The Nihon Sankei: Amanohashidate

After first visiting Matsushima Bay and the floating torii of Miyajima, we finally ticked off the third of Japan’s Three Best Views (Nihon Sankei) from our to-do list: Amanohashidate (天橋立), the bridge through the sky. Or so at least this pine-clad sandbar crossing Miyazu Bay on Japan’s West Coast appears when one looks at it through one’s legs.
The canonical things to do are walking the 3.3km across Amanohashidate to the other side and viewing it from one of the hills on either side. Once we had walked across (a pleasant stroll), we took the chair lift up to Kasamatsu Park, from where the view is beautiful.
Further up the mountain, a Buddhist temple is located, Nariai-ji.

Pagoda of Nairai-ji

I should have been warned by the fact that a bus runs from Kasamatsu Park to the temple. Given that the day was rather hot, I regretted the decision to walk up pretty soon, but on the other hand like this you really feel like you earned your salvation, which must be worth more than the one of the people who get off the bus at the top coolly and unruffled. To ensure the long-lasting good effect of my pilgrimage up the mountain, I bought a charm at the temple. Nariai-ji boasts a five-storied pagoda and a lovely main hall which catches a fresh breeze. A few more minutes of walking are rewarded by another stunning view of Amanohashidate and the surrounding hills of the Tango Peninsula.
To go back to the other side, we made use of one of the flashy-looking jet-boats which zip the visitor across the bay within a few minutes. I think also the view from the other hill would have been worth seeing. Even though the place is naturally rather touristic, Amanohashidate and its surroundings are of great natural beauty and would have deserved more time than the schedule of our “Great Round Trip” could afford us.

View from the viewpoint near Nariai-ji

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