About Nantan About Nantan City
Historic castle towns, shopping districts offering glimpses of daily life, rural landscapes stretching out into the countryside, and forests preserving the wisdom of our ancestors—nature and culture alike possess a rich spectrum of gradations.
Miyama Thatched-Roof Village - Spring Blossoms
A beautiful village designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom magnificently, creating a splendid harmony with the thatched roofs.
Sonobe Castle
The ruins of Sonobe Castle, where parts like the castle gate remain. The gate of the current Kyoto Prefectural Sonobe High School. Built in the early Edo period. It is called "Japan's last castle" because it was permitted as a castle only after the Meiji era.
Ōi River Green Park
In spring, rows of cherry trees line the paths, and in autumn, the Nantan City Fireworks Festival fills the sky—here, you can feel the seasons with your own senses. Playground equipment, tennis courts, and a grand golf course are also available, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
Ruri Valley Hot Springs
At an elevation of 500 meters, the Rurikei Valley stretches for approximately 4 kilometers, featuring hot springs where you can enjoy a resort experience that combines "play, stay, heal, and dine."
Hiyoshi Dam
A reservoir supplying water for approximately 1 million people in the Keihanshin area. The contrast between Lake Amakawa, the dam lake, and the surrounding mountain greenery is a breathtaking sight. Winner of the Japan Dam Award 2013.
Ashio Forest
The headwaters of the Yura River are home to one of western Japan's most pristine forests. It is also part of the Kyoto Tamba Highlands Quasi-National Park. A dedicated nature guide must accompany visitors on forest walks.
About Nantan Overview of Nantan City
Nantan City
Nantan City is located in the heart of Kyoto Prefecture. It is an area blessed with lush greenery and abundant nature.
The Miyama thatched-roof village, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, along with the Hiyoshi Dam and Rurikei Hot Springs, offers charming attractions where nature and history harmonize. As Kyoto's kitchen, it produces high-value-added rice, Kyoto vegetables, dairy products, and more. It is also a town of craftsmanship, home to artisans specializing in woodworking, pottery, and other crafts.
Basic Data
- Location
Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Population
約29,000人
- Area
616.40 km²
- Composition Area
Miyama, Hiyoshi, Yagi, Sonobe
- Major Specialty Products
Miyama Milk, Tamba Chestnuts, Tamba Black Beans, Matsutake Mushrooms, Sweetfish, Sansho Pepper
The Charm of Nantan City
-
Japan's Original Landscape
A tranquil landscape unfolds. -
Easy access
About 1 hour from Kyoto,
About 1.5 hours from Osaka.
Easy to visit. -
Diverse charms
Sightseeing, gourmet dining, hot springs, experiences.
Four distinct areas
Each offers its own unique way to enjoy.
History and Culture
Nantan City has long flourished as a key transportation hub connecting Kyoto and the San'in region. In Miyama Town, thatched-roof farmhouses built approximately 250 years ago still stand today, preserving Japan's traditional rural landscape for the present era.
Moreover, historic shrines and temples are scattered throughout each region, and festivals and traditional events are still cherished and passed down to this day.
※ For detailed information on history and culture, please refer to the individual tourist attraction pages.
Area Guide The four areas that make up Nantan City
-
Miyama Area
A village of thatched-roof houses designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District. This beautiful settlement preserves Japan's original landscape, offering encounters with traditional culture alongside scenery that changes with the seasons.
- Thatched-roof village
- Nature
- Traditional Culture
See details about the Miyama area -
Hiyoshi Area
Centered around Hiyoshi Dam, the area boasts abundant natural beauty and well-equipped leisure facilities like Hiyoshi Springs. At the roadside station, you can enjoy fresh local produce and gourmet cuisine.
- Hiyoshi Dam
- Leisure
- Roadside Station
View details for the Hiyoshi area -
Yagi Area
A gourmet district lined with distinctive eateries. From dishes featuring local ingredients to specialty cafes, you can fully savor the allure of food.
- Gourmet
- Cafe
- restaurant
View details for the Yagi area -
Sonobe Area
An area boasting Rurikei Onsen, one of Kansai's premier hot springs. Surrounded by nature, this healing space allows you to relax in the hot springs and refresh both mind and body.
- Ruri Valley Hot Springs
- Hot spring
- Healing
See details for the Sonobe area
Access to Nantan City
Access to Nantan City is excellent by both car and public transportation.
Travel time from major cities
From within Kyoto City
Via National Route 9
or via Kyoto Jukan Expressway
From within Osaka City
Kyoto Jukan Expressway Get off at Sonobe IC
From within Kobe City
Via the Chugoku Expressway
Exit at Sonobe IC on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway
Access to Each Area
Miyama Area (Main Attractions: Thatched-Roof Village)
From Sonobe IC
Via National Route 162
Approximately 30 minutes
From within Kyoto City
Via National Route 162
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Hiyoshi Area (Major Attractions: Hiyoshi Dam, Hiyoshi Springs)
From Sonobe IC
Via National Route 9 and Route 477
Approximately 20 minutes
From within Kyoto City
Via National Route 9
Approximately 50 minutes
Yagi Area (Main Attractions: Gourmet Town)
From Sonobe IC
Approximately 10 minutes via National Route 9
From within Kyoto City
Via National Route 9
Approximately 50 minutes
Sonobe Area (Main tourist spot: Rurikei Onsen)
From Sonobe IC
Via Prefectural Road ●
Approximately 15 minutes
From within Kyoto City
Via National Route 9 and Prefectural Route
Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Parking Information
Free parking is available at each tourist spot.
- Thatched-Roof Village: Approximately 50 standard vehicles, large buses permitted
- Hiyoshi Dam & Springs: Approximately 150 standard vehicles, large buses permitted
- Ruri Valley Hot Springs: Parking available for lodging guests only
- Motorcycle parking spaces and disabled parking spaces are also available.
Related Links
: Pamphlets, Maps, and Information Sites Useful for Sightseeing in Nantan City
