Ogura-no-Sato—a village where life moves at its own pace. No buses, no signs, just old houses, rice paddies, and the scent of matcha drifting from a tiny tea house. Walk cobblestone lanes, smile at an elder drying shiso leaves, and feel time soften around you. Spring blooms, summer waves, autumn fires, winter snow—each season paints this place differently. Come not to see, but to be. To remember how simple moments can be sacred.



















Everything you need to know about Oharano Sato
Stay at Omiya Yamamura, a centuries-old machiya-style inn nestled in the serene hills of Kyoto. Each room features traditional tatami mats, shoji screens, and views of the lush Sakurayama bamboo grove. Guests enjoy tea ceremonies, kaiseki dinners with local ingredients, and peaceful mornings surrounded by misty mountain air. Accessible via a 40-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station, this secluded retreat offers both cultural immersion and easy access to nature trails.
Take the Kyoto City Bus (Route 203 or 204) from Kyoto Station, which takes about 40 minutes to reach "Omiya" stop. A 5-minute walk leads directly to main attractions and guesthouses. For more flexibility, rent a bicycle along the scenic Sakurayama Trail, enjoying quiet countryside views. Some guesthouses offer complimentary shuttle services—confirm in advance. This route avoids city traffic and provides an ideal gateway to rural Kyoto’s tranquility.
Don’t miss the morning bell ceremony at Sakurayama Temple, where you can join a Buddhist ritual at 6 AM, hearing the ancient temple bell echo through the valley—deeply calming and spiritual. Participate in a kimono photo workshop, dressing in traditional obi and furisode amid bamboo groves, with expert styling and photography. Also explore matcha tea-making, visiting local farmers to learn the full process from leaf harvest to stone grinding. These immersive activities blend tradition, nature, and history for unforgettable memories.
Yes! Omiya Yamamura offers family suites with child-safe amenities like non-slip flooring and baby toiletries. Kids enjoy hands-on workshops such as paper umbrella painting and bamboo craft making. Nearby, the Sakurayama Trail and onsen stream are perfect for family walks. The inn features wheelchair-accessible paths and crib rentals, ensuring comfort for seniors and toddlers. Meals include allergy-friendly options and kid-approved menus, making it ideal for multi-generational stays. This peaceful retreat is a top choice for families seeking a serene, authentic Kyoto escape.
At night, the Sakurayama Bamboo Grove glows under moonlight in ethereal blue hues, evoking a living ink-wash painting. Stroll the Sunset Trail and pause at the Kannon Hall for meditative stillness amidst silence. Some guesthouses offer stargazing tours with telescopes, revealing the Milky Way and shooting stars—perfect when paired with an onsen soak. With minimal light pollution and only crickets and wind, this is the ultimate moment to savor Kyoto’s tranquil night beauty.
Yes, stay at Omiya Secret Villa, a private Japanese garden house exclusively for couples. It features a private onsen and enclosed courtyard overlooking endless bamboo forests. Minimalist décor with candlelit ambiance and lantern lighting creates intimate charm. The host prepares a couple’s tea ceremony and starlight dinner in the garden. Start your day with shared yoga at dawn, listening to birdsong and mist rising. This is Kyoto’s most secluded and poetic retreat for couples seeking connection and serenity.
Explore more amazing destinations