Experience the Bounty of the Kizugawa River in Kyoto! Family Activity Course

The Kizugawa River, once known as the Izumigawa River, has been celebrated in Japanese poetry. Its middle reaches, with gentle currents, are perfect for kayaking. The refreshing flow of the river offers a soothing experience. This half-day course is an enjoyable and accessible adventure for families.

At Kasagi Campground, enjoy a hassle-free outdoor experience. They provide tents, chairs, tables, cooler boxes, food, and everything you need to set up, start a fire, and clean up afterward—just bring your appetite for a great BBQ.

The origins of Kasagidera Temple are astonishingly ancient. Already 2000 years ago, the giant boulders of Mount Kasagi were objects of worship. Over its long history, this place has been known as a training ground for mountain worship, too. Today, the temple is famous especially for its enormous Magaibutsu (Buddhist figures carved into boulders). The temple’s principal object of worship is Maitreya (Miroku Bosatsu). There is a fascinating story behind it. When Emperor Tenmu was still known as Prince Oama, he went hunting deer. While chasing a deer, he almost fell off a steep cliff with his horse. He prayed to the mountain deity for help and was saved. When he prayed, he vowed that if he survived, he would carve a statue of Maitreya into the large boulder. It is said that a celestial being descended to assist him in carving the image. Unfortunately, the image was nearly obliterated by fire. However, even today, you can still feel its mystical atmosphere. During the Nara Period (710-794), the Shogatsu-do hall was built. This is a place that is said to be the origin of the “Omizutori (drawing of water)” held at the Nigatsu-do hall in Todaiji Temple. Time passed, and Emperor Godaigo came to Mount Kasagi. Then the entire mountain turned into a battlefield, and was burned down. The temple was later rebuilt to its present form.

Kasagiyama Nature Park, located in Kasagi Town, is an area rich in nature, including Mt. Kasagi. The mountain, on the south bank of the Kizu River, is about 288 meters tall and known for its mystical, gigantic rock formations, earning it the nickname of the “Theme Park of Giant Rocks.” It is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. The mountain paths offer a challenging yet rewarding climb with spectacular views from the summit. Most people with average physical fitness can reach the top. If you're lucky, you also might see a sea of clouds from the top of the mountain in the cold season. The fantastic sight creates the sensation of being on an island floating in the sky. The mountaintop was also a renowned spot for moon gazing in the Edo Period (around 1603-1868). Today, the mountain is famous for its fall foliage, with about 3,000 sq. meter Kasagi-yama Momiji Park transforming into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson leaves of Japanese maple trees. The mountain holds great historical significance. It has long been home to a temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism, Kasagidera Temple, which has ties to Todaiji Temple in Nara. The place also served as a residence for prominent monks like Jokei (1155-1213), as well as a training ground for yamabushi (Japanese mountain ascetic hermits who are believed to possess supernatural powers). The weight of the history including these solidified the place in Japanese Buddhism. Furthermore, at the end of Kamakura Period (1185-1333), it played a pivotal role as a location of the 96th emperor Godaigo's foiled plan to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate.

Kazuki Morimoto, after working in Osaka, returned to his hometown and opened “Yoichi” in 2021, to create a place where people can gather and relax. He realized how well local people could cooperate, and began offering a rich menu leveraging these relationships. He renovated an approximately 70-year-old building to create a comfortable space. The second floor serves as relaxing accommodations. Only one group can enjoy the stay per day, guaranteeing a private experience. The menu includes Japanese dishes using wild game meats such as deer, wild boar, duck, and pheasant. You can even savor soft-shelled turtle, eel, carp, and sweetfish, too. (Mr. Morimoto catches the sweetfish himself in the river in front of the building!) Local ingredients are also used for breakfast, such as the honey on toast and the raw eggs over rice. This area attracts visitors to view cherry blossoms in spring, colored leaves in fall, and sea of clouds that can be seen in early mornings in the colder months if you are lucky. Mr. Morimoto offers a variety of seasonal experiences, such as evening hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) with delicious dishes, exciting nighttime eel fishing, fascinating firefly viewing, catching and grilling sweetfish, fall foliage viewing, and a sea of clouds tour!

Explore the fascinating history of Wazuka Town and its tea industry on this one-and-a-half-hour guided walking tour. At the end of the tour, enjoy a cup of seasonal Wazuka tea. Reservations are required at least two days in advance.

※Services are only available in Japanese, so we recommend bringing an interpreter if needed.

"Sky Café at the Top of the Mountain"
This private café, built with Kyoto Prefecture's Hinoki and Cedar wood, is inspired by the tea room (Kasatei) at Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto. After climbing the stairs, you'll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of Wazuka Town.
(Reservations are required at the Wazuka Tea Café, and key pickup is necessary.)

Usage fee: 550 yen per person for 60 minutes (free for elementary school students and younger). First-come, first-served, with reservations available.
Takeout menu available (including sencha tea sets and drinks), and outside food is allowed.

This roadside station offers a variety of local products, including specialty teas and fresh vegetables at the Nomon Market. You can also enjoy delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients at the restaurant "Tsuchinobu." It's a perfect place to eat, shop, and leave fully satisfied!