Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat
Experience thrilling bird feeding and scenic views of Japan's 'Three Most Scenic Views' from the water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birds are most active
Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat
Best Time
Birds are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thrilling bird feeding and scenic views of Japan's 'Three Most Scenic Views' from the water.
"The real treat is feeding the birds. Seagulls and hawks fly by and its cool to watch them dive to get the food."
🐦 Bird Feeding Essentials
Buy ¥100 snacks for an exciting show! Wear gloves and hold food high.
💳 Payment Options
Credit cards are accepted for ferry tickets. Bundles can save money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seagull & Kite Feeding
An exhilarating experience where birds of prey snatch snacks directly from your fingers. Hold on tight!
Miyazu Bay Views
Enjoy scenic vistas of the iconic Amanohashidate sandbar and the tranquil Miyazu Bay from the water.
Unique Bird Encounters
Witness both seagulls and black kites swooping down for food, offering a dynamic and exciting spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seagull Feeding Fun
Ferry Schedules & Payment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐦 Bird Feeding Essentials
Buy ¥100 snacks for an exciting show! Wear gloves and hold food high.
💳 Payment Options
Credit cards are accepted for ferry tickets. Bundles can save money.
⏰ Ferry Schedule Awareness
Check ferry times carefully to avoid missing your return trip.
🛡️ Protect Yourself
Consider head coverings and dark gloves for protection during feeding.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Bird Feeding Essentials
Buy ¥100 snacks for an exciting show! Wear gloves and hold food high.
💳 Payment Options
Credit cards are accepted for ferry tickets. Bundles can save money.
⏰ Ferry Schedule Awareness
Check ferry times carefully to avoid missing your return trip.
🛡️ Protect Yourself
Consider head coverings and dark gloves for protection during feeding.
📸 Capture the Moment
Great photo opportunities of the sandbar and bird interactions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exhilarating seagull and black kite feeding experience, calling it a highlight and 'really fun.' The scenic views of Amanohashidate and Miyazu Bay from the boat are also highly praised. While the ride is short, the unique interaction with wildlife makes it a memorable part of a Kyoto coastal trip.
"if you spend 100yen to buy the snack, you will have an exiting seagull feeding show.
actually it’s really fun.
be aware that black kite are also around."
Σσρβ [SSRB]
"The staff were great and they accept credit card payments for ferry tickets! 🤍🤍🤍 the bundle is always a saver! Also, always take note of the ferry times to make sure you get back to amanohashidate side on time! ^_^"
Doyzkie Buenaviaje
"Amanohashidate boat ride is between Second Pier and Ichinomiya Pier
The trip is around 15 min one way.
Buy snack at the pier or in the boat. Wear a glove which is different color from your fingers and snack. Feeding the seagull or kite (eagle) outside. Recommend to wear something to cover your head when feeding on level 2. Hold the snack between your finger and hold it high. The seagull will snatch the food from your finger. The kite will use the claw for the food, and you will need dark color glove to protect your fingers and have differentiate your finger from the snacks."
Kam Hoe Chaw (Super Good)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sightseeing boats operate between the Second Pier and Ichinomiya Pier, offering a scenic crossing of Miyazu Bay. Many visitors access this area as part of day tours from Kyoto, often including stops at Ine Funaya. 
The boat trip itself is quite short, typically around 15 minutes one way, making it a quick and enjoyable experience.
Yes, the boats run between the piers on either side of the sandbar, allowing you to easily traverse Miyazu Bay.
Absolutely! The boat ride is often combined with visits to Ine Funaya, Amanohashidate View Land via chairlift or monorail, and other coastal Kyoto attractions.
The primary piers are the Second Pier and Ichinomiya Pier, facilitating the short but scenic journey across the bay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased at the pier or directly on the boat. While specific prices aren't always listed, buying snacks for ¥100 is a common recommendation for the bird feeding experience.
Yes, the staff are friendly and accept credit card payments for ferry tickets, making transactions convenient.
It's often mentioned that bundles can be a saver, suggesting looking out for package deals that might include the boat ride and other activities.
One traveler reported being graciously refunded the full amount even when they booked a late trip and had an early train departure, indicating flexibility.
Operating hours can vary, so it's crucial to check the ferry times in advance to ensure you can complete your journey and return on schedule.
📸 📸 Photography
The boat offers fantastic views of the iconic Amanohashidate sandbar, the picturesque Miyazu Bay, and the unique experience of feeding seagulls and black kites.
Hold your snacks high and be ready for quick action shots as the birds swoop in. Consider a camera with a fast burst mode.
While exciting, be mindful of your belongings. Some suggest wearing dark gloves to protect your fingers from the kites' talons when they snatch food.
Drone footage can capture stunning aerial views of the sandbar and the bay, offering a unique perspective of Amanohashidate.
The upper deck often provides unobstructed views, but be prepared for wind and the birds. The lower deck offers shelter.
🎫 🐦 Bird Feeding
You can purchase snacks for ¥100 at the pier or on the boat. Hold the snacks between your fingers, high up, and seagulls will snatch them. Black kites may also approach.
You'll primarily see seagulls, but black kites (a type of eagle) are also common and are known to use their talons to grab food.
It's recommended to wear gloves, preferably dark ones, to protect your fingers from the kites' talons. Some also suggest wearing something to cover your head on the upper deck.
The upper deck is popular for feeding as it offers a clear vantage point, but be aware of wind and the birds' agility.
Many visitors find the bird feeding to be a highlight, describing it as a really fun and exciting experience that adds to the scenic boat ride.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the boat ride itself is short (about 15 minutes), it offers beautiful views of the unique Amanohashidate sandbar. Combining this with a visit to Amanohashidate View Land via the chairlift or monorail can make for a full day of family fun.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The bird feeding is another prime subject. Capturing the dynamic action of seagulls and black kites as they dive for food requires quick reflexes and a good zoom lens. Consider the upper deck for unobstructed shots, but be mindful of the elements.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Kyoto
+2These tours typically handle transportation and timings, making it stress-free. The boat ride itself is a short, scenic interlude that breaks up the travel. Remember to check the ferry schedules if you're planning independently, as missing a boat can impact your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Amanohashidate Sandbar Experience
+1Many visitors combine the boat trip with a visit to Amanohashidate View Land, accessible by a scenic chairlift or monorail. From this vantage point, you can see the sandbar from above, often described as a 'dragon flying into the sky' (Hiryukan). The boat ride itself is a short, approximately 15-minute journey between piers, making it an easily integrated part of a day trip.
The experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to interact with the local wildlife. The seagull and black kite feeding is a major draw, offering an exhilarating chance to see these birds up close as they snatch food from your hand. This interactive element transforms a simple boat ride into a memorable adventure.
Navigating the Ine Bay & Amanohashidate Circuit
+4The Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat is a key attraction in Ine, offering a close-up view of the unique Funaya houses. After experiencing the Funaya, travelers often proceed to Amanohashidate. The journey between these locations typically involves bus transfers, which are well-integrated into organized tours.
+1When planning your trip, it's essential to be aware of the ferry schedules for both Amanohashidate and Ine Bay to ensure a smooth transition between destinations. The convenience of credit card payments for boat tickets at Amanohashidate is a plus, but always confirm timings to make the most of your day.
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