Southwest Kyoto PrefectureThis month features one city from the Otokuni area, and 7 places in the Yamashiro Area. Both areas lie at the southern end of the prefecture.
The Otokuni Area has been strongly linked to Osaka, by river and by road, since ancient times. Emperor Kanmu (737-806) built the short-lived capital of Nagaoka-kyo in the area before establishing the 1200-year-old capital in Kyoto, just up the valley. Because of its strategic location, many important battles were fought in the Otokuni area.
The Yamashiro area, situated south of Kyoto City, is flanked by Osaka, Nara, Mie and Shiga prefectures. The area was strongly connected with Nara culture via the Kizu River. The low hills and abundant water resources have made the area one of the best tea production centers in Japan.
Muko City Though small, this city, located in the heart of the Otokuni area, is rich in nature and history. It is especialy famous for its annual harvest of bamboo and bamboo shoots, much of which are sold to prefectures all over Japan. In the winter months, the green, seemingly endless, bamboo groves attract strollers from all over the Kansai. Several excellent short walking courses are layed out in the area. For more information, call @ 931-1111 (Department of Industry & Commerce; hereafter DIC). To get there: Take a JR Tokaido kakueki local line from JR Kyoto Stn. (10 min.) to Muko, or the Hankyu kakueki local to Higashi or Nishi Muko (15 min.).
Joyo City
Joyo City, set on the Kizugawa River, is rich in nature, and, because of its mild climate, has prosperous agricultural and orchard lands. The local Aodani Bairin (plum orchard) has a several thousand trees, and is open, free of charge, from the end of February through mid March. The orchard was loved by leading poets in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Some of Japan’s finest umeshu (plum wine) is produced in the area. Tel: (0774) 56-4019 (DIC). To get there: Take the JR Nara express train to Joyo Stn. (22 min.), or take a Kintetsu kakueki local to Terada Stn. (25 min.).
Kumiyama Town
A very old agricultural center set between the Uji and Kizu and Katsura rivers, Kumiyama was famous until 60 years ago for the fish and shellfish harvested from the huge Ogura pond. Today, the pond has been filled in to make rice fields and the area has taken on a more industrial, modern aspect. But much of the area is still wild, making it especially popular for bird watching. Local Joan-ji Temple, built in 1053, attracts many visitors in the winter months when the camellia flowers cascade over the serenely balanced temple building and gate. Entry is free for the garden (reservations needed for the temple). Tel: (0774) 41-6036. To get there: Take the Kintetsu Kyoto express line to Okubo Stn. (15min.) and then transfer to a Keihan bus bound for Kumiyama Town Hall.
Ide Town
This forest and hill surrounded town is home to an extensive range of historical ruins dating from the Nara and Heian periods. In ancient times the area was popular for imperial and aristocratic hunting expeditions. Today, the town is designated as a natural rest and relaxation zone. In the spring, the very old weeping cherry trees at Jizozen-in Temple attract many admirers; this hybrid is from same parents as the legendary Maruyama Park trees. The cherry trees and yellow rose bushes lining the local Tama River also attract countless visitors in spring. For more information, call (0774) 82-2001 (DIC). To get there: take a JR Nara kakueki local train to Yamashiro Taga or Tamamizu stn. (40 min.).
Ujidawara TownOver 80 % of this town is covered in trees. And the lower slopes of the areas low, rolling hills are covered with tea bushes. Wellknown merchant, Soen Nagatani, was born at here, and his brand continues to be popular throughout Japan. Nearby Zenjo-ji Temple built almost a thousand years ago by a leading monk from Nara’s all-powerful Todai-ji Temple, has an important 11-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statue (a Special Cultural Asset) and a large Nehanne wall painting of the Buddha just before his death. Tel: (0774) 88-4450. Local Jubusen Mountain (682 m), southwest of the town, has been used as a spiritual training environment by ascetics since the beginning of Japanese civilization. From the peak of the mountain, visitors can see the peaks of Hiei, Hira, and Mikami, Lake Biwa, the Uji and Kizu river. To get there: Take a JR Nara kakueki train from Kyoto Stn. to Uji Stn. or a Kintetsu Kyoto train to Shintanabe Stn. Transfer at either station to a Keihan Uji Kotsu bus bound for Ichu-mae. Get out at Ujidawara.
Yamashiro Town
This town is famous for its numerous historical ruins, tea, and fantastic Kaniman-ji Temple (established around 680). The temple’s main building is 250 years old and houses an exceptional sitting Shaka Nyorai statue (National Treasure). Tel: (0774) 86-2577. To get there: Take a JR Nara local kakueki train from Kyoto Stn. to Tanakura Stn. (60 min.). Wazuka Town
Wazuka Town is famous for its green tea and its wide range of modern recreational facilities. Local Kontai-ji Temple, built over 1300 years ago, and which once had over 50 separate buildings, stands on top of Mount Jubusen. Now only one tower remains because of a fire in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). For more information, call (0774) 78-3001 (DIC). To get there: Take a JR Nara express line to Kizu Stn.; then change to the JR Kansai Honsen line for Kamo Stn. (5 min.), then change to a JR bus bound for Wazuka Kawara (15 min.).
Minami Yamashiro Village
Most of this village is mountainous; the subtle, profound beauty of its river/valley setting forms the backdrop for a number of Japanese legends. Minami Yamashiro is flanked by Shiga, Nara and Mie prefectures. Local Koishidani Shrine, said to be beneficial for child birth and women’s diseases , attracts women from all over the country. A small sacred double waterfall (one side for men and one for women) is located a short walk from the shrine. For more information, call (0743) 93-0101 (DIC). To get there: take the JR Nara express line to Kizu Stn. (40 min.) and change to the JR Kansai Honsen line; get out at Oogawara Stn. (25 min.).
March Festival Highlights
Yakata Mochi Ritual (3/6): Held at Murogi Shrine, in Kumiyama Town, this shrine makes special rice cakes shaped like a bow and arrow that are said to be excellent to avoid bad luck. Tel: (075) 631-6111. Urashima Shrine Festival (3/17): A ritual will be held here to pray for a long life, a good marriage and a rich harvest. In Ine Town. Tel: (0772) 32-0277.