Miyama’s Thatched Village Water Discharge Drill
Miyama’s Thatched Village is a nationally designated Important Preservation District, featuring 39 traditional thatched-roof houses made from highly flammable natural materials like pampas grass and rice straw. Because of this, fire poses a serious threat to the community.
To protect these historic buildings, the village conducts a Water Discharge Drill twice a year—in spring and autumn. During the drill, all fire hoses installed throughout the village are tested simultaneously, with water discharged into the air.
This regular safety check is part of ongoing efforts by local residents and the city of Nantan to preserve Miyama’s unique rural landscape and pass it on to future generations.
To protect these historic buildings, the village conducts a Water Discharge Drill twice a year—in spring and autumn. During the drill, all fire hoses installed throughout the village are tested simultaneously, with water discharged into the air.
This regular safety check is part of ongoing efforts by local residents and the city of Nantan to preserve Miyama’s unique rural landscape and pass it on to future generations.
Visitor Notice for the Water Discharge Drill
On the day of the Water Discharge Drill, from 30 minutes before the start (11:00 AM) until the drill ends, visitors are kindly asked to stay outside the village to allow smooth and safe inspection of the fire equipment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to help the drill proceed safely and efficiently.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to help the drill proceed safely and efficiently.
Advance Reservation Required for All Vehicles
The Water Discharge Drill day attracts many visitors, causing traffic congestion that affects emergency vehicles and local residents.
To prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth access, all vehicles—including tour buses, cars, and motorcycles—must book and pay in advance via our website (credit card).
This system helps protect the village’s peaceful rural landscape. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
*The charge will be applied to the following time slot.
■Reservation Period (for 2025 Autumn Water Discharge Drill)
・Start: 8th Sep 2025, 9:00 AM
・Deadline: 1st Dec 2025, 5:00 PM
*Reservations close once fully booked.
■Cancellation Policy
・7 to 2 days before event: 30% fee
・1 day before event: 40% fee
・On event day: 100% fee
*Please allow plenty of time to arrive, as cancellation fees apply even if you are late due to traffic or delays.
■Additional Information
・The cooperation fee supports preservation of the Thatched Village landscape.
・Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
・Parking outside the reserved time slots does not require a reservation. Please pay the regular parking fee in cash on site.
・Parking lot access before 9:00 AM is not allowed.
・No temporary parking lots will be set up.
・Tour bus and microbus parking cannot be reserved until after 1:00 PM due to maintenance following the Water Discharge Drill.
■Parking Reservations
For parking reservation inquiries, please contact us at the email address below.
Email: issha-kayabukinosato@kcn.jp (Closed Fridays)
To prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth access, all vehicles—including tour buses, cars, and motorcycles—must book and pay in advance via our website (credit card).
This system helps protect the village’s peaceful rural landscape. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
| TYPE | FEE |
|---|---|
| Tour bus/Mini bus | JPY 10,000 |
| Car/Jumbo taxi | JPY 1,500 |
| Motorcycle | JPY 500 |
*The charge will be applied to the following time slot.
| TYPE | TIME SLOT |
|---|---|
| Tour bus/Mini bus | 9:00～11:30 |
| Car/Jumbo taxi | 9:00～11:45 |
| Motorcycle | 9:00～11:45 |
■Reservation Period (for 2025 Autumn Water Discharge Drill)
・Start: 8th Sep 2025, 9:00 AM
・Deadline: 1st Dec 2025, 5:00 PM
*Reservations close once fully booked.
■Cancellation Policy
・7 to 2 days before event: 30% fee
・1 day before event: 40% fee
・On event day: 100% fee
*Please allow plenty of time to arrive, as cancellation fees apply even if you are late due to traffic or delays.
■Additional Information
・The cooperation fee supports preservation of the Thatched Village landscape.
・Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
・Parking outside the reserved time slots does not require a reservation. Please pay the regular parking fee in cash on site.
・Parking lot access before 9:00 AM is not allowed.
・No temporary parking lots will be set up.
・Tour bus and microbus parking cannot be reserved until after 1:00 PM due to maintenance following the Water Discharge Drill.
■Parking Reservations
For parking reservation inquiries, please contact us at the email address below.
