Name: Kayabuki No Sato
Address: Choda Miyamachokita, Nantan, Kyoto 601-0712, Japan
Telephone: 0771-77-0660
Rating: 4.3

Historic hamlet surrounded by mountains, known for its houses with traditional thatched roofs.

Universal Studios Japan

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Kayabuki refers to the traditional Japanese thatched roofing style that defines the village's unique aesthetic.

Roofing Style

Approximately 50 houses with thatched roofs remain in Kayabuki no Sato, preserving the traditional village landscape.

Number of Houses

The village has a coordinated water spraying system that is activated to protect the thatched roofs from fire, a significant threat to these types of structures.

Sprinkler System

Kayabuki no Sato is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, ensuring its cultural heritage is protected.

Important District

The village conducts fire drills multiple times a year, often four times, to ensure the community is prepared to protect the village from fire.

Annual Fire Drills

Some of the thatched-roof houses have been converted into museums, minshuku (bed and breakfasts), and other businesses, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese life.

Local Attractions

Kayabuki No Sato

Kayabuki No Sato, nestled in Nantan, Kyoto, is distinguished by its concentration of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, a living testament to a disappearing architectural style. Unlike scattered examples found elsewhere, this village presents a cohesive landscape where nearly all structures retain their kayabuki roofs, creating an immersive historical experience. The steep pitch of these roofs, meticulously crafted from layers of dried grasses, is crucial for shedding heavy snowfall common in the region. A unique fire prevention system, involving strategically placed water cannons, is activated during designated drills, a spectacle showcasing the community's commitment to preserving its heritage. Interestingly, the thatch used isn't just any grass; specific varieties are cultivated and harvested locally, ensuring the roofs' longevity and aesthetic consistency. Some houses function as guesthouses, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into rural Japanese life, while others remain private residences, maintaining the village's authentic character. The meticulous maintenance of these roofs, a communal effort, underscores the deep connection between the villagers and their ancestral homes.

Introduction

Kayabuki no Sato in Nantan, Kyoto, is renowned for its distinctive thatched-roof houses, showcasing a traditional Japanese architectural style. Of the fifty houses in Kayabuki Village, thirty-nine retain their original thatched roofs, constructed using a traditional method of layering thatches over a log triangle frame. This concentration of thatched-roof houses is rare in Japan, leading to the area's designation as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1993.

The thatched roofs contribute significantly to the village's nostalgic atmosphere, evoking a sense of Japan's rural past. These roofs are not merely aesthetic; they represent a traditional building technique integral to the region's cultural heritage. The Miyama Folklore Museum, located within Kayabuki Village, exhibits the interior structure of a thatched-roof house and its storehouse, offering insights into the construction and functionality of these traditional dwellings.

The village's fire prevention system includes water cannons strategically placed to protect the thatched roofs, tested bi-annually in a dramatic display. The roofs require ongoing maintenance and care, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving this unique architectural heritage. These thatched-roof houses are a central element of Kayabuki no Sato, drawing visitors interested in experiencing and understanding traditional Japanese construction and rural life.

Thatched Roof Architecture

Kayabuki no Sato in Nantan, Kyoto, offers a preserved glimpse into rural Japanese life, showcasing traditional thatched-roof farmhouses where residents continue to live and work. Unlike many historical districts, these homes are not mere relics but active dwellings, lending a nostalgic and authentic atmosphere. The village, with its cluster of around 40 kayabuki houses, exemplifies a traditional satoyama, where humans coexist with the mountains.

Visitors can experience this lifestyle firsthand through guided walks led by local English-speaking guides, providing insights into the daily routines and traditions of the villagers. The opportunity to stay overnight in one of the thatched-roof farmhouses offers an intimate look at traditional Japanese homes, often featuring tatami floors and open hearths. These lodgings, while rustic, are equipped with modern amenities, blending the old with the new.

The surrounding area provides opportunities to engage in outdoor activities integral to rural life, such as sweetfish fishing in the Yura River. The Miyama Folklore Museum displays traditional tools and household items, illustrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations. Experiencing the unhurried pace and warm hospitality of the locals allows visitors to feel a sense of connection to a traditional Japanese hometown.

Rural Japanese Life

Kayabuki no Sato, a village known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, employs a unique fire prevention system due to the flammability of its iconic roofs. This system is crucial for protecting the village's cultural and historical heritage. The village is equipped with 62 pipes strategically placed to automatically spray water across the entire area in case of a fire. This elaborate system is tested twice a year, on December 1st and May 20th, by the local firefighters. These tests are quite the spectacle, drawing crowds who gather to witness the synchronized water display. When the weather conditions are right, the water jets create rainbows over the thatched houses, adding to the visual appeal of the event.

The implementation of this innovative sprinkler system was prompted by a fire in 2000 that destroyed the museum. To preserve the village's rustic aesthetic, the sprinklers are camouflaged as small huts that open to reveal powerful nozzles when activated. Recognizing the importance of managing tourism and preserving local life, a parking reservation system was introduced, particularly for the December 1st water spray event. This system aims to prevent traffic congestion caused by the influx of tourists.

Fire Prevention System

Kayabuki no Sato in Nantan, Kyoto, stands as a remarkable example of a preserved traditional village, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience Japan's rural heritage. This village is renowned for its collection of nearly 40 well-maintained thatched-roof farmhouses, known as "kayabuki," which are still in use today. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1993, the village offers a nostalgic landscape that harmonizes with the surrounding mountains.

The preservation efforts extend beyond the architecture, encompassing the cultural traditions and lifestyle of the community. The Miyama Folklore Museum showcases traditional tools and farming equipment from centuries past, providing insights into the daily lives of the villagers. The Little Indigo Museum, housed in a former headman's residence, displays rare indigo-dyed fabrics, highlighting the region's artistic heritage.

Seasonal festivals, such as the Water Hose Festival and the Snow Lantern Festival, further enrich the village's cultural appeal. The Snow Lantern Festival illuminates the snow-covered houses with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the village's ambiance by staying overnight in one of the thatched-roof lodgings, savoring local cuisine, and experiencing the hospitality of the residents. An English-speaking local guide can introduce how the thatched roof works and how the residents live in a guided walk.

Kayabuki No Sato

Did You Know?

Roofing Style

Number of Houses

Sprinkler System

Important District

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