Remember what it feels like to belong
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.
A slower life isn't about doing less. It's about feeling more
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 journeys are not simply designed to show you rural Japan.
They are invitations to experience a different rhythm of life—one rooted in nature, community, and everyday traditions.
Whether you step into local homes, explore the satoyama landscape, or walk through ancient forests, each journey offers a different way to discover Keihoku and reconnect with what truly matters.
you'll slow down and experience everyday life in rural Japan. Spend time with local people, cook together, explore on foot, and discover the quiet rhythms of satoyama.
It's an ideal first introduction to the satoyama lifestyle, balancing exploration with meaningful local experiences. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to combine sightseeing with authentic local experiences.
Not all wisdom is written in books. Some grows quietly over centuries. Journey into one of Kyoto's oldest cedar forests and discover how generations have lived alongside nature rather than apart from it.
Curated Journeys Through Rural Kyoto
Cultural Immersion
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.