Shooting film photography in San Francisco

 

 

 This last Spring, I was meeting with some of my friends, who are also working on creative projects. Before, because we had so much in common, we loosely called ourselves the Akira Group; and because it was inspired by a very cool artist friend of ours by the same name.

On this Saturday in the Mission, me hommies were helping me with creating my Tokyo Photo book.  Ryan Okamura, was starting to practice his sewing skills, cause' he's getting psyched to create his own clothing lines.

Jeorge, is also a street photographer, in his own right, loves the color of film photography and urban landscape, and does many of his own design projects.  He kinda digs comic books like me. He's a co-founder of The Sweetest Hangover parties.  You can check them out on Facebook. 

I guess you could call this kind of getting together to help one another with our creative projects team work. I believe that is the key ingredient fundamental to the success of all of us in this group.
 Later that afternoon, we went to BK and had some burgers being promoted by the Dark Night, or some kind of movie studio give away..

Re-introducting San Francisco teaching service & photo tours

This week in San Francisco, I am reaching out through the different social networking sites, such as Facebook, Linked-In & OkCupid, to connect with people who would like to learn about photography, take SF Bay Area photo tours, and/or have their photo portrait taken.

I have been already talking to many people who seem to wish for these services, and it's time to step up and offer them these products and services

I look forward to the chance to work with some of these folks, and possible even resume my old post as community photo teacher at the new/old 'Wolf Camera' -- that is now Mike's Camera, located in the Church and  Market shopping center. Come this Fall, they may need another photography teacher.

Inari Neko

Just returned from Japan, after working with my friend and counter-part, Algis Tamosaitis.  We set out to go to Japan, to further our Photography & Travel businesses. In Inari, we met the 'king of the temple', this cat.  He seemed to look over us, to make sure we continue on our professional and creative paths.

Fushimi Inari-taisha

'Machya Boom'

Things to see and do in Modern day Kyoto -- and some

cultural aspects to explore to make our trip a more interesting

I'm currently spending the last part of November editing the trip itinerary and logistics for my client and I hope to have it done by this Friday, so he can have the most recent material to up date his web site and be ready to market it to his clients during the month of December.  Hopefully we can get enough customers to make the tour happen and also get my comrade over to Japan in the first place. He really wants to experience Japan first hand. Also I hope to make this an entree point for me to do more photo tours in other parts of Asia as well. Below are a few contemporary subjects about modern day Kyoto that I wish to research and blog about.  Hopefully, by fully-understanding these nuances of being in Kyoto today, I can be prepared to deliver a tour which explores the antiquity of Old Japan, and explores the newness of changing trends in Japan. That's what makes Japan such a fascinating place, whether your in Tokyo or Kyoto.

update --

I would like this trip to Kyoto to be a good mixture of things, classic Japan, to new things, experiencing the spring cherry blossoms, to going to a remote Japanese Island setting, to enjoying a Japanese hot spring, all the while learning about photography and how to get the best shot by Future Light Digital's capable instructors

Be lead around Japan's cultural capital where you will see...

-- doing a little light research on Kyoto and study of basic Japanese to stay in shape for the trip coming up in the Spring

if you really want to get close to a Geisha they can be contracted through a high-end agency or hotel -- for a photo shoot or something like that

-- for more on the Geisha check pg 166 Lonely Planet guide book

'Machya Boom' happening in Kyoto

  -- this is the trend that tea shops have become a cool form of relaxed entertainment or atmosphere to enjoy modern Kyoto 

-- would like to do more research on the internet about this to create our own experience when we are in Kyoto

 Cool Japan in Kyoto

Nishijin District
Kyoto's weaving district. Nishijin is home to the thickest concentration of Machiya (traditional town-houses)


Temples and Shrines of Kyoto
-- the most popular temples and shrines of Kyoto are A, B & C
-- but these more remote places I've heard would be fun to visit to, as told to me by Tomoaki, for example

update --

Temples & Shrines
  Nanzen-Ji is a world of Zen temples and sub temples scattered amid the trees, Ginkaku-ji, the famous 'Silver Pavilion boasts one of Kyoto's finest gardens, Honen-in, a secluded retreat from the crowds of Ginkaku-ji, Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple that looks like a post card when you arrive there


