We stayed at Kaya Villa in April 2015. Kaya Villa is a stand-alone cottage in Miyama village about 30 km northwest of Kyoto. Property manager picked us up at the local train station (Sonobe) and, at our request, stopped by the supermarket on the way there because we wanted to cook our own meals (there's no room service or restaurant in the village!). Locally-sourced breakfast ingredients were, however, included in our rental package, and they were delicious. Other than the thatched roof, the home is thoroughly modern -- which was fantastic for us: awesome kitchen, bedroom and bathroom spaces. Easily accommodated our family of two adults and three children. The real beauty of staying there was the locale: rural Japan. We could hear the birds and insects chirp, and the river water flow. With the bicycles available to guests, we rode throughout the village, and found all manner of shrines, cherry blossoms, and even a museum. We hired activities (at the Villa) such as cooking class (with local women) and bamboo workshop (with the thatch roofers) -- worthwhile and fun for the family. While we enjoyed the city life in Tokyo and Kyoto, our time in Miyama village was the highlight of our trip. We hope to return one day.
