Japan’s Best Kept Secret: Why You Need to Visit Kyoto-by-the-Sea

You’ve no doubt heard of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and you may be considering a stop in the mountains as part of your Japanese adventure too. However, if you want to get out of the typical tourist loop and visit a spot where the Japanese themselves love to spend their holidays, may we suggest heading out of the cities to the seaside? Amanohashidate or the Kyoto-by-the-Sea area are a fairly quick train ride (under two hours) from Kyoto city, but it’s far away enough to feel like you’re in another world.

A Ring of Wisdom in Amanohashidate. You can try your luck at throwing a clay disc through it for good luck!

 

Chionji Temple in Amanohashidate

 

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Shrine overlooking the inland sea in Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate Japan Highlights

The beautiful coastline with its scenic viewpoints and unique landbridge make for excellent hiking and exploration. You can also visit Ine Village and see one of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved fishing villages with traditional funyayas or boathouses. 

Ine village, one of the most picturesque villages in Japan

 

You should definitely go on a boat ride or two and take the cable car up to the main viewpoint overlooking the “dragon’s tail” or landbridge between the inland sea and the bay. There are several charming shrines to stop at along the way as well. 

Shinto shrine in Ine village
Sea birds in Amanohashidate
Kimono for the empress of Japan handcrafted by Tamiya Raden

This area is also home to traditional kimono and silk-makers, so visiting an artisan’s home like Tamiya Raden in Kyotango is a magical experience. They are responsible for creating stunning silk obis and kimonos with abalone shell or mother of pearl woven directly into the silk. They supplies textiles for labels like Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, and Guo Pei (among many others). 

A katana made by Nippon Genshosha in Kyotango, Japan
Making a traditional samurai sword in Japan
Making a traditional samurai sword in Japan

If you’re interested in learning more about traditional swordsmiths and Japanese samurai swords or katanas, this area is also home to the Nippon Genshosha workshop, where visitors can learn about the process, see the amazing weapons themselves, and even make their own sword or knife. 

Testing a sword
Testing a sword
Magical view of the inland sea in Amanohashidate

Kyoto-by-the-Sea Logistics

Unsurprisingly, you can easily access this area from Kyoto, but there are also fairly quick routes from Tokyo or Osaka on Japan’s amazingly well-connected train system. Once you get out into the country, however, you’ll need to rent a car or hire a driver if you plan to visit the swordsmiths, kimono makers, or go on similar excursions. 

The writer in Amanohashidate

What to Pack for Amanohashidate and Kyoto-by-the-Sea

It’s slightly warmer and more of a Mediterranean climate in this area, but the evenings can be chilly. Pack layers and include a windbreaker or two for those sea breezes.

Fresh seafood – just one small part of a kaiseki dinner

What to Eat in Amanohashidate 

Unsurprisingly, the seafood in this area of Japan is truly exceptional, with outstanding sashimi bowls, fresh crab, and many other treasures from the ocean to try! 

Sashimi bowl and miso soup in Amanohashidate

Where to Stay in Amanohashidate 

The Amanohashidate hotel is right on the water and has spacious rooms with the traditional tatami mat flooring. There are also onsen baths and great views, plus some dining options including a kaiseki dinner that lets you try all the area’s specialties. 

Bonus: Naoshima Island

The infamous Yayoi Kusama pumpkin that greets visitors to Naoshima

 

Glass House Mondrian by Hiroshi Sugimoto at the Benesse Art Site
The World Flag Ant Farm by Yukinori Yanagi at the Benesse House Museum

 

If you’ve ever dreamed about spending the night at an art museum, your dreams can come true in Naoshima. The Tadao Ando-designed Benesse House hotel is literally in the museum and you can enjoy a late visit to your favorite modern works (among other things, including an exceptional Japanese restaurant). 

Yayoi Kusama’s Narcissus Garden

No where else but Naoshima can you experience art from modern and classical masters (pieces from Monet, Basquiat, James Turell, Yayoi Kusama, and more are on hand, plus much of the island was the brainchild of the aforementioned Tadao Ando. 

Naoshima is only a quick ferry ride from Okayama as well, so it’s fairly easy to get to and explore. The island itself is very walkable or bikeable, and the Benesse House has a shuttle system for guests as well. 

Have you been to Japan? If so, what were your personal highlights? Are you considering a trip to rural Japan, Amanohashidate, Naoshima or elsewhere in Japan in 2025 or at some point in the future? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page! 

–Jacqueline Zenn

Stay tuned for more travel in Japan posts. You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s travel adventures. See A Traveler’s Guide to Tokyo: The Perfect Blend of Chaos and Tradition and Trendspotting Fashion and Beauty in Japan: How To Get The Look and Discover the Timeless Grace and Charisma of Kyoto: A Traveler’s Guide.

Photos: Jacqueline Zenn for Fountain Of 30

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