All seats on the JR Hashidate Limited Express require a reservation. There are no unreserved seats, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance. Seat reservations open one month before your travel date.
- How to Book Train Tickets: Go to the JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION website, find the section that says “Click below to submit a reservation”, and click “Reserve Ticket by Selecting Stations”.
Take Note
This itinerary is planned based on the highway bus departing from Kyoto Station at 7:20 AM.
I recommend taking the highway bus because it’s direct and arrives earlier at Amanohashidate Station compared to the JR Hashidate Limited Express train.
Option 2 – 6:33 AM: Getting from Osaka Station to Amanohashidate Station
Step 1: Getting from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station
- At Osaka Station, board the JR Kyoto Line’s Special Rapid Service (also called the Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line) bound for Kyoto.
- This train makes limited stops, including Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki, and Kyoto.
- Stay on the train until you reach Kyoto Station.
- The journey takes about 29 minutes and costs ¥580.
Why Choose the JR Kyoto Line (Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line)
- Direct Access: You don’t need to transfer trains; it takes you straight from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.
- Fastest Option: The “Special Rapid Service” trains are the quickest way to travel.
- Travel Time: Around 29 minutes.
- Limited Stops: The train stops only at Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki, and Kyoto.
- Affordable: Just ¥580 for a one-way ticket, making it a great deal.
- Frequent Departures: Trains leave every few minutes, so you won’t have to wait long.
Step 2: Getting from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station
You can follow the steps mentioned above to travel from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station.
My Opinion
I highly recommend visiting Amanohashidate and Ine Fishing Village only when you stay in Kyoto.
Traveling from Osaka to these places takes longer and requires waking up very early.
The earliest highway bus from Osaka departs at 9:30 AM and arrives at 12:18 PM. This schedule doesn’t give you much time to explore.
Also, there’s no direct train route from Osaka to Amanohashidate.
10:00 AM: Getting from Amanohashidate Station to Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry
Take the Tankai Bus from the Amanohashidate Station Bus Stop at 10:00 AM. Get off at the Inewanmeguri Hide Bus Stop.
From there, walk for less than 1 minute to reach the Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry boarding area. You can check the Tankai Bus timetable here.
10:53 AM: Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry
a. Overview
- What It Is: The Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry is a relaxing boat ride around Ine Bay. You can enjoy lovely views of traditional houses, local wildlife, and village life. The boat ride takes about 25 minutes.
- Location: The ferry departs from Hide Boat Dock in the Hide area of Ine, a small fishing village in northern Kyoto Prefecture.
- Operating Hours: Ferries run daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, departing roughly every 30 minutes. From mid-January until the end of February, ferries operate only on weekends and holidays unless there’s a special group booking.
- Ticket Prices: Adults pay ¥1,200, children (ages 6 to 12) pay ¥600, and children under 6 ride for free. You can buy tickets directly at the dock without booking in advance.
b. Fun Things to Do on the Ferry Ride
- Feed the Seagulls: You can buy snacks for seagulls (¥100 for 2 packs) at the dock or on board the ferry. Gently throw the snacks upwards from the ferry’s open upper deck and watch the seagulls catch them. Be careful because sometimes larger birds, like hawks, may also join.
- Look for Marine Wildlife: Keep an eye out for dolphins, which sometimes appear in late spring or early summer. Dolphins aren’t always around, but you’ll likely see fish, seagulls, and other birds.
- Admire the Funaya Houses: Get up-close views of Ine’s famous funaya houses. These are traditional wooden boat houses built right along the water. You’ll have the best view from the ferry’s upper deck as you pass by.
- Take Photos: Move freely around the upper deck to capture great pictures of the houses, fishing boats, wildlife, and scenery. Both sides offer beautiful views, so take your time to explore.
- Observe Local Fishing Life: Watch local fishermen as they work, repair nets, or fish in the bay. You’ll also see floating fish cages and other fishing equipment, giving you a good look into daily life in Ine.
11:50 AM: Getting from Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry Station to Funaya Boat Houses
Take the Tankai Bus from Inewanmeguri Hide Bus Stop at 11:50 AM and get off at Ine Bus Stop. This bus stop is right next to the Funaya boat houses.
