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Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato Kyoto Travel Guide | Thatched-Roof Village & Rural Experiences

Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato Kyoto Travel Guide | Thatched-Roof Village & Rural Experiences
Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato is a thatched-roof village in the mountains of Kyoto where Japan’s nostalgic countryside scenery still remains. This guide introduces the village’s history, seasonal views, hands-on activities like thatched-roof and farm experiences, local cuisine, and access from Kyoto City, ideal for travelers seeking a slow, rural side of Japan.

Highlights

Scenery

A mountain village with about 40 thatched-roof homes still in daily use—classic “old Japan”

Best season

Especially beautiful with autumn colors and snowy winter; each season feels different

Experiences

Try a thatching repair experience or seasonal farming with locals to learn rural life

Local food

Enjoy rustic dishes like homemade tofu, mountain vegetables, and river fish

Access

~1.5 hrs by car from Kyoto city / ~2 hrs by bus from Kyoto Station—scenery along the way is part of the trip

Introduction

Located in Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato is, as its name suggests, a beautiful village of thatch-roofed houses.

The area attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad as a place that retains a strong sense of Japan's good old days.

This article introduces the charm of Miyama Kayabuki no Sato for visitors from abroad and information they should know when they visit.




History of Miyama Kayabuki Village

Miyama Kayabuki no Sato is located in the mountains of the Nakatango region of Kyoto Prefecture, where about 40 thatched-roof houses are still in use today.

This area is one of the few places in Japan where the traditional Japanese rural landscape still remains, and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Villages in Japan" for its scenery.


When to visit

Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato is worth visiting throughout the year for its seasonal scenery, but the autumn leaves and winter snow are especially breathtaking.

In autumn, the scenery of thatched roofs and autumn leaves is a sight to behold.

In winter, thatched roofs covered with snow create a magical atmosphere as if time has stopped.



Activities you can experience

Thatched roof restoration experience

Visitors can actually experience thatch roof restoration with local craftsmen. This is a great opportunity to learn traditional techniques and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.


Agricultural Experience

Working with local farmers, you can experience seasonal farming.

Working at one with nature is a valuable experience that cannot be found in city life.


Dining Information

At Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato, visitors can enjoy local cuisine made with local ingredients.

In particular, dishes using homemade tofu, wild vegetables, and river fish are exquisite.

The freshness of the local ingredients and their simple flavors will enrich your travel memories.


How to get there

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Kyoto City to Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato.

By public transportation

It is a 2-hour bus ride from Kyoto Station, but you will not feel the time as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area.


Conclusion

Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato is a precious place where visitors can experience traditional Japanese life and culture.

By visiting this place, you will rediscover the beauty of Japan along with unforgettable memories.

We invite you to visit this place rich in nature.


A trip to Miyama Kayabuki-no-Sato offers an experience at the intersection of Japan's past and present, bringing a special moment to all who visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. It’s a mountain village in Miyama, Kyoto, lined with about 40 thatched-roof homes—still a living community.
A. About 60–120 minutes for a stroll. Add more time if you want to take lots of photos at a relaxed pace.
A. Autumn colors and snowy winter are highlights, and the scenery changes beautifully through all four seasons.
A. Seasonal hands-on events (such as thatch-grass harvesting) may be offered with advance sign-up. Otherwise, enjoy a peaceful walk and rural scenery that changes by season.
A. Look for rustic local dishes featuring homemade tofu, mountain vegetables, and river fish.
A. About 1.5 hours by car from Kyoto city, or roughly 2 hours by bus from Kyoto Station.
A. Walking around the village is generally free. Note that parking typically requires a landscape-preservation cooperation fee (e.g., ¥500 for passenger cars). Prices vary for experiences and meals.
A. Yes—mostly outdoor walking. There may be steps or gravel paths, so prepare comfortable footwear.
※ The article content is based on information at the time of writing and may differ from the current situation. In addition, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the published content, please understand.
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