Natural
Early Autumn ParadisesSonobe and Yakuno
This month's Kyoto Prefecture recommendation focuses on the wonderful qualities and unique attractions of Sonobe Town and Yakuno Town. These are great places to go and easy to get to.
Ruri Ravine in Sonobe Town
Sonobe Town lies almost in the center of Kyoto prefecture. The 4-km long Ruri Ravine is in the highlands of the town about 500 above sea level. The area is very green and exceptionally cool and fresh. The river that runs through the ravine is known for its huge salamanders (designated a National Natrual Treasure). It is also common to see fireflies above the river at twilight. Both of these creatures are known to thrive in pristine environments. "Ruri" is the name of a precious stone with a marvelous purple-navy blue color. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), a governor living in this area marveled at the beautiful sight of the ravine and gave it its name. The ravine is a designated national place of scenic beauty. It has many unusual rocks and large waterfalls surrounded by blooming flowers and trees.
In
some restaurants near the ravine, visitors can enjoy excellent seasonal
cuisine. In early autumn, edible wild plants, river fish, and ayu
(sweet fish) are in season. The area is also known for its farms producing
apples, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, grapes, etc. Visitors can pick produce
by themselves or purchase it on the farm. There are several ryokan and other
places to stay in the area, and staying overnight is highly recommended.
For more information contact the Sonobe Town Hall Tourist Information Center (Tel: 0771-62-0550; Japanese only). From JR Kyoto Stn. take the Sagano line to Sonobe Stn. (about 50min.). Then take Kyoto Kotsu Bus from Sonobe to Oku-Ruri-kei Stop (about 35 min.), or take Sonobe Town Circular bus to Rurikei-onsen-mae bus stop. NOTE: Kyoto Kotsu Bus services are available only on Sun. & National holidays (twice a day). Sonobe Town Circular bus runs twice a day (3 times on Wed., Sat., & Sun.).
Nosho-no-sato in Yakuno Town
Yakuno is also has a rich natural heritage. It is very famous for its vegetables and farm products. The area's fertile soil is made of ash from Mt. Takara, which erupted in the area about 350,000 years ago. Nosho-no-sato, which directly translated means the village of agriculture, makes the best use of Yakuno Town's natural advantages. This is a great place for the visitor to directly experience the natural wonders of Japan. The area has an excellent range of facilities offering everything from cultural experiences to leisure activities. You can stay here in a Japanese style tatami room for ¥5,250 with breakfast (check-in 16:00, check out 10:00). Yakuno also has 88 sacred stone Buddha statues linked by a walking course. The first statue, at Yakuno-chado, is of Kobo Daishi (774-835) one of Japan's most famous monks. He founded the Shingon sect. The course takes about 4 hours.
Yakuno Ichido-an: Experience Japanese tea ceremony* in a very traditional atmosphere (¥500; 10:00-15:00).
Yakuno Hana-azuki-kan: Enjoy eating traditional Japanese sweets at this cafe. Visitors can try making sweets (¥1,050; reservation required; 10:00-17:00).
Hokkori-kan: This spacious bath is equipped with a large bath with grand views (also a roten-buro, outdoor bath; and sauna bath; 10:00-22:00, entry until 21:30).
Yakuno House of Tree and Lacquer: Yakuno is one of the most famous lacquer producing areas in Japan. This facility stages exhibit, offers lacquer work experience and has a shop (entry ¥300; 10:00-17:00).
*NOTE: Tea ceremony and making sweets are not guided in English. All facilities are closed on Wed.Yakuno Town Hall: 0773-37-1101 (Japanese only). Yakuno Nosho-no-sato: 0773-38-0364 (Japanese only). To get to Yakuno take a Sanin-honsen line express train from JR Kyoto Stn. to Fukuchiyama (about 1h), and then take a local train from there to Kamiyakuno Stn. From the station, Nosho-no-sato is 10 min. walk and Yakuno-chado is 15 min. walk.