Cherry Blossom Festival or O-hanami
-- best time to experience the cherry blossoms is last March or early April although there are plenty of mini-blossom periods spread through out the Spring


Gardens
Ryoan-ji, Japan's most famous Zen garden.  Tofuku-ji, is an abstract expressionist garden like no other in Kyoto, and happens to be one of Kyoto's most beautiful. Heian-jingu, the gardens behind the shinto shrine are worth the trip -- especially to see when the cherries bloom in April

*had better spend some time researching the gardens section, because these might give way to some of the better places to view cheery blossoms

Kyoto Botanical Gardens,The cherries are stunning in bloom here as well. Ginkaku-ji , the gardens at the 'Silver Pavilion' had it all; luxuriant moss, bamboo forest, waterfalls, ponds and maples turn crimson in November. Sento Gosho, while Katsura Rikyu gets most of the attention, the rolling greenery of this walled paradise is nice too.

Kasura Rikyu Imperial Villa
The garden at this detached palace is sublime. For fans of Japanese gardens, a pilgrimage here is a must. *

Murin-an
Charming little pocket-type garden is quite quaint.

Okochi-sanso Villa
Wander the paths and admire the views over the city, the maple leads and the wonderful hidden contemplative corners of the Arashiyama villa.

Saijo-ji
'Koke-dera' means 'Moss Temple' and this place more than lives up to its name.

Japanese Theater
Minami-Za
 (Kabuki) is a visual spectacle like none other, and Minami-za, Kyoto's main kabuki theater, is the place to see it.

Miyado Odori,
Held in April, this is the grandest of all Kyoto Geisha dances. If you're in town, ensure that you do not miss it.

Kyo Odori
The Miyagawa-cho geisha district holds their dance in April and it's also a must-see affair.

Kitano Odori
Held up north in the Kamishicken  geisha district every April, this a quaint and touching dance.

Gion Odori
The only major geisha dance held in the autumn (November), this is put on by the Gion Higashi geisha district

*these were the most important, or must see's of Japanese theatre and dance events or districts with mentioning --

Museums
Kyoto National Museum, Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto International Manga Museum

*main Kyoto museums worth consideration, if that is what anyone wants to do.  When I took my last client, Algis to Tokyo, the last thing he wanted to do was spend his travel time walking through a big dark museum, (even though something like spending a little time, an afternoon, say in the Edo Museum can place the place your visiting into a proper historic context), getting guided by middle aged women who weren't having sex, as he put it. We opted for seeing and doing, rather than going to museums.

The same thing could be said about spending too much time in the Churches of Europe, or the Temples and Shrines of Japan, but it's hard to get away from the beauty and necessity of experiencing the grandeur of what Kyoto has to offer in this area, and since, Kyoto is considered the religious and spiritual capital of Japan, (although nature is highly regard by the Japanese, and a cultural value is to place the natural beauty of Japan, over man-made monuments), in order to experience the true essence of Kyoto, one needs to spend some time in the Temples, Shrines and Gardens of that place. Nature is often intricately intertwined into the architecture and some of the best photographs are going to come from spending some time in the places.

One special bonus, is that this tour is happening during one of the most spectacular time of the Cherry Blossom season -- (more on this later)

Food & Drink
 something something about the importance of noodles to this culture, Haute cuisine in Kaiseki speciality, cold soba noodles with Tempura in a quaint little shack in Gion, Japanese style gyoza at Ippudo, going to the Nishi night Market, which is considered the 'Kitchen of Kyoto' or Kyoto Daidokoro, where you get to see all the wild and wonderful things that go into Kyoto cuisine, and there ever-present sushi that one can experience in a very fun a and affordable way at Kaiten Zushi places, that are abound in both Tokyo & Kyoto

Markets
Nishiki Market, Kyoto's main downtown food market, is a must see attraction, there are plenty of souvenir  shops scattered amongst the food shops. Tenji-san, held on the 25th of each month at the Kitano Tenmangu, there are always treasures hidden amount the bric-a-brac, Kobo-san, held on the 21st of each month at To-ji, is a good market for used kimono and antiques, Chion-ji Tezukuri-ichi, Tezukuri means 'handmade' and that's what you'll find on the 15th of every month

Scenic Strolls
Daimonji-yama
There is no finer walk in the city than the 30-minute climb to the viewpoint above Ginkaku-ji in Northern Higashiyama

Kuruma
The climb to the mountain temple of Kurama-dera is a classic (continue to Kibune if possible)

Fushimi-Inari Taisha
Paths  lined with torii (Shinto shrine gates) criss-cross this mountain shrine in Southeast Kyoto. The walking here is great.

