Into the thousand year forest
Walk deeper into nature, and rediscover a slower rhythm.
Some forests are ancient. This one also tells the story of Kyoto.
Hidden deep in the mountains of Keihoku lies one of Japan's most extraordinary cedar forests, home to more than 250 giant Kitayama cedars, many estimated to be between 700 and over 1,000 years old.
For centuries, these mountains supplied the timber that helped build and rebuild Kyoto—from the ancient capital of Heian-kyō to the Imperial Palace. Walking here is not only a journey through nature, but also through the history of a city that flourished alongside its surrounding forests.
Unlike many hiking trails, this protected area can only be entered with a certified local guide, preserving both its fragile ecosystem and its cultural significance.
Day 1
10:00 AM
Meet at Ōrai Kurodaya
Meet your certified local guide and interpreter before heading into the mountains.
The protected Katanami Cedar Forest can only be entered with an authorized guide, helping preserve one of Kyoto's most remarkable natural and cultural landscapes. Before departure, there is time to use the facilities, as there are no restrooms during the hike.
Into the Thousand-Year Forest
10:15 AM
Step into a protected forest where more than 250 giant Kitayama cedars—many estimated to be between 700 and over 1,000 years old—still stand today. More than a beautiful forest, these mountains once supplied timber that helped build and rebuild Kyoto throughout its long history. Walking here offers a rare opportunity to experience both nature and the story of the ancient capital.
Magnificent Heian cedar
11:30 AM
After about an hour of hiking, you'll reach the magnificent Heian Cedar, the largest tree in the grove. Standing beneath a cedar that has watched over these mountains for nearly a millennium offers a powerful reminder of the deep relationship between Kyoto and the forests that have sustained it for centuries.
Bento Lunch
0:30 PM
After returning from the mountains, enjoy a well-earned lunch.
The lunch features saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), a regional specialty from the historic Saba Kaidō ("Mackerel Road"), once used to transport seafood from the Sea of Japan to Kyoto. It's a delicious way to experience the local food culture while reflecting on your morning in the forest.
3:00 PM
Check in at tehen
Slow down after your hike and settle into your private kominka.
Enjoy our special welcome drink "amazake", a traditional, sweet Japanese fermented rice drink known as a "drinkable IV drip" due to its rich nutrients like B vitamins and amino acids.
4:00 PM
Soak in the Goemon bath
Soothe your body in a traditional Goemon bath, where water is heated by a wood-fired stove beneath a cast-iron tub. Reminiscent of scenes from My Neighbor Totoro, this nostalgic bathing experience provides gentle, radiant warmth that helps relax tired muscles. Slow down, listen to the crackling fire, and enjoy one of Japan's oldest bathing traditions.
Cook Your Own Fermented Dinner
6:00 PM
A dinner set featuring local ingredients and the wisdom of fermentation will be prepared for you. Choose between a seasonal hot pot or sukiyaki-style meal.
Enjoy the flavors of Keihoku together with homemade fermented seasonings and fresh local produce.
- Choose Your Dinner -
Special Sukiyaki Set
A sukiyaki set featuring homemade sweet koji and soy sauce, allowing you to season the dish to your own taste.
Part of the experience is preparing the meal together as a family and enjoying how the flavors change as the ingredients simmer.
The fermented seasonings bring a gentle sweetness and rich depth of flavor that make this a uniquely satisfying countryside meal.
A Countryside Sukiyaki
with Homemade Soy Sauce
Special Hot Pot Set
A nourishing hot pot built around a broth made with homemade amazake and miso.
As vegetables and chicken slowly cook, their flavors blend into the fermented soup, creating a mild and comforting taste that is also popular with children.
A longtime favorite at tehen, this warming hot pot is perfect for relaxing after a day spent in the countryside.
