Kameoka, upstream of the Katsura River that flows into Kyoto City, is home to the traditional Hozu River rafting and Yunohana hot springs. The Tamba and Fukuchiyama areas in the northwestern part of the city are rich in nature, with a wide range of satoyama.
Kameoka, Tamba, and Fukuchiyama offer tourist attractions such as Kokubunji Temple, Daigoji Temple, and Atago Shrine; sightseeing events such as the Furusato Festival, Dokkoise Fukuchiyama Fireworks Festival, and Kyoto Tamba Road Race; and local delicacies such as bread, winter melon, and Kyoto ramen.
From Kyoto City, visitors can take a stroll along the Kyoto Rokan Road, a road that runs from Kameoka to Fukuchiyama via Tamba, up National Route 9 to the north.
As you leave Kyoto City, you will see the landscape of the city dotted along the mountain road of National Route 9 like a castle town. While this scene continues up to Fukuchiyama, the aspect of the valley changes the further north you go, with the mountains getting higher and the valley getting deeper. Each of the valleys has its own unique local products, and a drive while enjoying the local delicacies is an enjoyable course.
Kameoka Station, the terminus of the Arashiyama trolley car, is an area with a very rural flavor, with its continuous rice paddies. Of course, the Hozugawa River rafting starts at Kameoka Station.
Yunohana Onsen, the only hot spring resort in Kyoto, has a monument of a red devil and is a hidden spot in Kyoto. The area is also rich in historical sites, such as the "Akechi Returned Rock" and "Otowa Valley," which are steeped in legend.
Tamba is known for its unique agricultural products, and one of its most famous products is the "Tamba no Kuro-mame" (black beans). The beans are large and have a unique flavor. The area is also home to many historical sites and tourist attractions.
The "Oni no Bridges" are an unbelievable natural beauty of rocks, the "Taiko Yagura" is a rare sight, and the "Hachiman Shrine" has a beautiful three-story pagoda as a separate shrine of the Hachiman-gu Shrine. The "Mushika" restaurant serves venison that is truly delicious.
You can enjoy these foods at "Italian Cuisine Olmo" and "Ryotei Sanyuzakura," both of which are made from local birds and pigs. This area is also famous for its wild boar, and the "boar ramen" is a must-try.
If you are heading to Fukuchiyama, you can enjoy "black bean soft serve" at the roadside station on the way to Fukuchiyama, which has a very gentle taste and is a must-try.
Fukuchiyama is the largest city in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture in terms of population. Fukuchiyama is the largest city in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, and is dotted with many famous historical sites and places of interest for sightseeing. Fukuchiyama's representative landscapes are named "Fukuchiyama Ten Scenic Views," and at the same time, "Ten Scenic Views of Flowers" offer famous views.
Goryo Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Mitsuhide Akechi, and Fukuchiyama Castle, the symbol of Fukuchiyama, are also associated with Mitsuhide Akechi. Fukuchiyama has many restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, which is caught at Maizuru Port, and a wide variety of marine products.
Fukuchiyama is a large, spacious area with convenient car transportation, with interchanges nearby that connect to the Kobe and Shiga areas.
The Hozu River Boat Ride takes visitors on a scenic journey of approximately 16 kilometers from Kameoka to Arashiyama in Kyoto. The trip takes around two hours and follows the Hozu River, also known as the Katsura River, through the spectacular Hozukyo Gorge, a designated natural park area. The route features enormous boulders, dramatic rock formations, and constantly changing river scenery. Pass...»
Komyoji Temple, located in Mutsuyori, Ayabe, Kyoto Prefecture, is renowned for its remarkable Niomon Gate, a designated National Treasure. According to tradition, the temple was founded by Prince Shotoku, an influential figure in early Japanese Buddhism. Built during the Kamakura period, the Niomon Gate is particularly significant as the only building in northern Kyoto Prefecture designated as a N...»
Rurikei Gorge is a scenic natural attraction in Okochi, Sonobe-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. Stretching approximately 4 kilometers, the gorge features clear streams, small waterfalls, and lush natural surroundings. Its name, “Rurikei,” refers to the beauty of its blue-green waters, reminiscent of lapis lazuli. With its peaceful atmosphere and changing seasonal scenery, Rurikei Gorge is an i...»
Tamba chestnuts are among Japan’s most celebrated chestnuts, renowned for their impressive size, glossy appearance, rich sweetness, and distinctive aroma. The Tamba region, which spans parts of Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures, has a long-standing reputation for producing these premium-quality chestnuts....»
Tamba matsutake mushrooms are among Japan's most highly prized autumn ingredients, celebrated for their distinctive fragrance and rich flavor. The Tamba region is renowned for producing these premium mushrooms, and Tamba-Sasayama in particular has become a well-known name associated with quality matsutake. The season typically runs from September through early November. During this period, the mu...»
The climate and soil of the Kameoka Basin and the Funai District in south-central Kyoto Prefecture have long been ideal for growing high-quality azuki beans, or small red beans. Today, the Tamba region continues to produce some of Japan's finest azuki beans. Among the most prized varieties are those grown in the Umaji area of Kameoka City, which are specially designated as Kyoto Tamba Umaji Daina...»
Tamba black soybeans are prized for their large size, rich sweetness, and glossy appearance. They are an essential ingredient in traditional Japanese simmered beans, known as nimame, which are often served as part of festive meals....»
Shogoin turnip is a traditional Kyoto vegetable renowned as the main ingredient in senmaizuke, a famous Kyoto-style pickled turnip dish. Weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms, it is one of the largest turnip varieties grown in Japan....»
Murasaki Zukin is a distinctive variety of edamame, or young soybeans, developed by Kyoto Prefecture from the Shin-Tamba Black Soybean. Registered as a new plant variety in 1995, it is prized for its large beans, rich sweetness, and excellent flavor....»
Kintoki carrots, also known as Kyoto carrots, are prized for their vivid crimson color and are an indispensable ingredient in traditional Kyoto cuisine, especially Japanese New Year dishes known as osechi ryori....»
Kyo Kanzashi is a miniature variety of Kintoki carrot harvested early, with each carrot weighing just 10–15 grams—around one-tenth the weight of a regular Kintoki carrot. Kintoki carrots are a traditional Kyoto vegetable known for their striking red color. Compared with the familiar Western carrot, they have a softer texture and a naturally sweeter flavor....»
Kameoka beef is a premium Japanese beef known for its excellent meat quality and rich flavor. More than 30% of the wagyu cattle raised in Kyoto Prefecture are bred in Kameoka City, an area blessed with clean water, fresh air, and abundant greenery. The region experiences a temperature difference of more than 35°C between summer and winter. Although these demanding climatic conditions create a cha...»