Nariai Mountain, officially known as Tsuzumigatake, is a 569-meter-high mountain on the Tango Peninsula in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Kasamatsu Park, famous for the traditional viewing technique known as “Matanozoki,” is located on its slopes. From the mountain, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Miyazu Bay and the surrounding landscape.
Combining spectacular scenery with historic temples and spiritual sites, Nariai Mountain attracts hikers, nature lovers, and sightseeing visitors throughout the year.
One of the main starting points for hiking on Nariai Mountain is near Kasamatsu Park. Halfway up the mountain stands Nariai-ji Temple, the 28th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a historic route connecting 33 temples dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion.
The temple grounds are home to the Sakasugi Cedar, a remarkable tree believed to be approximately 600 years old. Recognized as one of Kyoto’s 200 notable natural sites, this ancient cedar is a highlight for visitors interested in the region’s natural heritage.
Beyond the cedar, hikers can reach the Nariai Mountain Panoramic Observatory. From here, they can take in magnificent views of Amanohashidate, Aso Sea, and Miyazu Bay. The sweeping scenery makes this a particularly rewarding stop along the mountain trail.
A broadcasting tower operated by the Miyazu relay station stands near the summit, where an observation platform offers expansive views of the surrounding region. The summit can also be reached by car via the Tango Jukan Forest Road, making it accessible to visitors who prefer not to hike.
From the observation platform, Amanohashidate appears and disappears among the surrounding terrain, creating a distinctive and beautiful landscape. On clear days, visitors can also see Mount Takayama, the highest peak on the Tango Peninsula, Mount Aoba on the border between Kyoto and Fukui prefectures, and the distant mountains of Oeyama and Mitakeyama to the south.
The scenery changes with the seasons, offering a different experience with every visit.
Located northwest of Amanohashidate, Kasamatsu Park is a popular sightseeing destination operated by Tango Kairiku Kotsu. Its observation deck provides a famous view of Amanohashidate known as “Shamisen-Shaped Sandbar” (Naname Ichimonji), referring to the sandbar’s distinctive appearance across the landscape.
One of the park’s best-known traditions is Matanozoki, a viewing technique in which visitors bend forward and look at Amanohashidate from between their legs. This reverses the appearance of the sky and ground, making the sandbar seem like a bridge stretching into the heavens.
The park also has Amanohashidate Panorama House, which offers a restaurant, snack area, and souvenir shop. Visitors can sample local Tango specialties and purchase regional products. Buses also connect Kasamatsu Park with Nariai-ji Temple, making it convenient to explore both attractions.
Kasamatsu Park has a place for worshipping from afar toward Kanabikijima and Kutsujima, two islands associated with the deities Ame-no-Hoakari-no-Mikoto and Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, who are said to have descended there. These islands are considered sacred and have long been objects of religious devotion.
Across Amanohashidate, on the opposite side of the sandbar, stands Amanohashidate View Land. Its celebrated panorama is known as “Hiryukan,” or “View of the Flying Dragon.” The perspective offers a different impression of Amanohashidate from the view at Kasamatsu Park.
Popular with families and couples, Amanohashidate View Land is another excellent place to appreciate the many faces of this iconic coastal landscape.
Nariai Mountain and its surrounding attractions bring together spectacular natural scenery, ancient religious traditions, and memorable viewpoints over one of Kyoto Prefecture’s most celebrated landscapes. From the mountain trails and historic Nariai-ji Temple to the distinctive views at Kasamatsu Park, the area offers plenty of opportunities to discover the beauty and cultural heritage of the Tango region.
KTR Amanohashidate Station / Car / 30 min., Steamship - Cable - Bus Seishoji 40 min.