Miyama 1-Day Tour | Kyoto Healing Village: Miyama Kayabuki No Sato (Thatched Village), Roaming Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji | Opt to Depart/Alight in Osaka/Kyoto
- Join an exclusive tour and receive friendly service from guides for a worry-free visit to Miyama
- Visit the classic locations of Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji
- Relax as a comfortable car handles transportation, ensuring a day of easy fun
- Choose transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto for flexible planning
What You Can Expect
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato (Thatched Village) Miyama Kayabuki no Sato is a traditional village located in Kitamura, Miyama Town, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. It is one of Japan's three major thatched-roof villages, alongside Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Ouchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture. Designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, the village features 50 homes, with 38 still maintaining their Edo-period thatched roofs. Nestled in a serene, forested area, it feels like a secluded fairytale world, perfect for a leisurely visit to Kyoto's forested regions.
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most iconic sightseeing destinations and a popular filming location for period dramas. The Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, approximately 200 meters long, retains the 17th-century charm through its restoration with steel framework. From the bridge, you can take in the serene beauty of Arashiyama, a picturesque setting that feels like stepping back in time. It evokes the essence of life in ancient Kyoto, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), also known as Rokuon-ji, was built in 1397 as the villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It was later converted into a Zen temple and named Rokuon-ji. The temple is commonly referred to as Kinkaku-ji due to its gold-leaf-covered exterior. After being nearly destroyed by fire in 1950, it was reconstructed in 1955. Standing majestically by Kyōko-chi Pond, the temple features a square layout, with the top tier adorned by a phoenix sculpture made of gilded bronze. Its radiant golden appearance is breathtaking, making it one of Japan's National Treasures. In 1994, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site under the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The temple grounds also house a 600-year-old five-needle pine named Rikushu-no-Matsu, which was transplanted from a bonsai by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Pruned to resemble a boat, it faces west, symbolizing the desire to sail toward the Western Pure Land.
Purchase Notice
Group or individual package tour products are governed by the standardized domestic travel contract issued by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Taiwan. By completing the reservation, the terms of this contract are agreed to and accepted.
Reminders
A minimum of 18 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This tour will be conducted mainly in Chinese, with English and Japanese as additional services (no guided tours will be in full Japanese/English). For language needs other than Chinese, please note it in the remarks when booking. We will do our best to arrange accordingly, but if we are unable to make the arrangement, translation software will be used to facilitate the communication
If unable to make the trip or if abandoning midway due to personal reasons (e.g., lateness), no refund or rescheduling will be permitted.
The stated itinerary is for reference only. The guide/driver will adjust the time based on the road condition, festivity, events, and other factors. Infants under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat can join the tour for free. One adult may bring only one such infant. Please indicate the infant's date of birth in the remarks column when making your reservation.
Small vehicles may be assigned for the tour. Avoid bringing large luggage. If you need to bring large items, please specify the size and number of pieces in the remarks column.
The itinerary involves local carpooling with non-assigned seats. Boarding should follow the order on the day of departure. The on-site driver will coordinate seating arrangements for elderly passengers or children.
During the group itinerary, early departure or leaving midway is not permitted. If you leave the group, it will be considered as voluntarily forfeiting the remaining itinerary, and no additional refund will be given.
A full refund will be issued if the trip is canceled before departure due to weather conditions or insufficient participants. No refund will be provided if the passenger withdraws or abandons the tour voluntarily. If the trip is canceled or suspended after the group forms due to force majeure factors such as natural disasters, accidents, wars, riots, or government orders, a full refund will be provided minus actual incurred costs, excluding individual expenses for travel, transportation, and accommodation.
This itinerary involves long-distance travel. Individuals with severe physical conditions (e.g., pregnant women) should assess their health before participating. If an emergency arises due to physical discomfort and immediate medical treatment is not available, the travelers themselves will bear the responsibility.
Significant delays may occur due to road or weather conditions. Compensation for losses from transportation or other arrangements due to bus delays may be challenging.
If the bus is delayed due to breakdowns or traffic jams, resulting in changes or cancellations to the itinerary or activities, objections or withdrawals are not permitted. No compensation or refund will be provided for delays or changes caused by bad weather, strikes, or unexpected accidents.
In cases where the trip is canceled or suspended before departure due to circumstances beyond the control of the travel agency (such as bad weather, natural disasters, mechanical failures, traffic accidents, wars, strikes, riots, or government orders), a full refund will be issued. If the trip is canceled after departure, the tour fee will be refunded minus incurred costs. No objections or compensation claims will be accepted. Passengers will be responsible for any losses or additional expenses arising from such incidents.
For safety and to respect the rights of other group members, individuals with chronic conditions or mobility issues should inform the travel agency at the time of registration.
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 18 to participate in the tour.
If there are travelers who choose to board in Kyoto, the tour will stop by Kyoto's meeting and ending points
The Kyoto stop will be determined by the travelers' status on the day of the tour
The Kyoto Station arrival time is subject to the road condition from Dotonbori
Blooming period may be later or earlier depending on the wether. After the tour is confirmed, the departure will not be affect by the condition of the cherry blossom blooming
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 41 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
- For cancellations made 31 to 40 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato is renowned for its traditional thatched-roof houses (kayabuki-yane), a rare sight showcasing Edo-period architecture. Visitors can stroll through this tranquil village, admire the unique historical buildings, and experience a sense of rural Japan. There are also opportunities to learn about the village's history and lifestyle, often described as a "healing village" due to its serene ambiance and picturesque natural surroundings.
Reaching Miyama Kayabuki no Sato independently from Kyoto or Osaka typically involves a combination of train and local bus, which can be time-consuming and require transfers. For a more comfortable and worry-free experience, joining a guided bus tour is highly recommended. These tours provide direct transportation, often including convenient pickup and drop-off options in major cities like Kyoto or Osaka, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic journey without navigating public transport.
Beyond the iconic Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama offers several other captivating sights. You can visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Zen gardens, or cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, offering scenic views of the Hozugawa River and surrounding mountains. Exploring the charming Arashiyama shopping street for local crafts and snacks, or visiting the serene Okochi Sanso Villa, are also popular options that enhance the experience.
To best enjoy the tranquil beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove without large crowds, it is highly recommended to visit early in the morning, ideally right after sunrise, or later in the afternoon before sunset. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Visiting during the off-peak travel seasons can also significantly reduce visitor numbers, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Access to the main path of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove itself does not require an entrance fee. Visitors can walk through the stunning bamboo forest freely and enjoy its natural beauty. However, some adjacent temples or attractions within the wider Arashiyama area, such as Tenryu-ji Temple or Okochi Sanso Villa, do have their own separate admission fees if you choose to enter them.
To fully appreciate the unique atmosphere and serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a recommended visit duration is approximately 30 to 60 minutes. This allows enough time for a leisurely stroll along the main path, stopping for photos, and soaking in the tranquil environment. If you plan to visit adjacent temples or other attractions within the Arashiyama area, allocate additional time accordingly for a comprehensive experience.
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, famous for its stunning golden exterior. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond (Kyoko-chi) and its meticulously landscaped gardens. Visitors can enjoy walking around the serene grounds, admiring the intricate architecture, and taking memorable photos of this magnificent Zen temple, which is a designated National Special Historic Site.
When visiting multiple attractions like Miyama Kayabuki no Sato and Arashiyama in a single day, services such as comfortable private transportation are essential for a worry-free experience. Having a dedicated vehicle handles all transfers between locations, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport or finding parking. Additionally, a knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights into each site, manage logistics, and ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey throughout the day.
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