2026 Kyotango Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Heading to the "Sea of Kyoto" area in northern Kyoto, I couldn't help but be moved, thinking, "I never knew Japan had such beautiful oceans..." I visited two magical and stunning scenic spots that somehow felt nostalgic, making me feel as though I had wandered straight into a Studio Ghibli film! ✨ Highlight ①: The Living Maritime Heritage of "Ine no Funaya" First, I visited "Ine no Funaya" (Ine Boathouses), designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Right on the water's edge, these uniquely structured buildings—with boat garages on the first floor and residential spaces on the second—line up along the bay. The sea peeking through the boathouses is a crystal-clear emerald green! My heart was gently filled by the nostalgic scenery and the slow passage of time. During my stroll, I stopped by "INE CAFE," located right next to the sea. Enjoying a rich gateau chocolat and freshly brewed coffee while gazing at the calm ocean spreading across the window was pure bliss. ✨ Highlight ②: The Sunset Sanctuary "Yuhigaura Coast" Driving from Ine Town, I made my way to "Yuhigaura Coast" in Kyotango City. Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Sunsets," this beach is exceptionally breathtaking at dusk. On the wide, fine-sand beach sits the large wooden beach swing "Yurari," which is super popular on social media. Just swinging while feeling the ocean breeze makes you feel like the main character in a movie. Then, the long-awaited sunset arrived. The sky gradually turned deep red toward the horizon, and watching the sun slowly sink into the sea was an overwhelmingly beautiful sight that left me speechless. Even the lingering magic hour after sunset, where deep blue and orange blended together, made every single second feel like a treasure. Both spots share a gentle charm reminiscent of Japan's original landscapes, perfectly combined with the mesmerizing beauty of the sea. They overflow with a mysterious appeal that makes you feel "nostalgic" even if it's your first time visiting. Be sure to take a drive trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and heal yourself with the ultimate ocean views and sunsets! --- 📍 Ine no Funaya (Ine Town, Yosa District, Kyoto Prefecture) ・Access: About 30-40 minutes by local bus or car from Amanohashidate Station. ・Tip: Since residents actually live here, please observe good manners and be respectful during your visit. 📍 Yuhigaura Coast (Amino Town, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture) ・Access: About a 20-minute walk from Kyoto Tango Railway's "Yuhigaura-Kitsu-onsen Station," though traveling by car is more convenient. ・Tip: The beach swing "Yurari" is typically installed from spring to autumn (around April to late October). Highly recommended to visit during sunset!

We spent some time enjoying the winter delicacy of crab at a lakeside inn. It's a Showa-era restaurant inn. As it's directly managed by a seafood wholesaler, you can enjoy crab at a relatively reasonable price. 🏡 Lakeside Kotohiki 📍 912 Obama, Amino-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture 🚗 Approximately 10 minutes by car from Amino Station on the Kyotango Railway 💲 2-person room occupancy from 24,800 yen per person (varies depending on plan) 🕒 Check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM 📌 Sightseeing around the hotel · Kotohiki Beach (approximately 15-minute walk) · Kotohiki Beach Singing Sand Cultural Center (approximately 5 minutes by car) · Tango Kingdom "Food Kingdom" (approximately 10 minutes by car) #CrabTrip #AllCrabs #Kyoto #SeaofJapan #TangoTrip #Kyotango #KotohikiBeach #HotSprings #DomesticTrip #Seafood #WinterTrip #Gourmet #Tourism #LakesideKotohiki #JapanTrip

#japantrip The beach here has a very beautiful sunset view. Sitting down, drinking beer, drinking some grilled squid and watching the sun go down is truly a wonderful way to enjoy life. The parking lot is about a 4-minute walk from this beach. If you want to go swimming here, you should bring a stroller. Or you should not bring a lot of things. Beautiful sandy beach, great for long walks with pets around sunset. No western toilets to be found along the beach.

