Yamashiro Local Information

Kyotanabe City

 Welcome to Kyotanabe!

 

Kyotanabe is a small city in the south of Kyoto Prefecture with around 70,000 residents.

With beautiful sights to see in the day and a great choice of stylish restaurants and bars for the evening, Kyotanabe is the perfect destination for a relaxed day trip away from the big cities. The two main train stations, Shintanabe (Kintetsu Kyoto Line) and JR Kyotanabe (JR Katamachi Line) make it easily accessible either from Kyoto and Nara (thirty minutes by train) or from Osaka (roughly one hour.)

 

Bogagawa River (防賀川)

Although Kyotanabe is charming all year round, the best time to visit is probably spring, during cherry blossom season. Now, I know the whole nation goes crazy for those pink petals, flocking to famous parks around the country, but don’t you ever feel like a more leisurely stroll under the cherry blossoms, preferably without the crowds of people? If so, you’re in luck: The Bogagawa River in Kyotanabe is one of Kyoto’s best kept secrets for hanami. It’s just ten minutes’ walk from Shintanabe station and the main part of the river is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees which stretch for several kilometres. Even at their peak, there aren’t that many people, so you could even enjoy a picnic at one of the seating areas provided.

 http://kyotana.be/object/detail/111/( External link )

 

Ikkyuji Temple (一休寺)

Even if you don’t come in spring, there are other sights to see. The most well-known temple here is Ikkyuji Temple, which was made famous by a long running anime show featuring the Buddhist monk Ikkyu-san. Nowadays, many Japanese have fond memories of watching Ikkyu-san on TV as a child and will know his story, even if they have no idea that the temple is located in Kyotanabe!

 

 

http://www.ikkyuji.org/( External link )

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotanabe City, Takigi Satonouchi 102

0774-62-0193

9:00~17:00

Entry: Children \250, Adults \500

Juhoji Temple (寿宝寺)
The temple is certainly worth a visit if you have the time (it is especially beautiful when the autumn leaves are in season). However, for something a little more off the beaten track, try Juhoji Temple in the south of the city. Inside the temple, you can find an Eleven Faced and Thousand Armed Kannon statue. The statue is located in its own small room, and when the doors are closed with just a little light from the lamp, the statue’s face looks peaceful and kind. However, open the doors to let the sunshine light up the room and the statue’s expression suddenly becomes very austere and stern.

 http://kyotana.be/object/detail/2/( External link )

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotanabe City, Miyamaki Tonoshima 20

9:00 ~ 17:00

Entry: \300 (reservations recommended)

 

If you need a little light refreshment after checking out the local sights, try Ippodo or Maiko Tea Boutique for traditional green tea flavoured sweets and desserts. In particular, Maiko Tea Boutique’s Matcha Ball Choco are delicious and make great souvenirs.

 Ippodo (一方堂)

http://www.at-ml.jp/pr/?cid=67003( External link )

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotanabe City, Tanabe Chuo 2-1-29

0774-62-0028

9:30~19:30, closed Wednesdays

Maiko Tea Boutique (MAIKO茶ブティック)

http://www.maiko.ne.jp/boutique.htm( External link )

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotanabe City, Tanabe Chuo 5-1-7, Takiyama Building 1^st Floor

0774-68-2472

10:00~19:00 (March to October), 10:00~18:00 (November to February), Closed Tuesdays

 

For dinner, how about that Kansai favourite, okonomiyaki? Check out Momotaro (within five minutes’ walk from Shintanabe station) for some authentic Osaka style food.

Momotaro (ももたろう)

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotanabe City, Kawara Shokuden 10-69

0774-65-5617

11:30~24:00, Closed Thursdays

 

If you feel like a few drinks after, try Dining Bar Rosiea for a stylish little bar and a menu with more cocktails than you could drink in a year.

Dining Bar Rosiea (ダイニングバーロージア)

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyotanabe City, Kawara Shokuden 2-3

0774-63-7330

17:30~02:00

 Of course, there are many other places to eat and drink here, with many near to the two stations. So, if the recommendations above don’t appeal, try wandering around the central area because there’s sure to be somewhere you’ll like!