Tango Peninsula travel guide: Kyoto's coastal crafts, cuisine and castles

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京都丹後半島海之京都

Tucked into Kyoto's northernmost corner, the Tango Peninsula is a quiet, rugged region steeped in tradition. Visiting feels like stepping back in time, where life slows down and Japan's ancient crafts still thrive.

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It's the perfect place to savour the moment and unplug from the daily grind – ideal for travellers who want to experience Japanese culture up close. Ready to explore? Here are the hidden gems of this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Chirimen Kaido: walking through Japan's silk heritage

Chirimen Kaido is a historic district in Yosano Town famous for Tango Chirimen, a high-quality silk prized for its fine texture and vivid dyes. Used for kimonos since the Edo period, it's part of a weaving tradition that stretches back more than 1,300 years – a legacy written into the well-preserved buildings along the street.

The easiest way to reach Chirimen Kaido is by expressway bus from Kyoto Station, a roughly two-hour ride with no transfers. Get off at Nodagawatankaimae and start exploring.

Here you'll find a rare chance to immerse yourself in Japan's textile history. As you wander the atmospheric streets, keep an eye out for these highlights:

● Former Kaya Town Hall: Built in 1929 and recently restored, it now houses the Yosano Tourist Association.

● Former Bito Family Residence: Open to the public, this historic home offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy crepe wholesaler.

● Kouju Sasaki: A workshop crafting knit and obi pieces from Tango Chirimen, acclaimed for its rare silk-knit techniques and artistic designs.

For a hands-on experience, join a local workshop – such as the coaster hand-weaving session, which takes about 45 minutes. Pick your colours and weave your own coaster, a perfect souvenir or gift.

On a textile workshop tour you'll step inside production sites and hear directly from the artisans, deepening your understanding of the craft. If something catches your eye, you can buy it straight from the maker – some workshops even offer custom pieces found nowhere else.

Don't miss the local cuisine while you're here. Barazushi is a regional sushi topped with mackerel flakes called saba oboro, and the area has a rich udon culture – try a warm, hearty bowl of Yosano udon with thick noodles.

Chirimen Kaido is a must for history buffs, textile lovers, and photographers eager to capture the beauty of Japan's traditional crafts.

Wakuden no Mori: a culinary and nature retreat

Wakuden no Mori is a hidden retreat where fine dining meets nature. This multi-purpose facility was created by Wakuden, a Kyoto restaurant with more than 150 years of history, blending high-end cuisine with sustainable farming in a tranquil forest.

The project began in 2007, inspired by the late plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki, known for his global tree-planting and conservation work. Driven by a vision of a forest that would last for centuries, it was launched where Wakuden first began.

At Kobo Restaurant wakudenMORI, enjoy a farm-to-table meal of locally sourced ingredients. A standout is the Kyoto-raised black Wagyu hot pot with seasonal vegetables like Ayameyuki turnips and mushrooms, plus condiments to adjust the flavour. Another must-try is makitate seiko, a chewy lotus-root delicacy with a light, refreshing taste similar to warabi mochi.

The retreat also offers leisurely nature walks, and houses a museum dedicated to the late landscape artist Mitsumasa Anno, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Set in the forest, it showcases Anno's original watercolours in a tranquil, light-filled space.

For a memento of the visit, Wakuden no Mori sells original goods and souvenirs. Whether you come for the food, nature or art, this retreat offers a slow, thoughtful way to experience Kyoto beyond the city.

Nippon Genshosha: the art of Japanese swordsmithing

Nippon Genshosha is a workshop devoted to the centuries-old craft of Japanese sword-making, where smiths forge katana from tamahagane (carbon steel) using techniques passed down through generations.

You can watch skilled swordsmiths at work, learn the history of these legendary blades, and view handcrafted swords up close. The workshop also lets you try hammering tamahagane steel – or even order your own katana.

Every sword is made to order, so each piece is one of a kind. Custom designs are available, and the team handles export paperwork for those taking a sword home. For tours, book in advance through the Kyoto by the Sea website to arrange an English-speaking guide.

This experience is ideal for history buffs, martial arts enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Tamiya Raden: innovating textiles with seashells

Tamiya Raden is a textile studio rooted in innovation, spinning materials like seashells, lacquer, wood and leather into thread and weaving them into exquisite fabrics. Its seashell textiles have earned global acclaim, appearing on luxury watch dials and in high-fashion jackets.

The signature raden-ori technique was developed by Katsuichiro Tamiya. Based on hiki-haku (a traditional method of weaving gold and silver foil), it weaves mother-of-pearl from seashells into textiles. Today the studio crafts custom pieces for accessories and high-end international brands.

Tamiya Raden is unfortunately not open to the public. You can still bring a piece of this breathtaking craft home through their online shop – each piece, woven with the beauty of the sea, is a glimpse of tradition and innovation in harmony.

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