Go with a Guide Who Grew Up in a Textile Workshop! ~The 300-Year History of Tango Chirimen~

During this experience, you’ll visit cultural properties that are part of the Japan Heritage site “The Tango Chirimen Corridor: 300 Years of Silk Weaving.”

Let’s explore the history of “Tango Chirimen”—the birthplace of this fabric—and the way of life in Mineyama Town
with a guide who grew up in a 100-year-old weaving workshop!

For about 300 years, the Tango region has flourished as one of Japan’s leading centers for the production and distribution of silk textiles. Its techniques and history continue to be passed down to this day, and the region has been designated as a Japan Heritage site.
During this experience, you’ll visit cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage site “The Tango Chirimen Corridor: Silk Woven Over 300 Years.”

Let’s explore the history of how “Tango Chirimen” took root in Mineyama Town—its birthplace—and learn about the lives of the people there
with a guide who grew up in a 100-year-old weaving workshop!

Using handmade picture-story shows and props created by the guide,
the tour offers fun and easy-to-understand explanations, so even first-timers can feel at ease 🐱

Reservations & Registration

How to Register: Apply via the official website of the Kyotango City Tourism Corporation, “Kyotango Navi”
Registration Period & Deadline: Up to 3 days before the tour date
Cancellation Policy: 2 days ago... 50%
1 day ago... 70%
On the day of the event or no notice... 100%

Basic Information

Season: Year-round
Closed Days & Excluded Dates: None (Open year-round)
Meeting Time & Hours of Operation: ①10:00
②14:00
Schedule: ① Meet-up & Check-in ➡ Introduction to the Guide ➡ Visit Kijima Shrine at Kotohira Shrine, home to “komaneko” (cat guardian statues)—a rare sight even in Japan ➡ Stroll through the townscape that evokes the atmosphere of a former red-light district ➡ Japan’s shortest shopping arcade “Otabi Market” ➡ In front of “Yoshimura Shoten,” a merchant house designated as a Japan Heritage site ➡ Tour the garden at Chirimen-en ➡ Return to the starting point ➡ Tour concludes
② Meet & Check-in ➡ Introduction to the Guide ➡ Visit Kijima Shrine at “Konpira Shrine,” home to “komaneko” (cat guardian deities)—a rare sight even in Japan ➡ “Otabi Market,” Japan’s shortest arcade ➡ Tango Earthquake Memorial Museum, overlooking the town of Mineyama ➡ Monument commemorating “Kinuya Saheiji,” the founder of Tango chirimen ➡ “Jōritsu-ji Temple,” home to cultural properties designated as part of a Japan Heritage site ➡ “Zenshō-ji Temple” ➡ Return to the starting point ➡ End of tour
Duration: ①
Approximately 60 to 90 minutes
②
Approximately 120 to 150 minutes
Group Size: Minimum 1 people – Maximum 6 people
Participation Restrictions: ① Middle school students and older who can walk at least 1 km.
② Middle school students and older who can walk at least 3 km on a hilly trail.
Language Support: Staff: Japanese
Guide: Japanese
Accessibility: Not accessible (stairs present)
Notes: ● In Case of Severe Weather
・The event will proceed even in light rain.
・If severe weather is forecast, we will contact you by 8:00 a.m. two days prior to the event date. (Contact methods: email or message)
・When applying, please be sure to provide contact information where we can reach you.
●Important Notes
・Please note that the schedule may be subject to change due to weather, road conditions, or other reasons.
・The experience may be canceled due to snow accumulation.
・Please refrain from participating if you are pregnant or not feeling well.

Pricing

List Price: ① [For 2 or more people]: 2,200 yen (tax included) per person
[For 1 person]: 3,500 yen (tax included)
② [For groups of 2 or more]
Adults: 3,500 yen (tax included) per person
Middle and high school students: 1,500 yen (tax included) per person

[For single participants] 6,000 yen (tax included)
Included in Price: Trial Fee

Access & Meeting Place

Meeting Place & Ticket Pickup Location: Wakako Kamata
① 943 Sugitani, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture 627-0012
② 943 Sugitani, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture 627-0012
Parking Information: ● Parking
KISSUIEN Stay & Food
943 Sugitani, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture
● Number of Parking Spaces
4

Operator Information

Operator Name: Wakako Kamata
Official Website: https://www.kyotango.gr.jp/activities/50849/

Area & City/Town Introduction (Kyotango City)

Located at the northernmost tip of Kyoto Prefecture, the city’s entire northern coastline faces the Sea of Japan. It is blessed with a diverse natural environment, including the majestic coastal landscapes of the San’in Kaigan Geopark—designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark—as well as beaches with white sand and green pines and beautiful rural woodlands. With a rich culinary culture featuring fresh seafood, agricultural products, and fruits—a culture highly regarded for its quality—the city has garnered attention as a destination for food-focused travel, as evidenced by its receipt of the “Gourmet City Award” in 2024. It is also known as one of the prefecture’s leading hot spring resorts, and as a city where nature, cuisine, hot springs, and history and culture harmonize, it offers a variety of ways to enjoy the area throughout all four seasons.