??

Kibune, just a bit north of Kyoto city, is one of Kyoto's most popular summer destinations for a number of reasons. It's cool and green, and home to a number of amazing traditional inns that have over-the-river dining platforms.

But Kibune has changed over the years with the opening of some new Western-style establishments. All three establishments Kibune Gallery, Kibune Kurabu and Sagenta are owned by one of the village's oldest families. The first place you come to is Kibune Gallery (on the left side, near the start of the village): a café and art gallery that has a fine selection of excellent ceramics, and other attractive handicraft creations. If you are looking for something original and handmade to take home, then this place is well worth visiting.
Up the road, on the same side as the gallery, is the glass-fronted, all-wooden table and chair refreshment oasis of Kibune Club (????? www.ugenta.co.jp/kifuneclub.html), where you can relax over traditional Japanese desserts, Western treats, coffee, tea, wine or beer. Open daily, 11:00-18:00.

Finally at the end of the village, on the other side of the street, is the exquisite and relaxing world of Ugenta ??? and Sagenta ???.

Ugenta is an upmarket ryokan with only two rooms, one in traditional Japanese style, the other more modern and Western in feel.

Sagenta is a Japanese restaurant serving nagashi somen in summer, a local delicacy where noodles are transported to your table in a bamboo pipe of cold...