Ayabe Tourist Information Center
～ Ayabe Gunze Square

After getting off the train at JR Ayabe Station, rent an e-bike at Ayabe Tourist Information Center. The rental costs ¥1,000 (incl. tax) for up to 4 hours and ¥1,500 (incl. tax) for 4–24 hours. You can also make a reservation in advance. The TB1e (Bridgestone) model charges itself while driving, so you can cycle over long distances (about 130 km) without worrying about the battery.

First head to the Ayabe Gunze Square near the station. Ayabe is home to Gunze, a clothing company founded in 1896. At the square, you can find Gunze Museum, renovated from a silkworm warehouse used in the Taisho era; Ayabe Rose Garden, where 1,200 roses of 120 kinds bloom every spring and autumn; and Ayabe Specialty Store, where locally produced vegetables, processed foods, and crafts are sold. Discover the history of Ayabe, formerly known as the city of silk.

Ayabe Fureai Ranch

Interact with goats and sheep which graze freely outside on sunny days, as well as with rabbits. The indoor cat cafe is also popular and is visited by fans from across Japan. The restaurant Haiji’s Kitchen offers delicious meat dishes including the premium rib set meal (¥1,480 incl. tax) and the hot pot stew set with Kyoto deer meat and local vegetables (¥1,480 incl. tax). On sunny days, you can enjoy stew and grilled meat on the outdoor terrace. You can also have a BBQ in the nature (reservation required).

Moto Ise Naiku Kotai Shrine ～ Moto Ise Amanoiwato Shrine ～ Moto Ise Gegu Toyoukedai Shrine

Moto Ise Naiku Kotai Shrine ～ Moto Ise Amanoiwato Shrine ～ Moto Ise Gegu Toyoukedai Shrine Ise is the name of shrines where the god Amaterasu Omikami was enshrined while in pursuit of an ideal place before settling in the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie. Moto Ise Naiku Kotai Shrine in Fukuchiyama is a venerable shrine where Amaterasu is said to have been enshrined first. The giant Ama-no-Iwato cave and the Goza-no-Ishi stone, on which shrine maidens are said to have danced to Kagura music, are located in the virgin forest along the nearby Isuzu River, overwhelming you with a mystical ambiance. It is recommended to pay a visit to Moto Ise Amanoiwato Shrine and Moto Ise Gegu Toyoukedai Shrine as well.

Yamashiroya Chaho

Take the Kyoto Tango Railway Miyafuku Line to Fukuchiyama Station. Fukuchiyama is known for its tea and sweets. Yamashiroya is a shop that has been dealing in Japanese tea and tea utensils since 1912 at the foot of Fukuchiyama Castle. The shop buys tea leaves directly from tea farms and prepares them on the spot. At the self-service Japanese tea bar, you can enjoy traditional flavors such as Gyokuro, Sencha, Hojicha, and Japanese black tea (¥150–250 incl. tax) and learn how to brew delicious tea.

Adachi Otoemon

Adachi Otoemon is known for its baked sweets made with chestnuts. The main store is located near Fukuchiyama Castle. The most popular chestnut terrine (¥4,590 incl. tax) is filled with Japanese, European and Andean chestnuts and covered by a dough made with fermented butter. These chestnuts account for 400 grams out of the total weight of 650 grams. The Tamba chestnut cake (¥3,920 incl. tax) made with local chestnuts is available only at the main store. The Taisho-style shop building is a designated cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture. Other buildings on the premises can be viewed from outside only.