Kyoto Sea Scenic Train Ride and Coastal Exploration

If you think Kyoto is only about ancient temples, you must experience the charm of Kyoto by the Sea. The highlight of this one-day trip is a 45-minute ride on the Sea View Train from Nishi-Maizuru Station.

This is no ordinary train—it’s a moving observatory. With ocean-facing seats and wide panoramic windows, it brings the Sea of Japan right before your eyes. As it leaves the city, the view opens up: deep blue waters, fishing boats, winding coastlines, and distant mountains. At some points it runs so close to the shore that the waves seem within reach, and crossing the Yura River Bridge feels like a scene from Spirited Away.

What makes the journey special is its unhurried pace. The slower speed lets you savor every view as sunlight pours through the windows. With the gentle sway of the carriage, you can sip a drink and watch the scenery drift by—more than transportation, it’s a fully immersive seaside ride.

Arriving at Amanohashidate, you will immediately understand why it is celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. The 3.6-kilometer sandbar, lined with pine trees, looks like a “bridge to heaven” stretching across the sea. Walking along the sandbar, with the sound of waves in your ears, feels like stepping into a paradise. From the observatory above, the sweeping view of the green pine strip floating on the blue water is truly awe-inspiring. We recommend booking the option with Amanohashidate Cable Car.

In the afternoon, visit Ine Funaya, known as the “Venice of Japan.” Traditional wooden boathouses line the calm bay, creating a serene and timeless view. Stroll the quiet streets or take a 25-minute sightseeing boat ride to admire the Funaya from the water and even feed seagulls. We recommend choosing the option with the boat.

This one-day tour perfectly weaves together sea and mountain landscapes, history, and culture. And above all, the Sea View Train ride is the soul of the journey—If you want to discover a different side of Kyoto, this is an adventure you simply cannot miss.