11:54 AM: Funaya Boat Houses
a. Overview
- What It Is: Funaya Boat Houses are traditional wooden houses built right on the water in Ine, Kyoto. Fishermen use the lower level to store their boats, and the upper level as their homes. About 230 of these unique houses stretch along the coastline.
- History: Funaya houses first appeared during Japan’s Edo period (1600s to 1800s). Initially, they were built just to store boats and fishing gear. Later, many houses turned into homes, small inns, or restaurants. Today, they’re protected as important historic buildings.
- Why Visit: It’s a special place to experience the traditional fishing lifestyle in Japan. You can enjoy calm scenery, fresh seafood, and local culture without many tourists.
- Atmosphere: Ine is a quiet fishing village with about 2,000 residents. It feels peaceful, genuine, and not crowded. Remember, the boat houses are people’s private homes, so always respect their privacy.
b. Fun Things to Do There
- Explore on Foot: Walk along the waterfront path behind the funaya houses to see them up close. Visit Ineura Park to relax, enjoy the view, or stop by small cafes. Just remember to be respectful and not enter any boat houses without permission.
- Eat at Wadatsumi Sushi Restaurant: Wadatsumi is popular for fresh local seafood and sushi. Seasonal specialties include dishes like yellowtail and oysters.
- Photography Tips: For great wide views, take your photos from the observation deck at Funaya no Sato Park. For close-up shots, head to Ineura Park or the nearby docks.
12:30 PM: Having Lunch at Wadatsumi Sushi Restaurant
- What They Sell: Fresh sushi and seasonal seafood dishes made with ingredients caught locally each day. You can order set meals for lunch or multi-course dinners.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Buri Set: Local yellowtail served in various ways, such as sashimi, grilled, steamed, fried, or hotpot (shabu-shabu).
- Assorted Sashimi Platter: A mix of freshly sliced local fish; highly recommended by visitors.
- Iwagaki Oysters: Large and delicious local rock oysters.
- Budget: About ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 per person.
How to Get from Funaya Boat Houses to Wadatsumi Sushi Restaurant
Wadatsumi Sushi Restaurant is located within the Funaya Boat Houses area, so you can easily walk there.
1:33 PM: Getting from Funaya Boat Houses to Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate Viewland
There are two great places to see one of Japan’s most beautiful sights, the long sandbar covered with pine trees.
Kasamatsu Park is on the north side and offers calm, peaceful scenery.
Viewland is on the south side and provides beautiful views along with fun rides perfect for families.
Here’s how you can reach these places. Choose either one for wonderful views of the Amanohashidate Sandbar.
Option 1: Getting to Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park
Take the Tankai Bus from Ine Bus Stop at 1:33 PM and get off at Amanohashidate Cable-shita Bus Stop.
From there, walk about 3 minutes to the boarding station for the Kasamatsu Park Cable Car and Chair Lift.
You can check the full Tankai Bus timetable here (Weekdays | Weekends).
Option 2: Getting to Amanohashidate Viewland
Take the Tankai Bus from Ine Bus Stop at 1:33 PM and get off at Monju Bus Stop.
From there, walk about 2 minutes to the boarding station for the Chairlift or Monorail (Slope Car) to Amanohashidate Viewland.
You can check the full Tankai Bus timetable here (Weekdays | Weekends).
Option 1 – 2:04 PM: Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park
a. Overview
- What It Is: Kasamatsu Park is a beautiful hilltop park with amazing views of Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three famous scenic spots. It’s on the north side of the sandbar in Kyoto Prefecture. You can reach the park by cable car or chairlift.
- History: Amanohashidate means “bridge to heaven”, based on an old legend. People have admired this place for hundreds of years, and Kasamatsu Park is one of the best spots to see it.
- Why Visit: It offers stunning views and special experiences, such as the famous upside-down viewing (“Matanozoki”).
- Atmosphere: The park is calm and welcoming. The natural surroundings are quiet and relaxing, perfect for taking photos and enjoying nature.
b. Capture Panoramic Views from the Circular Sky Deck
- Sky Deck: A circular wooden deck with glass floors. It’s the best place for panoramic views and photos.
- Other Platforms: Several wooden viewing decks give you different views of Amanohashidate.
- Best Time: Visit between late morning and mid-afternoon. Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (colorful leaves) are especially beautiful seasons here.
c. Experience the Unique “Matanozoki” Upside-Down View
- What It Is: This is a traditional viewing method. Bend forward and look at the scenery through your legs.
