Kyotamba, the Kyoto field
Wood and agricultural products, produced in this region in abundance, were supplied to the former capital, Kyoto, to sustain its influence and quality of life. Mountain villages and traditional agriculture were major players in the development of Kyoto in ancient times. Kyotamba is located in an area that the Japanese call satoyama, which literally means hilltop village(sato for village, yama for hill or mountain). This term in Japanese vocabulary expresses the idea of a border area between the foothills of the mountains and flat arable land. These landscapes have been developed over centuries through the use of small-scale agricultural and forestry techniques, which have never distorted the surrounding nature and scenery. This region was once very prosperous thanks to its position between the city of Kyoto and the north of the eponymous prefecture, and thus, the Sea of Japan. The landscapes are magnificent, with rice fields as far as the eye can see, whose color changes according to the seasons and the harvests, and mountains ranging from 400 to over 900 meters for the highest of the mountains in the region, Mount Chorogatake. The panorama, made up of more than 80% forest, is very bucolic and invites you to stroll through the narrow valleys between which small villages are scattered. Kyotamba consists of three ancient towns: Wachi, Mizuho and Tamba. These names now evoke the names of the three "neighbourhoods" of the current commune. As you walk through them, you can enjoy a trip to the countryside, among historic places and idyllic villages. Each part of Kyotamba also has its own specificities, for example, Wachi is a centre for traditional performing arts, including the Japanese puppet theatre, and Tamba, a haven of lush nature, with the 43-metre high Kotodaki waterfall. Kyotamba's rich traditional culinary culture also makes it a destination of choice for those seeking to discover new tastes.
Tamba-Sasayama, on the road to Kyoto
The commune of Tamba-Sasayama has been a major transportation hub on the road to Kyoto. The latter had a beautiful influence on the city, which still today exudes a very pleasant atmosphere. The spirit of Kyoto can be found in the old shopping district of the commune and at certain festivals, such as the Yamaboko-Junko festival. To visit Tamba-Sasayama is to enjoy a trip back in time more than 400 years through the history of the country, its handicrafts and its nature. This castle town, which still has traces of its fortified past, is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Hyogo Prefecture in the Sasayama Basin. Its rural setting offers a pleasant getaway to discover Kansai's hinterland, far from the hustle and bustle of Kobe or Osaka. The climate of the basin, in which Tamba-Sasayama is located, is ideal for agriculture and farming in general, offering good crops and quality products that the Japanese come to get at the right time, such as black edamame in autumn. Among the specialties of the destination are black beans, beef, wild mountain yam, chestnuts and rice. The latter is used to make sake, and a visit to local breweries is a must during a visit to Tamba-Sasayama. The Homei Shuzo company, established in 1797, is a typical example of an ancestral tradition of sake making that respects the quality of the product. It is also a city that testifies to the richness of local handicrafts and popular Japanese arts, thanks to its potters' village, Tambayaki, and its 800 years of history. Many interesting attractions are part of this art, and Osaka residents do not hesitate to go there on weekends to shop. To enjoy the destination, it is advisable to pack your bags for an overnight stay to take full advantage of what Tamba-Sasayama has to offer, starting with an overnight stay at one of the Nipponia establishments, which offers relaxation in ancient Japanese houses restored in a refined, elegant and comfortable manner. Cycling can be a great ally for touring the entire length of the township and visiting charming villages, such as Fukusumi and its main street, lined with mostly renovated Edo period shopping houses, which runs through the countryside and rice fields. Here you can feel a country spirit that blends with traditions and current trends, with the Magnum Coffee as a prime example, which serves homemade coffees in a pretty, raw and trendy setting with a hipster atmosphere. The Japanese countryside hides many secrets, be they historical or culinary, or even unsuspected atmospheres and a most pleasant way of life. Luxury is never far away, with, for example, the Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba establishment or the Terroir et Nature restaurant in Sasayama, in the heart of Nipponia. Exploring Kyotamba and Tamba-Sasayama is definitely an exciting experience, in the heart of the Kansai countryside, still unknown to tourists. This is the time to live a privileged moment with Japan in a relaxing setting and to treat yourself to a well-deserved break between Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe.
To find out more, go to: kansaiguide.jp/exciting/
