Nantan

Nantan is a city in southern Kyoto Prefecture, formed in 2006 from the merger of several towns including Sonobe, Yagi, and Miyama. The city covers a large, rural area of the Tamba region, known for its forested mountains, clear rivers, and agricultural produce. The most famous part of Nantan is the Miyama district, home to the well-preserved thatched-roof village of Kayabuki no Sato, one of Japan's most picturesque traditional hamlets.

Nantan is on the JR San'in Main Line. From Kyoto Station, take a rapid train to Sonobe Station (about 30 minutes) or Namino Station. By car, it is about 40 minutes from Kyoto via Route 9.

A rental car is essential for exploring the scattered villages and mountainous areas, especially the Miyama district. JR trains serve the main valley but local buses are limited.

• Kayabuki no Sato (Miyama) — a beautifully preserved hamlet of 39 thatched-roof farmhouses in the Miyama district, designated as a nationally important preservation area.

• Miyama Traditional Craft Museum — exhibits on local crafts including Tamba pottery and textiles.

• Miyama Folklore Museum — a restored thatched house displaying tools and household items from the Edo period.

• Hiyoshi Shrine — a Shinto shrine in the Sonobe area, surrounded by ancient cedar trees.

• Nantan City Museum of History and Folklore — covering the region's agricultural and craft heritage.

• Winter illumination in Miyama — the thatched village is lit up with LED lights during winter, creating a magical scene.

• Rice planting and harvesting experiences — local farms offer seasonal agricultural activities.

• Hiking — the hills around Miyama have trails through forest and farmland.

• Kayaking on the Katsura River — the upper reaches of the river pass through Nantan.

Nantan is known for its soba noodles, made from locally grown buckwheat. Tamba black soybeans and matsutake mushrooms are seasonal delicacies. Several farmhouse restaurants in Miyama serve country-style Kyoto cuisine.

Sake from Tamba breweries is excellent. The region is also known for its green tea.

Miyama has minshuku and farmstay accommodation in converted thatched houses — an unforgettable experience. There are also business hotels near Sonobe Station.

Tamba-yaki pottery is produced in the region — the sturdy, rustic stoneware is sold at kilns and shops in the Miyama area. Local rice, miso, and sake are also good purchases.

• Kameoka — the Hozugawa boat ride, 20 minutes south
• Kyoto — 30 minutes by train, the cultural capital
• Ayabe — textile town with a hot spring
• Fukuchiyama — castle town and transport hub