Kyoto in January 𓂃 ✍︎______________________________________📍Yusai Resort Hibiki A small hot spring inn located along the beach of Yuhigaura, with 7 rooms, all with an open-air bath Yuhigaura Beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and even in winter there are surfers Watching the surfers while taking a bath is a good way to enjoy yourself◎ Once your body is warmed up, taking a walk along the beach is also a good way to enjoy yourself◎ This time I stayed in a room on the second floor (Sora)🔑 The room was not particularly large, but it was a relaxing space◎The open-air bath was soothing with the scent of cypress and the background music of the waves◎ We had dinner at the restaurant on the first floor. It was a private room so I could relax, the food was beautifully presented, plentiful and delicious, they even prepared rice balls for dinner, the lady staff who took care of me was cheerful and friendly and we had a great time◎ There were plenty of bathrobes and towels and free drinks in the fridge◎ Ψ( 'ч'♡ ) The butter-grilled abalone was delicious♡ #Kyoto #Yuhigaura Beach #Kyoto Hotel #Yuusai Resort Hibiki #Stay Report

#Hot springs #Crab In November, crab season is over at Kizu Onsen in Amino, Tango Peninsula. At Kaikatei in Amino, Tango Peninsula, you can enjoy a full crab course. The a la carte menu starts with a sashimi platter, followed by grilled and boiled crab. The origins of Japanese cuisine are all focused on the crab!

"House in the Forest: Anno Kogakan" 764 Tani, Kumihama-cho, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto 629-3559 0772-84-9901 https://goo.gl/maps/br1TpPiTpmXqeEph9 Official website mori.wakuden.kyoto This museum is located about 30-40 minutes by car from Kinosaki Onsen town, and is surrounded by nature and has a relaxing atmosphere. There is no public transportation nearby, so it is inconvenient to get there, but the museum is very quiet and you can spend some time relaxing on the well-maintained lawn, and there is also a museum where you can see Anno's watercolor paintings (he is an artist who mainly draws picture books, etc.) (I think it was because it cost 1,000 yen). The museum was also built by Tadao Ando, ​​and the architectural design is very eye-catching, so you can take great photos. Next to the museum, there is a shop where you can buy meals and souvenirs. You can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere by eating inside the restaurant or sitting on the terrace and enjoying the nature. I ate inside the restaurant, and they are particular about each and every ingredient. The rice was cooked in a traditional Japanese stove, and the accompanying vegetables were all fresh and delicious. The facility itself is free, so even if you don't eat at the museum or restaurant, I highly recommend stopping by by car on your way back from Kinosaki Onsen! ^^ #couplestrip #solotrip #gourmet #museum

· Name Wakuden no Mori · Access 764 Tani, Kumihama-cho, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto 🚗Free private parking available · Points Kyoto's famous restaurant "Kodaiji Wakuden" originated as a restaurant inn in Kyotango There is also a food factory, but you can enjoy meals at a reasonable price Of course, it is different from Wakuden, but the broth is delicious and the atmosphere in the quiet forest makes for a wonderful time #SummerWeekendTrip #ForestBathing

· Name Kinoshita Sake Brewery · Access 1512 Kouyama, Kumihama-cho, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto 🚗Free private parking available · Points This is the sake brewery that sells the currently popular sake "Icebreaker" on the rocks A sake brewery with 150 years of history, Tamagawa is famous for its traditional, strong sake There is a bar counter, and you can enjoy tasting Unfortunately, the driver has to make do with the sake soft serve ice cream 🍦 The mildness of the rice is well retained, and the sweetness is modest, making it an addictive taste #SummerWeekendTrip

· Name Tango Jersey Farm · Access 411 Kanzaki, Kumihama-cho, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto 🚗Free private parking available · Points The milk that is the base for Milk Kobo Sora's soft serve ice cream and gelato is produced here at the Jersey Farm Not only are there cows, but there are also sheep and rabbits The yogurt was particularly rich, but it was refreshing and refreshing in the mouth, which was a strange sensation Seeing animals and eating sweet desserts is a great spot for children #Summer weekend trip

· Name Milk Kobo Sora · Access 411 Kanzaki, Kumihama-cho, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto 🚗Free private parking available · Points Milk soft serve ice cream and various gelato No matter which flavor you choose, everything has a super rich milk taste😊 I think it's because it's hot, but I think there are a lot of fans of the shop It's milk-based and the soft serve is rich, but it's also refreshing, which makes it delicious even in this heat In Kansai, they have a stall at department store events #SummerWeekendTrip

