Did you know that Minamiyamashiro holds the title of Kyoto Prefecture's sole remaining village? Tucked between Iga, Nara and Koka, it's an ideal base for cross-region exploring. Our destination today is Cafe Nekopan, housed in one of the most unusual settings imaginable — the former Tayama Elementary School. (Address: Tayama Nakashiyoji, Minamiyamashiro Village, Soraku-gun, Kyoto)

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A Quality Lunch in a Nostalgic Setting

This snug little cafe is utterly delightful. Sink into the warmth of the aged timber building and soak up the retro atmosphere over the signature Bagel Lunch. Every ingredient is carefully chosen and each dish sings with flavour. A typical spread might feature chicken ballotine, vichyssoise, a generous salad and more — each mouthful a small joy. Choosing from an array of bagel flavours adds to the fun, with the walnut-and-raisin option being a particular comfort that's guaranteed to bring on a smile.

Savour Authentic Wakocha — Japanese Black Tea

After the meal, treat yourself to an elegant tea experience. Order a pot of wakocha (domestically grown Japanese black tea) and pick from a curated selection of leaves. The Benifuki variety is arrestingly fragrant — pure bliss. Settle into the unhurried pace as the afternoon drifts by. Other cultivars on offer include Yabukita, Okumidori, Saeakari and the heirloom Zairai.

On a recent tasting elsewhere, we were struck by how distinctive each wakocha variety proves to be. These days, tracking down Japanese black tea has become far easier, so don't pass up the chance to sample some.

A Living Tradition: Tayama Hana Odori

Minamiyamashiro is also home to the Tayama Hana Odori, a ritual dance designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kyoto Prefecture. Originally performed as a prayer for rain, today it invokes bountiful harvests and family wellbeing. The tradition was sadly lost during the Taisho era (1912–1926) but was triumphantly revived in 1963 and continues to this day. Cafe Nekopan stays open on festival days, so visitors can pair local culture with good food.

Location: Former Tayama Elementary School building, Minamiyamashiro Village, Soraku-gun, Kyoto Prefecture