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Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

Byodo-in Phoenix Hall

The World Heritage site Byodo-in in Uji City is globally famous for its "Phoenix Hall" depicted on the 10-yen coin. Built in the Heian period to image Buddhist paradise, its appearance reflecting in the Aji-ike Pond is elegantly magnificent, appearing as if from another world. The golden phoenixes shining on the roof, interior Buddhist statues, and beautiful murals concentrate the aesthetic essence of Heian nobles. At the on-site museum "Hoshokan," you can view authentic phoenix statues and Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds up close, and be overwhelmed by their high artistry. It is a place to experience Japan's supreme Buddhist architecture...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyazu City

Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Miyazu City is a representative tourist city of "Kyoto by the Sea," housing Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views. It flourished as a castle and port town since ancient times, and its streets lined with historic temples and old merchant houses exude an emotional atmosphere. Gourmet options like fresh yellowtail, crab, and local sake are abundant, fascinating gourmet travelers. Visitors can enjoy both active sightseeing, such as touring observatories overlooking Amanohashidate, and healing experiences at hot springs. It is a charming city where you can thoroughly enjoy traditional Japanese landscapes and a peaceful...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Amanohashidate Shrine

Amanohashidate Shrine

Nestled quietly within the pine groves of Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic views, Amanohashidate Shrine has long been known as a power spot for romantic fulfillment. Although it is on a sandbar, the "Isoshimizu" well nearby miraculously flows with fresh water and is selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters" by the Ministry of the Environment. You can stop by while strolling through the pine forest, where the contrast between the surrounding sea and pines creates a sacred atmosphere. It is a special sanctuary where you can feel the mystery of nature and the presence of...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chion-ji Temple

Chion-ji Temple

Located at the entrance to Amanohashidate, Chion-ji is one of Japan’s Three Monju Temples, enshrining Monju Bosatsu, famous for the proverb "Three people together bring the wisdom of Monju." It is popular among examinees and students seeking academic success and wisdom. The sight of unique "fan-shaped" omikuji tied to pine trees in the precincts is very cute and popular as a photo spot. The heavy Tahoto pagoda and mountain gate evoke a sense of history, making it the perfect place to calm your mind before a stroll in Amanohashidate.

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Blue Grotto (Ganmon)

Blue Grotto (Ganmon)

The "Blue Cave" around "Ganmon" along the coast of Kyotango City is a mystical spot created by the highly transparent Sea of Japan. Depending on the weather and the angle of light, the sea surface shines in vivid cobalt blue or emerald green, praised as rivaling the Blue Grotto in Italy. Many areas are accessible only by sea kayak or small boat, and the sound of waves echoing inside the cave and the unique rocks carved by nature's power make for a wonderful adventure. Here, you can feel the dynamic and transparent charm of "Kyoto by the Sea," quite different...

Kyoto
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Daimonji Okuribi

Daimonji Okuribi

Held every August 16th, "Gozan no Okuribi" (Five Mountain Bonfires), where giant flaming characters emerge on five mountains surrounding Kyoto City, is one of Kyoto's most sacred events marking the end of summer. Based on the belief of sending spirits back to the afterlife, the flames, including the character "Dai" (Great), stain the night sky red, powerfully moving the hearts of spectators. It can be viewed from throughout Kyoto City, and people fold their hands in silent prayer for the departed. Unlike flashy fireworks, it is a deeply beautiful summer tradition imbued with Japanese views of life and death and...

Kyoto
Festivals & Events
Summer

Kyoto State Guest House

Kyoto State Guest House

Nestled within the vast greenery of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, the "Kyoto State Guest House" is an official facility for welcoming state guests, fusing the essence of traditional Japanese architecture with the highest modern technology. Inside the Sukiya-style building, supreme masterpieces of Kyoto's traditional crafts, such as Nishijin textiles, lacquerware, and mother-of-pearl inlay, are scattered throughout. Open to the public, you can observe the Japanese aesthetic and the ultimate "Omotenashi" space through a guided tour. The "pond-strolling" scenery where the garden and building are integrated is a masterpiece, a must-visit for intellectually curious travelers wishing to experience the highest...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe

Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe

Surrounded by the rich nature of Miyama, "Yamazato Ryori Ryokan Isobe" is a hideaway inn where you can spend luxurious time listening to the murmuring of the clear Yura River. This inn offers gourmet dishes thoroughly committed to local production for local consumption, such as "Miyama Rice" and "Natural Sweetfish" from the Yura River. Guest rooms are calm Japanese spaces, and the seasonal mountain views from the windows are like a moving landscape painting. On quiet nights, you can watch the starry sky, perfect for travelers seeking a mental and physical detox. A representative Ryori Ryokan in Miyama where polite...

