A Different Side of Kyoto: 8 Lodgings with Unique Activities

Let’s take a trip outside the bustling metropolis of Kyoto City to other areas of Kyoto Prefecture. We’ll find peaceful, culturally rich lifestyles that developed through communion with nature. These serene lifestyles may coincide with the very image of Japan that brought you here in the first place!

In this article, we introduce accommodations that are worth visiting for the unique activities they provide. From cooking a Japanese home meal to workshops on traditional crafts or staying in a thatched-roof house, these activities will enrich your image of Japan and give you an insider’s view of traditional culture. The following eight lodgings are located on the seaside and mountainside of Kyoto, as well as in regions famous for tea or bamboo production.

The charming town of Ine on Kyoto Prefecture’s coast is best known for the historic funaya boathouses lining the water. However, this picturesque scene isn’t just for viewing from afar–you can actually spend the night here!

WATER FRONT INN Yosaso, a lodging renovated from a boathouse, is an excellent option for anyone wishing to learn about the local lifestyle and unwind.

This charming guest house has just eight rooms and is right on the water, featuring simple, traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futons that provide a relaxing stay. The waterfront rooms come with a balcony–be sure to step outside onto the deck in the morning for a refreshing sea breeze, and a fantastic view of the boathouses and residents embarking on their daily fishing trips.

Yosaso also offers breakfast and dinner made using local ingredients, making it a convenient solution as there aren’t numerous options for meals in Ine. Be sure to make an advanced reservation if you’re interested in staying here as the rooms become fully booked quickly. Check here to inquire about bookings.

For an extraordinarily delicious lodging experience, stay the night at Maruyasu in Amanohashidate, an accommodation facility run by a Japanese sake sommelier on the staff. Maruyasu is a short walk from the famous land strait of Amanohashidate, giving guests the freedom of leisurely exploring this beautiful area, known as one of Japan’s best three scenic sites.

The rooms at Maruyasu are comfortable and have traditional Japanese fixtures, like tatami mats and futons. Guests will feel relaxed resting in the rooms after a day of sightseeing in the area!

Maruyasu specializes in seafood dishes. The owner, a certified sake sommelier, will pair the ideal sake that suits your tastes and the dish it accompanies. The owner and staff will try their best to accommodate your preferences and speak basic English.

A small shopping street with stores and cafes is close by. Amanohashidate Viewland, a theme park overlooking the area, is a short walk away, and crossing the strait will bring visitors to Kasamatsu Park, another great place to experience Amanohashidate.

For a comfortable experience outdoors any time of the year, stay a night at Glamp Dome Kyoto Amanohashidate. Ideal for those traveling in groups or with family, the spacious tents here provide the right balance of nature and luxury in a quiet location near Amanohashidate.

The lodgings here are not what you’d expect when camping: the spacious glamping domes (dome-shaped tents) are complete with beds and a sofa, and have a big window overlooking the natural surroundings––including a spectacular sunrise. For a meal, you can rent a barbecue to grill up something outdoors, or bring in food and drink to enjoy in your private space.

This relaxing option is ideal for a laidback trip to one of Kyoto’s most famous regions. Each glamping dome comes with modern amenities, and guests can use a private natural hot spring bath on the grounds, too (available on a reservation basis).