Shimenawa (Sacred Straw Rope) Making Experience

In the past, people in rural villages like Miyama used rice straw from the year’s harvest to make various everyday and ceremonial items, such as sandals, straw bags, mats, and shimenawa sacred ropes.
The Miyama Shimenawa Group continues this tradition by crafting large shimenawa for shrines, including Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. In this experience, participants will learn the basic rope-making technique and create a small decorative wreath to take home.
This hands-on activity can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Reservations & Registration

Book with 公式サイト

Registration Period & Deadline: Two weeks before the tour date
Cancellation Policy: 2 days before the tour date: 40%
The day before: 50%
On the day of the tour: 100%

Basic Information

Season: Year-round
Closed Days & Excluded Dates: None (Open year-round)
Meeting Time & Hours of Operation: Start Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Schedule: Gathering → History of Shimenawa → Making Shimenawa → End
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Group Size: Minimum 2 people – Maximum 40 people
Language Support: Guide: Available
Accessibility: Not recommended (involves stairs and walking through tea fields)
Notes: Wear comfortable clothing (clothes you don't mind getting straw bits on); pants are recommended over skirts.

Pricing

List Price: 2–3 people: 16,500 yen per person (tax included)
4–9 people: 5,500 yen per person (tax included)
10 or more people: 4,400 yen per person (tax included)
Included in Price: Experience Fee, Taxes

Access & Meeting Place

Meeting Place & Ticket Pickup Location: Kyoto Tamba Highlands Quasi-National Park Visitor Center
23 Agakeshita, Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture
Parking Information: Free parking available

Operator Information

Operator Name: Nantan City Miyama Tourism and Community Development Association (General Incorporated Association)
Address: 23 Agakashita, Miyama-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone Number: 0771-75-9030
Official Website: https://miyamanavi.com/en/activity/shimenawa

Area & City/Town Introduction (Nantan City)

Located nearly in the center of Kyoto Prefecture, Nantan City is a town brimming with rich natural beauty, history, and culture. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, from the thatched-roof villages of Miyama Town—where Japan’s traditional landscape remains preserved—to Sonobe, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, and the lush rural mountains stretching along the headwaters of the Hozu River. It also offers a wealth of attractions, including gourmet cuisine featuring local ingredients, hot springs, and outdoor activities. Easily accessible from Kyoto City, it is a soothing destination where you can spend a relaxing day even on a day trip.