My Village Profile: Hanase (Kyoto Prefecture)

Hanase in Kyoto Prefecture

https://goo.gl/maps/u9prKNbwc1mi7gx36

A one-hour drive north from central Kyoto City, Hanase is a mountain village of about 125 full-time residents, most living along a 9km stretch of river valleys in both minka and more contemporary housing. With less farmable land, Hanase’s economy was traditionally lumbering, floating huge trees downriver into Kyoto City. The area is extraordinarily beautiful year-round, with cooler summers and spectacular springs and autumns, though it’s also quite cold from mid-December-February, sometimes with enough snowfall that you’ll want a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. The community is friendly and supportive, particularly for families with small children.

Public School – daycare, elementary, junior high school

Police – koban, with one full-time officer

Fire Department – yes, centrally located

High-Speed Internet Access – yes (Companies available)

Cellphone Reception – excellent for most areas

What type of housing is generally available? – minka, modern houses, log cabins for sale & for rent

Bank – one bank within village (ＪＡ京都中央 花脊支店), other ATMs 20 minutes by car

Grocery Store – No. Nearest grocery stores (Sundaiko, Gohonmatsu, etc., 30 minutes by car, though several weekly delivery services widely used here (Sundaiko, Kyoto Coop, etc.)

Convenience Store – No. Nearest convenience stores (Family Mart, Lawson, etc.) 30 minutes by car.

Medical Services – In- and outpatient Senior care, part-time clinic (花友はなせ 地域密着型デイサービス); nearest hospital 30 minutes by car (Kyoto Municipal Keihoku Hospital)

Plusses:

  • Downtown Kyoto City is convenient, about one-hour by car

  • Excellent elementary/junior high school, with average of 4-6 students per class

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

  • Many traditional houses available here, as well as surrounding villages (Hirogawara, Kuta, Kuroda)

Minuses:

  • Roughly 50% of winters include periods of heavy snow, making commuting into city difficult 5-7 days/year

  • Limited bus service into city

  • Nearest hospital 30 minutes by car

Contact: For more information, please feel free to contact Stuart at stuart4th@yahoo.com in English or 日本語