All Reviews of Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

You can learn in depth about how thatched roofs are built and maintained, and see how skilled craftspeople use natural thatch and traditional methods to preserve these valuable cultural techniques. Under their expert guidance, visitors can also try parts of the repair process themselves and experience the care and attention that goes into every step.

Snow was falling hard when I visited this quiet little village. The distinctive thatched houses—walls, doors, and windows all made of wood—are built without using any nails, held together with thick straw rope. Absolutely amazing!

They’ve endured Japan’s seasons for generations and still preserve Kyoto’s architectural beauty. Definitely worth a visit.

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)

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.

Making of thatched roof is unique!

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

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.

Make food!!