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
If you prefer your strolling  on the flash, the broad arcades of Kyoto's Central Park are just the ticket.

Kamo-gawa Riverbank
Make like a local and take your morning or evening constitutional on the banks of Kyoto's main river.

Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi)
We've saved the best for last: the stroll along this canal in Northern Higashiyama is beautiful in any season.

Traditional Architecture 
Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa
Connoisseurs often rank this as the finest example of Japanese traditional architecture. Join a tour and judge for yourself

*check into specific Kyoto tours such as a Japanese Architecture tour, or a general city walking tour, neighborhood by neighborhood, etc.

Okochi-sanso Villa
Perched on a hillside overlooking Arashiyama and Kyoto, this traditional house is the stuff of dreams. The yards are spectacular.

Byodo-in
One of the few extant temples of Heian Era architecture, Byodo-in will make you wish that a lot more survived.

Gion District
Head to the preserved streets of this entertainment district: Hanami-Koji and Shimbashi. Both are lined with lovely traditional wooden buildings.

Nishijin District
Kyoto's weaving district. Nishijin is home to the thickest concentration of Machiya (traditional town-houses)

Every day life kind of stuff
"insider experience' to Japanese life

Kyoto tour logistics

tea house in Japan

1. airfare

2. hotels

3. inner Japan travel

4. food & special food events as well

5. onsen and day trip costs

  *includes busses and trains

  -- the possibility of 

6. tour guide and special even tickets

example of last Tour plan logistics:

Tokyo logistics

Narita Airport

• flight to Japan from USA -- airfare -- 750 - 800. $

• Narita Express: getting to and from Narita  -- 4,000 ¥  (roughly 40. $)

Tokyo

• Island of Ise - bus tour package for 2 days 1 night -- 25,000 ¥ ( 250. $ including food, hotel and bus trip) 

• Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabera, Harajuku -- urban Pop experience of Tokyo -- evening, morning visits, customers on their own for meals and snacks

• Asakusa, Ueno, Shibamaki -- old Edo-ko part of Tokyo -- afternoon visits, specific traditional Japanese points of interest to see & photograph, high historical value

• enjoying Sushi in the night area of Tokyo  --  up to 13,000 ¥ for all inclusive meal or basic katsu curry dish cost 750-900. $ (7-10. $)

• early morning trip to Tsukiji - to see how the fish mongers sell fish to sushi restaurant owners -- train trip from our hotel in Okenomisando (centrally located) to Mongoyaki town (south of Ginza) subway ticket - 800-900 ¥ (roughly 10. $)

Inter Kanto area train travel ticket(s) or pass  -- 10, 20, 35 $ passes (depending on the Tokyo rail company we go with)

near Tokyo

• Kamakura -- important buddhist temple and interesting coastal vacation spot-- highly available from the Tokyo area  (day trip) -- (major scenic trips leave from Shinjuku and Tokyo station)

• Hakone  -- experience natural wonders and get to take Japanese style Onsen (day trip)

• Nikko -- famous shinto shrine and best place to view and photograph Koyo in the Fall (over night) -- JTB travel agency tour package 250. $ (all inclusive)

 Okenomisando (centrally located) Hotel (lodging): 80,000 ¥ a night (roughly 75-80. $)

New Kyoto Travel options

Inari

Web links list:

Tours by Locals in Kyoto area

http://www.toursbylocals.com/Kyoto-Tours?gclid=CPGCsoj16rMCFaU5QgodCH4AmQ

AJT Best Tour of Japan - featuring the Spring Blossoms

http://www.alljapantours.com/go-tour.php?tp=GTN0759717

The Imperial Palace

http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html

Heian Juingu Shrine

http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index_e.html

Inari

http://inari.jp

San Jusan Gendo

http://sanjusangendo.jp/index.html

Kyoto Keisei Cuisine place

http://www.kyoto-okakita.com

Kyoto Soba restaurant

http://www.sobaya-nicolas.com

comments:

OK, Paul-san,

I am  going to look through your itinerary in detail on the weekend, but
will tell you my first opinion.