Nourishing Hot Pot Inspired by
the Wisdom of Fermentation
自家製の甘酒と味噌をベースにした発酵スープ。 野菜や鶏の旨みがじんわり溶け込み、お子さまにも食べやすい優しい味わいです。 身体の芯からほっと温まる、tehen定番の鍋セットです。 A sukiyaki set featuring homemade sweet koji and soy sauce, allowing you to season the dish to your own taste. Part of the experience is preparing the meal together as a family and enjoying how the flavors change as the ingredients simmer. The fermented seasonings bring a gentle sweetness and rich depth of flavor that make this a uniquely satisfying countryside meal.
自家製の甘酒と味噌をベースにした発酵スープ。 野菜や鶏の旨みがじんわり溶け込み、お子さまにも食べやすい優しい味わいです。 身体の芯からほっと温まる、tehen定番の鍋セットです。 A nourishing hot pot built around a broth made with homemade amazake and miso. As vegetables and chicken slowly cook, their flavors blend into the fermented soup, creating a mild and comforting taste that is also popular with children. A longtime favorite at tehen, this warming hot pot is perfect for relaxing after a day spent in the countryside.
Day 2
BREAK FAST
8:00 AM
Wake up to a breakfast inspired by the bounty of Keihoku.
Choose between enzyme-rich brown rice or locally grown white rice, served with miso soup, local eggs, and traditional side dishes. A gentle and nourishing start to the day.
Choose Your Breakfast
Fermented Brown Rice
Brown rice and azuki beans are slowly cooked and aged for more than three days to develop a soft, chewy texture and rich flavor.
Even guests who don't usually enjoy brown rice are often surprised by its comforting taste.
Prepared in advance and kept warm for your convenience, it's ready to enjoy whenever you wake up.
A traditional Japanese fermented-style brown rice enjoyed for its deep flavor, satisfying texture, and digestive benefit
Freshly Cooked Egg-over-Rice
Start your morning by cooking locally grown white rice from Keihoku yourself.
Once the rice is freshly steamed, top it with an egg from a local poultry farm and a drizzle of homemade soy sauce. Simple ingredients, carefully produced, come together to create one of Japan's most beloved breakfasts.
locally grown white rice with an egg from a local poultry farm and a drizzle of homemade soy sauce
小豆と一緒に炊いた玄米を3日以上熟成。 もちもちとした食感で、玄米が苦手な方にも人気です。 事前に炊飯器に準備しておくので、直ぐにお召し上がりいただけます。 Brown rice and azuki beans are slowly cooked and aged for more than three days to develop a soft, chewy texture and rich flavor. Even guests who don't usually enjoy brown rice are often surprised by its comforting taste. Prepared in advance and kept warm for your convenience, it's ready to enjoy whenever you wake up.
京北産の白米をご自身で炊いていただく朝ごはん。 炊きたてのごはんに、 地元の養鶏農家さんの卵と自家製醤油を合わせていただきます。 Start your morning by cooking locally grown white rice from Keihoku yourself. Once the rice is freshly steamed, top it with an egg from a local poultry farm and a drizzle of homemade soy sauce. Simple ingredients, carefully produced, come together to create one of Japan's most beloved breakfasts.
Explore the Satoyama by E-bike
10:00 AM
After checking out, join one of our team members for a relaxed e-bike ride through Keihoku.you'll discover the everyday landscapes of Keihoku—quiet country roads, rivers, forests, and places that are part of local life. Along the way, we'll share stories about the region, its history, and what it means to live in this rural community today.
Journey On
11:30 AM
Your curated journey comes to an end, but there's still time to discover more of Keihoku.
Enjoy wood-fired pizza at tokotoko, relax on the panoramic terrace at MushRoom Cafe, or savour local specialties and handmade soba at Wafu Restaurant Keihoku.
If you'd like to experience even more of Keihoku before leaving, you can choose from our additional experiences, including farm visits, seasonal activities, and cultural workshops.
Explore all available experiences here:
Important Information
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Activities and experiences may be changed without prior notice due to weather conditions or local circumstances.
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Reservations for experiences are available only in combination with a stay at tehen. We are unable to accept bookings for experiences alone.
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Keihoku is a snowy area during winter. If you are arriving by car, please ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate winter tires.
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If you plan to arrive by public transportation, please let us know in advance.
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Reservations can be made through the booking form on our website or by email.