- Why Do It: Doing this makes the Amanohashidate sandbar look like it’s floating in the sky, creating the famous “flying dragon” illusion.
d. Try Your Luck with Kawarake Clay Disc Throwing
- Activity: Throw small clay discs through a target hoop (“Chie-no-wa”) down the hill. Locals believe this brings good luck.
- Cost: ¥200 for three discs.
- Tips: Aim gently just above the hoop. It’s fun whether you hit or miss!
e. Enjoy Delicious Food and Souvenir Shopping at Ama Terrace
- Restaurant (2nd Floor): Enjoy local seafood dishes, rice bowls, noodles, and curry while taking in beautiful views.
- Café (1st Floor): Offers snacks like local Kasamatsu dango (sweet rice dumplings), grilled pork sausages, coffee, and ice cream.
- Souvenirs: Buy local products such as snacks, sake, sweets, crafts, and park-themed gifts. It’s a great place to relax, eat, and shop.
f. Take a Scenic Ride on the Cable Car or Chairlift
- Cable Car: This enclosed car is a good choice for rainy days or families. The ride takes about 4 minutes.
- Chairlift: These open-air seats are perfect for taking photos and enjoying fresh air. The ride takes about 6 minutes. It’s best to take the chairlift on your way down to fully enjoy the views, and you can take the cable car up.
Option 2 – 2:31 PM: Amanohashidate Viewland
a. Overview
- What It Is: Amanohashidate Viewland is a hilltop park in northern Kyoto. It’s famous for its beautiful views of Amanohashidate sandbar, one of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views”. The park also has a small amusement area.
- History: Opened in 1970 on Mt. Monju, it provides great southern views of Amanohashidate. Before that, most visitors only saw the sandbar from the north side.
- Why Visit: You can enjoy fantastic panoramic views, especially the popular upside-down “Matanozoki” view. From this angle, the sandbar appears like a dragon flying in the sky. You can also enjoy scenic views together with family-friendly rides.
- Atmosphere: The park is relaxed, family-friendly, and usually not crowded. You’ll see families, couples, and groups enjoying their time. The amusement area feels casual and has a slightly retro charm.
b. Enjoy Amazing Views from Hiryukan-Kairo Deck and “Matanozoki”
- Hiryukan-Kairo Deck: Take a walk along this 250-meter elevated pathway and enjoy 360-degree views of Amanohashidate. It’s perfect for relaxing strolls and taking photos.
- Matanozoki (Upside-Down Viewing): Stand with your back facing Amanohashidate, bend forward, and look through your legs. From this viewpoint, the sandbar looks like a dragon flying through the sky.
c. Enjoy Exciting Family-Friendly Rides
- Cycle Cars (Sky Cycling): Ride pedal-powered cars on elevated rails. It’s fun, safe, and offers scenic views from above. Adults and kids both love it.
- Ferris Wheel: Enjoy a calm, relaxing ride on a small Ferris wheel and take in pleasant views of the surrounding scenery.
d. Try Kawarake Pottery Throwing for Good Luck
- Lucky Pottery Throwing: Buy small clay discs (“kawarake”) and throw them through the “Wisdom Ring” hoop. It’s fun, easy, and especially enjoyable for kids. Locals believe it brings good luck.
e. Ride the Scenic Chairlift or Monorail to Viewland
- Chairlift: A scenic open-air ride lasting about 6 minutes. You’ll enjoy great views along the way. It’s best to take the chairlift going down so you can fully enjoy the Amanohashidate scenery.
- Monorail (Slope Car): An enclosed, comfortable ride taking about 7 minutes. This is a good choice if it’s raining or if you’re visiting with young children or using a stroller.
Option 1 – 4:45 PM: Getting from Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park to Chionji Temple
Take the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat from Ichinomiya Boat Dock to Amanohashidate Boat Dock Second Pier.
A one-way ticket costs ¥800 for adults (ages 13 and above) and ¥400 for children (ages 6 to 12). You can check the boat timetable here.
From the pier, it’s just a 1-minute walk to Chionji Temple.
Option 2 – 5:00 PM: Getting from Amanohashidate Viewland to Chionji Temple
From the bottom station of the Amanohashidate Chairlift and Monorail, you can walk to Chionji Temple in about 5 minutes.
