October Kyoto Prefecture HighlightsThe Great Kyoto Countryside
Perfect destinations for autumn!
October is considered by many to be the best time of the year to explore the Kyoto countryside. And there is so much to see. The ancient Tamba region has thatch-roofed houses in picturesque villages, fine food, great hiking and so much more. Many of these places can be reached by train or bus in less than two hours. Get out and enjoy the endless attractions of the Kyoto countryside at its very best.
Miyama Town
Located in the central part of Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama Town has breathtaking rural scenery. Surrounded by the 900-m high mountains, in a valley with two big rivers, the town has the most thatched roof houses of any place in all of Japan (in all 268 houses). And Ashiu, a very rare preserve of virgin forest, attracts hikers year round. Kayabuki no Sato: this village was declared a National preservation area in 1993. It is home to a kind of traditional home built in the irimoya tsukuri style. Miyama Town Nature and Culture Village: This village has a hotel, a restaurant, a thatched roof house where visitors can study pottery, a playground, tennis courts, an apple orchard, and a place for camping. Tel: (0771) 77-0014. Miyama Town can be reached by JR bus from Kyoto Stn. (change at Shuzan for another local bus).
Sonobe Town
Sonobe, an old castle town situated where Kyoto, Hyogo and Osaka prefectures meet, has many historical assets. Ruri Canyon: Ruri, which means deep purple blue, is a perfect little canyon that is considered to be one of the 100 most beautiful places in all of Japan. The 500-meter-high canyon is 4 kilometers long and has an amazing variety of waterfalls and unusual wildlife. Sonobe Castle Ruins: Though only the walls and main gate remain, this 300-year-old castle site continues to attract people. Sonobe International Center: Modelled after Sonobe Castle, this center forms the hub of Sonobe’s international scene (open 9:00-22:00; closed Mondays). Sonbe is on the JR Sanin line.Tanba Town
This highland town is rich in nature and attracts visitors all year round. Tanba Nature Athletic Park: Covering a huge area, this park has places to stay, all kinds of recreational facilities, and a large observatory. Tel: (0771) 82-0300. Tanba Wine House: Tanba wine is slowly gaining an international reputation. This winery also has a restaurant featuring organic produce, and specially raised chicken and beef cuisine. Tel: (0771) 82-2003. Tanba Foods Studio: Opened in June 2000, this business produces special hams, sausages and cheese. And they have a wonderful restaurant. Tel: (0771) 89-2090. To get to Tanba Town, take the JR Sanin line to Sonobe, and then transfer to a JR bus.
Mizuho TownDeclaring itself a city of forest culture and wildlife, this town is an outdoor paradise. In autumn, people from all over come to pick matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts here. Mizuho limestone cave: Mizuho is the only place limestone is found in Kyoto. This fascinating cave is 52 meters deep. The area also has a campsite and is popular for trout fishing. Tel: (0771) 86-1725 (closed in winter). To get to Mizuho Town, take the JR Sanin line to Sonobe Stn, and transfer to a JR bus bound for Hiyama.
Wachi Town
Set on the wide Yura River, this town is perfect for outdoor activities and hiking. River canoeing and kayaking are especially popular. Wachi is also known for its traditional dolls, drums and dancing. Hometown of the lily: Wachi has an excellent botanical garden with a very big conservatory and a forested zone. Craft activities and fruit picking are also featured. And at the Water and Land Park, visitors can enjoy all kinds of sporting and recreational activities. To get to Wachi Town, take the JR Sanin express train to Sonobe and then transfer to a local train.
Miwa Town
Miwa Town is known for its sweet river trout, grapes and matsutake mushrooms. The town also has its own unique culture. Until the end of the Meiji period, pregnant women of the village lived in special thatched houses called ubuya until their children were born. These unusual homes are now open to the public. Obara Shrine: Famous for guaranteeing easy birth and a rich harvest, this shrine is very popular with tourists. Dating back to 852, the Main Hall (with a thatched roof) was last rebuilt in 1796. To get to Miwa Town, take the JR Sanin express train to Fukuchiyama and then transfer to a JR bus bound for Hinokiyama, Ubara or Sonobe.
October Festival Highlights
Nukata Ichinomiya Autumn Festival: Held at Yakuno Town, to celebrate the autumn harvest, this festival will feature a traditional mikoshi and danjiri parade, and rare chance to see a full selection of the area’s traditional handicrafts. Tel: (0773) 38-0364. Genji Roman 2000: A revival festival for dengaku—a kind of dance form that started over 1000 years ago as a rice planting ritual—this event will feature over 100 performers with picturesque Uji in the background. Tel: (0774) 22-3141. Jazz Live in Nodogawa: Great jazz in the relaxing countryside. Tickets are ¥3,000 (¥5,500 for two); 19:00. Tel: (0772) 42-7711.