Explore Miyama's West side

Miyama is famous for traditional thatched roof farmhouse called "Kayabuki,"  drawing attention of a number of tourists in Japan and abroad. It's well known  region where Japan's authentic landscape still remain.  Recently, however, "What would you recommend other than Kayabuki no Sato?" is the most frequently asked question at our information centre. Yes, of course!  There are many other places in the region which are worth visiting.  In this article, let us introduce another part of Miyama.
Miyama town streches 32 kilometers east to west and 18 kilometers north to south.  Yura river, originating from Ashiu virgin forest at the east end of the region, runs across Miyama Town from east to west.  More than a thouthand years, people had lived in valleys along this river.  The historic rural old Japan landscape and culture surrounded by river and mountains still exist here. 

Locals refer Yura river upstream within Miyama as the "Miyama River."  Broad expanse of idyllilc landscape with mountain backdrop behind in the west part of Miyama along Miyama river.  Bridges over the river make the entire landscape more  photogenic.   

Ohno dam at the west end of Miyama Town was constructed 60 years ago to prevent flooding of Yura river downstream. At the time, seven different color bridges, originally called "Rainbow bridges" were built across Miyama river. Original colors of many of those bridges have been tarnishing reflecting passing of time, but their rustic appearance over pristine water river are now creating the best match with Miyama's mountain village landscape. 
One of those bridges is the vivid red color suspension bridge, Koono bashi bridge. Its bright red color and beautiful shape in blue sky and green mountains is stunning. Even more, colors of surrounding mountains change in the different seasons. In autumn, mountains are beautifully colored by autumn leaves.  It turns into monochrome landscape if it snows in winter. From spring to summer, fresh new born green gradually change into deeper green colors.

To those who are looking for another charms of Miyama, why not explore the paths alongside Miyama river as well as these bridges over pristine water! On a sunny day, you may also enjoy picnic lunch outdoor! Enjoy supreme luxury surrounded by immense nature. Please find below our recommended one day tour plan.  If you are interested, please contact Kyoto Miyama Tourism Association (info@kyoto-miyama.jp).

11:00  Start from local shop Ohnoya - park your car here
11:10 - 12:30  Photogenic bridge tour with local guide
13:00 - 14:00 Pick up picnic lunch at Miyama's cafe or restaurant
14:30 - 15:30  Miyama's thatched village guided tour
16:00 Shopping at Road Station Fureai Hiroba
16:45  Tour ends at the local shop Ohnoya