Gelato from Acacia Farm (Nomura Farm) in Kyotango City, northern Kyoto 💛 Lots of delicious autumn flavors, including pumpkin, fig, and purple sweet potato ♪♪ Everything was rich and delicious! The cow chairs are cute 🐮💕 #summertrip #Kyoto #JapanGenkiProject2021 #cafehopping #summertrip #gourmettrip

A cafe in Kyotango City, northern Kyoto 🍰☕️ They serve udon, rice bowls, curry, and more for lunch! Cake and drink sets are also great for snack time◎ The interior has a Japanese feel, and just as the name of the cafe suggests, it's a warm and cozy cafe☺️ There are so many different types of cakes that it's hard to choose♪ #summertrip #kyoto #cafe #food #cafehopping #summertrip #gourmettrip

This restaurant is located inside the main family home of the wealthy Inaba family in Kyotango City. We enjoyed delicious tea and the specialty botamochi while looking out at the lovely garden 😌🌿 You can also take the botamochi home with you ◎ If it was nearby, I'd want to come here every day! It's such a lovely space. . . I heard that the bara sushi is also delicious, so I'll try it next time ♪ #supporttourism #Kyoto #cafehopping #souvenirs #supporttourism #gourmettrip

"Sala" is an authentic Thai restaurant in Kyotango City 🐘 It's only open during the summer, and you can enjoy Thai food while feeling the pleasant breeze at a place with a view of the sea 🌯🥘 It's made by people in Thailand, so you can be sure of the taste ✨ Personally, I thought the green curry was the best 😋 The colorful lanterns are cute and it's a recommended restaurant ♡♡ #supporttourism #Kyoto #Thaifood #Gourmet #Supporttourism #Gourmettrip

"Kyogamisaki Lighthouse" is located in Kyotango City, the northernmost point of Kyoto. The contrast between the white lighthouse and the blue sky and sea is so beautiful🥺✨ It takes about 15 minutes to walk after getting off the car, but it's worth it to see this view! ! It's also the best place to look out over the Sea of ​​Japan🌊✨ #supporttourism #Kyoto #seasidescenery #amazingnature #supporttourism #greatview

Tango Jersey Farm Milk Factory Sora in Kyotango City🐄🌿 They have a variety of products, such as gelato, drinks, milk jam, and cheese, and they are all delicious🍨💕 Parents and children, couples, friends...! I think it's a spot that anyone can enjoy♪ You can actually see the cows next to the factory🐮 #tourismsupport #kyoto #farm #coupletrip #souvenir #cafehopping #tourismsupport #gourmettrip #tripwithkids

A local restaurant in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture. You can eat fresh seafood landed at the port of Kyotango 🐟 The heaping seafood bowl looks beautiful, tastes delicious, and fills both your stomach and your heart 😋 The interior of the restaurant has a stylish atmosphere and is relaxing, so it's great for dates ◎ and girls' nights out ◎ I recommend going together with the souvenir shop "Heshiko Kobo" next door ♪ #Kyoto #SeafoodBowl #NorthernKyoto #Tango #Gourmet #CoupleTrip #Souvenir #GourmetTrip

"Heshiko Kobo" in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture 🐟 Heshiko is a traditional Tango dish made by salting blue fish and then pickling it in rice bran. It was once a valuable preserved food to survive the winter. You can enjoy it in many ways, such as making it into ochazuke, adding it to pasta, or grilling it as is.♪♪ Heshiko is sold in many stores, but the reason we recommend this one is because it's not too spicy! Some of the ones sold at supermarkets are salted and pickled in rice bran, so they're too salty and not tasty... Be sure to try Heshiko Kobo's heshiko 😚 #Kyoto #Tango #Northern Kyoto #Gourmet #Souvenir #Gourmet Trip

Yuhigaura (Hamazume Beach) in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture is a popular beach where you can see beautiful sunsets. 🌅 Unfortunately, it was cloudy on the day, but the sandy beach was very wide and the sea breeze felt good. ♪ There are also photogenic spots here, such as beach swings. 📸 It's also nice to take photos with the sunset or sea in the background. ◎ #Kyoto #Seaside scenery #Sea #Breathtaking view

