Known for its scenic train tours through the mountains and boat rides across beautiful river valleys, Kameoka is simply a natural wonder!
Kameoka is a city located on the west side of Kyoto and nestled between stunning mountain ranges and lush green forests, home to many farmlands and villages.
Just one stop after Saga-Arashiyama station, the beautiful lands of Kameoka are overshadowed in popularity by the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest in the neighboring town which attracts countless tourists daily.
Of course, the plus side to this is you won’t experience crowds in Kameoka, giving you a chance to embrace the natural beauty and serenity of the area.
Arriving at Kameoka Station
The once-crowded train quickly empties as everyone jumps off at Saga-Arashiyama station on the JR Sagano (San-in) Line.
However, those who remain onboard enjoy an experience like no other as the train continues through tunnels with frequent views of mountains, bamboo forests, and waterfalls along the way.
The moment you arrive at Kameoka station, you’ll be astonished by the intimate mountain views that can be seen through the big glass station doors.
Rejuvenating The Spirit
As you walk further away from Kameoka station and get up and personal with the mountains, a feeling of spiritual bliss will begin to overtake you as modern buildings and structures go out of sight.
All that can be seen are lush green forests atop mountain ranges that extend as far as the eyes can see. The wide open grasslands and remote villages of Kameoka give you a sense of transcendence as you ponder the endless flow of time.
Plenty of Rest & Shelter
On one side you can see the endless forests encompassing the mountains of Kyoto, but look the other way and you’ll find plenty of signs of civilization.
Well-kept parks with clean walking trails, benches, and shelter gazebos make it easy to enjoy the beauty of Kameoka in a safe manner.
I distinctly remember taking shelter under that gazebo as it started to pour rain.
What seemed like an unfortunate situation was a blessing in disguise as my fondest memory of Kameoka was listening to the raindrops on the roof as I gazed out to the misty mountains beyond.
A Day To Remember!
Despite the rain canceling much of the plans I had in store for my Kameoka trip, I was able to extract a sense of beauty in the despair as I was reminded that some things are out of our control and that we sometimes must let go.
There was something nostalgic about watching this old Japanese farmer working the fields despite the rain. His cute little truck parked on the side, the overhanging electric wires, and the mountainous backdrop all made for a memorable sight that spoke volumes.
It was my first trip to Kameoka and it certainly won’t be my last!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
