Sachiko’s Little Kyoto: A Little Slice of Japan in Cebu

By vivomigsgee in Photography Travel November 7, 2021

It’s finally November and it somehow reminded me of my first Autumn trip last 2019, my favorite international travel pre-pandemic. Exactly two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. It’s been a dream of mine to visit such beautiful country owing to its amazing people, awe-inspiring sceneries and wonderful culture. That feeling of separation anxiety by just viewing countless Japan images online even if you have not been there ~ that’s the magic of Japan.

If you’re meaning to visit Japan but some things are not on your side as of the moment, then you’re in for a big surprise. Well, you don’t need a passport, visa or big budget to experience a little slice of Japan because Cebu has got you covered!

In the highlands of Babag Uno lies the newest attraction in town that features some of Japan’s famous attractions for Cebuanos to enjoy. It’s called Sachiko’s Little Kyoto. Although the name itself suggests that the place is like a smaller version of Kyoto, there’s actually more to see and experience in Sachiko’s Little Kyoto.

Let’s take a cue from Sachiko’s Little Kyoto’s directional signage and have quick virtual tour.

Souvenir Shop / Ticket Booth

Upon entry, you will see a souvenir shop next to the ticket booth. Sachiko’s Little Kyoto’s entrance fee are pegged as follows :

P60 – Adult
P30 – Minor (above 4ft height)
Free – Children below 4ft

This is also the area where you need to order. There is a menu available for you to look at.

There is a bigger version of the menu that is installed on the other side for every guest to see. As expected, the food offerings are all Japanese. The prices are reasonable, however, the manner of getting your food is kinda off. I’m not sure if it’s because of the ongoing pandemic but for every guest to be the one to claim their respective orders on various booths scattered around seems inconvenient, especially when it’s raining.

Torii

The existence of a torii (gate) at the entrance is usually the simplest way to identify Shinto shrines in the traditional Japanese culture. The torii, often painted bright red or orange, demarcates the boundary between the sacred space of the shrine and ordinary space.

Having these torii in the premises created an ambiance similar to that of Kyoto, just like you’re really in Japan. Entering the gateway to paradise is non-negotiable when in Sachiko’s Little Kyoto.

Hachiko Statue

Hachiko was an Akita Inu dog known for his great loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, for whom he continued to wait for almost ten years after Ueno’s demise. One of Japan’s unofficial landmarks, the Hachiko statue in Shibuya is a homage to the most loyal dog in all of Japan. Well, the one in Sachiko’s Little Kyoto resembles more or less like the one in Tokyo. I just couldn’t tell them apart.

Cafe Nara

I’ve never been to Nara Japan although it was one of the prefectures I really wanted to visit for the main reason that I’d love to see some deers roaming around the park freely. Well, I can get to have a picture with some deers in Cafe Nara at Sachiko’s Little Kyoto, albeit man-made. You can also get your orders at Cafe Nara (or in Kyoto Treats) and grab a chair and table where you can enjoy some Japanese food goodness.

Kyoto Treats

Just beside Nara Cafe is the Kyoto Treats area. There is a signboard attached in a single torii where your gastronomic journey begins.

I find the artificial red lamp posts installed in the stairways of Kyoto Treats section reminiscence of that of Japan’s park streetlights. A lot of this iconic lighting tool can be found in Osaka, Fukuoka and other shrines or parks in Japan.

You can find various booths offering your Japanese favorites like teriyaki, okonomiyaki, tempura, gyudon, ramen and more!

On top of the hill where Kyoto Treats booths are lining up, you can see the Geisha photo gallery. There is a street in Kyoto wherein you can see Geishas walking around just like a commoner. Geisha are Japanese performing artists with distinct appearance characterized by long, trailing kimono, traditional hairstyles and oshiroi make-up. If you’ve seen the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”, then it must be familiar with you.

Lying Buddha

Right next to the Geisha photo gallery is where you can find a lying buddha. During my first time visit in Japan, I made sure to include Fukuoka prefecture in our last day of our itinerary as it is where you can see the bronze reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world.

Aside from the color, the Lying Buddha of Sachiko’s Little Kyoto gave justice to the one in Japan. I couldn’t be more happier with its location as you can see the panoramic view of the mountain in front of it. You’re lucky if you can witness a sea of clouds in the area.

Botanical Garden

Majority of the place is covered with beautifully-manicured garden. Here in Sachiko’s Little Kyoto, you can fancy spending a moment amid an astonishing backdrop of variegated beds of both flowering and non-flowering plants in various size and colors.

The garden looks like a terraces from the top. You can use the stairways to roam around each lane and take some instagram-worthy photos. You can also stay in the mushroom-themed dining area where you can enjoy your much-needed Japanese culinary and sensory experience.

Moiwa and Pagoda (On-going Development)

Since the place is still on its soft opening, there are still attractions that are yet developed as of visit date. First is Moiwa, a snow-filled place in Japan where you can ski and try the ropeway. Second one is the Pagoda, just like the famous Buddhist tower in Kyoto called Yasaka Pagoda. Although the Pagoda is nowhere to be seen on site, I’m pretty sure once it’s finished, it can surely add to the beauty and entertainment value of Sachiko’s Little Kyoto.

Overall, I really enjoyed my first visit in Sachiko’s Little Kyoto. I can’t wait to come back to experience a bigger slice of Japan in Cebu. Please note that the minimum health protocols must be followed at all times while enjoying the scenic view at Sachiko’s Little Kyoto. Keep safe!

How to Get to Sachiko’s Little Kyoto

Sachiko’s Little Kyoto is specifically located in Sitio Lamacan, Babag Uno, Cebu City, 6000. You can use waze app or google maps for directions. There is an ample parking area for private vehicles and motorcycles. Google Maps: Address of Little Kyoto Cebu – Get Direction