History and culture ringed by magnificent scenery and rich in the ocean's bounty.

Recommended sightseeing spots

Offers all the charms an area overlooking the Japan Sea has to offer, such as stunning views of interconnected ria coastlines and a wide-variety of fresh marine products. Why not stop by streets with rows upon rows of funaya boat houses built jutting out over the sea, or spend some time relaxing in the mountains? You can also enjoy making small Japanese accessories out of weaved crapes, a specialty of the region.

Must-See Sights

Cherry blossoms and Autumn leaves

Beaches

It might surprise you that in Kyoto prefecture there are some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Typically, when people think of Kyoto, the traditional Japanese culture, temples, shrines and historic landmarks come to mind. But there are so many more parts to discover! One being the North of Kyoto prefecture, where the land shares a border with the Sea of Japan and is home to crystal clear, white sand beaches – ideal for making the most of summer, come and enjoy Kyoto’s beaches!

Dining & Local Specialties

Activities

Kyotango Fruits Trail

In the city of Kyotango, along national road 178 there are numerous roadside fruit stalls which sell fruit directly from the farmer to the public. Throughout the year you can see the sprawling orchards, like peach (July – mid-August), watermelon (mid-July – mid-August), melon (mid-June – early-July), grape (early-August – early-October), “nashi” pear (early-August – early-December) and strawberry (January – May) fields on both sides of the road. As well as being produced locally in Japan with love from the farmers who have honed their specialty, the secret ingredient of these fruits is that they thrive on the minerals brought over from the sea breeze as well as the local oyster shell compost. As a result, the fruits are full of exceptional flavor and sweetness, and are better than anything available commercially.
In addition to selling the fruits picked fresh that morning, the roadside stalls have started providing seasonal fruit-picking experiences, and selling original fruit drinks. Within the local café, fruits that have been frozen are combined with milk/yogurt/ice-cream to make smoothies, and the specialty smoothies made with rice koji (type of fermented rice product) and local Kyoto vegetables are a must-try. While the Kyotango Fruits Trail is open, from July – late October, make sure to visit the Kumihama area and try the delicious local fruits!

Sweets

Day trip bathing

Main matsuri (festivals) and events

Fireworks that set Kyoto's seas and night skies ablaze with color. Ine Festival, called the Gion Matsuri of the sea. You can enjoy festivals that only Kyoto by the Sea with its long history and beautiful seascapes has to offer. There are also events held under blue summer skies in the midst of sunflower fields filled with 150,000 sunflowers.