Kayabuki No Sato Kitamura Village

Kayabuki-no-Sato Kitamura is a mountain village settlement in Kita, Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, where many thatched-roof houses remain. In 1993 (Heisei 5), the entire settlement—127.5 hectares including surrounding rice fields and forests—was selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Access is via the Nantan City bus from JR San’in Main Line Sonobe Station or Hiyoshi Station; get off at the “Kita” bus stop (right nearby). Many of the existing thatched-roof homes date from the mid to late Edo period. Typical features include tall irimoya-style roofs, decorative elements called “umanori” (chigi-like roof ornaments), and “karasudomari” (snow-splitting features). The scenery evokes a classic, nostalgic image of rural Japan. The road running through the village is also part of what is commonly called the Saba-kaido (mackerel road) network, once used by many travelers moving between Kyoto and Wakasa. Within the settlement are minshuku (guesthouses), cafés, restaurants, Chii Hachimangu Shrine, and the Miyama Folk Museum—making it a place best enjoyed by leisurely strolling.