Email: issha-kayabukinosato@kcn.jp (Closed Fridays)
Join a Special Bus Tour During the Water Discharge Drill
Experience Miyama’s unique thatched village and witness the exciting Water Discharge Drill on a convenient one-day bus tour from JR Kyoto Station.
Enjoy guided walks through the scenic village and the surrounding nature, with expert local guides sharing stories of Miyama’s culture and landscape.
For details and bookings, please visit:
Thatched Village Water Curtain & Japanese Sake Brewery Tour from JR Kyoto Station
Enjoy guided walks through the scenic village and the surrounding nature, with expert local guides sharing stories of Miyama’s culture and landscape.
For details and bookings, please visit:
Thatched Village Water Curtain & Japanese Sake Brewery Tour from JR Kyoto Station
More information
| Name | Miyama’s Thatched Village Water Discharge Drill |
|---|---|
| Date | Spring: 20th May 2025 Autumn: 2nd December 2025 |
| Time | 11:30am～11:35am (5 mins) |
| Location | Miyama’s Thatched Village (Kayabuki no sato) Address: Kita, Miyama Town, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture 〒601-0712 GoogleMap |
| Bus stop | Kita (北)/ Nantan City Bus |
| Access | ■Access by Car ・From Sonobe IC on Kyoto-Jukan Expressway: take Prefectural Route 19 → National Route 162 → Prefectural Route 38 (Approx. 45 minutes from Sonobe IC) ・From Kyoto city center: take National Route 162 → Prefectural Route 38 (Approx. 90 minutes from Kyoto city) ■Access by Public Transport Take the Sagano Line from JR Kyoto Station to JR Sonobe Station (transfer trains), then to JR Hiyoshi Station. From there, take the Nantan City bus and get off at Kita Bus Stop. (Approx. 2 hours one way from JR Kyoto Station) |
| Inquiry | ■Parking Reservation Inquiries: Email: issha-kayabukinosato@kcn.jp (Closed Fridays) ■Other Inquiries: Kyoto Miyama Tourism Association E-mail: info@kyoto-miyama.jp (Closed Wednesdays) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: If I have a parking reservation, can I freely enter and exit the parking on the event day?
A: Yes, you can enter and exit freely on the day. However, once you leave, you may not be able to park in the same spot again. Please understand.
Q: Are there parking spaces for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. Spaces are limited, so please mention your need in the reservation notes.
Q: Can I pay the cooperation fee in cash on site?
A: We are afraid but all payments must be made in advance by credit card. This helps us manage the event smoothly.
Q: Are wheelchairs available for rent?
A: Yes. Please ask the parking staff on the day. Limited number available.
Q: Is the cooperation fee refundable if it rains?
A: No, we cannot offer refunds. Please book with this in mind.
Q: I don’t plan to watch the Water Discharge Drill. Do I still need a reservation?
A: Yes, if you enter the parking during the fee-applicable hours (e.g., 9:00 AM–11:45 AM), a reservation and advance payment are required. To avoid congestion, consider visiting outside these times or on another day.
Q: What fee applies if I park outside the event cooperation fee hours?
A: Regular parking fees apply.
Note: Tour buses and microbuses can park by regular reservation after 1:00 PM.
A: Yes, you can enter and exit freely on the day. However, once you leave, you may not be able to park in the same spot again. Please understand.
Q: Are there parking spaces for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. Spaces are limited, so please mention your need in the reservation notes.
Q: Can I pay the cooperation fee in cash on site?
A: We are afraid but all payments must be made in advance by credit card. This helps us manage the event smoothly.
Q: Are wheelchairs available for rent?
A: Yes. Please ask the parking staff on the day. Limited number available.
Q: Is the cooperation fee refundable if it rains?
A: No, we cannot offer refunds. Please book with this in mind.
Q: I don’t plan to watch the Water Discharge Drill. Do I still need a reservation?
A: Yes, if you enter the parking during the fee-applicable hours (e.g., 9:00 AM–11:45 AM), a reservation and advance payment are required. To avoid congestion, consider visiting outside these times or on another day.
Q: What fee applies if I park outside the event cooperation fee hours?
A: Regular parking fees apply.
Note: Tour buses and microbuses can park by regular reservation after 1:00 PM.
