Perhaps you’ve been to Kyoto City and seen the sights. This time, why not get out a little deeper into Kyoto Prefecture, and discover the Woodland Kyoto area? This nature-rich central region is a lot closer and in fact easier to access than you might expect, and for the traveler looking to find a deeper Kyoto experience, there’s a lot to discover!
Whether you’re planning a soak in a hot spring, a trip to an ancient shrine in the forest, or a daring boat trip down the Hozu River, we’ve got you covered with information on how to access each corner of this region of Kyoto!
To get a sense of how easy it is to access each of these locations—as well as a sense of the beautiful sights—take a look at this short video:
Assuming you start your journey from Kyoto Station, if you’re arriving at Kansai International Airport, you can take the Kansai Airport Limousine Bus (about 1 hr 30 min), or the Limited Express Haruka train (1 hr 15 min) to Kyoto Station.
Kameoka
The closest to Kyoto City at just a 20 minute train ride, Kameoka City offers a variety of attractions for nature-lovers, casual and otherwise. The city is located in a basin just over the hills that separate it from Kyoto City, and this basin location is part of the reason for some of Kameoka’s most unique features. The adventure can begin even before you set foot in the area: by taking the Sagano Romantic Train to Kameoka from Arashiyama, visitors can get in a bit of scenic sightseeing along the breathtaking Hozu River Gorge. The train has open windows for riders to take in views of the blue-green river below as the tracks wind along the river, dipping in and out of the surrounding mountainside. The fall season also features light-up events in which visitors can ride the train at night through the colorful, illuminated foliage.
If you’re up for more adventure along the Hozu River Gorge, a different, thrilling activity awaits where the train lets you off: from Kameoka, you can also choose to head down the river to Arashiyama by boat! Much more than a simple meandering ferry ride, boats down the Hozu River Gorge are steered by skilled boatmen: one with a pole at the bow, and another with a sort of tiller at the stern. These waters were once used to transport lumber, rice, and other goods, but since sightseeing boats began to sail down the ravine in 1895, it’s become an extremely popular way to experience the seasonal beauty of nature in the gorge. If you don’t mind getting completely wet, there are also rafting tours down the Hozu River.
If the river’s not to your taste, you can head to the mountains: Kameoka is a great place to see unkai, the magical-looking “sea of fog” phenomenon. For an easy lookout spot, head to the Kameoka Fog Terrace. You can even check on conditions at the terrace in advance with this live camera.
Finally, Kameoka is also great for a restful onsen experience: the Yunohana Onsen area including bathing facilities at a number of traditional inns, or ryokan, each with their own types of bath.
The Fog Terrace
The “Tamba Fog” that appears across the Kameoka Basin from autumn to spring is a unique sight for which Kameoka is known.
In the morning in particular, the scenery as viewed from the Fog terrace is w …
・Getting to Kameoka From Kyoto City
By train/bus: Take the JR Sagano (San’in) Line from Kyoto Station to Kameoka Station (About 20 minutes).
Alternatively, take Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus from Kyoto Station to Kameoka-eki-minami-guchi bus stop (About 70 minutes).
By car: From Kyoto City, head west on National Route 9 (About 20 minutes).
From Arashiyama
By train/bus: Take the JR Sagano (San’in) Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kameoka Station (About 8 minutes).
・Finding Accomodation in Kameoka Syoenso Hozugawatei: a traditional ryokan inn with onsen to enjoy in a forest surrounding (the inn is a part of the Yunohana Onsen area). *Pick-up service is available with advance reservation from Kameoka Torokko Station on the Sagano Romantic Train, and from JR Kameoka Station.
Sumiya Kiho-an: A “nature resort” nestled in Kameoka’s Yunohana Onsen area. *Pick-up service is available with advance reservation from Kameoka Torokko Station, and from JR Kameoka Station.
Koiya Farmhouse Inn: A traditional farmhouse perfect for private stays. *Free pick-up service available from Chiyokawa Station on the JR Sagano (San’in) Line.
Bishamon House: A traditional home in the ancient village of Bishamon in Kameoka City. *Pick-up service available from Kameoka Station.
Hanare Ninoumi: An inn beautifully renovated with modern comforts from a 100 year-old building.
