This quiet and tiny village sits on the eastern edge of Miyama-chō, off Rte 38 (take the turning after descending from Sasari-tōge pass). The main attraction is a 4200-hectare virgin forest to the east of the village. Administered by Kyoto University’s Department of Agriculture, this is about the only remaining virgin forest in Kansai. Hiking trails enter the forest from above the stone hut at Sarari-tōge pass and from Ashiu, at the bottom of the pass (note that you should register at the office in Ashiu before entering the forest).
The most basic walk follows old train tracks along the undammed Yura-gawa River. More involved hikes continue beyond the tracks up the river or up side valleys. If you intend to do serious hiking here, grab a copy of Shobunsha’s Yama-to-Kogen Kitayama map at a Kyoto bookshop.
