About 10 kilometers out from Kyoto station is a town called Mukaijima. Nestled between thick natural forests and mountains, it’s a must-see!
Mukaijima is not a well-known town, especially by foreign visitors, but since moving here in 2023 I have recognized it as a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
Offering dazzling scenery of flowing rivers, mountain ranges, rice fields, and lush green terrain, Mukaijima is an absolute feast for the eyes!
Yodogawa Bridge
The Yodogawa Bridge is not the most visually appealing landmark I’ve laid eyes on, but it sure is unique!
Looking like something built out of a Meccano set, it gives off a real old school mechanical-style bridge vibe (hopefully that made sense).
You can’t actually access as it’s made purely for the railway, but it’s pretty cool to watch the trains crossing Yodogawa bridge, especially at night when they’re lighted up.
The Uji River
Stretching 75 kilometers through Osaka and Kyoto prefecture, the Uji River (also known as the Yodo River when viewed from Osaka) showcases its best features as it passes through Mukaijima.
When viewed from the Kangetsukyo Bridge just outside Kangetsukyo station, a true masterpiece of a visual reveals itself.
An incredibly picturesque crystal clear river surrounded by rich green forests that flows toward Kyoto’s stunning mountain ranges simply begs to be admired.
Beautiful Farmlands
For a country that consumes its fair share of rice, it’s only natural for much of its land to be used for farming large rice paddocks.
A truly spectacular sight, you can see stretches of endless farmlands at Mukaijima just off the Yodogawa bridge.
The awesome thing is you don’t have to go too far out from Kyoto’s main city to get a good taste of Japan’s countryside!
Better yet, you can hop on a bike and ride through the farmlands while enjoying the scent of the rice fields as you whiz by!
Spectacular Sunsets
A country town surrounded by mountain ranges can only mean one thing: spectacular sunsets!
Wherever you are in Mukaijima, if you look around at sunset time, you will see the incredible moment where the sun touches the mountain peaks.
Bright rays of golden light can be seen shooting from beyond the mountains, creating a heavenly atmosphere in Mukaijima on a daily basis.
So if you’re staying in Kyoto, it can be worth booking a couple of nights in Mukaijima or just coming down for the day to see a different side of Japan that has it all!
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!