miyazu,ine / KyotoEnjoy incredible views of the Japan Sea; visit an idyllic Kyoto fishing village

While many oceanside locales across the world are associated with palm trees, white sands, and surfing, Japan's topography and rugged terrain make for unique views not seen anywhere else. Across much of its coast, the forest comes right down to the water's edge. At Amanohashidate, persistent trees have snaked their way across a long, slender sandbar that stretches across Miyazu Bay. Visitors flock from across Japan to see the peculiar sight, which is best viewed from atop the small mountainous peaks on either side of the bay.

Upon arrival, you'll likely notice many Japanese people bending over and awkwardly contorting their bodies. People have been doing this at Amanohashidate for centuries. Many visitors claim the view of Amanohashidate is most stunning when seen upside down - an activity referred to as matanozoki (peering through your legs). Legend has it that the shape of the inverted sandbar resembles a dragon flying up into the heavens. Try a matanozoki pose for yourself ;you may even find it preferable to standing upright.

Amanohashidate View Land offers perhaps the best location to enjoy uninterrupted views of the sandbar. This facility provides multiple viewing points and attractions to fully experience the view, along with an amusement center that offers a range of fun activities for children and adults. After taking a chairlift (or monorail) to the top, consider a ride on the "Cycle-car," a two-seater minicar that goes across tracks overlooking the sandbar. Riders pedal the car at their own pace, allowing for a pleasant, leisurely trip. In addition to several other viewing platforms, there's also a restaurant with terrace seating where you can enjoy a stunning view with your meal. Kids will enjoy the selection of amusement-park attractions on-site, which include a steam train, merry-go-round, go-carts, and more.

Tsuruya Shokudo is a charming restaurant located along the road running between Motoise Kono Shrine and Amanohashidate Cable Car. The upstairs dining area and terrace boast stunning views of Amanohashidate and the surrounding town. Given its location near Kono Shrine and Kasamatsu Park, this is the ideal rest spot when exploring the various sights around the area.

The Japan Sea produces arguably the best fish in the country, and Amanohashidate's oceanside location means you'll find the freshest catches readily available. Tsuruya Shokudo is the perfect place to indulge in these delicacies. Served during the winter season, their famous Tango Buri Shabu Otakara Zen menu item consists of a hefty portion of thinly sliced buri sashimi (raw yellowtail) alongside a stove, broth, and dipping sauce. Pick up the fish and quickly whisk it into the heated broth until the edges are slightly brown, then dip into the sauce and enjoy.

For something quicker, opt for the Tango Otakara rice bowl filled with buri (yellowtail), ika (squid), bai (shellfish), seaweed, and an egg, with miso soup and a small portion of soba noodles on the side. For dessert, try the soft-serve ice-cream made with local black soybeans and dainago adzuki beans. Meals range from 1,800 to 3,000 yen. Be sure to visit Kono Shrine while you're in the area. Then, try taking the cable-car lift to Kasamatsu Park, where you can get even more stunning views of the bay below.

After visiting Amanohashidate, consider extending your stay in the region with a trip to Ine (about one hour by bus). This remarkable fishing town retains its appearance from centuries ago, with approximately 230 traditional homes stretching their way across the bay at sea level. To really immerse yourself in the town, stay the night at Guri, a hip cafe and guesthouse located right on Ine's main street, just meters from the ocean. The ground-floor cafe serves a variety of coffee, tea, juices, and cakes, and chatting with the regular locals who patronize the establishment allows you to get a real sense of town life. The guesthouse - on the 2nd floor - is perfect for couples, families, or groups.

The single guesthouse can accommodate up to six guests and is rented out in its entirety, providing an extra degree of privacy and tranquility. The 66-year-old traditional home is built from zelkova and blends its traditional architecture with modern interior design. While the exterior maintains its classic appearance, the inside has been retrofitted with luxuries such as a Swedish-designed bed, modern kitchen, DVD projector, speakers, and modern bathing and toilet facilities.

Breakfast includes buckwheat-flour waffles, local fish, omelet, and green salad, along with a choice of café beverage. Or, you can opt for a simple Japanese breakfast of onigiri rice balls and seasoned dashimaki eggs. For dinner, head out to one of the several local seafood restaurants to get a taste of the village's fishing industry. Reservations cost a maximum of 20,000 yen per night (varies by number of guests), and can be made up to three months in advance. Children aged 3–11 are charged half-price. Children under two are free.