【Amanohashidate】Exploring by Rental Bicycle 🚲 Touring the Famous Spots on a Rental Bike

A power spot for love and good fortune, Amanohashidate is filled with highlights such as the Inochi-no-Matsu (Pine of Life) and various haiku and poetry monuments.

Stretching 3.6 km across the bay, it takes about 70 minutes to walk from one end to the other—and even longer if you stop to enjoy the sights. But just passing through by boat would mean missing all the famous spots along the way. That’s why renting a bicycle is the perfect way to explore efficiently while taking in the scenery at your own pace!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your visit with a “Cycling Tour of Amanohashidate’s Must-See Spots.”

Bicycles can be rented on either side of the sandbar—from the Amanohashidate Pier (Monju side) or the Ichinomiya Pier (Fuchū side). In this course, we’ll start by renting a bike at Tango Kairiku Kōtsū, just a 4-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station, and head toward Ichinomiya Pier.

First, you’ll encounter the unique Kaisenkyo Bridge (Small Amanohashidate), which rotates 90 degrees each time a boat passes—an unusual sight in Japan!
Next, continue across the Large Amanohashidate Bridge and into the tranquil pine forest. Well-maintained pine trees line the path, letting you enjoy the refreshing breeze and the scent of the sea as you cycle through this natural tunnel of green. The flat, well-paved route makes for an easy and pleasant ride.

If you’re feeling hungry, stop by Hashidate Chaya, located on the left side of the path. Their local specialty, the Asari Don (clam rice bowl), is the perfect way to recharge before continuing your adventure!

Soon after, you’ll enter an area dotted with historic landmarks.
The first you’ll notice is the Monument of Poetic Couple Tekkan and Akiko Yosano, who composed many poems inspired by Amanohashidate’s beauty.

Nearby stands the site of the legendary Iwami Jūtarō’s Vengeance, where the famed swordsman is said to have avenged his father’s death. You’ll also find the Haiku Monument of Yosa Buson, engraved with his verse “Hashidate ya / matsu wa tsukihi no / kobore tane” — showing how deeply this celebrated poet cherished the area. These spots reveal Amanohashidate’s long connection to many figures in Japanese history and literature.

If you turn right off the main path, you’ll reach the Amanohashidate Beach, where white sands meet the calm, sparkling sea — a perfect spot for swimming in summer.
On this particular day, I was even lucky enough to witness a beautiful wedding photoshoot taking place along the shore! 💍✨

Returning to the pine-lined path, you’ll find the quietly nestled Amanohashidate Shrine (Hashidate Myōjin).
This shrine is dedicated to the Eight Great Dragon Kings, and it’s said that if you can successfully place a small stone atop the torii gate, your wish for love will come true. 💕 A must-visit spot for couples!

Right beside it is Iso no Shimizu, one of the “Top 100 Famous Waters of Japan.”
What makes it truly fascinating is that—despite being surrounded by the sea on all sides—the water is completely fresh, with no trace of salt. A mysterious and sacred natural wonder unique to Amanohashidate!

By the way, did you know that Amanohashidate Park is home to numerous “named pine trees” (Meimei-matsu), each with its own story and shape? 🌲

One of the most famous is the Chie-no-Matsu (Pine of Wisdom), whose three branches symbolize the proverb “Three heads are better than one.”
There’s also the graceful Hagoromo-no-Matsu (Pine of the Celestial Robe), said to evoke the legend of the heavenly maiden’s robe, and the powerful Sōryū-no-Matsu (Twin Dragons Pine), whose twin trunks appear to rise toward the heavens like two dragons.
Hunting for these uniquely shaped trees adds a whole new layer of fun to your walk!

Throughout the seasons, you’ll also see cherry blossoms, rugosa roses (hamanasu), and even encounter seagulls and whooper swans. The long pine avenue never feels monotonous, offering new sights and sensations with every step—or pedal.

You can drop off your rental bike at the Ichinomiya Pier once you’ve crossed the sandbar.
From there, it’s a short walk or cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park, where you can admire the spectacular panoramic view of Amanohashidate you just cycled across. For your return, take a sightseeing boat or rowboat back to the Monju side.

Riding through the pine forest with the sea breeze at your back is an experience you’ll never forget—a perfect memory of your Amanohashidate adventure. 🚲💨