Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Ayabe City, Kyoto – A Town Full of Emotion and Charm

Ayabe City in Kyoto Prefecture is located in the northern part of the prefecture and, true to its name, has long been known as a textile town. One of its representative tourist attractions is Ayabe Gunze Square. This complex includes the Gunze Museum, the Ayabe Specialty Products Hall, and the Ayabe Rose Garden.
This time, we will introduce the tourist attractions and gourmet experiences of Ayabe City in Kyoto.

1. Ayabe Gunze Square

Ayabe City, located in Kyoto Prefecture, is known as the birthplace of the company Gunze. In 2014, “Ayabe Gunze Square” was established as a result. Why not visit this new sightseeing spot in Kyoto?
Situated across from the Gunze headquarters and the Gunze Memorial Hall, Ayabe Gunze Square consists of three facilities: the Ayabe Special Products Center, the Gunze Museum Garden, and the Ayabe Rose Garden.
At the Gunze Museum Garden, you can learn about Gunze’s products and technologies, and also see around 2,000 mulberry trees, which are used as raw materials. You can also enjoy viewing 1,200 rose bushes, and a limited-time rose festival is held — making it a great time to plan your visit.

2. Kurotani Washi Hall

Around 800 years ago, a village in the northern part of Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture—known today as Kurotani—became home to fallen warriors of the Heike clan seeking refuge. To sustain their lives, they began making traditional Japanese paper, or washi. Over time, nearly every resident of the village became involved in papermaking. Today, you can experience this rich tradition at the Kurotani Washi Hall.
At the hall, skilled artisans continue to handcraft washi paper using age-old techniques. While in the past they produced paper according to the needs of each era, today their washi is popularly used for everyday items like postcards and stationery, gaining recognition across Japan. These washi products are available for purchase inside the hall. In addition to classic items like thread-bound notebooks (resembling those seen in period dramas), you’ll also find unique goods like wallets and cushions made of washi.
Each item features vivid colors and a soft, natural texture—perfect as a souvenir. Beyond just shopping, you can even try making your own postcard through traditional papermaking. This hands-on experience creates a memorable keepsake. However, reservations must be made at least one week in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

3. Enjoy an Artistic Sightseeing Tour on the “Ayabe Sculpture Corridor” in Ayabe City

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of its municipal status in 2000, Ayabe City established the Ayabe Sculpture Corridor—a captivating open-air art exhibition. This cultural attraction features 26 large-scale sculptures spread across eight zones within the city. These artworks are harmoniously integrated into Ayabe’s serene natural landscape and charming townscape, offering visitors a unique blend of art and environment.
The sculptures include original pieces from the city as well as distinguished works borrowed from the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Among them are award-winning creations from renowned exhibitions like the Henry Moore Grand Prize Exhibition and the Kotaro Takamura Grand Prize Exhibition, making this site a must-visit for art lovers.
The Ayabe Sculpture Corridor invites travelers to experience Kyoto in a fresh and artistic way. As you stroll through the peaceful countryside town, you’ll enjoy a fusion of nature, culture, and sculpture art—perfect for slow-paced tourism.
Other nearby attractions in Ayabe City include Ayabe Gunze Square, Kurotani Washi Paper Hall, and the Kisaichi Maruyama Burial Mound Park. Make the most of your trip by exploring these diverse destinations.

4. Ayabe Fureai Ranch

The Ayabe Fureai Ranch is a farm established by Ayabe City in 1995, located along the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway. It has a free parking lot that can accommodate 50 vehicles, and admission is also free, making it easy for anyone to stop by and interact with the animals. The ranch is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays. A distinctive feature of the Ayabe Fureai Ranch is its dedicated cat farm, and during events, visitors can also enjoy riding thoroughbred horses—making it especially popular.
Barbecue facilities are also available. If you make a reservation by phone, they will prepare the grill and charcoal for you, allowing you to visit empty-handed. In addition, within the premises, you’ll find the Ayabe City Archives, where you can learn about the history, geography, and topography of Ayabe City.

5. Mount Kiminoo (Kiminooyama)

Located in the northeastern part of Ayabe City, within the picturesque Kambayashi region, Mount Kiminoo rises to an elevation of 543 meters. Nestled within this mountainous area is a scenic campground, renowned for its clean, crisp air and stunningly close, star-filled night skies. The highlight of the area is Kōmyō-ji Temple, said to have been founded by Prince Shōtoku. The temple exudes tranquility and features the rare, well-preserved Niōmon gate — a stately two-story structure dating back to medieval Japan, officially designated as a National Treasure.

From autumn through winter, visitors climbing the mountain trails of Mount Kiminoo can witness a breathtaking phenomenon: a sea of clouds. As fog blankets the Tanba region, the mountain peaks rise above the mist like mystical islands floating in the sky. This "unkai" (sea of clouds) is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, offering an unforgettable spectacle for nature lovers and photographers alike. For those seeking a hidden natural treasure in Ayabe, Mount Kiminoo is a destination worth every step.

6. Kisaichi Maruyama Kofun Park

Kisaichi Maruyama Kofun Park is believed to have been built during the middle Kofun period, around the 5th century. Every year on November 3, the Kofun Festival is held here, featuring food stalls, children's taiko drumming, high school band performances, folk songs, and appearances by local mascots on stage. Burial accessories and other archaeological items are on display at the Ayabe History Museum.
Transportation access: About 20 minutes from Fukuchiyama IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway, or about 2 kilometers on foot from Takatsu Station on the JR San’in Main Line.

◎ Recommended Tourist Attractions in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture

We have introduced the recommended tourist attractions in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. Whether you visit with your spouse or with friends, spending meaningful time surrounded by nature is a wonderful idea. When you visit Ayabe City’s tourist spots, be sure to take your time and enjoy the sightseeing experience while leaving behind the busyness of everyday life.

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