Amanohashidate

I first heard about Amanohashidate from a colleague, and it quickly earned a top spot on my bucket list. In the spring of 2026, I finally had the chance to visit! I chose to go by car, a move I’d highly recommend as the three-hour train journey can be a bit restrictive due to infrequent schedules. By driving from Osaka to Miyazu on a Friday, I managed to dodge the heavy traffic and position myself perfectly for an early start. Staying overnight in Miyazu was a great choice, as it offers plenty of dining options and is just a short walk from Amanohashidate. It also meant I could head out early on Saturday and enjoy the scenery before the crowds arrived. After arriving on Friday and getting a good night's rest, as planned, I headed out early on Saturday. To see the famed view of Amanohashidate, you need to head to the cable car station, which I have pinned in Google Maps. You can take the bus to the station, but I chose to walk as it wasn't far. The walk along the seaside to the cable car station was incredibly pleasant. To reach the summit, you can choose between the monorail or the open-air chairlift. The chairlift is a unique experience, often nicknamed the "pizza box" because of its small, flat seat and lack of a safety bar! While the monorail is a safer bet for those wary of heights, it can feel a bit stuffy and runs on a set schedule. The chairlift, by contrast, offers constant boarding and much better views. At the top, I was greeted by a majestic, crystal-clear view of the sandbar. While the summit features a small amusement park, I spent my time simply enjoying the scenery. It is a scenic view truly unlike any other in the world, and I'd say the cable car ride is definitely worth the trip. Overall, despite being far from the city, Amanohashidate was an absolute highlight of my trip and a destination I can’t recommend enough.