A culinary fount: Kyoto by the Sea A realm of food born from the sea, the mountains, and the countryside About two hours away from the city of Kyoto by train, northern Kyoto Prefecture is bordered by the Sea of Japan and in times past served as a gateway to the Asian continent. A land of bounty, this region has long provided food and resources to the capital at Kyoto. Many myths and legends have been passed down concerning the origins of food, one of which concerns Toyouke-no-Okami, the Goddess of Food, who is said to have started rice cultivation in Kyoto by the Sea. To this day, the local people observe the cultural traditions surrounding the bountiful foods provided by the sea, the mountains, and the countryside.