Taiza Ice Candy in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture All about ice cream! A shop with a traditional taste🍨 "Taiza" is the name of this place written as "Majin" in kanji. Majin Monaka is also on the menu♪ I ordered Uzumaki Monaka and Crab Monaka🦀 I wonder if they're shaped like this because northern Kyoto is famous for crabs~? Apparently the owner's grandmother has been running this shop for decades👵🏻 I was also given a tourist pamphlet for Kyotango City and was told about the surrounding tourist spots. It was a wonderful ice candy shop☺️ #Kyoto #Dessert #Gourmet #Souvenir #Gourmet Trip #Hanami

· Name Oyado Sumihira (Maizuru Taiza Onsen) · Access Take the limited express train from Kyoto Station to Amino Station. Free shuttle service available. Take the limited express train from Osaka Station to Amino Station, then transfer at Fukuchiyama Line. · Points Maizuru Taiza Onsen is located in the fishing town of Kyotango, northern Kyoto. You may not have heard of this hot spring, but the seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious! ️ Being close to the fishing port ensures that the seafood arrives at each facility at its freshest. The Maizuru crab is especially delicious, and the prices are unbeatable! ️ Also, enjoy the magnificent sunset and ocean views. While there is no large public bath, you can use the six private hot springs multiple times. Enjoy the hot springs with your family, couples, or individuals. In the evening, relax in the lobby and enjoy drinks and oden 🍢. #Kyoto #MaizuruOnsen #HotSpringTrip #GourmetTrip

Hanago Okada in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture🌸 The late-blooming double cherry blossoms are still in bloom, and we also enjoyed the moss pinks and tulips🌷 The park is quite large and there are plenty of photogenic spots! I think in a few more weeks, the wisteria and roses will start to bloom◎ #Kyoto #Kyotango #Kyoto by the Sea #famous flower spots #spring flower tours #couples trip #great views #trip to enjoy spring #flower viewing

When the "Tango region" is mentioned, what kind of scenery comes to mind? It is another Kyoto, completely different from the bustling city center—one that carries the charm of ancient history and culture alongside gentle, tranquil natural landscapes. Here lies "Ujosoan," an unforgettable hot spring ryokan hidden deep within a bamboo forest. With nature, history, and serenity taking center stage, this retreat invites travelers to slow down and fully embrace the shifting seasons of Tango. The ryokan's expansive garden is embraced by a lush green bamboo grove. Its most iconic feature is "Zuiu," a special guest suite beautifully transformed from a traditional kominka (folk house) with over 160 years of history. Additionally, the grounds offer six independent villas, each featuring its own private open-air hot spring. Every suite ensures complete privacy, creating a peaceful and relaxing vacation atmosphere surrounded by the whispering bamboo. Beyond the soothing hot springs and stunning views, the ryokan delights guests with "Kyoto by the Sea" cuisine. Featuring fresh seafood caught off the Tango coast and premium seasonal ingredients, the exquisitely crafted kaiseki meals perfectly showcase the local terroir and seasonal flavors. Every dining experience here becomes a delicious journey into the heart of Tango's culinary heritage.

Yakitori Tomozawa (焼き鳥ともざわ) is an incredible izakaya-style yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) joint ready to unlock a whole new dimension of authentic Japanese flavors! The restaurant is conveniently located and easy to navigate to using GPS. Inside, the vibe is warm and welcoming, with a chic, minimalist, and airy design. It's spotless in every corner, boasting top-notch hygiene standards. It's the perfect spot to kick back and unwind after a long day of sightseeing, gather your crew for a fun night of draft beer and sizzling yakitori, or treat your family to a memorable dinner. Experience premium culinary bliss with their meticulously grilled chicken skewers. They use only fresh, top-grade chicken, grilling it to perfection so it's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly juicy without being dry. You can choose between the classic sea salt seasoning, which perfectly brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, or their rich, house-special tare sauce, offering a mouthwatering smoky aroma with every bite. Beyond yakitori, they offer a fantastic variety of appetizers, drinks, and à la carte dishes to complement your meal. As for the service, the staff are all smiles, polite, friendly, and incredibly fast at serving your food. Travel tip: I highly recommend making Yakitori Tomozawa your go-to dinner spot to recharge after a full day of touring and shopping. Since izakaya-style yakitori spots are extremely popular with both locals and tourists, it's best to book a table in advance or arrive right when they open to snag a seat. Getting there using the map coordinates is a breeze. If you're planning a trip to Japan and want to experience the authentic vibe of sizzling charcoal-grilled yakitori with unbeatable flavors, you absolutely have to pin and check in at Yakitori Tomozawa (焼き鳥ともざわ)!

