Visit Northern Kansai
Visit the Bridge to Heaven, Kinosaki Onsen and more...
Near "Amanohashidate", one of Japan’s three most famous scenic views, are numerous sacred sites worshiping the archetypal deities and Buddha of Japan, such as "the Goddess of Food and Textiles", "the Goddess of the Sun", and "the Buddha of Wisdom".
“Amanohashidate”, one of Japan’s three most famous scenic views, is a naturally-formed geographical feature that is narrow and long, with a total length of about 3.6km. Legend has it that the god who created Japan used a ladder as a means of traveling back and forth between heaven and earth. One day this ladder fell and became Amanohashidate. This spectacular and mystical landscape can be seen from two observatories.
Enshrined in Chionji Temple is one of Japan’s three important statues of monju: “Monju Bosatsu”, the Buddha of Wisdom. Wisdom in this case refers to the ability to make correct judgments and respond appropriately. Accorder to legend, “Monju Bosatsu” bestowed wisdom upon a dragon that was wreaking havoc in the region. The repentant dragon is said to protect this region to this day.
Many worshipers visit Chionji Temple to receive wisdom. It is said that eating the “Chie-no-Mochi” rice cake, sold in front of the gate on the grounds of the temple, will bring even greater blessings.
Nariaiji Temple is located on the side of a mountain overlooking Amanohashidate. The principle image is the “Migawari Kannon (Self-sacrificing Kannon”) who, according to legend, saved people from starvation by carving off her own flesh. This Buddha is also known as the “Bijin Kannon (Beautiful Kannon)”, who is said to bestow worshipers with beauty of the body and soul. Nariaiji Temple is also a popular flower-viewing spot, with cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in the spring and maple leaves in autumn.
Since ancient times, Motoise Kono Shrine gave worship to “Toyouke-no-okami”, the Goddess of Food and Textiles, which is the ancestral god of this region. The shrine also enshrined, for a time, “Amaterasu-omikami”, the Goddess of the Sun, which is the ancestral goddess of the Imperial Family. Because these two goddesses are currently enshrined in Ise Shrine, this shrine is referred to as “Motoise (Original Ise)”.
Due to its background, Motoise Kono Shrine is of high prestige. The main hall has the same architectural style (shinmei-zukuri style) as Ise Shrine. The Suetama balls of five colors on the balustrade are a treasure allowed only in Ise Shrine and this shrine.
The Okumiya (inner shrine) of Motoise Kono Shrine, Manai Shrine is where the god who created Japan, as well as numerous other gods, such as “Toyouke-no-okami” and “Amaterasu-omikami”, was enshrined in ancient times. The ancient site of worship from approx. 2,500 years ago still remains on the grounds of the shrine. The gods are said to have traveled between heaven and earth using the ladder, “Amanohashidate”, erected at this location.
Connecting the two ends of Amanohashidate in approx. 12 minutes, the sightseeing boat offers passengers a view of Amanohashidate from the sea
In addition to walking, visitors can rent a bicycle at a nearby shop for a ride across Amanohashidate.
Take the Limited Express Train Hashidate from JR Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station. From JR Kyoto it will take about 2 hours.
Amanohashidate landbridge and major sightseeing spots are about a 20 minute walk from Amanohashidate Station.
