🗾 SAVE THIS for the perfect Kyoto nature road trip itinerary. You can spend 1-3 days doing all of the below depending on your pace:
1. Kibune (30-50min drive from Kyoto Station) ⛩️
Kibune Village is a gorgeous spot famous for Kifune Shrine and kawadoko riverside dining opportunities — coffeeshop spots like Hyoue Cafe (get the matcha!) and summer nagashi somen at Hirobun are unforgettable experiences. Get here early in the morning to secure parking in one of the lots and line up early at Hirobun.
2. Kayabuki no Sato (1-hr drive from Kibune) 🌾
After your morning in Kibune, head through the mountains to Kayabuki no Sato, Miyama’s charming traditional thatched roof village that’s less crowded than places like Shirakawa in Gifu. You only need a few hours here, but you can grab coffee or a meal at one of the cafes and visit the Miyama Folklore Museum. Parking here is ¥500/vehicle.
If you want to slow down, choose to spend the night here in a thatched roof house inn with traditional Japanese meals!
3. Amanohashite (1.5-2hr drive from Kayabuki no Sato) 🏝️
Visit Amanohashidate View Land for an unforgettable vantage point of the famed sandy dragon-shaped beach known as one of Japan’s most scenic views. Take the chair lift or monorail up and down, and then enjoy the amusement park at the top with activities like cycle-cars and archery. Generally open from 9am-6pm (timing depends on season) and ¥1,000/adult, ¥500/child.
4. Ine Fishing Village (35min drive from Amanohashidate) 🌊
End in this beautiful fishing village with over 200 funaya (boat houses) sitting along the waterfront. Take a sightseeing boat or sea taxi (recommended, roughly ¥1,000/person) around the bay, grab coffee at Ine Cafe and a delicious set dinner with local ingredients at Kajiya. Stay overnight in your own funuya for the best experience!
Tag who you’re bringing!
#japanitinerary #amanohashidate #kibune #kayabukinosato #inefishingvillage
Okay, so you're planning the Gorgeous Kyoto Road Trip, and trust me, it's one you must do once in your life! This itinerary already covers some absolute gems, but let me share a few extra tips to make your adventure through Kyoto, Japan, even more seamless and memorable. First, let's talk driving logistics. Renting a car is definitely the way to go for these destinations. Remember, they drive on the left in Japan! Be sure to get an International Driving Permit before you leave home. Many rental cars come with English GPS, which is a lifesaver. Toll roads are common, especially on the longer stretches to places like Amanohashidate and Ine Fishing Village, so budgeting for these or getting an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card with your rental can save time. Parking is readily available at most of the spots mentioned, like Kayabuki no Sato and Kibune, but it's always wise to arrive early, especially during peak seasons. Next up, seasonal magic! While beautiful year-round, these spots shine differently depending on when you visit. Kibune is absolutely stunning in autumn with its vibrant fall foliage, making the Kifune Shrine even more mystical. Imagine the crisp air and colorful leaves! Kayabuki no Sato, Miyama's thatched village, transforms into a winter wonderland when dusted with snow, offering a truly picturesque, serene escape that's less crowded than other famous snowy villages. For Amanohashidate and the Ine Fishing Village (often referred to as 'Ine no Funaya' or '舟屋'), the spring and summer months are fantastic for enjoying the coastal views, taking boat tours on Wakasa Bay, and relishing fresh seafood. Speaking of culinary delights, while Hyoue Cafe and Hirobun are fantastic, don't miss out on other local specialties. In Miyama, try the fresh local dairy products — their milk and ice cream are renowned! When you're in the coastal areas around Amanohashidate and Ine, you must indulge in the freshest seafood. Think grilled scallops, local sashimi, and seasonal fish. Finding smaller, family-run eateries away from the main tourist spots often yields the most authentic and delicious experiences. Many restaurants in the Ine area, some even within the funaya, offer incredible set dinners focused on local ingredients, just like Kajiya. Finally, for accommodation, if you're looking to truly immerse yourself, staying overnight in a funaya in Ine or a thatched-roof house in Kayabuki no Sato is an unparalleled experience. These aren't just places to sleep; they're cultural experiences. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves in Ine or the tranquil sounds of rural Miyama. Booking these unique stays often requires advance planning, especially during peak travel times, but they are well worth the effort for an unforgettable connection to rural Kyotango. This Gorgeous Kyoto Road Trip truly allows you to slow down and appreciate the less-traveled, authentic side of Japan.















































































Japan is a beautiful country ❤️