We've put together the ultimate 1-day itinerary packed with the trendiest and most aesthetic must-visit spots in Kyoto by the Sea on the Tango Peninsula! Every single stop on this lineup is picture-perfect, so be sure to save this post for your next road trip🚗 📅 Recommended 1-Day Itinerary 📍11:00 AM | Incredible Lunch at Roadside Station Funaya no Sato Ine / Restaurant Funaya First, head to the roadside station located on a hill overlooking Ine Bay! At "Restaurant Funaya" on the first floor, you can enjoy seafood rice bowls made with super fresh local fish caught right in the ocean in front of you, as well as hearty sashimi set meals. Savoring the bounty of the sea while gazing down at the spectacular view is truly exceptional🐟 📍1:00 PM | Luxurious Tea Time at INE CAFE This is a super popular, stylish cafe that perfectly represents Ine. From the fully glass-walled interior of this renovated funaya (boathouse), the calm waters of Ine Bay stretch out right before your eyes. Enjoying coffee and sweets while listening to the sound of the waves from a premium seat right by the ocean is the ultimate relaxing experience☕️ 📍4:00 PM | Yuhigaura Coast / Beach Swing Yurari Drive from Ine to "Yuhigaura Coast," selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunsets. A total must-do here is the "Beach Swing Yurari," a large wooden swing set up right on the sandy beach! Swinging with the blue sea, sky, and sunset in the background guarantees a magical, totally Instagrammable shot📸 📍6:30 PM | Romantic Magic Hour at Yuhigaura Wrap up your trip with a breathtaking sunset that dyes the coast crimson. The view of the setting sun reflecting on the water's edge like a mirror is beautiful beyond words. 📌 Useful Tips & Strategies ① Beating the lunch rush: "Restaurant Funaya" and "INE CAFE" get quite crowded around noon on weekends and holidays. Arrive at the roadside station a little early (before 11:00 AM) to grab lunch first, then head to the cafe for a much smoother experience! ② Timing your swing photos: The "Beach Swing Yurari" looks best during the "magic hour" right before sunset, but there's often a line. We recommend arriving at the beach a bit early to secure the perfect spot. Definitely keep this in mind when planning your weekend girls' trip or date night✈️

Surrounded by the tranquility of a mountain village, "Ishiusu Soba Tenpu" is a renowned Kyoto restaurant where you can enjoy authentic, handmade soba. Savoring a bowl here alongside the seasonal beauty of nature offers a special moment to escape the daily grind. It’s the perfect hidden culinary gem for a scenic road trip. · ------------------------------------------------ ✔︎ A serene location tucked away deep in the mountains ✔︎ Authentic, stone-milled, handmade soba noodles ✔︎ A relaxing space to experience the beauty of all four seasons · ------------------------------------------------ 🏠 Ishiusu Soba Tenpu -TENPU- 📍 2050-1 Nonaka, Yasaka-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto 🚗 Traveling by car is highly recommended 🕚 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order: 2:45 PM) 🗓️ Closed: Every Tuesday and Wednesday (except national holidays) · Subject to temporary closures during heavy winter snowfall 💰 Average budget: ¥1,000 - ¥3,000 👉 Reservations are recommended · ------------------------------------------------ Gourmet Restaurant

