Adventure Tourism: A Kyoto Mountain Escape for the Senses - Experience a day immersed in the culture of gratitude and the spirit of harmony in the mountains of Kyoto.

10:20 Arrival at Sonobe Station / Briefing

The Sonobe Culture and Tourism Association will outline the itinerary for the day. Your Satoyama adventure commences here with E-Bikes.

10:40 Transfer to Sonobe Castle (E-Bike / 10 min)

• ▶ Kamishibai Guide at Sonobe Castle, “Japan's Last Castle” (10 min)

Constructed during the Meiji period, this is Japan's most recent castle structure. Explore the remaining Yagura Gate, Tatsumi Tower, and Guardhouse.

11:10–13:10 Soba Noodle Making Experience & Lunch (Former Maki Elementary School / 2 hours)

• ▶ Soba Noodle Making Experience

Utilizing locally sourced buckwheat flour, enjoy the taste of freshly made noodles on-site.

• ▶ Honey Experience (30 min)

Discover the connection between buckwheat fields and honeybees, along with the process of collecting buckwheat honey. Understand how nature’s cycle leads to food.

13:10 Transfer to Maki Shrine (E-Bike / 10 min)

• ▶ Visit Maki Shrine (15 min)

This ancient shrine is noted in the Engishiki and is dedicated to Ōmisamitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, the deity of agriculture and food. It features the largest thatched-roof shrine hall in Kyoto Prefecture.

13:50 Transfer to Ryōonji Temple (E-Bike / 10 min)

14:15–15:45 Zazen Meditation Experience at Ryōonji Temple (90 min)

Established in 1509, this historical temple is part of the Soto Zen sect. Experience a moment of peace amidst the satoyama landscape with a program focused on “calming the mind” to wrap up the journey.

15:45 Move to Sonobe Station (E-Bike / 30 min)

Approximately 16:00, participate in the closing ceremony and disband at Sonobe Station.

Highlights

• E-Bike Tours: Where Travel Itself Becomes the Experience E-Bikes facilitate easy participation for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, easily tackling hills. Enjoy a unique immersive journey as you feel the breeze while discovering riverside satoyama landscapes, farmlands, traditional farmhouses, and shrines.
• “Soba × Honeybee” Experience: Learning Food Cycles Soba farming is distinctive to satoyama, cultivated specifically for honeybees to gather nectar. Discover the work of bees among the flowers, then hand-knead soba noodles from buckwheat flour and enjoy them. This program offers a unique chance to understand the natural connections behind the act of “receiving” food.
• Learn the Story of Sonobe Castle, “Japan's Last Castle,” On-Site Erected during the Bakumatsu to Meiji periods, it is Japan's most recent castle. Explore existing structures such as the yagura gate and guardhouse, and delve into the atmosphere of this tumultuous era and local history through a picture-story-book approach.
• Learn about the “God of Food” at Makiji Shrine, a treasure trove of cultural assets Pay respects to Ōmisamitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, the deity of agriculture and food, at this historic shrine listed in the Engishiki, which features one of the largest thatched roofs in Kyoto Prefecture. This is a valuable opportunity to uncover the roots of satoyama food culture through “myth and prayer.”
• Zazen meditation at an ancient temple founded in the Muromachi period—Experience Kyoto's “beauty of stillness” Zazen at Ryōon-ji Temple provides a moment to clear your mind as the journey comes to a close. Surrounded by nature across the four seasons and enveloped in quiet, this experience truly embodies the essence of the “Japanese spirit.”

Itinerary

• Sonobe Station Arrival & Orientation
• Kamishibai Guide at Sonobe Castle(10 minutes)
• Soba-Making Experience & Lunch at the Former Maki Elementary School(120 minutes)
• Honey Experience(30 minutes)
• Visiting Makigami Shrine(15 minutes)
• Zazen Experience at Ryuonji Temple(90 minutes)
• Closing and dispersal at Sonobe Station

Price Details

Included

• Guide
• Lunch
• Experience fees
• Bicycle

Not included

• Round-trip transportation
• Souvenirs

Important Information

Course Notes

・Age range: 12 to 70 years old

Participants must be junior high school age or older and able to ride a bicycle. A consent form will be sent individually; a signed document from a legal guardian must be submitted on the day.

・This program includes E-Bike transportation, hill riding, and zazen meditation at temples, making it non-barrier-free.

Participants with concerns about walking or bicycle operation cannot join.

・Must be able to ride an E-Bike (no impediments to bicycle operation)

・Wear comfortable clothing and cold-weather gear

・Skirts and tights are not permitted for the zazen experience

・Bring a raincoat in case of rain

・Cannot participate if feeling unwell (e.g., body temperature 37.5°C or higher)

※ Honey extraction experience is available only from May to August 15th. During other periods, experience the centrifuge and honey purification process.

※ Not available on event days at Ryunji Temple, the zazen hall.

Purchase Notice

• This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
• You can customize it as you like. If you have any requests please let us know in advance.
• If you want to change your schedule even on the tour day, your guide is always happy to help you.
• You can skip the spot where you don't go (※in this case we do not refund any fees) or change it with another place.
• If you add some new spots by your request, please pay the ticket fee on the spot. (Note that you may need to pay extra transportation fee)

This product is sponsored by loulou Trading Co., Ltd.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 7 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 1 and 6 day(s) before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee