Things To Do
in Miyazu
Miyazu is a coastal city in northern Kyoto Prefecture best known for Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s celebrated scenic views: a pine‑covered sandbar that spans Miyazu Bay. The city blends tranquil fishing-village atmosphere, historic temples and shrines, and seafood markets that showcase the Sea of Japan’s bounty. Visitors come for scenic walks, cycling along the sandbar, boat cruises, and nearby traditional villages like Ine with its boathouses.
Miyazu is quieter than Kyoto city, offering a relaxed base for nature, photography, and seasonal seafood festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Kansai International Airport and take a train to Miyazu, enjoying the scenic views of the countryside. Check into your accommodation and freshen up after your journey. Take a leisurely stroll along the Amanohashidate beach to soak in the serene coastal atmosphere.
Explore the famous Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three scenic views. You can walk or cycle along the pine-covered sandbar and enjoy panoramic views from the surrounding hills. Take your time to absorb the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Dine at a local izakaya and savor fresh seafood dishes that highlight the region's culinary delights. Experience the relaxed ambiance while mingling with locals. Take a leisurely walk under the stars along the beach to conclude your first day.
Rise early for a visit to the Amanohashidate View Land, a theme park with breathtaking views of the sandbar. Take a chairlift up to the observation point for incredible photo opportunities. Enjoy a light breakfast while relishing the magnificent scenery.
Visit the Chion-ji Temple, located at the northern end of Amanohashidate, known for its historical significance and beautiful gardens. Explore the temple and learn about the local culture as you take in the tranquil surroundings. Afterward, sample some local snacks from nearby vendors.
Return to your accommodation and unwind. Spend the evening at Amanohashidate while enjoying a scenic boat ride along the bay. Savor dinner at a quaint restaurant, where you can try regional specialties such as grape-flavored sake.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Mid-range restaurant (two-course) | $25-45 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / ryokan (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚉Local train/bus fare | $1.50-5 |
| ☕Coffee or cafe drink | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery (Amanohashidate and coastal views)
- Excellent seasonal seafood, especially snow crab
- Relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere compared with major tourist cities
- Good base for exploring northern Kyoto Prefecture and traditional villages like Ine
- Limited nightlife and fewer English-speaking services in some areas
- Public transport can be infrequent—having a car is helpful
- Some restaurants and attractions are seasonal or closed in off-peak months
- Accommodation choices are smaller in number compared to larger cities
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "トイレはどこですか? (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語を話せますか? (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Miyazu
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic pine-covered sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay—best photographed from Kasamatsu Park or Amanohashidate View Land for the classic view.
Elevated viewpoints and observation decks offering panoramic vistas, especially striking at sunrise, sunset, and during autumn foliage.
Historic shrine structures and quiet courtyards that create atmospheric shots in any season.
Rows of traditional boathouses on the water—excellent for golden-hour reflections and cultural documentary photography.
Boat tours and ferries provide sea-level perspectives of the sandbar, shoreline temples, and fishing activity.
Food in Miyazu
Miyazu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A winter delicacy in the Tango region—served boiled, as sashimi, or in hot pot. Best found at seafood restaurants and ryokan from late autumn through early spring.
Must-Try!
Local wagyu from the wider Tango area, often grilled or served as sukiyaki in higher-end restaurants.
Daily catches like mackerel, squid, and seasonal fish appear in markets and izakayas around Miyazu Bay.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets near the waterfront where fishermen sell fresh catches—look for grilled shellfish, sashimi sets, and packaged dried seafood.
During festivals you’ll find takoyaki, yakitori, and regional snacks—good opportunities to try street food in summer and autumn festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is a common greeting; be polite, patient, and soft-spoken in public spaces.
Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan, and certain restaurants—follow signs. Follow bathing rules at onsen: wash before entering the communal bath and do not wear swimsuits.
Form orderly queues, avoid loud phone conversations on trains and buses, and dispose of trash responsibly—public bins are rare.
Ask permission before photographing people or private property and observe rules at shrines and temples regarding photography restrictions.
Safety
Tipping in Miyazu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward; excellent service is already included. In ryokan or private guide situations, a small envelope gift may be appropriate if pre-arranged.
Cash (yen) is widely used—smaller restaurants and markets may be cash-only. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels and major restaurants; IC transit cards (ICOCA, Suica) are useful for regional travel. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept many foreign cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in late March–April; good for cycling and temple visits. Some seafood becomes seasonal—expect more tourists during cherry blossom time on weekends.
Warm and humid with beach season and festivals (matsuri) in July–August. Expect higher visitor numbers on sunny weekends and occasional rain; bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Crisp weather and attractive autumn foliage—late October to November is ideal for photography and hiking. Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
Cold and occasionally snowy with clear air—prime season for Matsuba (snow) crab. Some tourist services may be seasonal; pack warm clothing.
Miyazu at Night
Hiking in Miyazu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails and walkways around the park and observation areas offering panoramic views of Amanohashidate and the bay—suitable for all fitness levels.
The flat, scenic walk along the sandbar is easy and ideal for photography, cycling, and birdwatching.
Longer coastal hikes that follow the peninsula’s shoreline—expect rugged sections, sea cliffs, and secluded beaches; best in mild weather.
Shorter ascents to local peaks and viewpoints near Miyazu providing alternate perspectives of the bay and inland countryside—great for sunrise and autumn color.
Airports
How to reach Miyazu by plane.
Primary international gateway serving the region—approximately 2.5–3.5 hours by train and bus to Miyazu depending on connections; offers the widest range of international flights.
Domestic airport serving Osaka area—closer than KIX for domestic flights; access to Miyazu requires train or bus connections and takes around 2.5–3 hours.
Smaller domestic airport; travel to Miyazu involves train and bus transfers, typically 2.5–3.5 hours.
Small regional airport near Toyooka with limited domestic flights—useful if available, followed by a drive or train to Miyazu (about 1–1.5 hours).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local fishermen, farmers, small business owners, and older adults—rural and coastal livelihoods remain important.
Domestic tourists from nearby cities and international visitors primarily around Amanohashidate and seasonal festivals.
Like much of rural Japan, Miyazu has a higher proportion of older residents; community life and traditional practices remain strong.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a popular spectator and participatory sport across Japan; local school and community teams are active.
Given Miyazu’s coastal location, recreational fishing, small-boat sailing and coastal watersports are common and culturally significant.
Local clubs and school teams play soccer; community fields host regular matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Miyazu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside larger towns—temple cuisine (shojin ryori) is available occasionally; bring snacks and learn food phrases or show a written note explaining restrictions.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are limited in traditional restaurants. Larger hotels and some cafes may accommodate requests with prior notice—carry translation cards and snacks as backup.
Inform staff clearly about allergies—use a translated allergy card. Seafood is prominent, so double-check broths and sauces for fish-based ingredients.