Amanohashidate, a place of tranquility

I once stumbled upon a postcard of Amanohashidate and was instantly mesmerized by the stunning beauty of this enchanting destination. So, where exactly is Amanohashidate? Nestled in the serene northern region of  Kyoto Prefecture, this tranquil town is easily reachable by train from Kyoto Station.  We boarded the Hashidate Limited Express, a comfortable ride that whisked us away on a scenic journey, taking approximately 2.5 hours to arrive at the Amanohashidate Station. To truly embrace the magic of this place, I highly recommend setting out early in the morning, allowing you to bask in the breathtaking landscapes and arrive long before the afternoon sun casts its warm glow over the serene waters and lush greenery.

Before making our way up to the Amanohashidate Viewpoint, we dropped our luggage at our hotel, Taikyourou, just an 8-minute walk from the Amanohashidate Train Station. Since it was still early in the day, many of the restaurants in town hadn't opened for lunch yet. We stopped at a cozy little eatery specializing in soba and udon noodles. I chose a bowl of curry udon, and it was a delightful experience - the curry broth was rich and flavourful, while the udon was perfectly tender, creating a satisfying and comforting meal in this cold weather. 

Amanohashidate is remarkable for its picturesque landscape, featuring a long, slender sandbar adorned with a vibrant canopy of lush pine trees that stretches gracefully across the tranquil waters of Miyazu Bay. The view from the lookout point is nothing short of spectacular, with the shimmering bay reflecting the sky and the vibrant greens of the pines creating a mesmerizing tapestry. 

To reach this panoramic viewpoint, we embarked on a scenic chairlift that whisked us upward with ease, providing us with a bird's eye view of the enchanting surroundings.   

At the summit, there is also a mini theme park that invites guests of all ages to indulge in fun-filled activities. Among the offerings, a delightful bicycle ride in the air allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery, making it a cherished experience for both the young and old at heart. We spent a delightful day at the stunning Amanohashidate viewpoint and the amusement park, where my kids were thrilled by an array of fun rides. They zoomed around the track on Go-Karts, soared high in the sky on Ferris wheels, spun joyfully on the carousel, and pedaled through the sky bikes. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, notwithstanding the light drizzle. 

Most people recommended the Amanohashidate View Land, and it quickly became clear why - it offers a panoramic view that captures the breathtaking beauty of the sandbar, where land meets sea in a picturesque embrace. They even said that if you bend your head downward and look out to the sandbar view, you can see the dragon's tail!

Next, we ventured into the town of Amanohashidate, a hidden gem that exuded serenity with its limited shops and just a few charming restaurants and cafes spinkled throughout. Nestled close to our hotel, Taikyourou, stood the enchanting Chiionji Temple. Dating back to 808 C.E., historical accounts whisper that this sacred site was erected to seal away a fearsome dragon. Though modest in size, Chionji captivated with its exquisite wooden architecture, showcasing intricate carvings that spoke of skilled craftsmanship. One of the temple's most distinctive features is its omikuji, traditional fortune slips fashioned to resemble delicate sensu (folding fans). Visitors can purchase these fortunes and hang them from the trees surrounding the temples, creating a whimsical tapestry of hopes and wishes that flutter gently in the breeze, adding to the temple's otherworldly charm. 

We finally arrived at our enchanting hotel, Taikyourou, situated right in front of the renowned famous "rotating bridge" at Amanohashidate, which connects the mainland to the picturesque sandbank. Taikyourou is a dainty inn with just 10 thoughtfully designed rooms, each offering a serene ambiance. The inn features a tranquil open-air hot bath, where one can soak amidst nature. The interiors showcase the elegance of traditional Japanese design, complete with tatami mats, and exude a sense of warmth and comfort, while the modern ensuite toilet and bath provide all the conveniences we could wish for. Each room boasts stunning views of the rotating bridge and the sandbank, creating a perfect backdrop for our stay. 

As we stepped into the hotel lobby, we were enveloped by a tastefully crafted space that emanated a peaceful, zen vibe. The warm greeting from our host added to the welcoming atmosphere, inviting us to sink into comfortable seating by the fireplace. Soon, we were treated to steaming cups of fragrant tea accompanied by delightful chestnut red bean mochi, a scrumptious Japanese snack that melted in our mouths. Our host shared stories about the hotel's rich history, which spans an impressive 100 years, and outlined the tempting dining options awaiting us. 

With eager anticipation, we were led upstairs to ur rooms. The moment we entered the Japanese-style room, my kids squealed in delight, their eyes wide with wonder. I was thoroughly impressed by how cozy and spacious the room felt, a perfect blend of tradition and comfort. And the view? It was simply breathtaking, with the rototating bridge and the sandbank stretching out. 

Dinner was a highly anticipated culinary experience, featuring dishes exquisitely crafted in the traditional Japanese style. As expected, each plate was a work of art, showcasing the skill and precision of the chef. We began our meal with delicate sahimi, showcasing the absolutely fresh yellowtail fish sourced from local waters. The translucent slices glistened like jewels, and the flavour was an ethereal taste of the ocean - pure and vibrant.

Next, we were treated to an unforgettable main course: wagyu beef cooked to perfection and so marvelously tender. Nestled beside it was a charming mini hotpot of miso soup, brimming with slices of yellowtail fish, crisp vegetables, silky tofu, and earthly shiitake mushrooms. Every spoonful was a harmonious blend of flavours that warmed both body and spirit.

To elevate the dining experience, I ordered a bottle of hot sake, its rich aroma and smooth warmth perfectly complementing the meal. It was undoubtedly one of the best choices I could have made. As the dinner drew close, we were presented with a delightful assortment of desserts: luscious slices of ripe pear, a handful of sweet Kyoto grapes, and a refreshing fruit jelly. Each bite of the Kyoto grapes was a burst of juicy sweetness, a perfect final touch to an extraordinary dining experience!

Following a delightful dinner filled with laughter and warmth, we settled into the cozy embrace of our room, allowing ourselves to unwind in sheer comfort. The soft glow of the evening light enveloped us as we later indulged in a rejuvenating onsen, the fragrant steam rising around us like a gentle caress. The experience was serene, with the soothing warmth of the mineral-rich waters melting away the day's cares. As the night deepened, we retreated to our room, surrendering to the tranquility and drifting off into a blissful, restorative sleep. The futons were extremely comfortable to lie on!

Walking over to stunning Amanohashidate sandbar from the hotel is a delightful experience, made effortless by the bridge that spans the distance. At certain moments, when the ferry glides into view, the bridge gracefully rotates, revealing an ingenious engineering marvel that captivates all who witness it - an impressive feat by the Japanese.

In the evening, we meandered along the sandbar, embracing the enchanting evening atmosphere. The gentle breeze rustled through the toweing pine trees, creating a soothing symphony of nature. The breach sprawled before us, a tapestry of soft, fine white sand, adorned with wavelike dunes that undulated like gentle waves frozen in time. The crystal-clear waters beckoned with their inviting shimmer, making it a lovely spot for swimming, especially during the warm summer months. Our boys raced to the shore, exuberantly playing in the sand and eagerly searching for seashells, their laughter mingling with the sound of gentle waves.

To cap off our delightful evening, we found ourselves at cafe des pin, indulging in delicious ice cream and rich coffee. This charming cafe boasts some of the best views of the rotating bridge, where we could sit nestled by the window, watching the lively parade of people crossing or the bridge itself elegantly pivoting to allow a sightseeing boat to pass. Named for the pine trees that surround it, this cage offers a menu filled with specialty coffees, sandwiches, and an array of delectable cakes, making it a perfect spot to savor both the treats and the stunning scenery.