Tango (North seaside area)

Amanohashidate & Miyazu City

A. This course takes you far out of the city and up to the rugged Japan Sea Coast. Get off at Amanohashidate Station for one of the top three scenic spots in Japan - Amanohashidate. A white sand bar lined with pine trees stretches elegantly across the bay, giving this magical place its name the Bridge to Heaven. Walk through the shadows of the pines, cool in the gentle breeze blowing across the bay, then return by boat on the still blue waters to the most famous spot - Kasamatsu Park. Copy the many other tourists as they turn away from the bridge, bend over and look through their legs, and you are met with the famous illusion of the bridge winding its way to heaven. Take a leisurely stroll back to the station where you can take your pick from the many hot springs and soak in a steaming outdoor bath before continuing on to the old Edo Period town of Miyazu.

B. Not far from Miyazu Station is Miyazu Catholic Church. Built in the Meiji Period, this Roman-style church looks distinctly European, until you enter its dimly lit chapel and see the floor around the altar is all Japanese tatami. (There's no sightseeing allowed when a Mass is being held.) Back out in the sunlight, you are once again whisked back in time to the Edo Era. The homes of wealthy merchants are perfectly preserved as an informative example of the life of a merchant in feudal Japan. Only Mikami-ke House, however, is open to the public.

Pick up some local souvenirs or stop for a cup of bitter green tea at one the traditional shops in the town before heading up to Daicho-ji Temple for a stunning view of Amanohashidate. Before evening falls, head over Kanabiki Waterfall - one of Japan's top 100, splendid in the autumn colors of the surrounding trees - and then return tired and content in the gathering darkness.

Recommended Course A

Half-Day Course

Recommended Course B

Half-Day Course