Meet Wild Lifes in Kyoto
Interview with Saaya Takemoto, Founder of KYOTO NATURE TOURS
In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Kyoto offers beautiful natural scenery, and is home to some amazing wildlife. Saaya Takemoto, the young founder of KYOTO NATURE TOURS, had a wish to introduce the wonders and beauty of Kyoto’s natural environment and started her tour project in 2019.
KVG: What is the fundamental concept of KYOTO NATURE TOURS and how did the idea come to mind?
Saaya: KYOTO NATURE TOURS offers a variety of walking tours whose specialty is around the city area of Kyoto. Some might wonder if we can really enjoy a “nature tour” in a city like Kyoto but certainly you can. All you need to do is change your perspective and direct your attention to different points, then, you will discover a lot of nature that actually exists in the city center of Kyoto. This is what I truly love about this city.
I am from Oita, one of the prefectures in Kyushu, in the western part of Japan. My town was in the countryside and it was just natural for me to feel the nature close by. I came to Kyoto when I started to study at university. There I joined the English-Speaking Society group as I belonged to the English Literature Department and we often went to a famous tourist sites, such as Kiyomizu Temple, in the city and I worked as a volunteer guide for foreign tourists.
At the same time, I always wanted to start my own business since I was a student. Naturally,English and Nature are the two center pieces of my business idea and this is how I developed the concept of KYOTO NATURE TOURS.
KVG: What is the special “Nature” point of Kyoto?
Saaya: It’s amazine that Kyoto is an urban city yet so much nature and wildlife coexisting. For example, the Giant Salamander, the largest amphibian in the world, inhabits the Kamo River and flying squirrels fly around the forest
of Ginkaku-ji Temple in the evenings. This is what I would like our participants to notice and enjoy through our tour.
Large temples and shrines are often surrounded by trees or a stream that runs through the precinct. This is where you can direct your attention whilst also taking in the sights of dignified architecture and gardens, then, you will be able to enjoy the site not only from the historical side but also notice the beauty of the natural surroundings. It will double your enjoyment of Kyoto for sure!
KVG: Where is your most favorite nature spot in Kyoto?
Saaya: Kamo River, definitely! You will see different scenes along the banks where people enjoy their own leisure time as they like: people practicing musical instruments, jogging, taking a walk, having lunch or drinks while large kites (birds) hover above, swooping down to steal food from the people. It energizes me just simply looking at the life going on around Kamo River. I hope the people who join our tour will learn how to see the city with a different viewpoint focusing on nature and helping to really enrich their daily life.
KNT'S Recommended Tour Plans: Kamo River Night Walk
The iconic Kamo River is abundantly blessed with aquatic wildlife including over 30 species of fish, four species of turtles, and the legendary Giant Salamander, the largest amphibian in the world. This tour will walk you along the banks and wade through the shallow areas of the river after sunset, when the wildlife is easiest to observe.
Times: 18:00-20:00 / Duration: 2 hours / Price: ¥5,000 per person (with full equipment) / Age restriction: 15 years or older / Booking must be made by 18:00 two days before the tour.