At a Glance: Cruising in Tsuchiyama

Posted on 03/19/2021 Last updated on 05/25/2021

Top photo: John Paul Todd-Pantaleon, used with permission

When one thinks of places in Japan, several immediately come to mind. Mount Fuji. Himeji Castle. Various districts and suburbs around Tokyo. But how about Tsuchiyama, Shiga Prefecture? It’s not a place many know about, but it might just be one of the best-kept secrets in all of Japan.

About an hour from Kyoto by train, Tsuchiyama is a town in Shiga and part of the City of Kōka. How does that work you ask? Back in 2004, Tsuchiyama and 4 other towns in the Kōka district were merged into one city. Today, each area retains its own unique charm while being united under one name, partly in hopes of attracting more visitors out to the area.

The Kōka district is famous for tea fields, rice fields, and ninjas. Yes, ninjas. Kōka prides itself on its authentic ninja history and culture, and the Kōka Ninja Village is one of the city’s major tourist attractions. If you’re at all interested in the history of ninjutsu, then this place is a must-visit. In fact, the city is hoping you will!

But there is another side to Kōka, and Tsuchiyama particularly. A side rooted firmly in the nature of the area. The place I live in is pretty far from the city center, but it is extremely peaceful. It’s very beautiful as well. Living here, in the ‘heart of nature’ as I like to call it, I have seen magnificent eagles, regal pheasants, tired frogs, patient spiders, and curious monkeys or Macaques.

A few months ago I got a new bike, which has been an absolute lifesaver. It allows me to travel and explore the area with relative ease. I have been all over Tsuchiyama. I’ve seen the numerous shrines and temples. I’ve passed by countless rice fields. I’ve rode over the many rivers that run through this town.

In this world, where COVID-19 has changed the way we live our everyday lives, being able to get out and explore the countryside on my own has been liberating. My eyes have been opened to a part of Japan that once, I didn’t even know existed. Some would say that Tsuchiyama is “in the middle of nowhere” and “it has nothing for you to do”. But clearly they’ve never actually been here. It has plenty for adventurous types who are willing to travel far and explore the vastness of this great area.

I find myself having a lot of time in this amazing new land I have come to call home. So I’m making the most of it. Every day I see new things, visit new places, and discover new treasures. I hope you’ll have the opportunity to do so too some day, and join me in cruising through Tsuchiyama.

Ready to start your next adventure? Come teach Shiga, and you too can experience the beauty and adventure of Tsuchiyama and Kōka! For more information, read all about the job of an ALT!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: John Paul Todd-Pantaleon, used with permission

Additional photos provided by John Paul Todd-Pantaleon, used with permission