Keihoku
From Sightseeing to Life-seeking
For travelers seeking something deeper than sightseeing, ROOTS offers immersive experiences in the rural region of Keihoku— where forests, traditions, and local communities continue to shape daily life.
KEIHOKU The Hidden village of Kyoto
Just 50 minutes from Kyoto downtown, Keihoku feels worlds apart from the crowded streets and tourist attractions of the city. For centuries, this forest region supported Kyoto through timber, agriculture, and craftsmanship. Today, Keihoku remains one of the few places near Kyoto where forests, traditional livelihoods, and strong local communities continue to shape everyday life.
Curated Journeys Through Rural Kyoto
Our curated experiences are designed around each guest’s interests — whether that means food culture, craftsmanship, nature, local communities, or everyday rural life.
Guests are introduced to places, people, and ways of life that are difficult to discover independently.
From conversations with local residents to hands-on cultural experiences, ROOTS offers opportunities to experience deeper layers of Japan beyond conventional tourism.
FROM CROWDED STREETS TO FOREST PATHS
INSIDE THE HOMES OF RURAL JAPAN
FORESTS THAT SUSTAIN LIFE
Curated Journeys Through Rural Kyoto
From Crowded Streets to Forest Paths
Journey to Keihoku
Located in the mountains north of Kyoto City, Keihoku can be reached in about 1hour by JR bus from central Kyoto.
As the city streets gradually give way to cedar forests, rivers, and quiet mountain villages, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Enjoy the changing landscapes from the window as you travel toward a slower and quieter side of Japan.
Who we are
ROOTS is a travel company that has been guiding visitors through the rural region of Keihoku for more than 10 years.
Surrounded by forests and rivers, life in Keihoku has long been shaped by a deep respect for nature and the quiet wisdom passed down through generations of satoyama living.
Through our journeys, we hope to connect travelers with these local ways of life while helping preserve the traditions, knowledge, and communities that continue to sustain the region today.