Kyoto's Lesser-Known Fairy Tale Escape: Miyama Gassho Village Travel Guide

Kyoto's Miyama Town is a place full of rustic charm, famous for its thatched-roof houses 🛖. It is one of Japan's three major Gassho villages. If you are traveling to Kyoto, consider spending a day in northern Kyoto. This is a convenient stop on the way to Ine Funaya, and I unexpectedly loved it. Quiet, comfortable, I really love the Japanese countryside.

Miyama Gassho Village in Kyoto, also known as Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, is a well-known attraction near Kyoto and one of Japan's three major Gassho villages.

Architectural Features: It belongs to the Kitayama-style houses, with a mixed architectural style—upper half is gabled roof, lower part is hip-and-gable or irimoya style. The thatched roofs are made entirely of wooden boards from walls to doors and windows, fixed with mortise and tenon joints and thick and thin ropes, without nails or metal parts. The "Chigi" on the roof reinforce the structure, and the "Yukiwari" helps to ease snow accumulation. Each thatched house is over 100 years old.

Transportation

• Train + Bus: Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to "Sonobe Station" or "Hiyoshi Station," then transfer to the Nantan City bus to Miyama Town. The whole trip takes about 2 hours.

• Keihan Sightseeing Bus: There is a direct Keihan sightseeing bus from Kyoto Station to Miyama Town, which can be booked online in advance, suitable for travelers who want convenience.

• Chartered Tour: A one-day tour from Osaka or Kyoto city to Miyama Town is the most hassle-free option, allowing you to visit Miyama Town, Amanohashidate, Ine Funaya, and other nearby hidden gems in one trip.

I chose this itinerary this time: a chartered car from Kyoto to Miyama, Ine Funaya, Amanohashidate, and finally back to Osaka.

• Rental Car: Driving about 90 minutes from Kyoto or Osaka city center, with free parking available on site.

My Trip Share

• After arriving in Miyama Town, start from the parking lot and stroll along the main street of thatched houses, admiring about 40 thatched houses with over 100 years of history, soaking in the rustic atmosphere. Then visit the Miyama Folklore Museum to learn about local history and culture. The adult ticket is 300 yen, and elementary and junior high school students enter for free.

• For lunch, you can enjoy artisan hand-made soba noodles paired with mountain vegetable tempura, savoring local delicacies. Try the ice cream and pudding made from freshly squeezed milk—Miyama milk is a must-try, super delicious!

After visiting Miyama, drive directly to Ine Funaya in the afternoon, feed seagulls at the pier, visit the Ine Funaya houses, and experience the slow rural life.