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Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

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Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

Miyama is home to many traditional thatch roof houses.

4.42 6

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The culture of thatch roofing is not unique to Japan, and this architectural style can be seen in Europe and Scandinavia as well. There is currently an international thatch roof boom. The shape varies slightly depending on the country and region.

The thatch roofs of Miyama are characterized by soft rounded curves and a beautiful and even configuration that extends to the edge. It is necessary to do a "fuki-kae" to replace the "kaya" of the roof once every 20 years. Experience the Satoyama lifestyle through the "fuki-kae" process that is filled with the wisdom and sense of beauty of people's lives.

See an experience report for this facility!

Photos

  • "Kayabuki no Sato" consists of 39 thatch roof houses (Chii district, Miyama). It was selected as a national important preservation district of historic buildings along with the surrounding rice paddies and mountain forests in 1993.

    "Kayabuki no Sato" consists of 39 thatch roof houses (Chii district, Miyama). It was selected as a national important preservation district of historic buildings along with the surrounding rice paddies and mountain forests in 1993.

  • It is about 10 minutes by car to the traditional Japanese house where you will stay. The experience will be held at the adjoining dwelling.

    It is about 10 minutes by car to the traditional Japanese house where you will stay. The experience will be held at the adjoining dwelling.

  • You will learn how to create a thatch roof and the different styles in each country.

    You will learn how to create a thatch roof and the different styles in each country.

  • Some of the tools used for fuki-kae (the two tools on the left) are also handmade by craftsmen. Preferences differ slightly based on the craftsman, and it is said that some people use about 20 tools.

    Some of the tools used for fuki-kae (the two tools on the left) are also handmade by craftsmen. Preferences differ slightly based on the craftsman, and it is said that some people use about 20 tools.

  • Tightly tie a rope from the foundation pillar and fasten it firmly so the kaya does not fall out.

    Tightly tie a rope from the foundation pillar and fasten it firmly so the kaya does not fall out.

  • You will be healed by the beautiful seasonal view and the murmuring of the clear stream that flows nearby.

    You will be healed by the beautiful seasonal view and the murmuring of the clear stream that flows nearby.

Reviews

6

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  • Claire Chang

    A peaceful mountain village.
    Every visit here leaves me feeling refreshed and relaxed.
    You can get here from Kyoto by train!

    The unique architecture features wooden houses with thatched roofs. The walls, doors, and windows are all made from wooden planks—no nails or metal, just thick straw ropes holding everything together.
    The sloped roofs help snow slide off easily, and the rooftops even use special shrine-style features to prevent snow from piling up.

    Miyama's thatched village houses are of the Kitayama style, blending different traditional Japanese designs. They're built to withstand heavy winter snow and still show off Kyoto's delicate architectural beauty.

    The countryside here is super simple and pure, with no commercial activity at all. These are real homes, so you really get a sense of the quiet, rustic lifestyle people used to have, living deep in the mountains, cut off from the world.
    It's a different vibe compared to Shirakawa-go or Ouchi-juku.

    ☆ Scenery in all four seasons:
    Spring: gentle breezes and fresh greenery
    Summer: lush green mountains and sprouting rice
    Autumn: cool winds and golden rice fields
    Winter: snowflakes falling, peaceful and white

    ☆ There are a few cafés and small restaurants in the village:
    Cafe Miran
    Cafe & Gallery Saika
    Sakaya Pizza Cafe
    Kichinojo (sells bread)
    Soba Restaurant Kitamura (next to the parking lot)

  • Dan

    Upon arrival we were taken for a hands on experience and challenged to make a piece of thatched roofing. Then made a delicious Japanese style dinner together with the staff. After took a bath under one of the thatched roofs was so relaxing with the smell of the pine. Sleeping on Japanese futons was fun and really enjoyed waking to the beautiful mountains outside. Great memories.

  • Sebastien

    Making of thatched roof is unique!

  • Daphne

    It felt cozy and was great to talk as a group! The bath area was comfortable and great to relax.

  • LaurierTiernan

    The sushi workshop was wonderful, sleeping in an antique Japanese house was great (there are too many houses with man-made materials - like plastic - in Japan) and I really liked having access to the local beers in single-serving brown glass bottles.

Experience information

Name of facility
Miyama E I S A
Name of experience
Thatch roof craftsman experience with accommodation
Address
52 kitsuneiwa, Miyamachoshima, Nantan City, Kyoto 601-0751
Telephone number
0771-75-5125
Business Hours
Check-in after the experience
Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
*Schedule confirmation required (180 minutes for the thatch roof experience)
Closed
No holidays
Cost
From 26,000 y
en
*The accommodation cost varies depending on the length of stay and reservation period
Payment methods
Cash or credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay)
Number of guests accepted (groups)
2-10 people
Multi-language support
Available
Official Website
Official Website(English)
Notes
*The kaya may adhere to your clothes (it is best to wear casual clothes that can get dirty)

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