Photo: KimonBerlin / CC BY-SA 2.0Amanohashidate is the pine-covered sandbar across Miyazu Bay that gives Japan's Three Views one of its three names, alongside Matsushima and Miyajima. The tourism association gives it as about 3.6 km long, 20 to 170 m wide, with some 5,400 pine trees. It is a natural formation, and it is open to walkers and bikes but closed to cars.
The classic way to see it is from above. From Amanohashidate Station walk about seven minutes to View Land and ride the lift or monorail up. The famous pose is the matanozoki: bend over and look at the sandbar upside down between your legs, when View Land says it looks like a dragon rising to the sky. Then come down and walk or cycle part of the sandbar itself.
The catch is that it is a full day. The ride is 44 minutes each way plus the taxi and the wait, and the last useful trains home leave Amanohashidate at 17:08 and 18:00 on the route planner we used. If your ship leaves early or you have under about eight hours, take the closer sights.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- The 10:13 train from Nishi-Maizuru is the reserved Tango Akamatsu: the operator charges a ¥800 seat ticket on top of the fare.
- Use the ship's shuttle or a taxi to Nishi-Maizuru Station; the port page says walking is about 30 minutes.
- Tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners, Discover or UnionPay card in and out on local and rapid trains.
- The sandbar is about 50 minutes on foot or 20 by bicycle one way: walk a section and come back rather than crossing all of it.
- View Land's lift is closed for inspection on 21 and 22 October 2026, so check which ride is running.
Then come down and walk or cycle part of the sandbar itself.
Guided ways to do Amanohashidate
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
Questions people ask here
Can I visit Amanohashidate on a Maizuru cruise call?
Only with a long call, about eight hours or more. The train from Nishi-Maizuru takes 44 to 48 minutes, so allow about three hours of travel return before you see anything.
How much does it cost?
The train is ¥650 each way by the route planner, View Land ¥1,000 return, and the reserved Tango Akamatsu adds ¥800. A taxi to Nishi-Maizuru Station is extra.
Can I walk across the sandbar?
Yes. It is about 3.6 km and the tourism association gives about 50 minutes one way on foot or 20 minutes by bicycle. Cars are not allowed.