Welcome to Sonobe
in Kyoto !
Just 30 minutes from Kyoto Station, and you’ll find yourself in a whole new world.
Experience the calm and serene beauty of Japan’s peaceful countryside.
Create unforgettable memories with your own unique Japanese adventure!
30 minutes from Kyoto Station
1.5 hours from Osaka Station
About Kyoto Satoyama Cycling
Discover the Hidden Gem of Japan: Nantan City Cycling Adventure! Just 30 minutes from Kyoto Station, Nantan City offers a perfect escape into Japan’s breathtaking countryside.
Ride through scenic village mountains (Satoyama) on an electric-assist bike, making your journey effortless and enjoyable.
🌿 Immerse Yourself in Nature & History Feel the charm of traditional Japan as you cycle past lush landscapes, ancient temples, and rustic farmhouses.
🎧 Stay Connected While You Ride With a helmet microphone, enjoy real-time conversations with your guide and fellow travelers—no need to stop to chat!
🍜 Taste Authentic Local Flavors Savor seasonal delicacies and discover the rich food culture of the region, guided by welcoming locals. Let our friendly guides lead you on an unforgettable journey where history, nature, and tradition come together. 🚴✨ Book your Nantan City cycling adventure today!
＼ Check out the video! ／
Kyoto Satoyama Cycling Tour
🚴Course A
4-Hour Tour with Soba-Making Experience & Lunch
Learn the art of making soba noodles from scratch and savor a freshly prepared soba meal featuring seasonal tempura. Explore historic sites such as Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine, Sonobe Castle, and Make Shrine, and optionally visit a local natural spring.
🚴 Course B
4-Hour Tour with a Traditional Japanese Lunch
Discover the charm of Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine, Sonobe Castle, and Make Shrine, followed by a delicious lunch at a beautifully renovated 160-year-old Japanese house restaurant. The meal is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and the seasonal dessert is a must-try!
🚴 “Sacred Food & Prayer” Course
5-Hour Tour
This tour features an invigorating hike to Kyoto Daishakuten Temple (Fukuju-ji), known as a sacred place of fulfilled wishes. Cycle along the scenic riverside route from Yagi to Sonobe, feeling the refreshing breeze. On the way back, stop by a local Yatsuhashi sweet shop and a roadside market for unique Kyoto souvenirs.
Must-See Spots
🏯 Sonobe Castle Ruins
Built in the early Edo period by Lord Koide Yoshichika, Sonobe Castle is often called “Japan’s last castle.” Today, the castle gate remains as the entrance to Sonobe High School.
⛩️ Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine
This tour features an invigorating hike to Kyoto Daishakuten Temple (Fukuju-ji), known as a sacred place of fulfilled wishes. Cycle along the scenic riverside route from Yagi to Sonobe, feeling the refreshing breeze. On the way back, stop by a local Yatsuhashi sweet shop and a roadside market for unique Kyoto souvenirs.
⛩️ Make Shrine
Dedicated to deities of agriculture and food, Maki Shrine is home to Kyoto’s largest thatched-roof hall, which is carefully maintained by the local community.
🏔️ Komukaiyama (Komugiyama)
– The Origin of Donkey Kong?
This small mountain was once home to Nintendo’s Mario creator, Shigeru Miyamoto! His childhood adventures here inspired the world of Donkey Kong and Super Mario. Take a short 5-minute exploration (optional) to see where it all began!
🔔 Kyoto Taishakuten Temple
Famous for its “Wishing Bells” along the 700-meter approach, this temple has been a place of prayer for centuries.
Things to Do & Eat
Activities
🍜 Soba-Making Experience
Knead, roll, and cut locally grown buckwheat flour to create your own soba noodles. After just 60 seconds in boiling water, enjoy the freshest zaru soba with seasonal tempura and rice balls. The taste of handmade soba is unforgettable!
🏔️ Komukaiyama (Komugiyama) – The Origin of Donkey Kong?
This small mountain was once home to Nintendo’s Mario creator, Shigeru Miyamoto! His childhood adventures here inspired the world of Donkey Kong and Super Mario. Take a short 5-minute exploration (optional) to see where it all began!
Dining
🍱Traditional Japanese house’s restaurant
Enjoy a cozy traditional meal in a lovingly renovated 160-year-old farmhouse restaurant. The upstairs museum features antique Japanese crafts, and the owner’s wife prepares exquisite seasonal desserts.
🥗B&B with home cooking
Owner Mrs. Matsumoto has transformed his childhood home into a charming guesthouse, offering heartfelt hospitality and comforting, home-cooked meals. Enjoy his lovingly prepared dishes in a traditional Japanese tatami room—a nostalgic and one-of-a-kind dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Book a Tour
Nantan City Tourism Association
Starting in 2025!
Discover the Charms of Sonobe, Hiyoshi, Yagi, and Miyama with the Nantan City Tourism Association
The Nantan City Tourism Association is launching a new initiative to showcase the beauty of Sonobe, Hiyoshi, Yagi, and Miyama.
At the JR Sonobe Station West Exit office, you’ll find the much-talked-about rental box space “Hako”, offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors.
Monthly events feature live music and performances on an outdoor stage, a variety of delicious food trucks, and indoor exhibitions, pop-up markets, and interactive mystery-solving games—a fun-filled lineup for all to enjoy!
＼ Check out the videos! ／
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