Miyama Town Access Map

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The "Kayabuki no Sato" (Thatched Roof Village), a representative tourist spot in Miyama Town, is well-known for its many preserved kayabuki (thatched-roof) houses. Among them, the Kita settlement has 39 out of 50 houses with thatched roofs. The area is highly regarded for the preservation of its historical landscape, including buildings constructed using traditional techniques. In December 1993 (Heisei 5), it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government. Traditional Buildings by the national government. URL Official website

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The Ishida Family Residence, located in Kashihara, Ono District, was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in May 1972 (Showa 47) due to its clear construction date, making it the oldest known farmhouse in Japan. During a survey of traditional houses by the prefecture in 1967 (Showa 42), a prayer talisman dating back to Keian 5 (1652) was discovered. Later, in 1973 (Showa 48), the house was dismantled and restored to its original appearance. During the restoration, an ink inscription on a beam joint was found, clearly stating the date March 11, Keian 3 (1650). This discovery confirmed its status as the oldest known structure in Japan, making it a highly valuable historical house. Parking Available Visiting Hours Apr. to Nov., Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ※Admission: Free URL Official website

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The Chii Hachiman Shrine, enshrined as the main shrine for the nine villages of Chii, holds its annual festival in October. In the past, the festival was bustling with performances of traditional Bugaku (court dance), but in recent years, only Gagaku (court music) has been performed. Nowadays, the festival includes a procession of a mikoshi (portable shrine) that travels through places like the Kayabuki no Sato (Thatched Roof Village). In April 1984 (Showa 59), the shrine grounds were designated as a Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Property Environmental Preservation Area, ensuring the protection of the shrine's natural surroundings. Additionally, the main hall of the shrine was registered as a Kyoto Prefecture Designated Cultural Property at the same time. URL Official website

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Joganji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple also known as Chufuu-ji (the only temple in Japan that proclaims prayers for protection against paralysis), is unique in this region for being situated on flat land rather than on a mountainside. The temple has a long history, and it is said that there was once a large temple called Byodo-ji, with Joganji and the Yakushi Hall, located on the southern foothills, serving as sub-temples. The current Sanmon (main gate), Main Hall, and Miroku Hall were rebuilt in Genroku 4 (1691), while the Yakushi Hall was reconstructed earlier, in Enpo 5 (1677).

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Ono Dam is located at the western edge of Miyama Town, downstream on the Miyama River, part of the Yura River system that flows east to west through the town. Standing 61.4 meters high, the dam was completed in 1961 (Showa 36) as the first multipurpose dam in Kyoto Prefecture, built for flood control and power generation. Since then, the dam and its surrounding areas have been developed with multipurpose plazas and walking paths. The dam lake, also known as "Niji no Ko" (Rainbow Lake), is surrounded by over 1,000 cherry trees and 500 maple trees, which transform the landscape with vibrant colors each season. Events such as the Sakura Festival in spring and the Momiji Festival in autumn attract not only local residents but also many tourists, who come to enjoy the natural beauty of Miyama Town. URL Official website

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A small indigo dyeing museum located within Kayabuki no Sato. The museum is housed under a large thatched roof with seven chigi (ornamental crosspieces), which is now a unique art space. The museum was founded by Hiroyuki Shindo, an indigo dye artist, as a private museum. The first floor serves as an indigo dyeing workshop, where visitors can see vats used for dyeing. The second floor, located in the attic, features over 300 items collected by Shindo since his student days, including shibori dyeing from Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as Edo-period work clothes and Miao ethnic clothing from China. Come visit to enjoy the beautiful works of art and meet Shindo-san, whose warm smile is as inviting as his art. Address 41 Kitakamimaki, Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, 601-0712, Japan Opening Hours 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed ・Thursdays and Fridays (open on holidays) ・Winter break (late December to early March) Admission Fee 300 yen URL Official website

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Within the grounds, you will find the Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park Area and the Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park Visitor Center, which also serves as the tourism information center for Miyama Town. The center provides information about local experiences, tourist spots, accommodation reservations, and tour guidance throughout the town. There is a shop inside the center that sells exclusive goods you can only find here. At the roadside station shop Flat Miyama, local specialties are available for purchase, while the Miyama Megumi Milk Studio offers soft-serve ice cream and gelato, made with fresh Miyama milk. The Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park Visitor Center also provides information on local tourism and guided tours in the national park area. Be sure to stop by before exploring Miyama Town! URL Official website

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The waterfall has been called Renyo Falls since Renyo Shonin, known as the restorer of the Jodo Shinshu sect, praised it after arriving in Kuboinai, Miyama Town, in 1475, having traveled from Yoshizaki in Echizen, passing through Obama. The waterfall is about 68 meters tall. The top third falls straight down, while the remaining water cascades down a sloped surface, forming what is known as a "Namataki" (sliding waterfall). The view after a rain is particularly breathtaking. URL Official website

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This museum consists of three buildings: the main house, the barn, and the storehouse. It is a traditional farmhouse built around 200 years ago, which was donated and has been used as a museum since 1993. Unfortunately, in May 2000, the main house and barn were destroyed by fire. However, thanks to detailed records, the buildings were faithfully restored to their original appearance. Inside the museum, local residents share stories about life in the past. The museum also offers Miyama’s herbal tea, which is said to make you more beautiful if you drink it. With a space where you can relax on the engawa (veranda) and admire the thatched-roof scenery, this museum is a must-visit spot when you come to Kayabuki no Sato. Opening Hours 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Closed Mondays URL Official website