Another Kyoto Official Travel Guide

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Auberge Kikuya

Auberge Kikuya began its journey in 1922 as a tempura specialty restaurant in Kyoto City. To mark its centennial anniversary, the establishment relocated to Ayabe, transforming into a private, one-group-per-day retreat. This location is blessed with the pure headwaters of the Yura River, which produce high-quality rice and a treasure trove of seasonal ingredients.

The inn is housed in a beautifully renovated traditional house over 100 years old. The interior features an open living space with an original earthen floor entryway, a wood-burning stove for gentle winter warmth, and a large custom table made from a 200-year-old pine tree. Guests can enjoy large-screen entertainment, an authentic Finnish-style sauna, and a spacious stone-tiled bathroom equipped with premium amenities. On clear days, the wood deck offers a serene spot for reading or afternoon tea overlooking the countryside.

Kikuya is specifically designed to be pet-friendly, providing a stress-free environment for both dogs and their owners. The property features a private, 400-square-meter artificial grass dog run where pets can play freely. Specialized dog shampoo and conditioner are provided for post-walk grooming, and the bedroom is arranged with mattress beds to make sleeping with small children or pets easier.

Dining is a centerpiece of the Kikuya experience, celebrating its heritage with exquisite Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and its signature tempura. Meals are prepared using fresh local ingredients, including "Hime" brand beef, wild game, matsutake mushrooms, and seafood like crab and oysters from nearby Maizuru. It also maintains an extensive collection of local sake and wine to complement the seasonal flavors.

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Bonfire Cafe and Inn DANMOME

Bonfire Cafe and Inn DANMOME is a soulful sanctuary designed to create irreplaceable moments through the healing power of fire and hospitality. Inspired by warm childhood memories of a family home, the inn serves as a reassuring haven where guests can connect with others and pursue their passions.

The facility is well-suited for various stays, including family trips, training camps, or even golf retreats. Inside, the first floor features a traditional irori (sunken hearth), while the outdoor bonfire area remains the central focus for guests to relax and enjoy the evening air.

Dining at DANMOME is a customizable experience highlighting seasonal produce and local flavors. Guests can choose from three distinct dinner options: a course meal featuring straw-grilled fish and homemade roast beef, a comprehensive BBQ set, or a traditional Botan-nabe (boar meat hot pot). Breakfast features a morning set with Dutch baby pancakes and coffee, with child-specific menus also available.

The inn offers a variety of hands-on activities to help visitors experience the local lifestyle. Whether visiting for a weekend getaway or a group workshop, the attentive care of the owner couple ensures a comfortable and memorable stay in the Kyotamba countryside.

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inn Miyama

inn Miyama is a traditional thatched roof house nestled in a small village within the rural landscape of Miyama-town. Reminiscent of a Japanese folktale, this property offers an exclusive experience by accepting only one group at a time to ensure a private atmosphere. Guests can immerse themselves in the surrounding mountain scenery, while a pristine stream located just a few minutes’ walk away is home to giant salamanders, sweetfish, and dancing fireflies.

The inn is a classic example of kayabuki, a traditional Japanese architectural style that uses natural materials for its thatched roofing. This technique and the culture surrounding it have been passed down through generations as a essential part of countryside life.

The inn is hosted by Tomoko and Sho, who returned to Japan after three decades overseas to share the authentic culture and lifestyle of the Japanese countryside. While the owners live on the property to provide local advice and support, guests enjoy complete privacy with their own bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen in the main house. The interior features a cozy living room equipped with a wood stove and a traditional kotatsu, offering views of the back garden where wildlife like rabbits and deer frequently visit.

For those interested in regional specialties, the area is known for wild game, such as wild boar and venison, and fresh seafood from the nearby Wakasa Bay.

To fully experience the charm of the village, the inn offers a wide variety of seasonal activities. Depending on the timing of the visit, seasonal highlights include tea picking in May, river swimming in the summer, and rice harvesting in the autumn.

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5 Unique Stays and the Warm Hospitality of Their Owners in Woodland Kyoto

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A Journey to De-Stress with the Scents and Flavors of Woodland Kyoto

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Beyond Kyoto: A Five-Senses Adventure in Kameoka

Departing from Kyoto Station, the journey begins with a scenic drive past the dignified bamboo groves of Takenomichi (the Bamboo Path), leading into the tranquil landscapes of Kameoka. The first stop is Nagaoka Meichiku Kameoka Workshop, where guests observe master artisans skillfully working with carefully selected bamboo. You will then create your own set of finely crafted bamboo chopsticks—an elegant souvenir to take home and enjoy as your personal my-hashi, bringing a sense of refinement to everyday dining.
Next, at Kyō Sudare Kawasaki, discover the delicate craftsmanship behind traditional bamboo blinds. Here, you will experience this heritage technique firsthand and make a handcrafted bamboo coaster to keep as a memento.

Lunch is served at KAMEOKA HIMEKI, a beautifully renovated traditional farmhouse located near Izumo Daijingū Shrine. Featuring a farm-to-table philosophy centered on locally grown organic vegetables, the meal can be savored in a warm, wood-accented interior or on the terrace overlooking the expansive Kameoka Plain.

In the afternoon, enjoy exclusive access to the Kinobi Kameoka Distillery, established in 2025. This normally non-public tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the unique distillation philosophy that defines the refined aromas and flavors of Kinobi Kyoto Dry Gin, within a serene and private setting.

The day concludes at Kinobi House in Kyoto City, where you will take part in a traditional gold leaf stamping experience, followed by expertly crafted cocktails. It is a graceful and immersive finale to a day rich in craftsmanship, nature, and sensory discovery.

Date: January 30.
Min. Participants: 2 “To enable the tour to operate with a smaller group size, we have revised the minimum number of participants to two and adjusted the tour price accordingly.”
Max. Participants: 8