Beauty Abounds in Northern Kyoto, Japan

Eighty miles north of Kyoto City, northern Kyoto Prefecture is a lush, quiet hideaway where life is still mostly lived according to ancient rhythms. “Kyoto by the Sea” is brimming with friendly villagers, soaring monuments, sacred shrines, and green mountains where you can spend the entire day in contemplation. As its nickname suggests, the area is bordered by the pristine Sea of Japan, which teems with seafood that stars on the menus of local restaurants.