5:05 PM: Chionji Temple
The temple office opens every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can get temple stamps (goshuin) and buy amulets (omamori) here.
By the time you arrive, the office will be closed, but you can still explore the temple grounds anytime, as they’re always open.
The highway bus only departs at 6:00 PM, and there are no buses around 5:00 PM.
It’s the same with the JR Hashidate Limited Express train. There’s no train around 5:00 PM; the next one departs around 6:00 PM.
Since there isn’t much else to do between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, it’s a good idea to use this time to enjoy walking around the temple area.
a. Overview
- What It Is: Chionji Temple is a famous Buddhist temple at Amanohashidate. It’s dedicated to Monju Bosatsu, the deity of wisdom.
- History: The temple was founded around the year 808. It has been rebuilt several times, and most current buildings date from the 1500s to 1700s.
- Why Visit: The temple is known for helping visitors gain wisdom and academic success, making it popular among students. It’s also famous for its unique tradition of fan-shaped fortunes (omikuji).
- Atmosphere: The temple grounds are calm and peaceful, surrounded by pine trees and decorated with hanging fortune fans.
b. What to Do There
- Sanmon Gate: This impressive wooden gate, built in 1767, marks the entrance to the sacred temple area. Walking through it symbolizes entering holy grounds.
- Tahoto Pagoda: This small, two-story pagoda was built in 1501 and is the temple’s oldest structure. You can admire it closely, but you can’t enter it.
- Monjudo Hall (Main Hall): This is the main place for worship. You can offer coins, quietly pray for wisdom, and admire traditional decorations.
- Wisdom Ring Lantern (Chie no Wa): A unique lantern with a ring. Traditionally, you walk around it three times to gain wisdom. You don’t need to climb through the ring.
- Pray for Wisdom or Academic Success: Buy fan-shaped fortunes and hang them on pine trees. You can also buy special charms (omamori) for academic luck. If you’re interested in these experiences, make sure to arrive before the temple closes at 5 pm.
Option 1 – 6:00 PM: Getting from Amanohashidate Station to Kyoto Station
Method 1: By Highway Bus
- Route: Take the Tankai Express Bus directly from Amanohashidate Station to Kyoto Station (Bus Stop C2).
- Journey Time: About 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Fare: ¥3,200 to ¥3,400 (one-way). Prices may change depending on your travel date.
- Last Departure: The last bus from Amanohashidate Station leaves around 6:00 PM.
- Timetable: Check the Tankai Express Bus timetable here before traveling.
- Booking Tickets: Reserve your seat online through the WILLER EXPRESS Bus website.
Method 2: By JR Hashidate Limited Express
- Route: Take the JR Hashidate Limited Express train directly from Amanohashidate Station to Kyoto Station.
- Journey Time: About 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Fare: ¥4,800 to ¥5,000 (one-way). Prices may vary depending on your travel date.
- Last Departure: The last direct train leaves Amanohashidate Station around 6:09 PM or 7:05 PM, depending on the day.
- Timetable: Before traveling, check the JR Hashidate Limited Express timetable Under “Filter Trains,” select “Limited Express”, and look for trains marked “Kyoto”.
- Important Note: The JR Hashidate Limited Express only has reserved seats, so you need to book tickets ahead of time. Reservations open one month before your travel date.
- How to Book Train Tickets: Visit the JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION website. Find the section labeled “Click below to submit a reservation”, then click “Reserve Ticket by Selecting Stations” to book your tickets.
Option 2 – 6:00 PM: Getting from Amanohashidate Station to Osaka
To reach Osaka, first follow the steps above to travel from Amanohashidate Station to Kyoto Station.
Then, from Kyoto Station, take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service train (also known as the Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line) to Osaka Station.
The ride from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station takes about 29 minutes and costs ¥580.
Make sure you choose the “Special Rapid Service” train, as it’s the fastest option available on the JR Kyoto Line.
Easy and Convenient Bus Tours to Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya
If you’re worried about getting there or don’t have much time to plan, the easiest option is to join a popular bus tour (Bus Tour 1 or Bus Tour 2).
These tours conveniently pick you up from either Osaka or Kyoto, depending on which tour you select.
Related Posts
Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA