Kansai Hidden Village Day Tour

In the morning, we will pick you up from a custom location within the Kansai area, for example, your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka, and drive to the village, which is rouhgy 1 hour from Kyoto.

The Traditional Gassho (thatched roof) Farmhouses

The village, surrounded by mountains and a clear-water river through, is dotted by thetched-roof farmhouses that still serve as residential dwellings where people live and work. The houses are preserved in its original wooden structure with an iconic "steep roof". Villagers are still living here today, mostly engaged in the farming work.

The Village

Upon arrival, you will be guided through the village valley. Spend good time photographing and visiting the farmhouses with thatched roofs. Most of the houses are private homes and not supposed to be entered. However, there are good number of houses converted to museum, studio, gallery, cafe and even overnight accomodation.

The Cafe

Feel free to enjoy coffee, icecream or snacks in the cafe and dwell yourself in the imagination of traditional rural life in the village.

The Museum, Studio and Gallery

You will be guided to the museum, which was converted from one of the former residences, for further and deeper exploration of how villagers work and live. The museum exhibits traditional tools and daily household items from decades ago, as well as a few displays about the construction and maintenance of the thatched roofs.

The maintenance work is still being conducted on regular basis. If you are lucky, you will be able to witness the work somewhere in the village. You will also visit the studio and gallery which are converted from thatched roof buildings. Buy some souvenirs to decorate your house as well as your memory when you are back home.

Tne Great Nature

You can enjoy the authentic great nature surrounding the village by walking the trails along the river. The old forests are populated by deer, monkeys and bears, as well as large varieties of plants of Japan. The forest is managed by authorities as a research area. Take a relaxing walk in the area for the rest of the day.

We will drive you home after a fruitful day.

If you want an extended experience in the area, we offer a separate overnight stay package. Please check it out in our Tours section.

Included

• Venue fees for visits of museum, studio and gallery

• Lunch meal set for each person

• Transportation and guide

Excluded

• Travel or accidental insurance

• Extra food and drinks

• Any commercial item purchased by the guest during this visit