The Tango Peninsula is a quiet, rugged area rich in tradition. Located in the northernmost corner of Kyoto, it feels like stepping back in time, where life slows down and Japan’s ancient arts flourish. This serene region provides an opportunity to savor the moment and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This is an ideal destination for those who want to experience Japanese culture up close and personal. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the hidden gems of this off-the-beaten-path location.
Chirimen Kaido: Strolling Through Japan’s Silk Heritage
Chirimen Kaido, a historical district in Yosano Town, is renowned for its Tango Chirimen, a high-quality silk fabric with a rich legacy. Famous for its exceptional texture and vibrant dyes, Tango Chirimen has been a prized material for kimonos since the Edo period. For over 1300 years, this region has been weaving textiles, and the well-preserved buildings along Chirimen Kaido stand as a testament to the deep roots of this craft.
The easiest way to visit Chirimen Kaido is to take an expressway bus from Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately two hours without the need for additional transfers. Get off at Nodagawatankaimae to begin exploring.
Here, you’ll find a rare chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s textile history.
As you stroll through the atmospheric streets, keep an eye out for some key spots:
● Former Kaya Town Hall: Built in 1929 and recently restored, it now houses the Yosano Tourist Association, offering further insights into the area’s heritage.
● Former Bito Family Residence: Open to the public, this historical residence gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy crepe wholesaler.
● Kouju Sasaki: This workshop produces knit and obi products using Tango Chirimen. Renowned for their rare silk knit creations, they have earned significant acclaim for their unique methods and artistic designs.
For a hands-on experience, join a local workshop or tour, such as a coaster hand-weaving workshop or a visit to a textile workshop a textile workshop. The coaster hand-weaving workshop takes about 45 minutes. Choose your colors and weave your own coaster— a perfect souvenir for yourself or a gift for a friend back home.
In the textile workshop tour, you’ll step inside production sites and hear directly from the craftsmen, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s textile traditions. If something catches your eye, you can purchase it straight from the artisans. Some workshops even offer custom pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
While you’re here, be sure to try the local delicacies. Barazushi is a regional sushi specialty topped with mackerel scraps known as saba oboro. The area also has a rich udon culture, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of Yosano udon, which features thick, hearty noodles.
Chirimen Kaido is a must-visit for history buffs, textile enthusiasts, and photographers eager to capture the beauty of Japan’s traditional crafts.
Wakuden no Mori is a hidden retreat where fine dining meets nature. This multi-purpose facility was established by Wakuden, a Kyoto restaurant with over 150 years of history. This unique space merges high-end cuisine with sustainable farming, all within a tranquil forest.
The journey of Wakuden no Mori began in 2007, inspired by the late Akira Miyawaki, a renowned plant ecologist known for his global efforts in tree planting and environmental preservation. Driven by a vision to create a forest that would endure for centuries, the project was launched in the very location where Wakuden first began.
At Kobo Restaurant wakudenMORI, you can enjoy a farm-to-table meal made with locally sourced ingredients. One standout dish is the Kyoto-raised black Wagyu beef hot pot, served with seasonal vegetables like Ayameyuki turnips and mushrooms. The meal comes with a selection of condiments, letting you adjust the flavors to your liking. Another must-try is makitate seiko, a chewy, lotus-root-based delicacy with a light, refreshing taste—similar to warabi mochi.
Wakuden no Mori also offers leisurely nature walks, where you can immerse yourself in the lush natural surroundings for a peaceful and refreshing experience. You’ll also find a museum dedicated to Mitsumasa Anno, a landscape artist who traveled the world, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Nestled in the forest, the museum showcases Anno’s original watercolor paintings in a tranquil, light-filled space that complements the natural setting.
For those looking to bring a piece of the experience home, Wakuden no Mori also offers original goods and souvenirs. Whether you come for the food, the nature, or the art, this hidden retreat offers a slow, thoughtful way to experience Kyoto beyond the city.
Nippon Genshosha: The Art of Japanese Swordsmithing
Nippon Genshosha is a workshop dedicated to the centuries-old craft of Japanese sword-making. Here, swordsmiths forge katana using tamahagane (carbon steel), a process that has been passed down for centuries. The workshop is committed to promoting Japanese swords, ensuring the preservation of this ancient craft.
At Nippon Genshosha, you can watch skilled swordsmiths at work, learn about the history of these legendary swords, and observe handcrafted blades up close. The workshop also offers the chance to try your hand at hammering tamahagane steel or even order your own katana.
All of their swords are made to order, ensuring each piece is one of a kind. Custom designs are available using an order sheet, and the team handles export procedures for those looking to take a piece of Japan home. For tours, make sure to book in advance through the Kyoto by the Sea website to secure an English-speaking guide.
This experience is ideal for history buffs, martial arts enthusiasts, or anyone fascinated by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Tamiya Raden is a textile studio with a fascinating history rooted in innovation. Here, materials like seashells, lacquer, wood, and leather are spun into thread and woven into exquisite fabrics. Their seashell textiles have earned international acclaim, being used on the dials of luxury timepieces and featured in jackets for high-end fashion collections.
The unique technique, known as raden-ori, was developed by Katsuichiro Tamiya. Based on hiki-haku (a traditional method of weaving gold or silver foil), this technique is used to weave mother-of-pearl from seashells into textiles. Today, the studio creates custom textiles for accessories and high-end international brands, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Tamiya Raden is unfortunately not open to the public, and visits aren’t possible. However, you can still bring a piece of this breathtaking craftsmanship into your life through their online shop. Each piece, woven with the beauty of the sea, offers a glimpse into the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Textile lovers, designers, and anyone captivated by the fusion of tradition and modern creativity will find owning these unique creations truly inspiring.
Tamiya Raden
This family run company weaves mother-of-pearl into high quality kimono fabric, creating a work of stunning quality that has been featured during Paris Fashion Week and garnered a collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Take a tour of Tamiya Raden’s workshop, see the kimono woven with mother-of-pearl (consistently ranking as one of Japan’s top 10 kimono), and find out how this company has kept its roots and business tied to the sea.
