Full-Day Trip to Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya from Kyoto or Osaka

Overview

This full-day excursion takes you to discover Amanohashidate and Ine Bay, two remarkable natural and cultural sites in Japan. Accompanied by a guide, you will leave the urban hustle to explore preserved coastal landscapes. The itinerary includes a visit to Amanohashidate, ranked among the three most scenic views in the country. This site is characterised by a narrow strip of sand covered with pine trees connecting the two shores of Miyazu Bay, resembling a bridge suspended between heaven and earth. You will also visit Ine Funaya, a traditional fishing village known as the 'Venice of Japan'. This location is famous for its traditional houses with integrated boathouses, built on a thin strip of land between the mountains and the sea. Departure is from Kyoto or Osaka by air-conditioned bus. Depending on the chosen package, tickets for the Amanohashidate chairlift and the Ine sightseeing cruise are either included or remain at your own expense.

Itinerary

1. Ine is a charming fishing village located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is renowned for its unique wooden boathouses, known as "Funaya," which translates literally to “boat house” in Japanese. Around 230 Funaya line the coast of Ine Bay, stretching for five kilometers. Each boathouse has two levels: the first floor is used for storing fishing boats and gear, providing direct access to the sea. This design makes the boathouses appear as though they are floating, as the first floor is almost flush with the waterline. The second floor contains a living area and is connected to the main house, providing access to the road. These distinctive houses have been around for over 300 years and offer picturesque views throughout the seasons. From cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered roofs in winter, the Funaya of Ine Bay is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture by the sea.

   · 25 min

2. Standing on the observation deck of Funayanosato Park, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Ine Bay, renowned as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It resembles a dazzling sapphire nestled between the sea and the mountains, captivating all who behold it. This location is perfect for appreciating the unique beauty of Ine Bay and Funaya.

   · 25 min

3. Ine Cafe is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Ine Town, where you can enjoy coffee and cakes while taking in stunning views of Ine Bay and Funaya. At Ine Cafe, you can savor breathtaking scenery of the calm waters and lush landscapes, making it a perfect location for photos!

   · 20 min

4. Ineura Park is located in the center of the Funaya area, which faces the sea. Walk into Ineura Park and take a close look at the unique boathouse buildings in Ine Town, and appreciate its rich historical style. Throughout the seasons, these boathouses and Ine Bay look beautiful. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around them; in summer, the mountain trees are lush and green; and in autumn, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red. Perhaps the most enchanting time is winter when thick layers of snow glisten on the roofs of the boathouses, as well as on the surrounding trees and hillsides.

   · 20 min

5. Enjoy the view of the Funaya from the sea, as it offers a unique experience! Take a sightseeing cruise to admire the beautiful seascape of Ine Bay and its iconic boathouses. As soon as the ferry departs, flocks of seagulls will follow in anticipation of food, making this a fun and engaging experience. You will have the chance to interact closely with the seagulls. Feeding them is a delightful activity, you can buy food for them, and they will even take it from your hand. Larger sightseeing boats offer a comfortable 25-minute loop around the bay. These boats provide a stable ride with minimal rocking, enhancing your experience. Ticket prices for the sightseeing boats are 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

6. The name “Amanohashidate” means “bridge to the heavens,” and was named for its shape. It appears to be a pathway connecting heaven and earth when viewed from the mountains that rise above it on either side. This stunning scene of Amanohashidatehas has been admired for centuries and is recognized as one of the "Three Most Famous Views in Japan." Take a Chairlift or Monorail and ascend to the Hiryukan-kairo Observatory for a panoramic view of Amanohashidate. From this vantage point, the sandbar appears like a dragon flying up to heaven. The traditional way to view the sandbar is to turn your back towards the bay, bend over and look at it from between your legs, it looks like a bridge to heaven. This position is known in Japanese as “Matanozoki.” The ticket price for Amanohashidate View Land is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. This fee includes round-trip access to the lift and the monorail, which take visitors to the observation deck.

   · 50 min· Admission not included

7. Chion-ji Temple

   Chionji Temple is located at the southern entrance of the Amanohashidate Sandbar. The temple houses one of Japan's "Three Important Statues of Monju Bosatsu," who is the Buddhist god of wisdom and intellect. As a result, students and visitors often come to the temple to pray for wisdom and for success in their academic and personal lives. They purchase special fortunes (omikuji) shaped like folding fans, which many people hang from the pine trees around the temple grounds. Other important structures around the temple are a large entrance gate and a two-story tahoto style pagoda, which was built in the 1500s and is the oldest structure on the temple grounds. The temple gate facing Chaya Street is registered as Cultural Property of City and is the biggest temple gate in the Tango area.

   · 20 min

8. Rotating bridge, this unusual bridge turns 90 degrees when ships pass through the waterway and connects the Amanohashidate landbridge and the Monju area. The original bridge was built in 1923 and operated manually; however, it was converted to electric operation in May 1960 due to an increase in the number of ships using the waterway.

   · 20 min

9. The eastern coast of the Amanohashidate Sandbar features beautiful white sand beaches. The beaches, combined with the deep blue water and lush green pine trees, create a stunning scenery. Enjoy a stroll along the pristine beach of Amanohashidate and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.

   · 20 min

How to use your ticket

Tips: * We will send you a message requesting your email address. After we receive it, we will email you specific tour guide information around 6 PM the day before your trip. This will help ensure a smooth experience and facilitate communication with your guide on the day of the tour. * The meeting point cannot change on the day of the trip. If a change is necessary, please inform us at least one day in advance. * Please arrive at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Latecomers or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund. * Please inform us at least one day in advance if you have placed an order separately from your relatives or friends. This will help avoid the situation where you and your companions are assigned to different vehicles.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
• Not recommended for travellers with spinal problems.
• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Public transport available nearby.
• Prams or strollers are permitted for infants and young children.
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
• Please specify during booking if you are travelling with a stroller or bulky luggage.
• Please inform the organiser at least 24 hours in advance if you have made separate bookings for your travel companions to ensure you are assigned to the same vehicle.
• Not recommended for wheelchair users.
• The activity can accommodate a maximum of 45 travellers.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund possible for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers staying in Kyoto or Osaka
• Lovers of natural landscapes and traditional villages
• People travelling with infants (strollers accepted)
• English or Chinese speaking travellers

What makes it different

• Option to depart from two different cities (Kyoto or Osaka)
• Choice between two packages: with or without chairlift and cruise tickets
• Transport provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 444978P13

Activity offered by F Trip via Viator.