The "Hidden Gems of Kyoto" is a project that brings you new sightseeing information on hidden attractions in the local areas just outside the city center.

Away from the central city area, Ohara is a place where aristocrats have settled in search of healing since the Heian period (794-1185). Dotted with historic temples with beautiful gardens that change from season to season, Ohara heals visitors' hearts and minds. In recent years, restaurants and cafes serving Ohara's fresh vegetables and local wild game have opened, attracting more people to the area in search of these exquisite tastes. 

Kyoto Bus provides direct service to the Ohara area from Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi Station, and Subway Kokusai Kaikan Station. 

Ohara has many temples with beautiful gardens. The garden at Sanzen-in Temple's Yusei-en Garden, lined with cedar and cypress trees and covered with moss, is a veritable emerald velvet heaven. Bankan-en Garden in Hosen-in Temple is called a “framed garden”, because the pillars of the building are used as picture frames, allowing the garden to be viewed as if it were a landscape painting. Visitors can gaze at the garden while enjoying matcha and Japanese sweets. 

The vegetables grown in Ohara are called "Ohara Vegetables." Many restaurants in Kyoto incorporate them into their menus. There are restaurants and cafes located in renovated old houses, that serve freshly harvested seasonal vegetables in the morning, prepared in a wide variety of ways. 

Shiba-zuke is a traditional fermented food that has been produced in Ohara for more than 1,200 years. July is the harvesting season of Aka-shiso (red shiso herb), and you may be able to see the red shiso fields dyed purple all over. 

Ohara is home to three hot spring accommodations: Ohara Sanso, Ohara-no Sato, and Seryo. Each is equipped with a large shared bath and an open-air bath. They welcome guests with friendly hospitality and cuisine using local ingredients. Advance reservations are required for lodging.