1, I think Gifu is too far from Kyoto and Osaka.
   It is almost halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto.
   Also there are many "Onsen" everywhere in Japan, I am sure we can find equally nice location
   and traditional Ryokan closer to Kyoto and Osaka.
  Actually I have some places in my mind, will check them and choose which is best for your tour.

2, It might be possible to go to Ise area, but is better to spend two days( one night) there.
   Actually Ise was a first two days school trip place for elementary school students in Kobe when I was a kid.
  You might be able to go and back for one day, but you need time to see and go around, right?

Talk to you again soon.

Masami

• Tomoaki Takeshita
  

  
  

  even though these websites are written by Japanese, I think You can figure out each restauraunt.

  and Best season of Cherriy Brossom is around (March 25th to April 7th)

  I am not sure when each shrine will hold light up event of chrry brossom on night.
  but it is same season as I stated above.
• 

  6:00pm
  

  Tomoaki Takeshita
  

  
  

  I personally reccomend shrine which are Sanjusangendo
  http://sanjusangendo.jp/index.html

moe comments

Konbanwa! Paul-Franklin san,

Have you seen this website?
I saw about it on TV tonight.
I can recommend "Kinosaki" onsen for you.
It is very famous and popular among Japanese (especially Kansai people) and you can see
old-fashioned onsen town and it is not very far from Kyoto.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3525.html

*keeping in mind existing Itinerary & Brad's work on it, logistics & Japan Tour helpers' advice 

Kyoto 'working' Itinerary

Kyoto Travel Outline for Brad

Tour dates: 10 days, March 28 - April 4

considerations

Kyoto,Nara, Osaka,are 'must sees', so having 2-3 day trips with another day for travel and flex time, puts you at about 5 days for Kyoto 3 days for day trips, and 2 days for airport transit and getting set up in hotels. 

Brad wants to se Ise Island, so we should accommodate that, if he still would like to go, and count it as one of the day trips. So it go like this:  4-5 days in Kyoto, 2-3 Nara, Osaka &  Ise Island, and 2 days for airport travel.

Gifu is known as one of the premiere Onsen district in all of Japan, so I'm not sure if it is a good idea of trying to make it a destination point off the beat and path, I was hoping to that there would be an equally nice location closer by Kyoto to enjoy relaxing taking an Onsen and staying in the traditional Japanese Inn, called a Ryokan.

I still think that it would be a nice way to end the trip to stay at Ryokan or at least go to an Onsen Japanese bath house.

Mom mentioned that she went to Ise Island and that she got her pearls there.  She says it's a really lovely Japanesy place. She recalls, getting their from Osaka. It might still be worth looking into to see if would be feasible to fit that trip in.  Brad did show some interest in that place from the very beginning. I would like to accommodate that in the planning stages if it is at possible.

introduction

Welcome to the Kyoto Photo Tour, brought to you by Future Light Digital. This Tour is about experiencing the old capital of Kyoto, Japan, and getting to see it during the high-time of the cherry Blossom Festival. One of the really unique things about traveling to Japan, is that  you get to see a country steeped in tradition and history, but also a people that embraces the modern. So going to Kyoto with us you will see a fascinating cultural mixture of old and new. 

Some of the things, that are most interesting about Kyoto is the architecture, and we will take you to see some very well-preserved temples and shrines. As well, there are some fantastic night markets, called the Kyoto Kitchen "Daidokoro", where you will get to feel the ancientness of Japan.  Plus, Japanese have created a food or cuisine that is like no other, and the art and flavors of the speciality are exhibited in the ceremonial food of Keiseki Riori; which is a kind of Japanese haute cuisine.

And one of the more interesting aspects of Kyoto is the accessible nature of the wondering walks, up and down the back streets ,where you may find some little izakaya (traditional restaurant) or shrine, or a noodle shop that entices with zesty smells and the freshness of the food that you're seeing.

