Amanohashidate and Ine Boathouses Day Trip Course

In northern Kyoto Prefecture, the Miyazu and Ine area facing the Sea of Japan offers a peaceful seaside landscape quite unlike Kyoto city. Amanohashidate, one of Japan three famous views, and the boathouses of Ine, with homes lined up right at the water, are sights that truly symbolize the Sea of Kyoto. This day trip plan has you walk the famous pine covered sandbar and view the boathouse village from a pleasure boat. Venture a little beyond the city to meet another face of Kyoto.

Course Route

1. 10:00 Arrive and start at Amanohashidate Station　Begin with the famous view of Amanohashidate. The entrance to the pine path is a short walk from the station. 2. 10:30 Take in Amanohashidate from Viewland　Ride the monorail or chairlift up to the observatory and enjoy the famous view, known for the upside down peek between your legs. 3. 11:30 Walk the pine covered sandbar　Cross the roughly 3.6 kilometer sandbar lined with pines, on foot or by rental bicycle. 4. 12:30 Lunch around Amanohashidate　Rest with seafood and local specialties. 5. 14:00 Take the bus to Ine　From Amanohashidate, ride the route bus about an hour to the boathouse village of Ine. 6. 15:00 Board the Ine Bay sightseeing boat　Loop around the bay from the water, viewing the distinctive buildings lined along the shore up close. 7. 16:00 Stroll the Ine boathouse village　Walk the lanes lined with unusual boathouses, with a boat berth on the first floor and living quarters above. 8. 16:30 Drop by a seaside brewery and more　Visit a local sake maker or cafe, savoring the calm village time to finish the course.

Highlights

- The pine covered sandbar of Amanohashidate from the observatory, like a dragon rising to the sky - A walk along the breezy 3.6 kilometer sandbar lined with pines - The distinctive townscape of about 230 Ine boathouses lined right at the water - The close up view of the boathouses and the calm bay from the sightseeing boat - Seafood and local sake, flavors unique to northern Kyoto

Access and Tips

- Amanohashidate Station is about two hours from Kyoto Station by limited express. Services are limited, so checking the timetable matters. - From Amanohashidate to Ine is about an hour by route bus. Building your schedule around the bus times keeps things smooth. - A free pass combining the sightseeing boat and cable car lets you tour cheaply and efficiently. - Plan on two to three hours in Ine. Combining the sightseeing boat with a town walk makes for a satisfying visit. - A day trip is a little rushed, so set out early and check your return bus and train times in advance.

A Quick Tip

Since travel to Amanohashidate and Ine takes time, it is best not to overpack the schedule and instead savor the scenery fully. Buses are infrequent, so deciding your return service early gives peace of mind. In the relaxed seaside air, take your time feeling a side of Kyoto far removed from the bustle of the city.