Kasamatsu Park

In short

Located midway up Mt. Nariai at an elevation of 130 meters above sea level, Kasamatsu Park is an observation spot offering a sweeping view of Amanohashidate from the north. From here, Amanohashidate resembles a dragon rising toward the heavens, earning this view the name "Shoryukan" (Rising Dragon View), and in Kyoto Prefecture records it is also referred to as "Naname Ichimonji" (Slanted Straight Line).

• ​Matanozoki Platform and Sky Deck​​: Peering upside down between your legs makes Amanohashidate look like a bridge suspended across the sky. There is also a floor through which you can see 40 meters straight down underfoot
• ​Kawarake Throwing and the Bell of Wishes​​: There is "kawarake throwing," where small earthenware discs are tossed toward a "Ring of Wisdom," and a bell that visitors ring with a wish in mind
• ​Worship Point for Kanmurijima Island and Kutsujima Island​​: From the park, visitors can pay their respects to the two islands where the main enshrined deity of Kono-jinja Shrine and his consort are said to have descended

History and Highlights

​Kasamatsu Park​ is situated midway up Mt. Nariai in the Fuchu district on the north side of Amanohashidate. Perched at an elevation of 130 meters above sea level, this observation spot offers a sweeping view of Amanohashidate from the north. It has long been renowned as a prime vantage point for viewing the sandbar.

From here, Amanohashidate is said to resemble a dragon rising vigorously toward the heavens, earning this perspective the name "Shoryukan" (Rising Dragon View). In Kyoto Prefecture records, as one of the "Four Views of Amanohashidate," the view from Kasamatsu Park is referred to as "Naname Ichimonji" (Slanted Straight Line) or "Matanozoki View." When coated with snow, this slanted vista was given the nickname "Bridge of Snow to the Heavens" through a public contest held by the Amanohashidate Tourism Association.

Kasamatsu Park is also said to be the birthplace of "Matanozoki," the practice of bending over to look at the scenery upside down between one's legs. Viewing the scene through Matanozoki turns heaven and earth upside down, making Amanohashidate appear true to its name—like a bridge suspended across the sky.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Matanozoki Platform and Sky Deck​​: Stand on the dedicated Matanozoki platform, bend at the waist, and peer backward between your legs. The Sky Deck, which juts out in a circular shape beyond the observation area, features a glass floor through which visitors can peer 40 meters straight down underfoot.
• ​Kawarake Throwing and the Bell of Wishes​​: Visitors have long enjoyed "kawarake throwing," where small unglazed earthenware discs are tossed toward a "Ring of Wisdom" suspended in the air to ward off evil and make wishes. An observation deck is also home to the "Bell of Wishes," which visitors can ring with a prayer in mind.
• ​Worship Point for Kanmurijima Island and Kutsujima Island​​: Kanmurijima Island and Kutsujima Island are islands where Hikohoakari-no-Mikoto—the main enshrined deity of Kono-jinja Shrine—and his consort, Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, are said to have descended. Visitors can pay their respects to these sacred islands from the park.

Tips for Exploring

The park can be reached from Fuchu Station at the base in about 4 minutes via the Amanohashidate Cable Car. A chairlift is also available, and since tickets are valid for both, visitors can choose one way up and the other down, such as ascending by cable car and descending by chairlift. To get to Fuchu Station, take a sightseeing boat from Amanohashidate Pier to Ichinomiya Pier (12 minutes), followed by an approximate 5-minute walk. Another option is to take a local route bus from Amanohashidate Station for about 25 minutes and get off at the "Kasamatsu Cable-shita" stop. From the park, a mountain shuttle bus operates toward Nariai-ji Temple. Combining a visit here with Kono-jinja Shrine at the foot of the mountain and its rear shrine, Manai-jinja Shrine, is also recommended.