Recommended itinerary theme
Model CourseKyoto Otokuni Bamboo Grove — Discover the History and Beautiful Scenery
- Nearby areas
【★WMG21 venue】 - Muko City Nagaokakyo City Oyamazaki Town
- Nearby venues
- Kyoto City Uji City Kameoka City Kyotanabe City
Otokuni is located between Kyoto and Osaka. Extending at the foot of the Nishiyama mountain range that continues from Arashiyama, and at the intersection of the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers, Otokuni has prospered as a transport hub and even appeared in famous historical records such as Nihon Shoki and Kojiki. Today Otokuni is known for its well-organized bamboo grove and production of bamboo shoots.
Itinerary details
JR Yamazaki Station ― Hoshakuji Temple～ Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art
～ Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine ～ Kinsuitei ～ Muko City Take-no-Michi (Bamboo Road)
～ Muko City Tourism Exchange Center “Machi Terrace MUKO”
# Walk around Mt. Tenno where history intersects
Hoshakuji Temple
Built in 724 at the order of Emperor Shomu, Hoshakuji Temple is believed to be beneficial for a prosperous business and a successful career. Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi is known to have camped there during the historic battle of Yamazaki. A legend says Hideyoshi gave orders while sitting on the Shusse stone (“successful career stone”) which still remains in the precincts.
The serene and refreshing precincts are beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn. When you receive prayers, you can get a popular yellow fortune wallet.
| Spot name | Hoshakuji Temple (Takaradera) |
|---|---|
| Contact | 075-956-0047 |
| Access | 10 minutes on foot from JR Yamazaki Station |
| Address | 1, Zenihara, Oyamazaki-cho, Otokuni-gun, Kyoto MAP |
| URL | https://takaradera.net/ |
Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art
The museum opened in 1996 in the former villa of Kaga Shotaro, a businessman that participated in the founding of a Japanese traditional whisky company. It consists of the main hall renovated from the villa, the underground hall, and the Yamanote hall.
The exhibits include the collection of Yamamoto Tamesaburo, the first president of Asahi Beer, as well as works by artists involved in the Mingei movement and “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet.
The surrounding forests create a beautiful harmony with the museum. You can also enjoy the view from the terrace and a walk in the garden.
| Spot name | Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays (Tuesday if Monday falls on a holiday) |
| Temporary closure | New Year holidays |
| Contact | 075-957-3123 (General inquiry) |
| Access | 10 minutes on foot from JR Yamazaki Station or Hankyu Oyamazaki Station |
| Address | 5-3, Zenihara, Oyamazaki-cho, Otokuni-gun, Kyoto MAP |
| URL | https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/ |
# Explore Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine with deep ties to Sugawara no Michizane
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine
～Enjoy vivid Kirishima azaleas
The shrine’s location is where Sugawara no Michizane, a noble from the Heian period who is known as a god of education today, is said to have partied with other nobles he was close to such as Ariwara no Narihira.
The shrine is dear to the locals, who pay a visit every morning and evening.
The precincts are filled with flowers every season.
You will be particularly enchanted by Kirishima azaleas that bloom in late April along the approach from the main gate, forming a tunnel of vivid and deep red flowers.
| Spot name | Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine |
|---|---|
| Contact | 075-951-1025 |
| Access | 20 minutes on foot from West Gate of JR Nagaokakyo Station (Rapid train) (Taxi and bus also available) 10 minutes on foot from West Gate of Hankyu Nagaokatenjin Station (All express trains) (Taxi and bus also available) |
| Address | 2-15-13, Tenjin, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto MAP |
| URL | https://www.kyototourism.org/en/sightseeing/560/ |
Savor bamboo shoots at the 140-year-old Kinsuitei
The Nishiyama area around Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is known for its bamboo shoots. At Kinsuitei, a restaurant adjacent to Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, you can enjoy a course meal made with fresh bamboo shoots from late March to mid May every year.
Carefully grown and cooked, the fresh bamboo shoots have outstanding flavors and textures. Kinsuitei consists of refined Japanese buildings of over 100 years old. You can enjoy a meal in a traditional room while admiring the graceful scenery.
| Spot name | Kinsuitei |
|---|---|
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Contact | 075-951-5151 *Kinsuitei has reduced hours for taking reservations and inquiries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please check the official website or follow the automatic voice guidance through the number above. |
| Access | 23 minutes on foot from JR Nagaokakyo Station / 7 minutes on foot from Hankyu Nagaokatenjin Station |
| Address | 2-15-15, Tenjin, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto MAP |
| URL | https://www.kinsuitei.co.jp/ |
# Listen to the sound of wind passing through the bamboo grove
Take-no-Michi (Bamboo Road)
The Muko City Take-no-Michi (Bamboo Road) features the native Moso bamboo to preserve the bamboo grove. Eight different kinds of bamboo fences line up for 1.8 km. Certified as one of Japan’s 100 Best Promenades, the road is a popular bamboo forest-bathing spot. The pleasant breeze through the bamboo trees will refresh your mind.
| Spot name | Muko City Take-no-Michi (Bamboo Road) |
|---|---|
| Contact | 075-963-6504 (Muko City Tourist Association) |
| Access | 15 minutes on foot from Hankyu Higashimuko Station |
| Address | From Shibayama, Terado-cho to Nagano and Nakaido, Mozume-cho, Muko, Kyoto MAP |
| URL | https://www.kyototourism.org/en/sightseeing/565/ (Muko City official website) |
Muko City Tourism Exchange Center “Machi Terrace MUKO”
Machi Terrace MUKO is located on the northern side of JR Mukomachi Station. Aimed at attracting people to Muko using local resources, the center sells locally produced vegetables and other food products, specialties, and souvenirs. It also plans events to enjoy the view of Japan’s main artery Tokaido Shinkansen running alongside JR Kyoto Line and Hankyu Kyoto Line in the city.
| Spot name | Muko City Tourism Exchange Center “Machi Terrace MUKO” |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays (Tuesday if Monday falls on a holiday) and New Year holidays |
| Contact | 075-874-2031 |
| Access | Right near JR Mukomachi Station |
| Address | 22-1, Uryu, Terado-cho, Muko MAP |
| URL | https://machi-terrace-muko.jp/ |
