Miyama is a region located 50 kilometers to the north of Kyoto city surrounded by mountains. Because it is geographically isolated, the authentic Japanese lifestyle has been kept alive. Most of Miyama’s authentic thatched roof houses survived for actual survival purposes of the locals, not as sightseeing spots for tourists. People living in Miyama’s thatched roof village still live and work there. This village has a very nostalgic atmosphere, and it gives visitors a chance to experience the traditional feeling of rural Japan.
The region of Miyama is encircled by a ring of mountains that are roughly 1000 meters high. Until the early 1930’s, the only way to reach the area was to hike over the mountains and through the forests where the black bears live. Its unique location, along with the harsh winters, lead the people of Miyama to develop a self-subsistent way of life and a strong community. Now, Miyama is only an 80 minute drive from Kyoto city. But the self-subsistent lifestyle and community values are still important to people there.
For your information:
Name of place : Kayabuki no Sato
http://www.miyamanavi.net/english/sightseeing/kayabuki-no-sato/
Complete view of Kayabuki no Sato, farmhouses with thatched roofs
Village is a reserve area designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Entrance to village
Entrance to village
Rice planting at flat area.
Rice planting at flat area.
Mountains are just behind
Mountains are just behind
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
In the village
In the village
Slow slope to the mountain
Slow slope to the mountain
Spring flowers and thatched roofs
Spring flowers and thatched roofs