For the culturally curious traveler, your journey to Kyoto isn’t complete until you’ve ventured beyond the pages of guidebooks to discover all the hidden gems, secret spots, and unforgettable landscapes. This quest might lead you from the picturesque seaside in the north of the prefecture to its most southern reaches, where you can immerse yourself in the corners of Kyoto cherished by the locals themselves. We’ve talked to residents who know these local nooks inside out. These key figures have shared their most treasured spots with us. Their insights will unlock things to do in Kyoto that you never could have imagined. Let’s get started!
（Main image courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association / Wakamiya Shrine, Kameoka City）
Our Insider: Shinji Inomoto
Originally from Fukuchiyama City. He has been involved in tourism promotion for many years as an employee of Miyazu City and has been serving as Promotion Strategy Manager at the Sea of Kyoto DMO since 2022.
◆Escape to a Hot Spring Inn with a Blissful Ocean View
Picture courtesy of Sumihei
Among the beautiful coastal areas of northern Kyoto Prefecture, a yet undiscovered gem by international visitors is the charm of the northern Tango Peninsula. Along its rugged coastline are 15 beaches, with seas that stretch out in shades of emerald green and sapphire blue, reminiscent of resort destinations overseas. The abundance of hot springs adds to the allure, with about 40 sources located in the area – a great place to rejuvenate body and mind by soaking in a hot spring while gazing at the sea.
There are also many luxury hot spring inns available, including Ujo Soan at Yuhigaura beach, known for its sunset views, where each guest room is a separate building complete with an open-air bath. Sumihei in Taiza offers rooms with ocean views. There’s also the joy of exploring six different private open-air baths, each with a unique charm.
Picture courtesy of Nishi-iru
The fresh seafood caught at the local fishing port is one of Tango’s signature culinary delights. Savoring this abundance through sushi creates an unmatched travel experience. My favorite spot is Nishi-iru, currently a hot destination in Amanohashidate, a locale popular with visitors. Here, a Portuguese chef trained across various regions of Japan offers courses based on sushi and Japanese cuisine. For the sushi rice, he uses rice and rice vinegar produced by local vinegar maker Iio Jozo Vinegar Brewery — cultivated without pesticides — to fully enhance the flavor of the seasonal toppings. The restaurant, refurbished from a 130-year-old warehouse, also has a charming atmosphere.
◆Beautiful Crafts in Harmony with Nature
Northern Kyoto has long been a region thriving with a rich tradition of artisanal skills. Home to traditions that are centuries old that encompass silk, hand-made washi Japanese paper, lacquerware, and more, all of which are sourced from the rich natural environment of this land.
As a base for your travels, the inn Hishiya in the old castle town of Fukuchiyama City comes highly recommended. Born from a desire to preserve traditional crafts and artisan skills for future generations, this beautiful modern inn is a renovated century-old folk house, undertaken in collaboration with young artisans. It extensively uses local cypress, stone, lacquer, and washi, allowing guests to fully experience local craftsmanship. On the first day, explore the castle town, or try your hand at making washi or lacquerware. The next day, embark on a trek to Mt. Oe in the north of the city, and immerse yourself in nature.
On the theme of unique experiences, about a 15-minute drive from Amanohashidate, you can partake in the ancient Japanese spiritual practice of waterfall meditation at Kanabiki Waterfall, available only from October to March. Being struck by the cold flow of the waterfall, this practice is believed to cleanse the spirit and purify the mind of worldly desires, making it perfect for mental refreshment. As a reward for completing the training, you can warm up in a portable sauna tent.
Woodland Kyoto (central Kyoto)
Our Insiders:
Staff members of the Woodland Kyoto DMO, from left: Yoshiro Kanda, Genta Kigami, and Mizuki Asada. They are active in the discovery of regional sites and the promotion of tourism in the central part of Kyoto Prefecture and are all well-versed in local lore.
◆Hidden Gems of Miyama and Kyotamba
Picture courtesy of Kyoto Miyama Tourism Association
Known affectionately as “Woodland Kyoto,” the central region of Kyoto Prefecture is a verdant area with forests covering 80% of the land. Miyama presents a tranquil rural setting steeped in nostalgia, and the region recently welcomed the addition of Nipponia, a renovated traditional farmhouse that now serves as a unique lodging option. Guests can reserve the entire place for an immersive overnight experience.
If you’re traveling to Miyama by public transportation, you’ll switch to a bus at JR Hiyoshi Station. The Sonobe area along the way hides some lesser-known temples and shrines worth exploring. Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine, famous for plum viewing, and Ryuon-ji Temple, known for its beautiful autumn leaves, are our top recommendations.
Kyotamba Town is nestled within the vast expanse of the Tamba Highlands, dominated by lush forests and pristine waters, cradled by two major rivers at their source. Despite its seemingly remote location, the Wachi area along the Yura River is eminently reachable by train. A journey from JR Kyoto Station to Wachi Station takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, renting an electric bicycle at the Roadside Station Nagomi and setting off on a cycling adventure is highly recommended. For those with a penchant for gastronomy, the culinary inn Kadoya stands out as a must-visit, famous for its seasonal delights. Summer brings the freshness of ayu sweetfish while winter offers a taste of the wild with specialties such as wild boar and bear. Venturing into the realm of traditional Japanese sake, Choro Sake Brewery, with its 130-year legacy, welcomes visitors for tours by appointment, offering an intimate glimpse into the craft of sake brewing.
◆Discover Rustic Bliss: Farmhouse Retreats and Inviting Hot Springs
Left: A peaceful trek through the trails of Oku-Kanbayashi. Right: The cozy charm of Chabu Dining, a countryside retreat.
In Ayabe City, located north of Kyotamba Town, farm stays are now the trend. Visitors have the opportunity to lodge with farm-owning families, partake in agricultural work, and wander through nature. Dining on meals crafted from locally grown produce offers a healthy and leisurely way to experience country life. And for a deep dive into nature, a trip to the secluded Oku-kanbayashi, set in the mountainous east of the city, is essential. Here, tours are offered for trekking through virgin forests and river trekking up the streams to the source of the Yura River. Bookings can be made through Niou no Sumika. Take this chance for an adventure into the heart of nature.
Wakamiya Shrine, Kameoka City（picture courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association）
Kameoka City is only a 10-minute train ride away from Arashiyama, Kyoto City’s western suburb, and sits just over a gentle mountain range. An attractively accessible destination, the area unfolds into a classic basin landscape. From autumn to early winter, mornings here are transformed as a blanket of fog envelops the landscape, creating an ethereal scene. Observing this from The Fog Terrace, a high vantage point, is a favored experience. The hot springs of Kameoka are also renowned, with the mountainous western part of Kameoka home to Yunohana Onsen, a hot spring village steeped in history. Legends tell of ancient warriors healing their battle wounds in these waters. The area offers both overnight stays and the option for a day visit to the hot springs.
