Kyoto Prefecture’s Wonderful Thatch-roofed HousesMore in Miyama Town than anywhere else in Japan!
Miyama-cho or Miyama Town is located in the center of Kyoto Prefecture. The town, famous for its pastoral beauty (Miyama means beautiful mountain), is located almost in the center of Kyoto, surrounded by steep, forested 800-900 meter-high mountains. The Yura River runs swiftly through the area. In addition to its natural beauty, Miyamacho is home to 250 thatch-roofed houses, more than any other place in Japan. The town won the Tourist Resort Product Prize in 2000. Come to nature, experience a living fairytale: come to Miyamacho!
Thatch-roofed House Village
The village of Kita, which has the highest concentration of thatch-roofed homes in Miyama-cho, is registered as an Important Architectural Heritage Site. Of the 50 house in Kita, 32 have thatched roofs. The oldest one was built in 1796. Eighteen of them were built in the mid 19th century. The age of the other homes is less clear though they were all built during the Edo period (1603-1867).
In the old days, before trains and electricity, village life in a place like Kita was very simple. Everything—the building materials, food, clothing—was harvested from the surrounding mountains and fields. Everything was done by hand. Nature was their home and they were a part of it.
One of the biggest changes that came with modern life was a loss of knowledge. People forgot how to take care of their old houses and fewer and fewer roof thatchers were trained. In the past two decades the love and respect for these homes and the way of life they represent has greatly increased. Miyama public office is currently making great efforts to preserve these houses and the culture they represent. The people who live in these houses are keen to preserve the original design and atmosphere of their homes. Through the assistance of the national government, Kita now has a few young master builders specialized in thatch-roofed houses and access to the necessary thatching materials.
Today, Miyamacho attracts nature lovers from the city all year round. In spring, people come to pick and enjoy mountain vegetables. In summer, fishermen come to catch ayu, a kind of river trout. In autumn, thousands come to search for the elusive matsutake mushroom, prized in Japanese cuisine. In late October, the surrounding fields are stacks with bundles of kayatate, the reed used for the roof thatch. And then, finally, in winter, people come to shoot or enjoy wild boar.
There are two minshuku inns in the area (the Matabe and the Tomiya). Experience life in an old thatch-roofed house!
Miyama Folk Museum
This is 200-year-old thatch-roofed house has been turned into a museum devoted to equipment, bamboo products and daily life tools. A visit to the attic will teach you a lot about how the roof has been thatched. Open: 9:00-17:00 (Apr.-Nov.); 10:00-16:00 (Dec.-Mar.); closed on Mon. (unless a national holiday). Information: 0771-77-0587.
Miyama Nature and Culture Village
This new outdoor village offers the visitor all kinds of hiking, camping, fishing and craft experiences. You can take a course on pottery or how to make washi paper. Accommodation options include a night in a thatch-roofed house or the Kajika-so villa, which has a nice spa. Overnight rates are per person and include dinner and breakfast. Information: 0771-77-0014 or http://www.m-kajika.jp (information in Japanese only).
Access
To get to the village of Kita and the museum, take the JR bus to Shuzan from Kyoto Station (90 min.). Then change to the local bus bound for Agake (40 min.), and then take the bus to Kita (15 min.). To get to the Miyama Nature and Culture Village take the same bus as for Kita, but get out at Chimi-guchi (17 min.)