My Village Profile: Hami (Kyoto Prefecture)

Hami in Kyoto Prefecture

https://goo.gl/maps/VB6Y5CPwdpPavUpN6

Two hours drive from Kyoto station will land you along the Sea of Japan’s pristine waters and rugged mountains. The Hami river flows down Hami valley and three villages occupy the space in a close-knit ‘Tri-Village’ setting: Satohami, Nakahami, Okuhami. Throughout history Hami was rather isolated due to little access to the outside world and to Kyoto. However, the people there developed a strong sense of self-sufficiency and were able to produce everything they needed within the valley and from the ocean. Each village also generally specializes in different things - Satohami focuses on fishing, Nakahami on rice and Okuhami on cattle rearing and hunting. Now it is very convenient to move around sandwiched in between the two famous tourist destinations of Amanohashidate and Ine Boat Houses. There is heavy snow but due to the proximity by the ocean it is not too bad. For those who prefer a little more privacy, living close to nature but also being involved with a strong village community, this is the right place for you. There are currently about 100 people in all three villages and the population is slowly declining, but there is also a growing acceptance to welcome new people.

Public School – Nothing in the village but a quick drive next door to Hioki, Yoro and Fuchu areas have plenty of daycares and schools:　

  • Hioki Nursery School, Yoro Nursery School, Yoro Nursery School

  • Hioki Elementary School, Yoro Elementary School, Fuchu Elementary School

  • Yosanocho Miyazushi Chugakko Kumiai Ritsuhashidate Junior High School

  • Kyoto Prefectural Miyazu Tenkyo High School - Miyazu Campus

Police – no police box in the village. Closest Koban are in Hioki and Yoro.

Fire Department – Miyazu City

High-Speed Internet Access – NTT

Cellphone Reception – Poor for Softbank, Strong for Docomo

What type of housing is generally available? – Nihonkaoku, Noka, Kayabuki (with Tin plating)

Bank – Kyoto Hokuto Shinkin Bank Fuchu, JA Kyoto Miyazu-fuchu Branch

Grocery Store – 7min drive Nishigaki Yoro, 12min drive Nishigaki Fuchu, 15 min drive Welcia/Aoki Drug and Supermarket

Convenience Store – 15 min drive to Family Mart and Lawson by Fuchu

Medical Services – 18 min drive North Medical Center Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (A very large and comprehensive hospital)

Plusses:

  • Downtown Kyoto City is convenient, about 2 hours

  • Miyazu High school is known for a very high level of education

  • Beautiful nature, clean air and water, a quiet and peaceful environment

  • Many traditional houses available here, as well as surrounding villages

  • Easy access to the ocean and fishing ports where you can buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen

  • Lots of migrants from the city involved with various traditional Japanese crafts and agriculture

  • Allure of an increase in tourism as Amanohashidate and Ine start hitting the foreign tourist radars

Minuses:

  • Roughly 30% of winters include periods of heavy snow, making commuting into city difficult 3-5 days/year

  • Limited bus and train service into Kyoto

Contact: For more information, please feel free to contact Vince at vinsentoingu@gmail.com in English or 日本語