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kayabuki no Oyado Matabe

Kayabuki no Oyado Matabe

"Kayabuki no Oyado Matabe" is a genuine thatched-roof inn located within the Kayabuki no Sato village in Miyama Town. The greatest luxury is staying as if living as part of the village landscape and experiencing the quiet village awakening in the morning mist firsthand. For dinner, you can gather around an irori hearth and enjoy warm interactions with the host while tasting salt-grilled river fish and seasonal wild plants. It is an accommodation with high cultural value where you can touch the structure of traditional Japanese houses, the hardships of maintaining thatched roofs, and the bonds of the local community.

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryori Ryokan Kigusuriya

Ryori Ryokan Kigusuriya

With over 100 years of history, "Ryori Ryokan Kigusuriya" got its name from its former business as a pharmacy. It prides itself on Kaiseki cuisine finished with traditional techniques using fresh ingredients nurtured by Miyama's mountains and rivers. Especially, the winter-limited "botan-nabe" is exquisite, attracting many repeat guests. The building gathers the essence of traditional Japanese architecture, allowing for a quiet time while feeling the warmth of wood. After enjoying a satoyama stroll, savoring Washioku with brilliant craftsmanship and resting in a tatami room—this is highly recommended for international tourists who want to experience authentic "ryokan culture."

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Minshuku Hisaya

Minshuku Hisaya

"Minshuku Hisaya" is an accommodation facility that uses a historic thatched-roof house right next to the Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama Town. Spending a night in a building that feels like a time slip will be a lifelong memory for international travelers. Breezes flow through in summer, and an irori fire warmly welcomes you in winter. Hearts-felt dishes using plenty of local ingredients make you feel the richness of Miyama's soil. It's a very precious and luxurious place where you can actually experience "living in a thatched house" within a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Minshuku Harimaya

Minshuku Harimaya

Near the Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama Town, "Minsuku Harimaya" is a warm, family-run inn using an atmospheric old private house. The local wild plants and river fish dishes served around an "irori" hearth are simple yet highlight the ingredients' flavors, healing the hearts of visitors. Hearing directly from the host about Miyama's history and traditional lifestyle is a true highlight of staying at a minshuku. You can enjoy a stay that blends into Japan's original landscape in a relaxed atmosphere, like visiting a relative's house in the countryside. Perfect for those who want to experience Miyama's quiet nights and...

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tauta-sha

Located in the innermost part of Miyama Town surrounded by rich forests, "Tautasha" is an experiential accommodation facility pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle. You can experience the wisdom and techniques for living with nature, such as farming, hunting, and wood-splitting, together with the staff. At the restaurant, you can savor vegetables harvested by yourself and gibier (wild game) dishes, feeling the preciousness of food firsthand. It's not just a place to stay, but also a place to think about the future of Japanese rural villages and sustainable living. This is a special sanctuary for dedicated international travelers who want to discard...

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryori Ryokan Chinsenro

Ryori Ryokan Chinsenro

Located along the Yura River in Miyama Town, "Ryori Ryokan Chinsenro" is a long-established inn that has continued to provide the rich blessings of Miyama's nature since its founding. The biggest attraction is the top-quality seasonal satoyama cuisine, such as wild plants in spring, sweetfish in summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and botan-nabe (wild boar hot pot) in winter. Guests can enjoy a peaceful river view from their rooms, and the time spent listening to the murmuring stream is a quintessential Japanese luxury holiday. With good access to the Kayabuki no Sato, it is loved by authentic travelers who want...

Kyoto
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yunohana Onsen, Kameoka

Yunohana Onsen, Kameoka

Located in the mountains of Kameoka City, just west of Kyoto City, Yunohana Onsen is a historic hot spring area said to have been where Sengoku warlords healed their blade wounds. In a quiet environment surrounded by rich greenery, ryokans offering high-quality hospitality and open-air baths are dotted about. It has excellent access from Kyoto City, and it's also possible to travel from Arashiyama via the "Hozugawa River Boat Ride" or "Sagano Romantic Train." Soaking in hot springs while gazing at seasonal satoyama landscapes in silence, completely shut out from city bustle, is truly a supreme relaxation experience. It is...

Kyoto
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukuchiyama City

Fukuchiyama City

Fukuchiyama City, a central city in northern Kyoto, has diverse charms including its history as a castle town built by Akechi Mitsuhide and the demon legends of Mt. Oe. Besides historical strolls centering on Fukuchiyama Castle, outdoor experiences utilizing rich nature are abundant. Also known as a "Sweets City," you can enjoy high-quality Western and Japanese confectionery using local specialties. Harmonizing urban sophistication with local warmth and offering good access via limited express from Kyoto, it is a highly satisfying destination for inquisitive travelers who want to enjoy history, legends, nature, and gourmet in a balanced way.

