Amanohashidate Pilgrimage Course
Amanohashidate-zu (15th century)
Amanohashidate is the largest sacred place on the Sea of Japan side, and many people have come on pilgrimage for more than 1000 years. That is why it was called one of the three most scenic spots in Japan.
Let’s trace the road with an E-Bike.
1. Rent E-Bike at Amanohashidate Station or Roadside Station
In order to get to the superb view overlooking Amanohashidate, naturally you have to climb a steep slope. Those who want to experience the training should of course walk up, but if you don’t have time, rent an E-Bike.
2. Chionji temple
Chionji is the most influential temple in Amanohashidate and enshrines the Buddha of wisdom. It is said that if you put the smoke there on your head, you will become smarter.
3. Eat “Chie no Mochi”
In front of the temple are four teahouses that have been open for over 400 years and are said to have been opened for pilgrims by the temple. Even a 300-year-old guidebook recommends eating “mochi of wisdom” here before making a pilgrimage.
Nowadays, it is common to combine mochi, azuki beans, and tea all over Japan, and it is said that the original is here. It’s delicious just for the standard, and said that eating it will make you smarter.
4. Cross Amanohashidate by bicycle
Amanohashidate is a natural sandbar in the sea that can be crossed on foot or by bicycle. Pine trees grow beautifully in the middle, and the 2.5km road is surrounded by the sea on both sides.
5. Moto Ise Shrine
Moto ise Shrine means the first shrine where Amaterasu came down to earth before she moved to Ise Shrine. Amaterasu is the highest sun god in Japanese Shinto.
In Japanese, Amanohashidate means a bridge that stands in the heavens, and it is also derived from the fact that Amaterasu used this bridge to travel between heaven and earth.
Even in the early modern period when Buddhism was powerful, people consistently visited both temples and shrines when they came to Amanohashidate. The fact that it coexists is one of the interesting things about Amanohashidate, which is the largest sacred place on the Sea of Japan side.
6. Nriai temple
Nariaiji’s steep slopes are feared even by local cyclists, but Anyone in good health can climb with E-Bike.
These days, most people take the cable car and look down at Amanohashidate from the observatory, but as a local, I think the view from Nariaiji Temple is the most beautiful, just like it was 1,000 years ago.
This is one of Kansai’s leading autumn foliage spots, and you can see beautiful autumn foliage and the sea in autumn.
7. Seafood Lunch
Let’s eat delicious seafood after lightly exercising.
As a local, I recommend restaurants near Motoise Shrine.
For those who don’t like raw fish, there are boiled fish and udon noodles, and recently a vegetarian restaurant has opened.
Tips
- As a rental place, Ine Hide Base is a good place to rent.
- Ine is very small town and its population is just 2000, so there is no convinence store and a few restaurants. Some restaurants serve very delicious seafood, but they can be full in busy season or on Wednensday every week. You should be especially careful with dinner and breakfast if you stay in Ine.
- If you get tired or have trouble, you can leave E-Bike at Ine Hide Base and go back by bus to Amanohashidate. If so, it costs 1500 yen per a bike as an extra fee. The timetable of bus is here.
