Hidden Gems of Kyoto: Exclusive Tourist Spots Revealed by Locals

Our Insider:
Toshiya Nakabo, based in Ide Town, is at the forefront of promoting Uji tea and spearheading its international business endeavors from Maikonocha-Honpo (Maiko Tea Japan) in Kyotanabe City. He is a Nihoncha (Japanese Tea) Instructor. He stands out in his trademark hakama (a traditional Japanese garment) and known as Chamurai, a fun nickname that combines the words “cha (tea)” and “samurai.” His mission is to spread the charm of Uji tea worldwide. https://www.maiko.ne.jp/

◆Kyotanabe City’s Pride: Japan’s Finest Gyokuro

Kyoto Prefecture is famous for its Uji tea, including exquisite matcha (green tea made from ground tea leaves), sencha (green tea mainly brewed in a teapot), and so on. Kyotanabe City, located in the southern part of the prefecture, is at the forefront of gyokuro (premium green tea) production. This prestigious tea has won the top prizes at competitions many times for its deep sweetness, rich aroma, and umami (delicious savory taste). The experience of drinking Kyotanabe’s fine gyokuro is not to be missed.

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of gyokuro, the Kyotanabe Gyokuro Salon (in the Kyotanabe City Tourist Information Center) is a great place to visit first. Here, you can learn how to brew gyokuro and savor its distinguished flavor in a welcoming atmosphere. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Maiko Tea Boutique, It’s a café run by my employer, offering desserts made with matcha or hojicha (roasted tea), soba (noodles made with buckwheat flour) kneaded with Kyotanabe’s gyokuro and more.

One of the reasons why Kyotanabe’s tea tastes so amazing is its rich natural environment. Also, bordered by the Kizu River to the east and mountains to the west, this area flourished as a crucial transport hub for centuries. It’s sprinkled with historic temples, too. One must-visit place is the Omido Kannon-ji Temple, boasting a long history that is said to be over 1300 years. Its principal deity is the Eleven-Faced Kannon statue that is a symbol of compassion. It’s designated as a National Treasure of Japan. In spring, the fields below the temple burst into a vibrant display of blooming canola flowers. Another notable site is the Ikkyuji temple, a renowned Zen Buddhist temple. A serene and dignified atmosphere prevails in the temple, offering a sense of purification to those who wander its precincts.

◆Enjoy local interactions in Ide Town

My home is actually located in Ide Town, right next to Kyotanabe City. Although it’s a small town with a population of about 7,000, its history runs deep, known since the Nara period (710-793) for the villas and temples built by nobles. The Tama River, flowing through the south, has been a scenic beauty spot celebrated in many ancient poems. In spring, the riverside comes alive with the blooming of 500 cherry trees, creating a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms that attracts visitors and locals alike to revel in its beauty.

Ide Town is brimming with local pride, and townspeople are eager to share their traditions and history with visitors. A visit to Ide is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in this close-knit community. Visit a popular café and mingle with the locals. Highly recommended are Teoterasu Ide, a farm produce market and café located right next to Ide Town Hall, and Musubiya Café, which is renovated from a 100-year-old traditional house, preserving its original charm. Another favorite spot is Meiboku (Precious Wood) Cafe Shiki, rrun by a venerable timber merchant which is over 130 years old, located right by JR Tamamizu Station, the gateway to the town. It’s especially lively on Fridays and Saturdays with the night market, drawing crowds and creating a bustling atmosphere. They also have a guest house and host an Airbnb, welcoming guests from around the world.

Our Insider:
Chiaki Okamoto works at Tradi Inc., a company dedicated to providing unique experience-based content for visitors to Japan. She specializes in creating and managing one-of-a-kind tours that offer an exclusive glimpse into Japanese culture. For bookings and to explore the range of experiences on offer, visit their website at https://tradi-jp.com/

◆Bamboo crafts experience with artisans

The Otokuni area, located southwest of Kyoto city, is celebrated for its stunning bamboo groves and as a prime source of high-quality bamboo shoots. While Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is famously crowded, Otokuni boasts numerous secluded bamboo groves untouched by the hustle and bustle. One such place is the Bamboo Path in Muko City, stretching approximately 1.8 km. Tended to daily by bamboo farmers and bamboo craft artisans, these groves are meticulously maintained, offering a serene and beautifully preserved environment. Wrapped in serene silence, it’s the perfect setting for a meditative stroll. To get to the path, it’s recommended to rent an electric bicycle from Hello Cycling at Hankyu Higashi-Muko Station.

In Japan, bamboo has been a vital material for centuries, used to create utensils such as chopsticks and dishes, baskets, and various tools essential to traditional culture like tea ceremony and Japanese gardens. To offer a taste of this deep connection between bamboo and Japanese life, Tradi Inc., where I work, provides a couple of bamboo craft experiences. These include learning from artisans how to make tea scoops and flower vases, as well as workshops where you can build bamboo fences intended as temple dedications alongside craftsmen from local renowned bamboo shops.

◆Unique Gourmet Experience Programs

Bamboo isn’t just beautiful to look at; it’s also delicious to eat. The tender and juicy bamboo shoots that sprout in early spring are a quintessential taste of Kyoto’s spring. Kinsuitei, a traditional Japanese restaurant in Nagaokakyo City with a 140-year history, is renowned for its dishes crafted from freshly picked spring bamboo shoots. The lavish architecture of the building is equally impressive, and they offer a kaiseki (multi-course meal) experience that includes an architectural tour. Nagaokakyo is famous for its traditional sweets, with Kikuharu the most renowned for its bamboo shoot-shape monaka, a wafer filled with sweet bean paste. Visitors often jump at the chance to learn the art of making these classic Japanese confections directly from the owner of this celebrated shop.

Nestled at the foot of the lush Nishiyama mountain range, the Otokuni area is dotted with numerous spots famous for their autumn foliage. While Komyo-ji Temple, Yokoku-ji Temple, and Nagaoka Tenmagu Shrine are well-known, my personal favorites are the hidden gems: Muko Shrine, established in 718 and located in Muko City, and Kannon-ji Temple (Yamazaki Shoten) in Oyamazaki Town. Kannon-ji is situated at the base of Mt. Tennōzan, the mountain that divides Osaka and Kyoto, and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery of vibrant red maple trees and a carpet of golden ginkgo leaves. The area also boasts a delightful bakery and a coffee roaster, making it a perfect combined visit for those seeking both natural beauty and culinary treats.