#Eda85daysinJapan | Chapter 3 (Kyoto Part 6)

Day Trip to Miyama Kayabuki no Sato

We traded central Kyoto for the countryside today, taking a scenic 2-hour train ride northwest to Nantan. Our destination was Miyama Kayabuki no Sato (美山町合掌村)—a protected, living historic hamlet renowned for having one of Japan’s highest concentrations of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses (kayabuki). Nestled deep in the mountains, the village offers an incredible glimpse into rural Edo-period life.

As soon as we arrived, we sat down for a bowl of incredibly fresh, locally harvested handmade soba before diving into the village.

Coffee, Rural History & Shrines We spent the afternoon wandering through the peaceful village paths, taking in the mountain scenery, and grabbing coffee at a local café.

• Miyama Folklore Museum: We stopped into this restored 200-year-old farmhouse. It was fascinating to see how villagers lived in the old days, complete with original tools, open hearths, and a view straight up into the interior thatched roof structure.

• Chii Hachiman Shrine (知井八幡神社): We walked up the tree-lined path to worship at this historic shrine, which sits tucked quietly in the forest edge overlooking the entire village.

Evening Feast After taking the train back to the city, we wrapped up the day with a delicious home-cooked dinner back at the apartment:

• Main: Savory cabbage beef.

• Sides: Crispy fried dumplings (gyoza) and a fresh tomato salad.

• Drink: Paired with a bottle of regional plum wine we picked up in Miyama village.