Japanese
Access
By car
There are two well-known routes to Miyama-cho. Earthgarden is located by the 'Minami' bus stop.
From Kyoto, Kameoka or Sonobe
R9 (or Kyoto-Jukan Highway)->R19->R162->R38
Time: 10 minutes from Agake
Approx. 45 minutes from Sonobe interchange of Kyoto-Jukan Highway;
Approx. 60 minutes from JR Kameoka
From Kyoto City
R162->R38
Time: 35 minutes from Shuzan
Approx. 100 minutes from JR Kyoto station
By Taxi
If you come in a group of four people, taking a taxi from somewhere in Kyoto City or at JR Sonobe station is the easiest way. Some taxi companies in Kyoto City seem to be offering a special discount for a long distance ride and this can apply to your ride to Earthgarden. Tell your taxi driver to take you to the bus stop 'Minami' in Miyama-cho. Earthgarden is right in front of this bus stop.
(For more info about taxis with long distance discounts ask Kyoto City Tourist Association (TEL: 075-752-0227), or a clerk of your hotel in Kyoto if you stay in one the night before.)
By Bus
There are limited bus services from four JR stations on the Sagano (San-in) Line: JR Kyoto, JR Sonobe and JR Hiyoshi. However, especially on weekdays, depending on the bus you take, you'll have to change buses a couple of times to reach Minami, the bus stop right in front of Earthgarden. Also at this moment the bus timetables are available only in Japanese.
(Click here for the timetables . )
http://www.miyamanavi.net/bus/busskeen.html
If you have time, we recommend you go for a country walk to Kita-mura, which is the next bus stop. (We can show you the way to Kita-mura we recommend.) There are many farmhouses with thatched roofs, a Folk Museum and a small private indigo gallery there. A guide map in English is available in Earthgarden. Please come back at lunch time.
If possible make a plan to stay overnight in Miyama-cho for more free time and relaxation. This allows you to learn and experience some elements of rural culture of old Japan.
(For accommodation info.visit the web site of Miyama-cho travel info)
It has an English site.
http://www.miyamanavi.net/
