Hidden Kyoto Countryside: Solo 2-Day Itinerary to Kayabuki no Sato & Rural Japan’s Secret Gems

Hidden Kyoto Countryside: Solo 2-Day Itinerary to Kayabuki no Sato & Rural Japan’s Secret Gems

I spent some time in Kyoto city and wanted to visit the countryside. I actually wanted to go to Shirakawago in Gifu but it was a very long trip (~4 hours from Kyoto Station) and I was worried it would be crowded. Instead, I visited Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama Kyoto (~2 hours from Kyoto Station) and it was such a hidden gem! It wasn’t crowded, not touristy and I believe it’s still unknown to many travelers.

I will be showing you my 2 day itinerary but you can also spend a day trip here!

I am launching my blog soon http://jowanders.com please check back soon~

Timestamp:
00:29 bus to hotel, hotel room tour
02:15 Kayabuki no Sato – sightseeing by foot
03:31 Kaiseki dinner at hotel, gift shop and amenities
04:51 breakfast at hotel
05:00 morning walk to and around Kayabuki no Sato
05:41 high view point of Kayabuki no sato village vista point
07:14 Miyama Folk Museum
07:53 visiting shrines
08:29 gift shop for postcards and stamps
09:11 late lunch at the village – delicious katsudon!
09:42 back to hotel, watching anime Signs of Affection
09:55 hotel indoor and outdoor onsen
10:00 kaiseki dinner
10:11 kaiseki breakfast
10:24 bus back to Kyoto City

Places Mentioned:
Kayabuki No Sato 美山かやぶきの里
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zAZRjiG4dHD4oJMv9
Hotel Shizen Bunkamura Kajikaso (美山町自然文化村 河鹿荘)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SQah9pmbJaVkUiMt6
Cafe＆Gallery Saika カフェギャラリー彩花
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eVJKsALvG4UWX5sx5/
Miyama Folk Museum 美山民俗資料館
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZA41oDmBDM4ZYL4A
Crowded Restaurant: Oshokujidokoro Kitamura お食事処 きたむら
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1gryxN5GHNKU1kn8
悠々ひろば Restaurant closer to the parking lot entrance (delicious katsudon)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2BJ4CyfkjZCwxFkW6
Gift Shop かやぶきの里 野田商店
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MQPNrdQF6SRLmqX4A
Kitainari Shrine 北稲荷神社
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rkcw7TyiRMEdZEeC7
Kamakura Shrine 鎌倉神社
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FBMVvgwDY2hxkron7
Chiihachiman Shrine 知井八幡神社
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rif25uwjZG2ZzR3o8
Fumyoji 普明寺（曹洞宗 異月山 普明寺）
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yudvtrZVqKxpQtij8

Instagram: @jo.wanders (http://instagram.com/jo.wanders)

About Me:
Hi, I’m Joanna—though you can call me Jo! I’m based in the USA, but my heart is always wandering, especially to Japan. I’m passionate about hiking, camping, backpacking, exploring cozy cafes, and hunting for the cutest gift shops. Thanks for joining me on my adventures—let’s explore together! 🌏✨

Contact/ Business inquiries: jowanders.blog@gmail.com

Music:
Youtube Audio Library: Unicorn Heads – Drifting at 432 Hz

Camera:
iPhone 15 Pro Max

Editing Program:
Final Cut Pro FXP