Kyoto by the Sea: KURO-MATSU Train Experience to Amanohashidate

The Ultimate Guide to the Kyoto Tango Railway

The Tango Railway offers three unique sightseeing trains.
You can choose the perfect one to match your travel style!

Tango AO-MATSU Train

This train requires no reservations and offers all non-reserved seating.
The interior features a modern design based on blue tones, equipped with sofa seats and counters. It is highly recommended for those who want to casually enjoy the beautiful views of Kyoto by the Sea.

For more details about the AO-MATSU train.

Tango AKA-MATSU Train

This train requires a reservation, but seating is unassigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can choose any spot you like. The interior features a retro design filled with the warmth of natural wood. In addition, the view from the Yura River Bridge is absolutely breathtaking. You can also buy drinks and snacks onboard to enjoy your journey in a cozy, cafe-like atmosphere.

For more details about the AKA-MATSU train.

Tango KURO-MATSU Train

This train is a luxury dining train where you can enjoy a fully reserved course meal alongside beautiful views from the window. The interior features a relaxing design themed around pine trees. You can taste different menus depending on the season and time of day, making it feel just like dining in a real restaurant.

For more details about the KURO-MATSU train.

Kyoto Tango KURO-MATSU Train Experience

Here is a sneak peek at the KURO-MATSU Breakfast Course where you can enjoy a luxurious morning time! This time we are introducing the popular Breakfast Course from Fukuchiyama Station to Amanohashidate Station, where you can enjoy a luxurious breakfast while taking in the beautiful views from the train window.

This review covers the KURO-MATSU Breakfast Course experience, which was held from April 1 to September 30, 2026.

Heading from Osaka to Fukuchiyama

This journey starts from Osaka Station!
If you take the Limited Express "Kounotori" from JR Osaka Station, you will arrive at Fukuchiyama Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Kyoto Tango Railway ticket gate is located right outside the JR Fukuchiyama Station ticket gate, making transfers quick and easy!

Boarding the Kyoto Tango KURO-MATSU Train

Finally boarding the Kuro-matsu Train! The classic interior beautifully crafted with plenty of natural wood creates a traditional Japanese atmosphere that elevates your excitement.

Luxurious Breakfast on Board

Breakfast time begins as the train rolls out of the station. A beautiful menu crafted with plenty of fresh local ingredients fills the table. Enjoying a luxurious breakfast while taking in the peaceful mountain views from the window is truly an exceptional experience.

Short Stopover at Oe Station

Shortly after departure, the train makes a brief stop at Oe Station. During the stop, you can step off the train to explore the shop inside the station and Onigawara Park right outside. Oe is famous for its legends of oni (Japanese ogres or demons), making it one of the most renowned "oni" spots in Japan.

Dessert Time After the Short Break

The KURO-MATSU train experience still continues!
Returning to the train, you will be served a beautiful dessert plate. Every carefully crafted dessert is delicious and pairs perfectly with the special Tantetsu Coffee served alongside the sweets.

The Perfect Souvenir to Remember the Journey

After the delicious breakfast, it is time to sit back and relax with a coffee refill. While watching scenic Japanese mountain views rolling past your window, you can shop for limited edition KURO-MATSU original merchandise. It might be a great idea to pick up your favorite item as a sweet reminder of this amazing experience!

Arriving at Amanohashidate

As you enjoy the delicious meal and stunning scenery, time flies and before you know it, you are already at Amanohashidate. After experiencing this wonderful sightseeing train, you can dive right into exploring all the wonderful spots around Amanohashidate!

5 Top Things to Do in Amanohashidate

Chionji Temple

Chionji Temple is highly accessible, located just a 3-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station. This is the absolute first place you should visit after stepping off the train!
The area around the temple is lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and Japanese food stalls, making it a perfect spot to enjoy local street food. The temple is also famous for its unique, fan-shaped omikuji, so it is highly recommended to try one as a special souvenir of your trip.

Amanohashidate Rotating Bridge

The Amanohashidate Rotating Bridge is a small bridge that connects the main sandbar of Amanohashidate to the mainland where Chionji Temple is located. Since it is right outside the temple, it is highly recommended to stop by after your visit. The bridge is famous for rotating several times a day to let boats pass, though the frequency and exact times vary depending on the season. If you are lucky, you might just catch it in action!

Amanohashidate View Land

Amanohashidate View Land offers a panoramic view of Amanohashidate from the south. The scenery from above is stunningly beautiful, and the view from this vantage point is famous because the sandbar looks just like a dragon ascending into the sky. To see it this way, you can try a unique posture called matanozoki, where you look upside down through your legs. The park also features a mini amusement park and a higher observation deck for an even grander view. When you visit Amanohashidate, this is an absolute must-visit spot!

Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park

Located directly opposite Amanohashidate View Land, this park offers a stunning viewpoint from the north side. The view of Amanohashidate from this opposite angle has a completely different atmosphere, so visiting Kasamatsu Park is highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully experience Amanohashidate. There are several ways to reach Kasamatsu Park, but the most recommended method is cycling. Near Chionji Temple and the Rotating Bridge, you will find multiple bicycle rental shops. You can rent a bike and ride across the scenic sandbar to reach the opposite shore. Various rental plans are available, including a very convenient option where you can drop off your bicycle on the opposite side and take a boat back. This makes it a worry-free and enjoyable experience, even for those concerned about their physical stamina.

Ine

Ine is located a bit further away from Amanohashidate, taking about an hour by bus from Amanohashidate Station. It is one of the most iconic destinations in the Kyoto by the Sea region, famous for its picturesque view of traditional Japanese houses that look as if they are floating on the water. Often called the "Venice of Japan," the contrast between the pristine sea and the rustic houses makes you feel as though you have slipped back in time to old Japan. Although it is a hidden gem that takes a little effort to access, it is absolutely a place you must visit!

Great Deal for Your Trip!

To enjoy these spots at a great price, we highly recommend the "Kyoto Tango Area Pass." This free pass offers unlimited rides on Kyoto Tango Railway trains, local buses between Amanohashidate and Ine, sightseeing boats, and the cable car or chair lift. Check it out to find this and many other great deals in the Kyoto Tango Area!

Kyoto Tango Area Pass

Summary: Plan Your Trip to Kyoto by the Sea

While Kyoto by the Sea is far from the city center and often seen as difficult to access, traveling on the Tango Railway turns the journey itself into a fun travel activity!
If you want to make the most of your Amanohashidate trip, why not try the Breakfast Course on the KURO-MATSU train? It is the ideal travel plan, where you can reach Amanohashidate while enjoying a luxurious breakfast and beautiful mountain scenery, leaving you with plenty of time to explore the area after your arrival!