All Reviews of Miyama Kayabuki no Sato

A travel agency announced a special sale on a new tour, and what attracted me most was Miyama Kayabuki no Sato in the outskirts of Kyoto. It's 1.5 hours from downtown Kyoto, with few people around and none of the feel of a tourist area, so it's very comfortable for a stroll. At the entrance is an old-fashioned bright red mailbox. The village looks like something out of a fairy tale, with one adorable thatched-roof house after another. The roofs provide sound insulation, protection from wind and snow, warmth in winter, and coolness in summer. The layers of thatch are about 50–80 centimeters thick and need to be replaced every 20–30 years. Our early fall visit happened to coincide with the buckwheat flowers in full bloom. Residents grow buckwheat in fallow fields as a “landscape crop.” Every year, from around mid- to late September, the fields are covered with delicate little white flowers like fine snow. Set against the traditional thatched roofs in the background, they create a popular fall scene. Thank the Lord! We were so lucky to visit right when the flowers were blooming—an unexpected bonus.
The small “Saika” shop has Miyama milk soft-serve ice cream, and we really enjoyed it!

I really love the scenery at Miyama Kayabuki no Sato. The old thatched-roof houses are scattered throughout the mountains, and the entire village is filled with the atmosphere of the Japanese countryside. I just never expected that both times I visited, it would rain. It was really a bit disappointing!

Although rainy Miyama has an added sense of tranquility and a misty atmosphere, the rain also made it impossible to really walk around and explore, and even harder to take the kind of beautiful photos I had in mind, with thatched-roof houses under blue skies and white clouds.

Every time I come, I feel like there are still so many places I haven't been able to fully experience. I especially want to see Kayabuki no Sato surrounded by the mountains and forests on a sunny day.

Miyama, Kyoto, is a small village that feels like stepping back into ancient Japan.
Located in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama's northern settlement still preserves many traditional thatched-roof homes. Its 39 thatched-roof houses are scattered throughout the valley, and together with the changing natural scenery of the four seasons, it truly feels like stepping into Japan's original landscape.
It's not as bustling as central Kyoto. There are fewer crowds and more peace and relaxation.
When taking the bus there on a weekday, there weren't many visitors, so I could stroll around at my own pace, admire the roofs of the old houses and the rural scenery, and experience how the local residents live in harmony with nature.
Although it takes some time to get there, once you arrive and see the nostalgic thatched-roof village before you, you'll feel the trip was well worth it.

Miyama preserves a traditional thatched-roof village, with a simple, charming rural landscape full of Japanese countryside atmosphere. Strolling through the area, you can feel its relaxed and peaceful vibe. It’s a great place to unwind.

I’d always wanted to see what a thatched-roof village in Japan looks like, so I’m really thankful I could join a one-day tour. It made it possible for independent travelers to come here and see the beauty of this village for themselves 🤩
I definitely recommend buying the Miyama flower-shaped cookies while you’re here. They’re seriously so delicious 👍🏻