Traditional Thatched Roof Houses

In Kyoto prefecture, there lies a village not many tourists know of. Known as Kayabuki no Sato, it is a thatched village in a town called Miyama, located 30 kilometers north of central Kyoto. The village is well-maintained by the locals. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking rural landscape, in addition to the traditional thatched roof houses which can be seen all over the area. Miyama’s old houses bring back a very nostalgic feeling to the area, thus, giving the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience this authentic feel of rural Japan.



Kayabuki no Sato is unlike other thatched roof villages, such as Shirakawa-go, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Japan. This particular village in Miyama, on the other hand, is a place for locals to live and work. Hence, please keep all noise level at minimum and take note that most houses are private homes that cannot be entered.

It is highly recommended to visit during summer and winter as you are able to do multiple activities in one single trip.

Ashiu Natural Forest

In summer, you can have a walk around or hike up the Ashiu forest, which is well-recognised for its trekking and hiking routes. There are several hiking trails which are only for the adventurous as it involves crossing multiple river streams. However, since the forest is managed by Kyoto University as a research area, you will have to obtain a permit from the ticket office at the entrance, or register for their guided tour, to enter the forest. Aside from hiking and trekking, it is also possible to do some fishing in the Yura river located just nearby.

Snow Lantern Festival

During winter, illuminations set up all over the village turn Kayabuki no Sato into what seems to be like a scene from the magical world. This is when visitors are free to make their own snow lanterns by making ice sculptures and then placing candles in it. After which they will line up their respective snow lanterns all over the vast field covered in snow. During the event itself, there is also a short fireworks display to mark the end of the snow lantern festival.

If you are planning to visit Japan during summer or winter, why not include Kayabuki no Sato as part of your itinerary?



Access (from Kyoto)

By train and bus via Hiyoshi station:
Take a local or rapid train along the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Line) from Kyoto to Hiyoshi Station (about 45 minutes, 760 yen). Most trains require a transfer at Sonobe along the way. From Hiyoshi, take a Nantan Bus into Miyama (50 minutes, 610 yen one way to Kita). A few buses depart from Sonobe Station instead of Hiyoshi Station.

By bus via Takao through the mountains:
From Kyoto Station, take the JR bus in direction of Takao and get off at Shuzan (90 minutes, 1180 yen). From there, Nantan Buses operate into Miyama (30 minutes, 460 yen one way to Miyawaki where a transfer to the Miyama Sonobe Line is possible).