Actual Itinerary

Airport travel day 

Fly in from your USA destination, Brad and Paul will greet you at the Kansai Airport, and then take you into Kyoto to get checked into the hotel. (maybe stay in Downtown or Northwest part of Kyoto)

section 1 Southern Higashiyama -- Kyoto day 1

morning/breakfast: provided by hotel, or a spot near by the Inn

Start your Kyoto experience by heading into the city's most important (and popular)  sightseeing district: Southern Higashiyama . This Area contains the thickets concentration of worthwhile sights in Kyoto. List of main sight seeing places you will see: Tainai-meguri, Kiyomaizu-dera, Kasagi-ya, Ishibei-koji (possibly have Masami comment on these, or Paul can write a little 2-3 page paragraph description of the morning spent in Southern Higashiyama), Kodai-ji, Maruyama-koen, Yaseka-jinja, Chion-In, Shoren-in

Hight lights of route: offers 'a variety of hills, to climb, Temples along the way, and small back lanes to explore, in Southern Higashiyama'

lunch: eat at a restaurant  on Sanen-zaka, Ninen-zaka, or Sanjo-dori

afternoon - Northern Higashiyama 

If you have the energy after lunch , continue heading north along the base of the Higashiyama mountains. Start at Nanzen-ji and fallow the Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaka-no-Michi) all the way to Ginkaku-ji, stopping at the Honen-in along the way. List of main sight seeing places you will see: Konchi-in, Nanzen-ji, Kotoku-an, Nanzen-ji, Oku-no-in, Eikan-do, Hinode Udon, Path of Philosophy, Honen-in, Ginkaku-ji.

Neighborhood walk, 'A Philosophical Meander'

diner: Omen, a fabulous noodle restaurant, close to Ginkakuji

evening - Downtown Kyoto

After dinner, head back to your lodgings (which may very well be located in Downtown Kyoto).  You'll probably be pretty walked out if you've done both Southern and Northern Higashiyama in one day, so a short amble around the streets of Downtown Kyoto will be probably be sufficient to round out this day.

section 2 Arashiyama & Sagano -- Kyoto day 2

morning/breakfast: provided by hotel, or a spot near by the Inn

After exploring the Higashiyama on Day One, you'll want to head west to the Arashiyama & Sagano district ,which has a dense concentration of first-rate sights. The typical route involves starting at Tenryu-ji and working your way north to Gio-ji or Adashino Nembutsu-ji. List of main sight seeing places you will see: 'Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kameyama-koen, Okochi-sanso Villa, Jojakko-ji, Rakushisha, Nison-in,Takiguchi-dera, Gio-ji, Adashino Nembutsu-ji, Atago Torii, Hiranoya

Quality of the walk you will experience, 'Ambling Through Bamboo Groves & Temples'

lunch: Eat near Keifuku Arashiyama Station or along the route at Komichi

afternoon - Northwest Kyoto

It makes sense to stay on the west side of town in the afternoon of this day. Take a taxi or bus from the end of the morning's route or lunch stop to Kinkaku-ji and/or Ryoan-ji. If you still have energy to burn, you can check out Myoshin-ji late in the afternoon.

dinner: Head back to downtown to eat near your lodgings 

evening - Downtown Kyoto

Like Day One, this is a pretty big day, with a fair bit of transport, so you probably won't feel like doing too much walking on this evening. Again, recommended is some strolling around Downtown Kyoto. The atmospheric lane of Pontochi is a great place to wonder, as is Kiyamachi-dori, particularly the stretch between Shijo-dori and Gojo-dori.

section 3 Southeast Kyoto -- Kyoto day 3

You'll probably be feeling like a break from the crowds about now. For this reason we suggest heading to Southeast Kyoto. Here, you'll find two absolutely ripping attractions: Tofuku-ji (don't forget to enter the Hojo Garden) and Fushimi-Inari-Taisha, Kyoto's mind-blowing Shinto sanctuary. 

lunch: There's not much to eat near the above, so head downtown

afternoon - Downtown Kyoto

After exploring Southeast Kyoto in the morning and eating lunch downtown, it makes sense to spend the afternoon exploring Downtown Kyoto and perhaps doing some shopping. Be sure to take a pass through the wonderful Nishiki Market, then visit one of the awesome 'deppa-chika' (department store basement food floors) and nearby Daimaru or Takashimaya department stores. Then, walk through the Teramachi Shopping Arcade. When the covered section runs out, keep following Teramachi as far as Marutamachi-dori (the last few blocks contain some of Kyoto's best traditional shops.

