Last updated on April 21st, 2024
Here is the complete transportation guide on how to get to Amanohashidate from Kyoto or Osaka. We will also share the necessary transport arrangements and budget tips by using a different type of transport pass to save you some money.
Amanohashidate (天橋立, Heaven’s bridge in Japanese) is a popular places to visit in Northern Kyoto. Thanks to Japan’s excellent public transport network, it is easily accessible by train and bus. Many travelers and even locals love to enjoy their holiday by visiting the Amanohashidate as a day trip from Kyoto and Osaka.
During my visit to the Kansai Wide area, we visited the Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, and Ine Funaya for a relaxing 2 days trip. At the first glance, the traveling journey is long and the transport arrangement is not easy. It can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
Rest assured. We understand the transport information that you are looking for and had compiled a list of transportation options on how to get to Amanohashidate, and transfer between Ine Funaya, and Kinosaki Onsen. You can based on the information gathered and plan for your trip to the areas based on your schedule and budget. Let’s check it out!
Amanohashidate Transport Guide Budget Tips
The transportation costs to Amanohashidate are extremely expensive and easily cost you more than ¥5,000 for a round-trip journey. As a smart traveler, it is advised to fully utilize the Japan transport pass to save you a lot of money.
Here is the common transport pass that can be used on the train journey to Amanohashida:
- JR Pass – Get this pass if you plan to travel to other parts of Japan. However, take note that Kyoto Tango Railway is not covered and you will top up if you are boarding the trains.
- JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (Consecutive 5 days at ¥12,000) – Get this pass if you plan to visit the Kansai Wide area.
- JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Consecutive 5 days at ¥17,000) – Get this pass if you plan to visit Hiroshima and the Kansai Wide area.
Pro Tips: The above transport passes are only valid for foreign travelers and it is generally cheaper if you purchase the passes outside of Japan. You may get the Discounted Japan Transport Pass from Klook here.
How To Get To Amanohashidate from Kyoto
The fastest way to get to Amanohashidate from Kyoto is by JR Train.
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate by Direct Train
It’s infrequent but you can take the JR Hashidate (はしだて) Limited Express Train from Kyoto straight to Amanohashidate. The journey takes around 2 hrs 10 mins and costs about ¥3,880. Take note that all seats are reserved for Hashidate. You will need to reserve your seat before boarding.
Train schedule:
- From Kyoto to Amanohashidate: 8:38, 10:25, 12:25, 14:25, 20:37
- From Amanohashidate to Kyoto: 9:54, 13:47, 15:51, 18:06, 19:18
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate by Train (with transfer)
If the direct train schedule does not suit you, Amanohashidate is also reachable with a one-way transfer at Fukuchiyama via JR train.
The JR Kinosaki (きのさき) Limited Express from Kyoto to Fukuchiyama (75 mins, about ¥2,460, hourly departures). From Fukuchiyama, change to the Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate (40 mins, ¥1,420). The traveling train is vary depending on the transit time but generally will take you about 2 hrs 30 minutes.
Kyoto Tango Railway or Tantetsu (京都丹後铁道) is a private local railway company famous for its unique scenic train in the Kyoto by the Sea area. There are many transfer options, be sure to check the available trains and schedules to find the most convenient route.
The entire train journey is covered by the JR regional pass, including Kansai Wide Area Pass and JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. However, the nationwide Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Kyoto Tango Railway between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate. There is an additional fare of ¥1,200 for local trains and ¥2,150 for Limited Express train is required.
When transferring from JR to the Tango Railway, there will be a counter available if you need to top up for your ride. Just show your JR Kansai Wide Area Pass or JR Hiroshima Kansai Area Pass and you can proceed to board your train.
Pro Tips: When using the JR Pass or regional Pass, the seat reservation is counted as 1 time based on departure and final destination. For example, from Kyoto to Amanohashidate with a transfer to Kyoto Tango Line, the seat reservation used is counted as one time although you are reserving the seat from Kyoto to Fukuchiyama, and Fukuchiyama to Amanohashidate due to the transfer.
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate by Bus
The cheapest option is to go to Amanohashidate by bus. Tankai Bus operates three highway buses per day between Kyoto and Amanohashidate. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hrs and costs ¥2,900. Online reservations can be made through Willer.
