December & January Kyoto Prefecture HighlightsKyoto Prefecture Onsen, Winter Foods & Winter Attractions
Perfect destinations and activities for the quiet season!
Kyoto gets quite cold in December and January, and much of the northern part of the prefecture becomes wonderfully snow covered and romantic . If cold and snow are not you cup of tea, not to worry, Kyoto has so many natural onsen near the Japan Sea that winter is fondly anticipated by many people who love to be warm inside when it is freezing outside. Winter is also the best season for seafood like kani (crab) and buri (yellowtail). Almost all of the following places can be reached by train or bus in less than three hours. Get out this winter and enjoy the endless attractions of the Kyoto countryside at its very best.
Miyazu CityRegarded as one of the three most beautiful places in Japan, Miyazu City’s Amano Hashidate is a natural, 3.6 km-long, white-sand land bridge covered with 8,000 exquisite Japanese pine trees. It is said to be the place where the ladder on which the goddess Izanagino Mikoto was climbing fell to earth. If you visit this exquisite place, you may also be interested in seeing it the way that Japanese do—upside down, by looking back through their legs—as a bridge to heaven in nearby Kasamatsu Park. There are also three other recommended viewing points for Amano Hashidate: Shishizaki: one of Japan’s most famous painters, Sesshu, painted a wellknown work here; Monju Mountain: the best spot to see the landbridge from up high (a monorail runs to the top of the mountain year-round); Ouchi Pass: this is the perfect place to see Amano Hashidate from a distance at sunset. Finally, popular Amano Hashidate Park is home to lovely Amano Hashidate Shrine, and the fresh pure water well known as Iso Shimizu (rated as one of the top 100 wells in Japan), which springs forth magically from the seashore. Getting there: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express (departs 5 times a day) to Amano Hashidate
Kaya Town
Kaya Town, situated between Miyazu City and Hyogo Prefecture, is considered to be the gateway to the magical Tango area. The town, spread out at the foot of Mt. Ooe, has long been famous for it Tango chirimen (super fine white and black tye-dyed silk), and is also home to many historical and outdoor attractions. The Refre Kayanosato herb resort grows more than 200 different kinds of herbs, which are served in their popular restaurant (11:00-21:00). They also have a healing herb spa. Rooms beside a swift clean stream are priced from ¥7,000 including breakfast. Tel: (0772) 44-3111. Kaya Kogei No Sato is a unique craft town where all kinds of craftspeople have gathered to make and sell their work. Visitors can also learn to make things themselves. Tel: (0772) 43-2119. Getting there: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express (departs 5 times a day) to Amano Hashidate, transfer to KTR Miyazu line to Nodogawa, and then take a Kaya Kosan bus to Kaya Town Hall
Ine Town
Located in the far northeastern corner of Kyoto Prefecture, Ine overlooks the sea, has excellent seafood and some of the friendliest people around. The town is wellknown for its special fishermen’s homes called funaya (230 in total) that are built in a long line, each on stilts, along the rocky cliffs of the Japan Sea.. The funaya and the stunning coastline can be viewed in comfort from one of the boats belonging to the Ine Boat Tour Company (Sundays and holidays 1/16-2/31). Getting there: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express (departs 5 times a day) to Amano Hashidate and then take a Tankai bus for Ine Town Hall.
Nodagawa Town
Surrounded by mountains and with a fine river running through its center, Nodagawa is a perfect example of a peaceful, traditional Japanese town. It has numerous important cultural assets and is also known for its many traditional festivals. The main hall at Izumo Taisha Iwao Bunshi, which attracts people from all over Japan, is home to a statue of the “Kiho-den” a deity that promises people who come here a long life of contentment. The pure well behind the shrine is known to cure illness and give good health. Getting there: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express (departs 5 times a day) to Amano Hashidate, transfer to KTR Miyazu line to Nodogawa.
Mineyama Town
Mineyama is considered by some scholars to be the birthplace of Japanese sericulture and the place where the legendary Tennyo celestial nymph is passed from generation to generation. Local Kotohira Shrine, built in 1811 by the local daimyo (feudal lord), is dedicated to 7 different gods, of which the gods of business and study are most popular One of the smaller shrines in the compound has a mother cat and her kitten gaurding the entrance instead of the typical Komainu dogs. Getting there: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express (departs 5 times a day) to Amano Hashidate, transfer to KTR Miyazu line to Mineyama.
Tango Town
Locating at the northern tip of the Tango Penninsula, the spectacular coastline around Tango Town is ideally suited to cycling and driving. The views are stunning and remind some of northern California. Tango Matsushima, named after famous Matsushima in Sendai, looks out over the sea and a pine-forested, stone-cliff island. Kyogamisaki (Cape) offers superb views of the Japan coast leading up to Kanazawa. The cliffs along the cape are nearly 40 meters high. A must see if you are in the area. Getting there: JR Sanin line Hashidate Ltd. Express (departs 5 times a day) to Amano Hashidate, transfer to KTR Miyazu line to Mineyama, and then take a Tankai bus for Taiza.
December & January Festival Highlights
Igomori Festival: this ceremony (in Seikacho in southern Kyoto; Kintetsu line) is held to pray for a rich rice harvest later in the year. On the second night, a 2-km long parade featuring a number of 80-kg, long flaming torches departs from Hosono Shrine. Tel: (0774) 95-1903. Oni Yarai Shinji: in this interesting Setsubun ritual purification, at ancient, hilltop, bamboo-grove surrounded Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Yawata City (southern Kyoto; Keihan line), beans are thrown to keep evil demons away. Tel: (075) 981-3001.