See Miyama’s Thatched Village Glow: Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lanterns (Yukitōrō):
Tucked in rural Kyoto, Kayabuki no Sato (Miyama’s thatched village) turns into a quietly glowing hamlet each winter. Beginning in 2026, the beloved Snow Lantern Festival (Yukitōrō) is officially reintroduced as Miyama’s Thatched Village Winter Lantern Festival, reflecting variable snowfall in recent years. Expect a soft, nostalgic light-up across real thatched farmhouses—this is a living village, not a theme park.
2026 at a Glance
- Dates: Jan 19 (Mon)–Jan 23 (Fri), 2026
- Illumination: 17:00–19:00
- Food stalls: 15:00–19:00 daily
- Special notes: No fireworks or snow-lantern-making this year; parking is by advance reservation for all vehicles.
Why Go
The village is an Important Preservation District with 39 thatched houses, many dating 150–220 years. Seeing them lit by lanterns in midwinter is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric night scenes.
What You’ll See
The festival uses around 80 street lanterns and 200 LED lanterns to paint warm light along lanes and roofs. On Jan 21 (Wed), look for mochi-pounding with zenzai and traditional dance at the shrine, conditions permitting.
Getting There
From Kyoto (public transport):
Sagano (San-in) Line to JR Hiyoshi Station, then Nantan City Bus to Kita (Kayabuki-no-Sato). Note that there’s no late return bus—the last bus departs at 18:25, while the light-up runs until 19:00. Plan to join a tour, drive, or stay nearby.
By Car:
About 80 minutes from central Kyoto. Roads are narrow and can be icy; reserve and pay for official parking in advance (no street/temporary lots).
Easiest Option:
Skip night-bus logistics—go with a guided coach: VELTRA day trip from Osaka
Tickets & Parking
Walking in the village is free, but parking requires advance reservation for every date and vehicle. Follow the official guidance; there’s no taxi drop-off zone—use the event lot only.
Best Time & Photo Tips
- Be in position for blue hour (just after 17:00) for cobalt skies and lantern glow.
- Avoid blocked paths and residents’ gates; step off-trail photography isn’t allowed.
- Icy surfaces are common—bring traction footwear and hand warmers. (The event runs in low-snow years under the “Winter Lanterns” concept.)
Respect & Safety
You’re walking through a real neighborhood: stay on paths, keep voices low, and follow signage. Drones are prohibited.
Nearby Highlights (pair your trip)
Pop into the Miyama Folk Museum and the Little Indigo Museum earlier in the day, both a short walk from the main lanes.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-day by car from Kyoto: Arrive ~15:30 → reserve/park → explore museums → snacks at stalls → lanterns 17:00–19:00 → return.
Guided day trip: Coach pickup (Osaka) → countryside sightseeing → festival evening → comfortable return by bus.Reserve on VELTRA.
Overnight: Stay in Miyama/Nantan for dawn photography without crowds; buses are limited at night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
BRB, Chasing Lanterns in Miyama
When lantern light hits those thatched rooftops, Miyama feels straight out of a folktale—quiet, golden, and a little unreal. If you want a winter memory that isn’t just city lights, this is it. Lock in your ride, layer up, and give yourself time to wander the lanes before blue hour. The easiest move? Hop on a guided coach so you can enjoy the glow without stressing about the last bus or icy roads.
