Miyama Town & Ayabe CityFireflies, hot spas and thatched-roof houses
Nearby Miyama Town and Ayabe City are home to forested hills, rich green valleys and an amazing world of living traditional Japanese country culture. Here you can expect to see old, patient farmers in the fields, timeless rural scenes, and stunning seasonal views. Both of these towns are also home to countless thatched-roof farmhouses (more than 100 years old). Miyama Town has the highest number of thatched-roof houses in Japan.
In June, another scene draws visitors from Kansai’s big cities: fireflys floating magically above the fields and rivers. Until only a few decades ago families often went on firefly viewing expeditions into the countryside. One such scene can be found in the Makioka Sisters (set in the 1930s) by Junichiro Tanizaki. Fireflies are extremely sensitive insects. To thrive they need pure, flowing water. They can best be seen on warm evenings right after rain has fallen.
Miyama Town
Located in the central part of Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama Town, surrounded by the 900-m-high forested mountains, set in a valley with two big rivers, has 250 thatched-roof houses, more than any other place in Japan. On the edge of the town is a rare, large section of virgin forest, called Ashiu, that attracts hikers year round. In Miyama, you can also see fireflies, from mid June to early July, along the area’s countless small mountain streams. A firefly photography tour will be hosted by the Miyama Town Nature and Culture Village (shizen bunka-mura). Reservations are required (if you don’t speak Japanese, you must be accompanied by someone that does). The facilities at this village include a hotel , a pottery studio, a playground, tennis courts, an apple orchard, and a place for camping. Tel: (0771) 77-0014. OTHER ATTRACTIONS: Saijo-ji Temple, founded in 1551, has an Important Cultural asset Amida Buddha statue; the main hall, built at the end of the 18th century, is beautifully shaped (reservations required to see the inside). Tel: (0771) 75-0355. Kayabuki no Sato village, declared a national preservation area in 1993, is home to a unique kind of traditional home built in the irimoya tsukuri style. Mint House sells a treasure trove of herbs and various other handicrafts; craft lessons offered as well. Tel: (0771) 76-0329. Old Farmhouses: Ishida Family House (Tel: 0771-75-1831), built in 1650, is the oldest Kitayama-style house in Japan. Kobayashi House (Tel: 0771-75-1831) built in 1816, has amazingly thick earthen walls. Without reservations, both of these houses can be seen from the outside only. TO GET THERE: Take the JR bus from Kyoto Stn. (change at Shuzan for another local bus).
Ayabe City
Ayabe, about 70 minutes northwest of Kyoto City by train (or car), once a major producer of raw silk, is the home of Kurodani washi paper, the oldest paper-making town in Japan. Local Yatsuai will host a firefly festival . All the lights are turned off and countless fireflies are set free. Many food and souvenir stalls will be open as well. Tel: (0773) 54-0390. OTHER ATTRACTIONS: The Ayabe Tenmonkan Pao (astronomical observatory) has the biggest public reflex telescope in Japan. Open 9:00-16:00 (18:00-21:30, Fri.-Sun.). Tel: (0773) 42-8080. At Kurodani Washi Hall, you can watch craftsmen make traditional Japanese paper. Open 8:30- 17:00 (closed on the 2nd, 4th Sunday, and the 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturday afternoon of the month). Free. Tel: (0773) 44-0213. Ayabe Onsen is said to be good for neuralgia, fatigue, burns and bruises. Open (spa): 10:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30). Closed Wednesdays. Tel: (0773) 55-0888. Komyo-ji Temple, said to have been built in 599 by Shotoku Taishi (574-622), has a powerful double main gate (a National Treasure). At Ayabe Fureai Farm families can have fun with animals in a farm setting. Free. Tel: (0773) 48-0266. TO GET THERE: Take the JR Sanin line to Ayabe Stn.
June Festival Highlights
Mimuroto Temple: in Uji, 30 different kinds of hydrangea; lit up; daytime entry ¥400 (nighttime ¥500). Tel: (0774) 21-2067. To get to Uji take the Keihan line (change at Chushojima) or the JR Nara line. Rice Planting Ritual: to ensure a good harvest; at Maki Shrine in Sonobe Town; 13 girls, in traditional costume, dance and sing; 10:00-11:00. To get to Sonobe, take the JR Sanin line from Kyoto Stn. Tel: (0771) 62-1169. Swiss Village Marathon Competition: 1.5 km, 3 km, 5 km, 10 km and half marathon; open to anyone; in Yasaka Town. Tel: (0772) 65-4902.