📍 Tateiwa · Location: Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan · Feature: Massive natural rock formation by the Sea of Japan · Highlights: Sunset views, rugged coastline & scenic photography ✨ Review When I first arrived at Tateiwa, I honestly wasn’t expecting much😅 I thought it would be just another coastal viewpoint. But the moment I saw the enormous rock rising from the shoreline, I immediately understood why it’s one of the area’s most famous landmarks. The contrast between the deep blue Sea of Japan and the giant volcanic rock creates a dramatic landscape that feels completely different from Japan’s typical peaceful beaches🌊🪨 The closer you get, the more impressive its size becomes. What I enjoyed most was simply sitting near the coast and listening to the waves✨ There aren’t huge crowds or endless tourist shops here, which makes the place feel even more special. It’s one of those destinations where you naturally slow down and appreciate the scenery instead of constantly looking at your phone. If you visit in the late afternoon, the atmosphere becomes even better🌅 As the sun begins to set, the light reflects off the sea and the rock, creating a view that looks almost cinematic. It’s also an amazing place for photography, especially with the rugged coastline stretching into the distance. Compared to more famous destinations in Kyoto, this spot feels like a hidden gem that many travelers overlook—and that’s exactly what makes it so memorable. 💡 Tips · ✔️ Sunset is the best time to visit 🌅 · ✔️ Wear comfortable shoes for the rocky paths 👟 · ✔️ Great stop when exploring the Kyotango coastline 📸 · ✔️ Visit on a clear day for the best ocean views #japan #kyoto #Tateiwa #해외여행 #여행계획 #일본여행 #travel2026 #travel

Take a short trip from Osaka, 　 indulging in Kyoto's coastal beauty and Hyogo's relaxing hot springs on this ultimate classic route. Make the most of your perfect holiday with this highly efficient itinerary. 【Day 1】The Breathtaking Views of Amanohashidate & Ine, the Town Floating on the Sea 8:00 AM Depart from Osaka/Kyoto 　　Take a quick breather at Kyoto Station 12:00 PM | Arrive at Amanohashidate Head to "Amanohashidate View Land" to see one of Japan's top three scenic views. The spectacular panorama from the chairlift is a must-see. 1:00 PM | Cycling at Amanohashidate Ride through the pine tree avenue to the opposite shore. The crisp air and ocean breeze feel incredibly refreshing. 3:00 PM | Head to Ine's Funaya (Boat Houses) A fascinating landscape where the sea and houses seamlessly blend. 　Taking a sea taxi to view the town from the water is definitely the way to go. There's a small island right in front of the boat houses. Thanks to this island, the area has been protected from major typhoons, which is apparently why this historic boat house scenery survives to this day. I heard you can still see the morning fish landing if you come early enough. The houses where boats are docked are called "Funaya" (boat houses), and right behind them are the actual homes where the fishermen live. The sea taxi driver will explain all this when you hop on. The ride is pretty short, so be sure to snap plenty of photos! The townscape is absolutely beautiful, I love it! ❤️ 6:00 PM | Savor Local Sushi Freshly caught seafood right from the morning's haul. 　 8:00 PM | Stay near the Boat Houses The ocean is right below your window. 　Enjoy a luxurious night falling asleep to the sound of the waves. 【Day 2】Strolling in a Yukata & Hot Spring Hopping in Kinosaki Onsen 10. 00 AM | Head to Kinosaki Onsen Enjoy a scenic drive with the Sea of Japan right by your side. 11. 30 AM | People in Yukata 👘 everywhere 　 Relax at Ichino-yu ♨️ For lunch, grab the specialty Crab Bowl 🦀🦀 Take a stroll through the hot spring town lined with beautiful willow trees. 2:30 PM | Refresh with an Onsen Tour (Sotoyu Meguri) 4:00 PM | Pick up Souvenirs & Head Home Check out the local specialties right by the station. Driving is highly recommended, but if you can't, taking the train is an option. You can use the Limited Express "Kounotori". If you're traveling by train, it might be better to save Kinosaki Onsen for another trip. I highly recommend the Funaya boat houses! Travel Tips Reservations: Sushi spots and accommodations in Ine are incredibly popular, so it's safest to book early. Clothing: Strolling around in a yukata is the best part of Kinosaki. Comfortable sandals or geta (wooden clogs) are highly recommended.