Fully Conquer the Five Views of Amanohashidate! 5 Scenic Spots to Enjoy with Matanozoki

Amanohashidate is renowned as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. If you visit, you definitely want to try the famous viewing style called Matanozoki.
In fact, Amanohashidate has five different viewpoints known as the
“Five Views of Amanohashidate”,
where the scenery changes dramatically depending on the angle from which you look.

This article introduces five must-see scenic spots you should not miss when sightseeing in Amanohashidate.
It’s a perfect guide to help you discover new sides of Amanohashidate, and a great resource to check before your trip.

1. “Hiryukan” (Flying Dragon View) from Amanohashidate Viewland

Amanohashidate Viewland is a popular spot on the south side where you can see the entire sandbar at a glance. The view from here is called “Hiryukan” (Flying Dragon View), because when you do Matanozoki, Amanohashidate looks like a dragon soaring up into the sky.

There are special platforms in the park designed just for Matanozoki, so it’s easy to give it a try.
If you feel shy, you can also try “Sode-nozoki”, where you look upside down through your sleeves like women did in the old days.

2. “Shoryukan” (Ascending Dragon View) from Kasamatsu Park

From Kasamatsu Park on the north side of Amanohashidate, the sandbar appears like a dragon climbing toward the heavens, which is why this view is called “Shoryukan” (Ascending Dragon View).
Because Amanohashidate stretches diagonally in a single line, it is also known as “Naname Ichimonji” (Diagonal Straight Line View).

At the new Sky Deck, you can enjoy a thrilling walk about 40 meters above the ground on a reinforced glass walkway. It’s perfect for those seeking a spectacular and slightly heart-pounding experience.

3. “Ichijikan” (Straight Line View) from Ouchi Pass Ichijikan Park

A superb viewpoint looking over Amanohashidate from the west toward the east is Ouchi Pass Ichijikan Park. Here, Amanohashidate stretches across the horizon, dividing Miyazu Bay and Aso Sea in a straight line, a view known as “Ichijikan” (Straight Line View).

This spot is also said to be the birthplace of Matanozoki, making it historically significant. With a campground and cottages inside the park, it’s also a great place to immerse yourself in nature.

In spring you can enjoy cherry blossoms, and in autumn, beautiful foliage—making it a wonderful spot in every season.

4. “Sesshukan” from the Amanohashidate Sesshukan Viewpoint Rest Area

A viewpoint looking at Amanohashidate from the east side is the Amanohashidate Sesshukan Viewpoint Rest Area, located just above Shishizaki Inari Shrine.
The composition resembles that of the Muromachi-period master Sesshu’s
National Treasure “Amanohashidate-zu” (Amanohashidate Landscape), which is why this view is called “Sesshukan”.

It’s a popular spot not only for viewing Amanohashidate, but also for enjoying a sweeping panorama of Miyazu Bay.

5. NEW Viewpoint “Tenpyokan”

The newest addition, created in 2020, is the viewpoint called “Tenpyokan”. From the nationally designated historic site Tango Kokubunji Temple Ruins, you can enjoy a vast, unobstructed view of Amanohashidate from end to end.

Visit together with the nearby Kyoto Prefectural Tango Regional Museum, and you can enjoy both history and scenery in one stop.

Become an Amanohashidate Expert by Visiting All Five Views!

The greatest charm of Amanohashidate is that the scenery changes completely depending on the direction you look from.
By visiting the Five Views—“Hiryukan,” “Shoryukan,” “Ichijikan,” “Sesshukan,” and “Tenpyokan”—you can experience Amanohashidate in three dimensions.

When you visit, aim to complete all Five Views.
You’ll surely come away as a true Amanohashidate expert.