Kameoka: Kameoka Kiri-no-Terrace, Tamba Ichinomiya, and Yunohana Onsen (By Car)

This driving itinerary in Kameoka takes you from overlooking the fog blanketing the Kameoka Basin from Kameoka Kiri-no-Terrace on a chilly morning, to paying respects at Izumo Daijingu Shrine, the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of Tamba Province, and finishing at Yunohana Onsen, known as the "inner parlor of Kyoto." Experience Kameoka from morning to afternoon through its misty basin, ancient shrine, and mountain hot springs.

History and Regional Charm

Located about 20 kilometers west of Kyoto City, the city of Kameoka is a basin town enclosed by mountains ranging from about 500 to 800 meters in elevation. From the Nara period through the Heian period, it served as the center of Tamba Province and was home to the provincial Tamba Kokubun-ji and Kokubun-niji temples. When the Muromachi shogunate was established in Kyoto, Tamba Province, situated at the entrance to the San'in Road, came to be regarded with great importance.

From autumn to spring, a deep fog known as "Tamba Fog" forms in this basin, blanketing the entire area. At the eastern edge of the basin at the foot of Mt. Mikage lies Izumo Daijingu Shrine, renowned as the Ichinomiya of Tamba Province. In the mountains roughly 7 kilometers west of the city center is Yunohana Onsen, steeped in legends of Sengoku period warlords. Connecting the east and west sides of the basin by car, this route takes in fog vistas, an ancient shrine, and hot springs.

Key Highlights

• ​Kameoka Kiri-no-Terrace​​: Opened in March 2018 at an elevation of roughly 412 meters near the summit of Mt. Ryugao, which rises to the south of the Kameoka Basin, this observation deck offers sweeping views. On frosty mornings, a white fog blankets the basin, presenting a panorama that feels like looking down upon a sea of clouds. A sea of clouds is most likely to appear early on clear mornings with light wind and a large temperature difference compared to the previous day. Even on days without fog, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kameoka's urban area, rural countryside, and surrounding mountains.
• ​Izumo Daijingu Shrine​​: A shrine dedicated to matchmaking, enshrining Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and his consort goddess, Mihotsuhime-no-Mikoto. According to shrine tradition, its shrine buildings were first constructed in 709 (Wado 2); prior to that, Mt. Mikage rising behind the shrine was itself worshiped as the sacred object (goshintai). It is also known as "Moto-Izumo" (Original Izumo) based on the tradition that the present-day Izumo Taisha was founded by relocating only Okuninushi-no-Mikoto to the land of Kizuki in Shimane. The main sanctuary (honden), said to have been repaired by Ashikaga Takauji in the 14th century, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Other highlights include the Manai sacred spring water, which continuously bubbles up from Mt. Mikage, and the Meoto-iwa (couples' rocks), where red strings are tied.
• ​Yunohana Onsen​​: A mountain hot spring village home to the legend that Sengoku period warlords healed their sword wounds here after battle. The spring quality is a simple weak radioactive spring (a natural radium hot spring). Certain inns offer day-use bathing, allowing visitors to stop by for a soak without staying overnight.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated travel time is about 5 hours. To see the sea of clouds, plan to arrive at Kameoka Kiri-no-Terrace early on a chilly morning between autumn and spring. Directions to the terrace guide drivers from the Kameoka Interchange on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway toward the Kameoka Country Club. Turn onto the right-hand road just before the main gate of the golf course, and proceed about 150 meters to reach the terrace. Because the mountain road approaching from the south is narrow and makes passing oncoming cars difficult, please follow the guided route. Visibility is limited along mountain roads, so avoid parking along the roadway. Mornings at the mountaintop are cold, so warm clothing is recommended.

Once the fog clears, proceed to Izumo Daijingu Shrine. It is roughly 7.6 kilometers north in a straight line from the terrace, and can also be reached from the Chiyokawa Interchange on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway. Within the grounds, shrine etiquette considers it proper to pay respects at Kurodayu-sha Shrine prior to the main sanctuary.

After your shrine visit, head to Yunohana Onsen, located roughly 8 kilometers southwest in a straight line. It is conveniently close to Kyoto's city center, taking about 40 minutes by car. Reception hours for day-use bathing are set individually by each inn and are subject to change, so checking information for your chosen inn before heading out is recommended.

Experience Summary

A morning panorama of the basin below submerged in white fog, the Tamba Ichinomiya that has worshiped the mountain itself as a deity, and a mountain hot spring steeped in warrior legends. Travel around the Kameoka Basin by car, once prosperous as the center of Tamba Province, and enjoy everything from a misty morning to relaxing hot spring moments.