Discover Kyoto by the Sea: Explore Nature, History, and Culinary Tradition in "Another Kyoto"
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor
Kyoto by the Sea DMO (Destination Management Organization) is an organization promoting regional tourism in the charming area facing the Sea of Japan and stretching from the ancient capital of Kyoto to its backcountry (Fukuchiyama City, Maizuru City, Ayabe City, Miyazu City, Kyotango City, Ine Town, and Yosano Town). The Kyoto by the Sea area has flourished since ancient times as a gateway for exchanges with the Asian continent. It’s a place rich in history and blessed by mountains and sea. It is home to Amanohashidate, one of the Three Views of Japan, the charming Ine Funaya boathouses, and the beautiful coastal inlets stretching along Kyotango. The DMO brings together different regional tourism associations and aims to strengthen collaboration and networks within the region, transforming the area into a tourism hub that can compete internationally with Kyoto City.
This article will introduce the area's new charms through the role of Kumihama Station, one of the gateways to Kyoto by the Sea, the DMO area, peak periods visitors should be aware of, and sightseeing services for international tourists.
Main image:Kyoto Tourism Federation
Kumihama Station: The gateway to tourism and the delicious cuisine of Kyoto by the Sea
Kumihama Station is located at the northern tip of the Kyoto by the Sea area on the Kyoto Tango Railway. Situated at the westernmost point of Kyoto Prefecture, this key travel hub in Kyotango City overlooks the tranquil Kumihama Bay and welcomes visitors with serene nature.
Kumihama, or “Kyoto's food capital,” is renowned for its fresh seafood, such as snow crab and oysters. Savor local cuisine as soon as you arrive in the region to get a first glimpse of the region.

The tourist information center and its services
The tourist information center located inside Kumihama Station provides services beyond typical sightseeing information: it introduces visitors to local lodging facilities, sells regional specialties and souvenirs, and rents bicycles for exploring the area freely. Multilingual tourist brochures are also available to assist international visitors, making it a reliable resource for travelers from both Japan and abroad.
Access to the Kyoto by the Sea DMO area and major attractions
Kumihama Station serves as a key hub on the Kyoto Tango Railway and provides access to famous tourist destinations within the area.
Access to Amanohashidate
You can reach the scenic Amanohashidate on the Kyoto Tango Railway in about 1.5 hours by taking a local train or 50 minutes by limited express to Amanohashidate Station. From the station, you can access sightseeing spots on foot, such as the sandbar lined with pine trees and the observatory.
Access to Ine Funaya boathouses
From Amanohashidate Station, transfer to a city bus heading toward Ine Bay to reach the charming village in about 50 minutes. For views of the Funaya boathouses from the sea, get off the bus at Hinode Pier and board the Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry.

Events and peak periods: How to plan your trip
The Kyoto by the Sea DMO area offers different charms throughout the seasons, but it’s important to be aware of local events and peak periods when planning your trip.
Peak summer season (August)
n August, many visitors come to the area for swimming in Amanohashidate, one of the Three Views of Japan, and for summer leisure activities, making it the most popular month. Early accommodation and transportation booking are recommended when traveling during this period, especially around Amanohashidate, where crowding is expected.
Major events include summer festivals, fireworks shows, and autumn harvest festivals held in various cities and towns. There are also cycling events promoted by the DMO, adventure tourism, and industrial tourism, focused on enjoying local cuisine, planned throughout the year. Check this information in advance for a more fulfilling trip.
Every year, the snow crab fishing season runs from November 6th to around March 20th of the following year. Kyotango's ports being close to the fishing grounds make same-day operations possible, ensuring absolute freshness. Snow crab is served at ryokan inns and restaurants in Kyotango immediately after the season opens on November 6th. We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance when planning your trip during this popular period.

Transportation tickets and services for international visitors
We highly recommend the sightseeing passes designed for international visitors to those looking for cost-effective options to explore Kyotango extensively.
Kyoto by the Sea: Amanohashidate & Ine Pass (1 or 2-day)
This convenient ticket offers international tourists unlimited rides on major transportation within the area.
You can use local and rapid trains, as well as non-reserved seats in ordinary cars of limited express trains within the designated sections of the Kyoto Tango Railway running through the area. It also covers the Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat operated by Tango Kairiku Kotsu, the Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park Cable Car or Chair Lift, the Ine Bay Sightseeing Ferry, and local buses connecting Miyazu Station and Ine (excluding express buses and community buses).
Other benefits include discounted fares for the mountain bus to Nariai-ji Temple, which offers views of Amanohashidate from the northside (Tango Peninsula), and discounted rental bicycle fees around Amanohashidate.
Ticket types and supported languages
One and two-day passes are available with text in English, Traditional Chinese, and Korean. They can also be obtained as digital tickets via the RYDE PASS app, allowing international visitors to complete the entire process from purchase to use on a single device.

Enjoy Kyoto by the Sea!
The Kyoto by the Sea DMO area is a region with a distinct appeal from Kyoto's flamboyance, which offers magnificent natural landscapes, as well as rich history and food culture. Using Kumihama Station as your base, make the most of the free passes to explore the profound charm of “another Kyoto,” from one of the Three Views of Japan to Ine Village. Immerse yourself in the area’s serene beauty and the heartwarming lives of its residents for an unforgettable journey.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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