Kyoto
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onitake Inari Shrine

Onitake Inari Shrine

Enshrined on the slopes of Mt. Oe, Onitake Inari Shrine is a mystical shrine located in the Mt. Oe range, known as the stage for the legendary "demon slaying." Due to its high elevation, it is famous for the vast "Sea of Clouds" spreading below in the early mornings of autumn and winter under certain weather conditions, offering a mystical view as if floating on clouds. Vermilion torii gates continuing through the quiet forest are very spiritual, enveloping visitors in a mysterious power. It is strongly recommended for active travelers wishing to experience the "Heavenly Sanctuary" created by overwhelming natural...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukuchiyama Castle

Fukuchiyama Castle

Built by the famous Sengoku-period general Akechi Mitsuhide, Fukuchiyama Castle is a leading fortress in northern Kinki, featuring a reconstructed castle tower and original "Nozura-zumi" (natural stone) walls. These walls include "Tenyo-seki" (reused stones) like gravestones, reflecting the urgency of the construction at the time. The tower interior serves as a local history museum, allowing visitors to learn deeply about Mitsuhide's history. The top floor offers a magnificent panorama overlooking Fukuchiyama streets and the Yura River. It's a must-visit for history fans to enjoy Japanese castle beauty and castle town history while reflecting on Mitsuhide's "intellect" and "sincerity."

Kyoto
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matsuo-dera Temple

Matsuo-dera Temple

Located on the slopes of Mt. Aoba, Matsuo-dera is an ancient temple known as the 29th temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. It enshrines a rare "Bato Kannon" (Horse-headed Kannon) as its main deity and has gathered many followers since ancient times. The precincts, wrapped in deep forest, feature heavy halls and Niomon gates, exuding the dignified air of a sanctuary. The view of Maizuru Bay from here is magnificent, allowing you to experience the beauty unique to Japanese mountain temples where nature and faith merge. National Treasure paintings are displayed during spring treasure public openings, perfect for travelers wishing...

Kyoto
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Maizuru Kanzaki

Maizuru Kanzaki

Located at the western end of Maizuru City, the Kanzaki area is a hideaway spot charming for its beautiful sandy beach at the mouth of the Yura River and its nostalgic fishing village scenery. Kanzaki Beach, in particular, is crowded with families in summer for its shallow, highly transparent sea. Nearby is the "Yura-gawa Bridge" of the Tango Railway, attracting attention from international railway fans as one of Japan's best photo spots where trains run just above the water surface. Perfect for those who want to hear quiet wave sounds and thoroughly enjoy Japan's peaceful seaside daily life away from...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Maizuru Port

Facing the Sea of Japan, Maizuru Port is a natural fine harbor surrounded by beautiful rias coastlines and has developed as a key maritime transport hub since ancient times. Now an international port where large cruise ships call, the view created by the vast sea and mountains is stunning. As it hosts a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base, the sightseeing boat tours allowing close-up views of giant destroyers are powerful and highly popular among military fans. This energetic tourist spot lets you simultaneously experience the port's vitality, beautiful coastal scenery, and modern Japanese naval defense.

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Maizuru City

Maizuru City, a port town in northern Kyoto, is a core city of "Kyoto by the Sea" with a history of flourishing as a naval base and beautiful rias coastlines. The "Red Brick Warehouses" built in the Meiji era are now used as cultural facilities and shops, and their retro, solid atmosphere is popular with international travelers. The "Maizuru Repatriation Memorial Museum," telling the history of post-war returnees, is registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World for its prayers for peace. With fresh seafood like crab and oysters, and gourmet options like naval curry, it's a city where you...

Kyoto
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kifune Shrine

The head shrine of all shrines enshrining the god of water in Japan, Kifune Shrine has been revered since ancient times as a sacred site for rain prayers. The sight of vibrant vermilion lanterns lining the stone steps is globally famous as an iconic, photogenic Kyoto scene. The "Mizu-uranai Mikuji" (water fortune-telling), where characters appear when paper is floated on sacred water, offers a mystical experience that transcends language barriers. Also known as a god of matchmaking, many visit to pray for good relationships in the quiet forest air. Seasonal illuminations are mystical, offering a chance to experience the beauty...

Kyoto
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kibune River

Flowing through the mountains of northern Kyoto, the Kibune River is one of Kyoto's premier cooling spots with its crystal-clear waters and deep greenery. The main highlight is the summer tradition of "Kawadoko," where dining on platforms set over the river offers a refreshing coolness like natural air conditioning, highly popular among international visitors. In winter, the riverside is covered in snow, transforming into a landscape like a wash-drawing. Walking along the river where the god of water is said to reside will help you forget city heat and noise, and purify your mind and body.

Kyoto
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter