MUSUBI: Area Spotlight on Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture

When one thinks of Kyoto, they think of the city proper, with its grid-like layout and many ancient structures. But Kyoto is also the name of the entire prefectural area, and there are many equally interesting cities to be found across it. Situated among the mountains of the northwest, Ayabe City is about an hour train ride from central Kyoto. It is also easily one of the best hidden jewels of western Japan.

Famed for its hot springs, traditional temples and expansive gardens, Ayabe is a countryside city with lots to offer for those looking for a change of pace. The traditional culture and cuisine of the "mountain dweller" lifestyle truly comes alive in this area, and there are many things to see for those who don't mind a little altitude. Here are some of our personal favorites:

Just a 12-minute drive from Ayabe Station, Kisaichi Maruyama Tomb is a large, round, three-tiered burial mound dating back to the mid-5th centutry. Measuring 70 meters in diameter, it is one of the largest burial mounds in all of Japan. It's also a public park!

After being largely forgotten for years, excavations in 1987 revealed two graves of unknown rulers of an ancient agricultural civilization that once lived in this area, along with many artificats of antiquity. Most notable was the presence of gold, which would be extremely rare and valuable at that time. Following the excavation and restoration of the tomb, the area was made into a public park close to the nearby expressway.

Approximately 60,000 stones cover the sides of the mound, and 1,000 replica cylindrical haniwa (terracotta funerary objects) line its three tiers and the entrance. Artifacts from the tomb can be viewed at the Ayabe City Museum.

Located n the Kanbayashi area northeast of Ayabe, Mt. Kimino-o stands at 582 meters high. It is also the site of one of Japan's most beautiful and enduring natural wonders: Unkai, or a sea of clouds. 

Thanks to Japan's topography, you can experience this spectacular event yourself. When clouds form at a low enough elevation and you’re in a spot where you can view them from above, they appear to form an expansive “sea” of fluffy clouds.

There are several places around the country where you can view Unkai, but Mt. Kimino-o offers one of the most iconic views of all. The best time to view the cloudy seas is in autumn or winter. You can see the mountains of the Tanba area covered in what looks like a snowy field.

Founded in the mid-14th century by order of Ashikaga Takauji (founder and first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate) Ankoku-ji also happens to be where he is buried. But the Ayabe area is also where he was believed to have been born, and the temple is synonymous with life. It is still popular today amongst those praying for safe childbirth.

This historic Buddhist temple is home to many important cultural artifacts, such as the Seated Shaka Buddha Triad. It is also uncommon for a temple in that the main hall has a thatched roof and is surrounded by cascading maple trees. In autumn, the red, orange and yellow foliage of the area contrasts greatly with the bright green moss that can sometimes cover the thatched roof, giving the temple something of a fairytale quality.

Ayabe's location affords one easy access to nearby sights of interest like Fukuchiyama Castle, as well as the northern coast of Japan. With a little time and a scenic train (or car) ride north, one can even visit Amanohashidate, one of Japan's most incredible natural wonders. This area's location also means housing prices are reasonable, and living in a smaller city like Ayabe leads to a more laid back and comfortable lifestyle. Make it your next destination in Japan for the coming year- if you're interested in joining us as an ALT in Ayabe, apply through the form on our website today!

Photo Credits:

Main Image by KKフォト

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