Post by Mohamed A.M. on May 23, 2011 12:06:55 GMT 4
Many people who visit Japan tend to visit well-known destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka. However, there are a lot of other spots with hidden beauties that many visitors might have never heard about.
Amanohashidate (“V‹´—§) is located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It takes about an hour by train from Kyoto Station. The serene nature and local specialties there are something you HAVE to try. During my visit to Japan last April, my favorite destination was Amanohashidate, also known as the bridge to heaven.
If you break the kanji components of the word Amanohashidate (“V‹´—§) you get the meanings:
“V = Heaven (Amano)
‹´ = Bridge (Hashi)
—§ = Stand (Date)
There is a reason why they called the town this name. First of all there is a long sand bridge, filled with trees, that was created by the natural actions of the waves. It has become a tradition to climb one of the mountains there (don't worry, they have a train that takes you up) and when you reach the top you look at the sand bridge upside down as shown in the picture below, then it looks like a bridge is taking you to heaven:
You can also ride on a motorboat to explore the surrounding mountains as you ride the waves and feel the fresh clean air. They also rent bicycles where you can ride over the sand bridge, explore the temple located at the middle of the bridge and have a nice rest at the coffee shop located next to it (trust me, the bicycle is a lot of fun)
Not to mention, you have to spend a night at one of the local Ryokan (—·ŠÙ, Japanese traditional inn), try the local specialty called Chie no Mochi (Wisdom rice cakes) which stores there have been making them for probably more than 100 years! Eating them fresh in the morning as they're made will make you feel as if you really reached the heaven.
Amanohashidate (“V‹´—§) is located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It takes about an hour by train from Kyoto Station. The serene nature and local specialties there are something you HAVE to try. During my visit to Japan last April, my favorite destination was Amanohashidate, also known as the bridge to heaven.
If you break the kanji components of the word Amanohashidate (“V‹´—§) you get the meanings:
“V = Heaven (Amano)
‹´ = Bridge (Hashi)
—§ = Stand (Date)
There is a reason why they called the town this name. First of all there is a long sand bridge, filled with trees, that was created by the natural actions of the waves. It has become a tradition to climb one of the mountains there (don't worry, they have a train that takes you up) and when you reach the top you look at the sand bridge upside down as shown in the picture below, then it looks like a bridge is taking you to heaven:
You can also ride on a motorboat to explore the surrounding mountains as you ride the waves and feel the fresh clean air. They also rent bicycles where you can ride over the sand bridge, explore the temple located at the middle of the bridge and have a nice rest at the coffee shop located next to it (trust me, the bicycle is a lot of fun)
Not to mention, you have to spend a night at one of the local Ryokan (—·ŠÙ, Japanese traditional inn), try the local specialty called Chie no Mochi (Wisdom rice cakes) which stores there have been making them for probably more than 100 years! Eating them fresh in the morning as they're made will make you feel as if you really reached the heaven.
