A remote area in the mountains to the north of central Kyoto, Miyama is home to the traditional thatched roof (kayabuki) farmhouses of which over 200 can be seen here. Unlike those found in many other historic landmarks, the majority of Miyama old houses survive as residential dwellings until today. The villages embrace the nostalgic, authentic feel of rural Japan.

The main attraction in Miyama is Kayabuki no Sato, which features nearly 40 kayabuki farmhouses. Visitors can stroll around and learn more about the history of the village with local guide. Most buildings are privately owned and not open to the public, and one of the exceptions is the Kayabuki no Sato Folk Museum – where traditional tools and daily household items from past decades are displayed. Another place is Little Indigo Museum, a thatched roof building which has been converted into and indigo dyeing studio and gallery. The remaining open-to-public places are local minshuku, café and souvenir shops.