dinner: Eat dinner downtown or across the river in Gion.

evening - Gion District

This day involves less walking than the preceding two, so it's a great day to do the Gion evening walking tour -- this includes sites likeYasaka-jinja, Tatsumi-bashi bridge, Tatsumi shrine, Ozawa, Issen Yoshoku, Minami-za, Pontocho, and if one is interested they can take in an cultural performance at the Gion Kobu Kaburen-jo theater.

also known as 'Night Walk Through the Floating World'

section 4 Kitayama Area -- Kyoto day 4

Today's the day to step off the beaten track and immerse yourself in some greenery. Heading north into the Kitayama  (Northern Mountains) is the perfect way to relax after three days of urban sightseeing. Heading to Kurama and hiking over the hill and down the Kibune is one of the best day trips out of the city. Other options might include Ohara or Takao.

lunch: Eat in Kurama. Kibune or Ohara

(pack a lunch for Takao)

afternoon - Central Kyoto 

If you spend the morning in the Kitayama, you will probably return to Kyoto city in the early afternoon. If this is your last day in the city, you might want to spend the remainder of the day shopping for souvenirs in Downtown Kyoto. But if you still have the energy for sightseeing, you might consider visiting the enclosed Zen world of Daitoku-ji. Other options include Nijo-jo or a stroll in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park.

dinner: eat dinner downtown or across the river in Gion

evening - Downtown or Gion

If you haven't  done it yet, try the Gion evening walking tour. Otherwise, find a bar downtown and rub shoulders with the locals as you reminisce about your time in the Old Capital.

section 5  Gifu Ryokan & Onsen spa

At the end of this tour, we will be staying in a traditional Ryokan, and enjoying a Japanese bath in Gifu.  This is the best way to finish up a pack-full week of touring in a relaxing manner before you catch your flight back stateside

Airport travel day 

take airport shuttle back to Kansai Airport where you will take your flight back to USA, or stay a little longer and explore Japan on your own

Closing

Hopefully, on this Future LIght Digital tour of Kyoto Japan, you will have experienced Japan, culture, the arts, great food, camaraderie, some rather amusing guides, picked up some helpful photography tips, and taken some of your own great travel photographs from Japan.  The Japanese are quite an accommodating and friendly people, they are really proud of their culture and land, and wish to share it with you,  so you might even make some new friends on this trip.

Day Trips --  to choose from and intersperse within the 4 Kyoto travel days

day trip 1 Nara

Thirty minutes away from Kyoto by express train. Nara boasts a compact collection of truly first-rate sights. Because we are going to be in Kyoto for longer than 4 days, Nara is a must!

list of sights:  Nandai-mon, Daibutsu-den (great buddha) on of the largest bronze figures in the world, Nigatsu-do, Sangatsu-do, Isui-en garden, Kasuga Taisha temple and Nara National Museum. Interesting also is all the deer that congregate near the main square near the Daibtusu, they are very aggressive! 

day trip 2 Osaka

A short train trip from Kyoto. Osaka is a great place to see modern Japan and all of its hyperkinetic intensity. If you aren't going to be in Tokyo consider a trip to Osaka.

list of sights: Osaka-jo (Osaka's most popular attraction is a massive Castle created by Toyotomi Hideyoshi), Dotombori (is Osaka's liveliest night life, get to see Osaka's sub cultures in action, and eat one of Osakan's most favorite cuisine, okonomiyaki), and enjoy the general Osakan sense of humor and Japan's key merchant culture. Kyoto is the cultural capital, Tokyo the old Edo Capital and center of government.

day trip 3 Ise Island

main sights to see:  Tamaya 'Kawasaki Kawaii district is interesting, Nikodoshiten, where there are plenty of good places to eat; including some fabulous Udon, and the main attraction Ise-Jingu, is one of the most venerated and picturesque Shinto Shringes in Japan. Daiki, with one of the most famous restaurants in Japan, has some of the best sea food in Japan.

going to Ise Island looks like a totally feasible day trip from Kyoto and would only take an hour and half to get there and there definitely seems like some really interesting things to see and do there and it appears to have some unusually good dining options there too.

day trip 4 Miyama-cho (another possible day trip)

If you want to see rural Japan (thatched-roof cottages etc.), hire a car or bus and head to these villages in the mountains north of the city