Ohara is a tranquil rural village in the mountains north of Kyoto, about an hour (20 kilometers) from Kyoto Station by bus. In addition to several fine temples, the village is perfect for leisurely strolling.
Ohara countryside village
Ohara Area Description
Sandwiched between the Hira-san-kei Mountains to the east and the Kitayama Mountains to the west, Ohara is a lovely valley that retains some of the rural charm that many visitors to Japan seek. The highlight is the superb Sanzen-in Temple, but there are also several smaller temples scattered about.
Ohara Highlights
Things To Do And See In Ohara
- Sanzen-in Temple
Sanzen-in is easily one of the best daytrips out of Kyoto – a superb collection of Buddhist images hidden up in the hills north of the city.
- Jakko-in
Ohara’s second major attraction is the intimate temple of Jakko-in, which is reached by an impossibly scenic walk through the traditional village of Ohara.
Recommended Accommodation In Ohara
Places To Stay In Ohara
- Japanese Ryokan Seryo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Seryo is a beautiful ryokan located just outside the main gate of Sanzen-in Temple in the picturesque village of Ohara, 30 minutes north of Kyoto by bus or taxi. It’s a fantastic place to sample the ryokan experience without having to travel far. - Minshuku Ohara Sanso
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay in the countryside, but within easy striking distance of Kyoto, you’ll be very happy at Ohara Sanso, up in the quaint village of Ohara.
Top Activities In Kyoto
Getting To Ohara
- By bus from Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto bus #17 or #18 (one hour, ¥580). Note: board a tan Kyoto bus, not a green Kyoto city bus.
- By bus from Sanjo-Keihan Station: Take Kyoto bus #16 or #17 (45 minutes, ¥470). Note: board a tan Kyoto bus, not a green Kyoto city bus.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
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About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
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