Day 3: Experience Local Flavors on a Gourmet Dining Train or Tour Kyoto’s Silk Road
Plan to wake up early in Kyotango to enjoy a peaceful stroll. Walk along the river and to the nearby beach to find a plethora of natural and historic surprises, like ancient ruins and fascinating rock formations.
After breakfast, check out of your lodging and prepare for the day. Those looking to savor local delicacies can head back to Amanohashidate to enjoy lunch on the Kuro-matsu, a luxurious restaurant train that runs along the coast. For those interested in history and traditional arts, head to the Chirimen Kaido, a historic silk manufacturing district in Yosano, famous for its outstanding silk.
Afternoon Option 1: An Extraordinary Culinary Experience on a Train!
The Tango Kuro-matsu is a train providing a fine dining experience and scenic ride along the northern Kyoto coast between Amanohashidate, Nishi-Maizuru, Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate stations. Operating on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, this one-of-a-kind culinary train offers four different courses depending on the time and season. There are also Saturday and Sunday-exclusive courses.
The ride introduced in this article features the 12:48 departure train offering a multi-course lunch option, consisting of mouth-wateringly delicious Kyoto dishes and high-quality, local ingredients.
Everything about this train is magical, from the moment you board and sit down at your elegant dining table, to the final stop. From local barazushi (layered rice dish) to organic vegetables and wagyu beef, the chef-designed menu showcases flavorful, carefully-prepared items that will delight your tastebuds. As you dine, the gorgeous scenery will amaze you, and the outstanding service of the attendants will put a smile on your face.
WILLER TRAIN, the operating railroad company, also runs other sightseeing trains, like the Tango Aka-matsu, a cafe train, and the Tango Ao-matsu, a train that riders can board without advanced reservations. For reservations and details, please see the official website.
Afternoon Option 2: Tango’s Chirimen Kaido – A Tour through the Silk Road
For those interested in history and the arts, head to the Chirimen Kaido, a historic district in the town of Yosano, next to Kyotango. The rainy and humid climate in this area is ideal for making silk, and production has continued in this area since the Nara Period (710 – 794), later becoming known throughout Japan and the world for its high quality, anti-wrinkle crepe texture, and vivid, colorful designs.
Walking through the town reveals the long, profound history of this trade. Many buildings are historically preserved and still produce silk. If you hear mechanical sounds during your stroll, it’s someone weaving fabric!
The weavers and artisans here have been working in the silk industry for decades. The picture above features the workshop of Shibata Orimono, an internationally-renowned silk weaving company. They provided costumes for the 2017 Hollywood release of “Ghost in the Shell,” and the Imagine One World Kimono Project, creating the kimono for Argentina.
To get to this area by public transportation, take the train from Amino Station to Yosano Station. The historic district is around a 10-minute taxi ride one-way from the station.
For Souvenirs and Snacks – Tore Tore Center
After enjoying a gourmet train ride or a walk through the historic district in Yosano, wind down your time with some shopping. Tore Tore Center, located near Nishi-Maizuru Station, is a bustling local market with fresh seafood, food stands, sake, and souvenirs.
There are chairs and tables where you can sit down to enjoy your snacks, from seafood rice bowls to skewered fish. After enjoying a snack and some shopping, head back on the Maizuru train to Kyoto Station or wherever your next destination may be.
Tore Tore Center
Tore Tore Center is an indoor seafood market with a huge array of products, including Tango’s own exceptional quality maizuru crab. It also has freshly prepared sushi, sashimi, baked and fried fish, a …
