Zen, Waterfalls & Forests: Interview with Jesse from Kyoto by the Sea

Just 2 hours from Kyoto and 3 hours from Osaka, you can find the breathtaking northern Kyoto Sea region. This serene area is home to a collection of picturesque cities, including Ayabe, Fukuchiyama, Ine, Kyotango, Maizuru, Miyazu, and Yosano. Kyoto by the Sea helps tourists find authentic Japanese stays, like boathouse Inns, outdoor wellness experiences, and food trails! With a collection of 100 restaurants to indulge in, stunning natural landscapes, and countless heritage arts to explore, it is the perfect guide to a Kyoto stay. Join us as we interview Jesse about all the stunning destinations and attractions these cities have to offer!

Hello! Can you please introduce yourself?

Hello, and thank you. I’m Jesse, originally from the US. I’ve been at Kyoto by the Sea for ten years now, and for the last six, I have been working as the Overseas Promotion Manager for Kyoto by the Sea DMO (destination management/marketing organization).

Kyoto by the Sea is passionate about showcasing the beauty of the seven cities that make up the northern Kyoto area! Could you share the story behind how the company was founded and why this mission is personally meaningful to you?

The company was founded to help promote the northern reaches of Kyoto Prefecture, a location even Japanese people aren’t often aware of. The most asked question we get is, “Kyoto has a sea?” We have created a long-term strategy to help the region through tourism, the pillars of which are local culture, local economy, and environment. We build everything with these in mind.

Kyoto has so much to offer visitors and has become a popular tourist destination! How does Kyoto by the Sea provide a unique experience that sets it apart from the more traditional attractions in the city?

The area is known as The Origin of Japan and is the birthplace of Japanese civilization, as it is home to Japan’s first ancient kingdom. Close to the Asian continent, it has always been a place where cultures converge, and as a result, the people here are adaptive and creative, and have been honing their cooking skills for thousands and thousands of years!

Kyoto by the Sea has many food experiences to choose from! What are some of the most popular for first-time Kyoto visitors?

This region is home to some of the most outstanding seafood in Japan. Seafood lovers will want to visit in winter for crab or yellowtail. Year-round visitors can try delicacies like barazushi (a lasagna-looking sushi dish) or the unique comfort food, curry yakisoba. The area is also home to one of Japan’s four historic naval bases, where locals found a traditional navel recipe book that restaurants have selected choice recipes from.

Heritage Arts are such an important part of Kyoto’s traditions! Could you share some of the unique heritage art experiences visitors can participate in to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural history?

The region really shines with heritage arts. We have curated a variety of experiences by welcoming local artisans ranging from a lantern maker, a mother-of-pearl weaver, sword smiths, heritage paper makers, lacquerware artisans, ancient wisteria weaving, kimono silk weaving, and tatami makers.

The wellness experiences are an important part of Kyoto by the Sea’s offerings. What inspired you to include these experiences in your travel packages?

This region is a mecca of wellness and longevity, home to the world record holder for the World’s Oldest Male, and the highest concentration of people over 100 on the planet. We have created a variety of wellness experiences designed to give people a better understanding of how people live here, and ways they can incorporate some aspects of their lifestyles into their own lives.

Forest bathing can be another great way to enjoy nature in Kyoto and relax! What are some locations in Kyoto where visitors can enjoy this experience?

Japanese shinrinyoku, or forest bathing, is an excellent way to experience nature from a Japanese lens. There are some excellent areas in Kyoto by the Sea, such as a former village that has been all but reclaimed by nature, or an ancient shrine abutted by mountains and enormous trees. But even Kyoto City’s botanical gardens are an excellent way to appreciate nature with Japanese flair.

Kyoto by the Sea was awarded the Top 100 Green Destination Award in 2024 – congratulations! What are a few of the most unique parts of this region that truly make it stand out from other areas in Japan?

Thank you! Our sustainability approach has been years in development. We work hard to ensure that we are focused on supporting artisans and locally run businesses. We also play a small part in showcasing Japanese artisans with the hope of not only sharing them with guests but preserving the crafts for the future.

Kyoto by the Sea has some amazing and unique stays that visitors can book! Could you share more about the options and what makes them such a special experience for visitors?

Kyoto by the Sea has a wide variety of unique accommodations that contrast many of the stays in Japan. We offer farm stays, seaside stays, hot spring inns by the sea, luxury accommodations in uniquely renovated merchant houses and boathouses, as well as traditional ryokan. The cuisine is also a big part of why people stay here overnight, as the ingredients here are locally sourced and as fresh as possible.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Wherever you go in Japan is sure to be an amazing combination of culture, food, and hospitality, but I highly recommend visiting at least one location that’s outside of the cities to get a deeper flavor of what Japan has to offer.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be interviewed! We had an amazing time learning about Kyoto by the Sea and cannot wait to visit soon!

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Featured Photo Credit: Kyoto by the Sea

After checking out Kyoto by the Sea’s many great experiences, reach out to our team of Travel Experts to book more wonderful activities in Kyoto!