The Serene Beauty of Kyoto's Countryside

• Helloこんにちは
  [kon-ni-chi-wa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sa-yo-u-na-ra]
• Yesはい
  [ha-i]
• Noいいえ
  [i-i-e]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [do-u-zo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [a-ri-ga-to-u go-za-i-ma-su]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [su-mi-ma-se-n]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [o-ge-n-ki de-su ka]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [ge-n-ki de-su. a-na-ta wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [e-i-go o ha-na-se-ma-su ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wa-ka-ri-ma-se-n]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [me-ni-u o mi-se-te ku-da-sa-i]
• I don't eat meat肉を食べません
  [ni-ku o ta-be-ma-se-n]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [kan-pai]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [o-kai-ke-i o o-ne-ga-i shi-ma-su]

• Help!助けて！
  [ta-su-ke-te]
• Go away!去ってください！
  [sa-t-te ku-da-sa-i]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [ke-i-sa-tsu o yo-n-de]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [i-sha o yo-n-de]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [mi-chi ni ma-ya-t-te i-ma-su]
• I'm ill病気です
  [byo-u-ki de-su]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [ka-i-ta-i de-su...]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [mi-te-ru da-ke de-su]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [i-ku-ra de-su ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [so-re wa ta-ka-su-gi-ma-su]
• Can you lower the price?値下げしてもらえますか？
  [ne-sa-ge shi-te mo-ra-e-ma-su ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [i-ma na-n-ji de-su ka?]
• It's one o'clock1時です
  [i-chi-ji de-su]
• Half past (10)10時半です
  [ju-u-ji ha-n de-su]
• Morning朝
  [a-sa]
• Afternoon昼
  [hi-ru]
• Evening夕方
  [yu-u-ga-ta]
• Yesterday昨日
  [ki-n-o-u]
• Today今日
  [kyo-u]
• Tomorrow明日
  [a-shi-ta]
• 1一
  [i-chi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [sa-n]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [ro-ku]
• 7七
  [na-na]
• 8八
  [ha-chi]
• 9九
  [ku]
• 10十
  [ju-u]

• Where's a/the...?…はどこですか？
  [... wa do-ko de-su ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [ju-u-sho wa na-n de-su ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [chi-zu de mi-se-te mo-ra-e-ma-su ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [tsu-gi no (ba-su) wa i-tsu de-su ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)チケット（…まで）
  [chi-ke-t-to (... ma-de)]

The Kyoto countryside is steeped in history that dates back thousands of years. Archaeological finds suggest that the area was inhabited by the Jomon people, known for their pottery, as early as 10,000 BCE. These early settlers laid the groundwork for the rich culture that would develop in the region.

During the Heian Period (794-1185), Kyoto became the capital of Japan, and its countryside flourished as well. Aristocrats and nobles built expansive estates and temples in the surrounding areas, contributing to the cultural and architectural richness that defines the region. Notable temples such as Byodoin in Uji, constructed in 998, are remnants of this era.

In the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and subsequent Muromachi Period (1336-1573), Kyoto's countryside saw the rise of samurai culture. Castles were built, including the famous Kameyama Castle in Kameoka. These fortresses were not only military bases but also centers of governance and culture, influencing local agriculture and trade.

The Edo Period (1603-1868) brought relative peace and stability to Japan, allowing the Kyoto countryside to thrive agriculturally. The construction of the Tokaido road facilitated trade and travel, and the area became known for its high-quality tea and silk production. Villages such as Wazuka became famous for their tea plantations, a tradition that continues to this day.

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked a period of rapid modernization and industrialization for Japan. The Kyoto countryside saw significant changes, including the introduction of modern farming techniques and the construction of railways. Despite these advancements, the region managed to preserve much of its traditional charm and historical sites.

During World War II, the Kyoto countryside was relatively spared from the extensive bombing that other parts of Japan experienced. However, the post-war period brought challenges as Japan rebuilt its economy. The area saw a resurgence in tourism, with people flocking to its historical sites, scenic beauty, and traditional crafts.

Today, the Kyoto countryside is a harmonious blend of past and present. Efforts to preserve its historical and cultural assets have been successful, resulting in numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Festivals such as the annual tea-picking festival in Wazuka and the fire rituals at Kurama-dera Temple attract visitors from around the world, keen to experience the timeless traditions of this storied region.

The Kyoto countryside can be accessed from Kyoto city, which is well-connected by train from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. From Kyoto Station, local trains and buses will take you to various towns and villages in the countryside. The JR Sagano Line is popular for reaching scenic areas such as Arashiyama. Alternatively, you can rent a car to explore more remote areas at your own pace.

Public transportation in the Kyoto countryside includes trains, buses, and taxis. The JR lines and local buses connect most towns and villages. Renting a bicycle is also a great way to explore smaller areas. For more freedom, consider renting a car. Note that rural areas may have limited public transport options, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is still king, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which accept international cards. Make sure to have enough cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

The Kyoto countryside is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it is always advisable to take standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but being aware of your surroundings and staying in well-lit areas at night is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or medical assistance. Most towns have police stations and medical facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. For non-Japanese speakers, seeking help at larger hospitals in Kyoto city may be more effective.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and modest clothing, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Avoid flashy or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs; bow when entering shrines and remove shoes when required. Public Transport: Do queue patiently and keep noise to a minimum. Don't speak loudly or use your phone on trains. Greetings: Do bow slightly as a sign of respect. Saying 'Konnichiwa' (hello) is polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and always say 'Itadakimasu' before eating and 'Gochisousama' after finishing. Don't leave food uneaten as it is considered wasteful.

To experience Kyoto countryside like a local, participate in seasonal festivals and visit local onsens (hot springs). Try traditional crafts like pottery in towns such as Kameoka. Visit local markets for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share their culture. Don't miss the scenic beauty of places like the Kiyotaki River and the rural landscapes of Miyama village.