5 Local Experiences Not Found in Guidebooks: Kyoto Prefecture Edition

Located on the Tango Peninsula in northern Kyoto Prefecture, the town of Ine is a beautiful community surrounded by sea and mountains. Its greatest attraction is the unique landscape of "funaya" boathouses that line Ine Bay. These distinctive buildings face the sea, with the first floor serving as a boat garage and the second floor as living space.

This townscape, which preserves the atmosphere of a traditional fishing village, has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The spectacular sight of a line of approximately 230 funaya that appear as if they are floating on the sea can only be found here.

Ine offers various ways to experience the funaya, whether strolling leisurely to see them up close or viewing them from an observation deck overlooking Ine Bay. However, to fully appreciate their charm, we recommend a guided e-bike tour that shows you the lifestyle around the Ine funaya. Led by a local guide, you will explore the town, learn fascinating stories about the funaya and the community, and even visit hidden spots you might otherwise miss, giving you a deeper understanding of Ine's history and culture. The e-bike makes it comfortable to navigate Ine's hilly terrain.

After the guided tour, we recommend exploring Ine at your own pace. Walk through nostalgic alleyways, relax at cozy cafes or restaurants, or admire the stunning funaya views from a sightseeing cruise to create your own unique memories of Ine.

Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, the Tango region is renowned as one of Japan's largest silk textile production areas, with origins tracing back approximately 1,300 years. Tango textiles are traditional silk fabrics whose traditions have been passed down in this region for about 300 years. The most well-known example of Tango textiles is "Tango chirimen," characterized by fine surface crimps called "shibo," beautiful luster, wrinkle resistance, and a soft texture.

This Tango textile workshop tour is a special experience that takes visitors to actual silk weaving production sites typically closed to tourists while guided by a knowledgeable "Hataya Concierge." By hearing directly from craftspeople and witnessing their exceptional skills firsthand, you can experience the profound depth of this time-honored tradition. If you need English support, please mention this when making your reservation.

Another appealing aspect is the opportunity to purchase items not available in retail markets at workshop-direct prices. Custom orders for original pieces are also available, so if you find a workshop you particularly like, don't hesitate to ask!

Located just about 20 minutes from Kyoto City by train or car, Kameoka is a city that is blessed with abundant nature and peaceful scenery. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes that change with the seasons, charming views of shrines and temples that blend quietly into the natural surroundings, and savor local specialties unique to this region, such as Kyoto-grown vegetables and Kameoka beef.

The area also offers popular activities that attract travelers from around the world, including the Sagano Romantic Train, which showcases the beautiful Hozukyo Gorge through all four seasons, and Hozugawa River boat rides.

In this nature-rich city of Kameoka, we highly recommend experiencing "kintsugi" at urujyu. Kintsugi is a unique Japanese repair technique that mends cracks and chips in pottery with lacquer and finishes them beautifully with gold or silver powder. It embodies precious wisdom passed down by ancestors, fulfilling the desire to keep a cherished vessel in this world a little longer when it breaks.

Lacquer has been used in Japan since the Jomon period, serving as both adhesive and coating in daily life, always accompanying people's lives. Harvested from trees, transformed into objects, and eventually returning to nature when its purpose is fulfilled - this simple, natural cycle is what Urujyu cherishes. Kintsugi uses materials that return to nature, creating moments where vessels, people, and nature connect.

Urujyu is a brand established in 2015 to preserve three aspects of lacquer culture: "living with lacquer," "lacquer techniques," and "domestic lacquer." While their main atelier is located in Kyoto's Miyama region, they also offer kintsugi workshops at Hozuhama Terrace along the Hozugawa River in Kameoka. Practicing kintsugi amid peaceful scenery provides a "time of mending" that gently calms the mind. Why not step away from daily routine and experience the reassuring feeling of being part of nature's cycle?

Located in the northern central part of Kyoto Prefecture, Ayabe City is a beautiful region blessed with rich rural nature and traditional landscapes.

Nestled quietly on a small hill within Ayabe's forests, Soyuan is a traditional Japanese house that is over 150 years old. Here, you can enjoy luxurious experiences that showcase Japan's nature and traditional culture such as savoring medicinal cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, tea ceremony experiences, and village walks.

At Soyuan, you can experience "health tourism" that incorporates medicinal cuisine to promote wellness. Medicinal cuisine is a dietary approach based on traditional Chinese medicine principles that utilizes the natural properties of ingredients to create meals tailored to the season and individual health conditions.

In this program, after a health assessment and brief medicinal cuisine lecture, you will prepare your own personalized miso soup and enjoy medicinal cuisine made with seasonal local ingredients. Afterward, you can choose from optional activities such as a tea ceremony experience, yoga, or walks through the countryside, spending your time however you wish.　English versions of the medicinal cuisine lecture slides and materials are available, and the staff can communicate in basic conversational English.
By connecting with your mind and body in this natural setting, you'll feel your daily stress dissolve and experience renewed energy for the days ahead.

Located in Yawata City in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Sewaritei (Yodogawa Riverside Park Sewaritei Area) is an embankment that separates the Kizu and Uji rivers flowing through Kyoto Prefecture. In spring, approximately 250 cherry trees bloom magnificently along a 1.4-kilometer stretch, making it one of the Kansai region's premier cherry blossom destinations.

Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Sewaritei offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy seasonal nature and birdwatching.

At Sewaritei, you can experience nature in a completely unique way through SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Viewing Sewaritei from the water offers a completely different and special perspective compared to land-based viewing. Surrounded by seasonal nature and rare flora and fauna, you can enjoy jungle-like scenery that feels worlds away from the city. The experience of hearing water birds singing, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, and gliding along the peaceful river current is truly an adventure that awakens all your senses!

As it is just a 5-minute walk from Keihan Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station , its excellent accessibility adds to its appeal.

We've introduced a variety of experiences not found in guidebooks that allow you to discover the authentic Kyoto. Why not create unforgettable memories of Kyoto while connecting with local people?