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Chirimen Kaido
The sound of weaving Tango crepe still echoes in the nostalgic town.
Tango Chirimen (Tango crepe) is always mentioned when talking about pure silk.
As a major producer of Japanese silk fabrics, the Chirimen Kaido (Crepe Street) enjoyed a prosperous period. The main buildings, storehouses, and crepe factories built in the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods remain intact, creating an atmosphere in which the town itself could be called an open-air museum.
The former residence of the Bito family, which was a crepe wholesaler for generations and was heavily involved in Tango's political and financial circles, is open to the public, and the rich lifestyle of the past is still preserved today. Although fewer in number than in the past, crepe factories still continue to produce fabrics, and some of them are open to the public.
The modern former Kaya Town Hall, built in 1929, was extensively repaired for the first time since its construction in 2019, and the old council chambers on the second floor were restored, reviving the atmosphere of the original building. The building houses the Yosano Tourist Association, where visitors can try their hand at coaster weaving and cord braiding. Tours of crepe factories (crepe atelier) and kimono dressing experience can also be booked here.
Highlights
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This photogenic townscape has been designated as a Japanese Heritage Site.
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You can also visit a Chirimen workshop by joining a guided tour (reservation required).
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The former Bito Family Residence, where you can feel the history of the introduction of modern Japanese and Western-style architecture to the region.
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The former Kaya-cho Town Hall building, where you can see the architectural techniques of the early Showa period.
Photos
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![In front of the Sugimoto family residence on the Chirimen Kaido, there is a stone monument that reads "The birthplace of Chirimen (crepe)".]()
In front of the Sugimoto family residence on the Chirimen Kaido, there is a stone monument that reads "The birthplace of Chirimen (crepe)".
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![Former Bito Family Residence with indoor tours]()
Former Bito Family Residence with indoor tours
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![Seasonal and special exhibitions can also be enjoyed at the former Bito family residence.]()
Seasonal and special exhibitions can also be enjoyed at the former Bito family residence.
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![The street is bent in the shape of the letter "L" to prevent the invasion of enemies. It is a remnant of the castle town.]()
The street is bent in the shape of the letter "L" to prevent the invasion of enemies. It is a remnant of the castle town.
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![Winter Chirimen Kaido seen from Mt. Tenjin]()
Winter Chirimen Kaido seen from Mt. Tenjin
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![If you apply at the Yosano Tourist Association, you can walk along the Chirimen Kaido with a guide.]()
If you apply at the Yosano Tourist Association, you can walk along the Chirimen Kaido with a guide.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- ちりめん街道
- Postal Code
- 629-2403
- Address
- Kaya, Yosanocho, Yosagun, Kyoto
- Telephone
- 0772-43-0155 (Yosano Tourist Association)
- Business hours
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Admission and tours are free (Yosano Tourist Association is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm)
Chirimen workshop tours are available by reservation only (minimum of 2 pax).
Departure time is from 9:30am or 1:00pm. Three plans are available: 5,000 yen/person for one workshop, 6,000 yen/person for two workshops, and 12,000 yen/person for five workshops. - Directions
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1) From Yosano Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway, take Tango Kairiku Kotsu Bus No. 30 or No. 32, and get off at Chirimen Kaido or Kaya Chosha bus stop
2) From Fukuchiyama Station on the JR Fukuchiyama Line Take Tango Kairiku Kotsu Bus No. 32 (3 services a day), which takes about 1 hour. Get off at "Chirimen Kaido" or "Kaya Chosha" bus stop. - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)