The name Kyoto evokes images of ancient Japanese history and culture stretching back hundreds and hundreds of years. Kyoto welcomes millions of domestic and international travelers each year who come to visit the city’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites , temples, shrines, gardens, and the Imperial Palace. But Kyoto is home to much, much more. The prefecture is chockfull of natural beauty just waiting to be enjoyed, and Tango, also known as Kyoto by the Sea , is home to a number of very popular sights just a few hours from the city. With so many places to visit, a trip to Tango is certain to create memories that will last a lifetime.

One of the most popular destinations in Tango is Amanohashidate. Literally bridge to heaven, Amanohashidate is a white sandbar along the beautiful blue ocean with some 6,700 pine trees growing on it. The views at Amanohashidate have been loved by visitors and celebrated by poets for ages. Formed naturally over millennia, Amanohashidate has four major perspectives that provide beautiful views. These include Amanohashidate View Land (the view of hiryu), the Kasamatsu Park (the view of shoryu, or matanozoki), the Ouchi Pass Ichijikan Park (the view of ichiji), and the Shizaki Inari-jinja Shrine (the view of Sesshu). Each offers visitors a wonderful view of the different beautiful facets of Amanohashidate.

From ancient times, people walked along Amanohashidate while imagining that their prayers would cross over the bridge to heaven and reach the gods. A visit to Amanohashidate is a great way to feel a spiritual connection, and learn about the local culture and history through the mystical legends that abound here.

Motoise Kono-jinja Shrine once enshrined Amaterasu Okami, the Sun Goddess and most venerated deity of the Shinto religion, and Toyouke Okami, a local deity. Both were later enshrined at Ise-jingu Shrine. Because of this, Kono-jinja Shrine is called Motoise (literally the “Origin of Ise”) . Kono-jinja Shrine is also home to the legend of how Amanohashidate came to be. According to the legend, the god Izanagi used a long ladder to go to and from heaven to see the goddess Izanami, who was enshrined at Iwakura rock within Kono-jinja Shrine. Sometime in the night during one of his visits, the ladder fell and became Amanohashidate. Stretching 3.6 kilometers and forming the beautiful approach to Kono-jinja Shrine, Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views.

Quaint Funaya Boat Houses are a charming scene that reflects the history of the area. The sight of the gable-roofed Funaya Houses lined up one next to the other along the water against the backdrop of the mountains behind them is part of the unique scenery of Ine. The 230 Funaya Houses standing here have boat garages on the first floor and living spaces above them on the second floor. Standing right along the water’s edge, these unique houses look as if they are floating right on the bay.

The tide range at Ine Bay is only about 80 centimeters, and Aoshima Island appears as if it is protecting the bay by acting as a breaker to calm its waters. Before the war, fisherman herded whales into the bay for the hunt. Ine Port fishermen now boast the largest catches of yellowtail in Kyoto Prefecture, and the yellowtail harvested in the waters off Ine are a local favorite. The people of Ine live in harmony with the ocean that brings them their livelihood, and they continue to preserve the history and culture of their unique lifestyle for future generations.

Catch a ride on the Ine Bay Cruise Ferry for a charming view of the townscape from the water side, and enjoy feeding the seagulls during the 30-minute excursion. Another enjoyable way to experience the charms of Ine Bay is a ride on one of the sea taxis operated by local boatmen inside Ine Bay. Visitors are treated to a guided look at the charming Funaya Houses and a chance to interact with local residents. Fishing boat cruises are a refreshing experience that offers visitors lovely views of Kamaya Beach, Cape Kyoga, and other sights.

Another must-see is Kyotango City, located on the northern tip of the Tango Peninsula. The Tango Peninsula is a very popular area for its scenic drives and great cycling; and San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, which overlaps Kyotango City, has a magnificently picturesque coastline.

Tateiwa Rock is a Kyotango City landmark located in San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. This majestic rock stands an impressive 20 meters high. Cherished by locals for its rugged appearance and imposing presence, Tateiwa Rock attracts visitors from around the nation.

After an enjoyable day of sightseeing and fun activities in Tango, a nice crab dinner and a relaxing hot spring bath are a perfect way to end a perfect day. Taiza Fishing Port is on the Sea of Japan along the Tango Peninsula in Kyotango City’s Tango Town. From here, boats head out on November 6 when the snow crab season opens to licensed fishermen. The Taiza Crab brought to the port during the season is harvested about 20 to 30 kilometers off the coast of Cape Kyoga, on the northern tip of Kyoto Prefecture. To ensure the highest quality, fishermen out of Taiza Port carefully inspect and hand label each crab with the name of the boat that brought it in. Because it is customary for the crab boats to return each day from their harvest, the haul is always super fresh, guaranteeing top quality and superb flavor for guests at the many delicious inns and restaurants the area has to choose from.

Onsen (hot springs) are one of the Geopark’s nicest gifts!

Of course, no trip to Japan would be complete without a relaxing dip in a hot spring bath. Volcanic and seismic activity in San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark have produced about 40 hot spring sources in Kyotango City, the largest number in Kyoto Prefecture, and the wide variety of hot spring resorts in the area guarantees visitors a thoroughly enjoyable time spent immersed in luxurious comfort, delicious food, rich culture and ancient history.

Including Tango in your trip to Japan will ensure a lifetime of happy memories for all.

Please check the official movie of The Tango Peninsula, Kyoto by the Sea.

For more details, contact DMC Japan to discuss ideas and locations.
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