Ride the Tango AKA-MATSU Train to Amanohashidate in Kyoto, one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. Enjoy stunning ocean views, a cozy wooden interior, and a relaxing cafe-train experience on a scenic journey through Kyoto by the Sea.
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We are a voluntary tourism group dedicated to promoting the attractions of the northern Kinki region, specifically the areas of Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter seafood delicacy, but also include oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as summer delicacies such as surf clams, rock oysters, and white squid. Mountain delicacies include Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and summer fruits such as sand dune melons, making it an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. I would be happy if I could share information that allows people to visit this vast northern Kinki region many times and enjoy train travel.
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Table of Contents
- What Is the Tango AKA-MATSU Train? Explore Kyoto by the Sea
- Inside the Train: A Warm, Wood-Filled Interior
- Scenic Views of Nagu Coast and Yura River Bridge
- Local Food and Souvenirs to Enjoy on Board
- Tango AKA-MATSU Train Guide: Routes, Timetables, Fares, and Reservations
- More Than a Ride: Discover the Hidden Charms of Kyoto by the Sea
What Is the Tango AKA-MATSU Train? Explore Kyoto by the Sea
Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate is a scenic spot known as one of Japan's three most beautiful views. Approximately 6,700 pine trees grow on a sandbar stretching about 3.6 km across Miyazu. This unusual landscape has long captivated people with its breathtaking scenery.
To reach Amanohashidate while enjoying the spectacular ocean views, take the Kyoto Tango Railway's sightseeing train , the “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” which connects Nishi-Maizuru Station and Amanohashidate Station.
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Kyoto Station to Nishi-Maizuru Station on the JR direct limited express train "Maizuru". You can access it by public transport without renting a car.
The train's design, themed around the pine tree that symbolizes Amanohashidate, was created by Mito Mitooka, one of Japan's leading designers. His interiors combine beauty and comfort, making them a dream destination for many travelers.
The journey itself becomes part of the fun. That's the charm of the “Tango AKA-MATSU Train”.
Inside the Train: A Warm, Wood-Filled Interior
Stepping aboard the “Tango AKA-MATSU Train”, you'll find yourself in a warm and inviting space filled with abundant use of wood. As the train's theme is "pine trees," pine motifs are incorporated throughout the interior. How many can you spot?
Seating is unreserved and various types are available. For groups of 3-4 people, the box seats where you can sit facing each other are recommended. For those who want to fully enjoy the scenery, the counter seats facing the window are perfect.
If comfort is your priority, choose a sofa seat. The wooden decorations surrounding the window look like photo frames, making it a great spot for commemorative photos.
You can enjoy the scenery from anywhere inside the train, but if you board at Nishi-Maizuru Station, you'll see the sea on the right side in the direction of travel.
The train's interior is adorned with wood carvings crafted by artisans, allowing passengers to experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy seasonal decorations such as Halloween and Christmas themes.
Scenic Views of Nagu Coast and Yura River Bridge
What made the “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” instantly famous is its spectacular route that runs over the sea. The Yura River Bridge, which spans approximately 550 meters and is located near the mouth of the Yura River River, is so close to the water that it looks as if the train is running on the sea.
As the train approaches this bridge between Kozaki Station and Yura Station, it slowly slows down, allowing passengers time to enjoy the scenery. This is a service unique to sightseeing trains.
Another point of interest is Nagu Coast, located between Yura Station and Kurita Station.
Suddenly, the scenery opens up, revealing a vast expanse of blue ocean. The close-up view of the beautiful white rocky coastline is an experience unique to this train.
The train makes a brief stop here. Passengers can spend their time as they please, taking plenty of photos or simply admiring the scenery.
Recommended scenic spots by the attendant
Onboard the “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” train are attendants who know the area inside and out, and they will guide you through the sights along the route and the history of the region.
When asked which season is recommended, the answer was surprisingly "all seasons." They explained that in spring, the cherry trees along the streets around Shisho Station and the cherry blossoms at Yura Station are in full bloom. In autumn, the mountains are covered in autumn leaves, and in winter, there are snowscapes, so you can enjoy different scenery in each season.
Nagu Beach in the summer is especially recommended, as the sparkle of the waves reflecting the sunlight is said to be beautiful.
If you want to photograph trains crossing the Yura River Bridge from the outside, the area around "Anju no Sato Momiji Park" is a good photo spot.
*Please note that train services may be restricted during the winter months due to snow.
Local Food and Souvenirs to Enjoy on Board
The “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” is also known as the "cafe train." It has a sales counter on board where you can purchase drinks, sweets, and seasonal menu items.
One of our most popular items is the coffee and baked goods set.
Enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee carefully brewed by an attendant while gazing at the sea and mountains outside the window is one of the unique pleasures of traveling on a sightseeing train.
In addition, they offer local beers and regional sweets, providing a taste unique to Tango. The menu is also available in English and Chinese.
In addition, don't miss the limited-edition souvenirs available only on board, such as tote bags with the "AKA-MATSU" logo and pen cases featuring train motifs.
Additionally, a commemorative stamp is available inside the train. Why not get one as a memento of your trip?
Tango AKA-MATSU Train Guide: Routes, Timetables, Fares, and Reservations
The “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” operates two round trips a day between Nishi-Maizuru Station and Amanohashidate Station. It generally runs on weekdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (There are also special operating days, such as public holidays and the New Year period.)
In addition to the regular fare (650 yen from Nishi-Maizuru Station to Amanohashidate Station), a boarding pass costing 800 yen is required to ride. The total cost for one adult is 1,450 yen.
Boarding tickets can be reserved and purchased through the official website, and reservations are accepted starting three months before the date of travel.
A maximum of 9 people can be booked at a time. All seats are unreserved. If there are seats available on the day, you can board without a reservation.
*Fares, times, operating days, and booking conditions are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information before boarding.
Recommended boarding method by the attendant
When I asked the attendant about a day trip to Amanohashidate, she said that it would be convenient to take the No. 1 train departing Nishi-Maizuru Station at 10:13 AM and the No. 4 train departing Amanohashidate Station at 2:48 PM. She said that this would allow me to spend about four hours in Amanohashidate, so I could do some sightseeing, have a meal, and relax.
You can also rent the entire vehicle. A vehicle with a capacity of 30 people can be rented for 43,500 yen, making it suitable for smaller groups as well. You can bring your own food and drinks, making it perfect for family trips or anniversary celebrations!
More Than a Ride: Discover the Hidden Charms of Kyoto by the Sea
Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views from the windows while sipping coffee in the warm, inviting interior of the train. The “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” train is packed with features that transform travel time into a special experience.
There are many hotels and inns around the final stop, Amanohashidate Station, making it a great place to stay. Especially in winter, the snow crab fishing season opens every year on November 6th. In the Kyotango area, you can enjoy the high-end brand crab, "Taiza crab."
Furthermore, it's a good idea to use the Kyotango area as a base to explore the surrounding regions. For example, a trip from Fukui Prefecture, via Amanohashidate, to Toyooka in Hyogo Prefecture is recommended for longer sightseeing trips of two nights or more.
The Kyotango area is within the service area of the flat-rate vehicle service "mobi," making transportation convenient. Since ride reservations can be completed entirely through the app, you can travel smoothly even if you don't speak Japanese.
Even without a rental car, you can enjoy Kyoto by the sea by taking the train from Kyoto Station. For your next trip to Kyoto, why not take the “Tango AKA-MATSU Train” and enjoy a slightly different kind of train journey?
For details on operating days and reservation methods, please check the official website.
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