Bus Schedule:
- From Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station: 8:55, 12:40, and 18:00
- From Amanohashidate Station to Kyoto Station: 7:18, 12:58, 17:05
How To Get to Amanohashidate from Osaka
No direct train connected between Amanohashidate and Osaka with at least a one-time transfer required.
From Osaka to Amanohashidate by Train (with transfer)
From Osaka, travelers can choose to get to Kyoto and take the direct train to Amanohashidate. Alternatively, board the JR train from Shin-Osaka / Osaka to Fukuchiyama, and then transfer to Amanohashidate.
Take the JR Konotori (こうのとり) Limited Express from Shin-Osaka / Osaka to Fukuchiyama (90 mins, at least ¥3,340, hourly departures). From Fukuchiyama, you can change to the Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate (40 mins, at least ¥1,420) or change to another Hashidate limited express train that runs between Kyoto and Amanohashidate.
Again, the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kyoto Tango Railway which runs between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate. But you can always top up to take the train ride.
From Osaka to Amanohashidate by Bus
Similar to Kyoto, the cheaper option from Osaka / Umeda to Amanohashidate is by bus. Tankai and Hankyu Bus operate three highway buses per day and the trip takes about 2 hrs 40 mins and costs ¥2,650.
Bus Schedule:
- From Osaka Station to Amanohashidate Station: 9:50, 13:20, 18:10
- From Amanohashidate Station to Osaka Station: 6:45, 12:45, 16:45
Transfer at Fukuchiyama / Toyooka Station
When traveling in the Kyoto by Sea area, the Fukuchiyama (福知山) and Toyooka 豊岡(兵庫県) are the important transfer points for using the railway. Both connected the cities of Osaka and Kyoto in the South, with the Amanohashidate and Kinosaki in the North.
It is pretty easy and simple with well-signed to help you make the transfer.
There are some other stops to make the transfer along the journey. But most of the time, we are using Fukuchiyama or Toyooka for train transfer as this is the most convenient according to the schedule and place of visit.
Kyoto Tango Rail Sightseeing Train
When planning your trip, don’t miss the chance to ride the Kyoto Tango Rail Sightseeing Train. Depending on your schedule, you may possibly have a chance to ride the scenic train when traveling between Kyoto Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture.
There are special routes and schedules for each, covering the scenic spot in the Kansai area such as Fukuchiyama, Maizuru, Miyazu, Amanohashidate, Kyotango, and Toyooka.
Seats are limited, make sure to reserve in advance. You can book online via their Japanese website, or book at the train stations in the Kansai area.
Discount Passes
Lastly, there exist a few discount passes for visiting the Kyoto by the Sea area. Below are some of the more interesting ones that are worth recommending.
Amanohashidate Ine Free Pass 2 Days (Discounted Pass at ¥2,400)
- This pass covers unlimited rides on local buses (including the bus to Ine), the cable car and chair lift to Kasamatsu Park, and the sightseeing boats in Ine Bay and between Miyazu and Amanohashidate.
- Discount on the bus to Nariaji Temple.
- The pass can be purchased at the tourist information desk.
Kyoto by the Sea – Amanohashidate & Ine Pass (1 day for ¥3,550, 2 days for ¥4,550)
- This pass covers unlimited use of all trains of the Kyoto Tango Railway (non-reserved seats only), local buses (including the bus to Ine), the cable car and chair lift to Kasamatsu Park and the sightseeing boats in Ine Bay and between Miyazu and Amanohashidate.
- Discount on the bus to Nariaji Temple.
- It can be purchased at manned stations of the Kyoto Tango Railway, including Fukuchiyama Station and tourist information desk.
Overall: Transport To Amanohashidate
All in all, we hope this Amanohashidate transport guide is helpful. At the first glance, it is a bit overwhelming, but it is pretty easy when you are planning ahead. Note that all seats are reserved seat for Hashidate, Kinosaki, and Konotori limited express train. Also, the traveling journey is about two to three hours. We recommend you depart early in the morning or spend one night in the area.
Traveling to the Kansai Wide and looking for some inspiration? Free feel to continue to check out our travel stories to some other interesting places:
