The region west of Kyoto City is a treasure trove of beautiful nature and history. Muko boasts a dreamlike bamboo grove, Nagaokakyo offers stunning seasonal scenery, and Oyamazakicho is full of nature and ancient temples. They can all be reached in less than 15 minutes from JR Kyoto Station.
Discover Historical and Natural Treasures in Western Kyoto
Upper left picture courtesy of Muko City, upper and lower right pictures courtesy of Nagaokakyo City.
The area west of Kyoto City is the Otokuni district of Kyoto Prefecture. This district is comprised of Nagaokakyo City, Muko City, and the town of Oyamazaki. The main train stations in this area are reachable from JR Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes.
At first sight, Otokuni might seem like an unassuming residential district. It takes a second look to discover the incredibly rich history, magnificent temples, and art in this area.
Nagaokakyo was the capital of Japan for a brief period between the Nara period (710-784) and the Heian period (794-1185). Shrines and temples established in that era still exist today.
Home to a thriving bamboo culture, Otokuni is often called “the home of bamboo,” or Take no sato. It also boasts picturesque scenery that gathers crowds of visitors for seasonal cherry blossoms and fall foliage.
We’ll introduce ten wonderful places in Muko, Nagaokakyo, and Oyamazaki, along with tips on the best times to visit. These destinations will make you want to explore the lesser-known side of Kyoto!
Muko City
Muko is home to the Take-no-Michi Bamboo Road and to the Kyoto Rakusai Bamboo Park, a vast area dedicated to bamboo culture. The historical remains of the Nagaoka Palace that was built here between 784 and 794, as well as Muko Shrine, with a history that goes back to the Nara period, are also located here.
The main destinations in Muko City are near Nishi-Muko Station, which can be reached in about 20 minutes using JR and Hankyu line trains from JR Kyoto Station.
1. Take-no-Michi Bamboo Road
Take-no-Michi is a 1.8 km (about 1.1 mile) road surrounded by an expansive bamboo grove. Local farmers use this space to cultivate bamboo shoots, an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, as well as bamboo for use in handicrafts.
Even the intricate, latticed fences are made from bamboo, adding to the scenery. The road is public, so visitors are welcome to enjoy the beauty of the bamboo grove at any time of year. Please refrain from stepping into the grove, though, as it is private property.
Visit in early spring, and you join in a bamboo shoot digging activity. It’s a great chance to see first hand how these sprouts are cultivated and cooked, and you can taste local specialties made with bamboo shoots!
The Kyoto Rakusai Bamboo Park, located within Take-no-Michi, is a facility where visitors can find out more about bamboo and its daily uses. Many objects used in Japanese households, such as kitchenware, vessels, and interior items, like paper lanterns and tatami mats, are traditionally made of bamboo. Utensils used in tea ceremony, for instance, are almost entirely made of bamboo.
Bamboo also plays a central role in one of the oldest stories in Japanese culture:“The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” or “The Tale of Princess Kaguya.” The park’s exhibition area introduces this story with beautiful illustrations.
Step outside into the park and you’ll be able to see various types of bamboo up-close, from thin variations to the golden Kinmei bamboo or the Kikkochiku, with its distinctive turtle-shell pattern.
Take-no-michi and Kyoto Rakusai Bamboo Park can be reached by bus, or a 15-minute walk from JR Katsura Station or Hankyu Rakusai Station.
Take-no-Michi (The Muko Bamboo Path)
Bamboo shoots are one of Kyoto’s specialty products, but the “Otokuni” area around Muko City and Nagaokakyo City is known for producing some of the highest quality bamboo shoots in Kyoto. Take-no-Mich …
Muko Shrine, established in 718, is one of the ancient landmarks west of Kyoto City. The shrine is dedicated to several deities mentioned in Japanese creation myths, including a mysterious deity called Mukahi no Kami. This deity is Muko City’s namesake.
The main prayer hall, a beautiful wooden structure built in 1422, has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. In front of the main hall is a stage for traditional dances performed as an offering to the deities.
Picture courtesy of Muko City
On the right side of the main hall is the entrance to the Cherry Blossom Garden. Lined with various types of sakura trees, this is a famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring.
Nevertheless, Muko Shrine is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. Its dignified atmosphere and tranquility make you feel the depth of the ages that this shrine has witnessed.
Mukojinja Shrine
Located in Muko City in the Otokuni Bamboo Grove area of Kyoto Prefecture, Muko shrine is an ancient shrine founded in 718 and is said to be a shrine for good harvest, academic achievement, and traffi …
