Kimono Silk History Tour

Silk & Residence tour with hands-on experience

Tango chirimen silk is known for its unique texture and is widely regarded as the highest quality kimono silk in Japan. This tour visits Chirimen Street, a Japanese Cultural Preservation District where many buildings have been preserved, including the Yosano Tourism Information Center (used to be Town Hall), and Former Bitoh merchant residence. Guests will tour the historic street, visit the preserved merchant’s house that has been converted into a cultural museum, visit shrines connected to the silk industry, as well as make a silk coaster or silk bracelet using the techniques used for braiding misanga (the string that ties around kimono belts). The experience lasts about 90 minutes and is led by a knowledgeable local guide who will share not only the history and culture, but local stories, legends, and personal stories.

The Former Bitoh Residence is an interesting look into the wealth and lives of merchants connected to the lucrative silk trade. This residence in particular is a large complex of predominantly Japanese architecture with a second floor space modeled after Victorian period architecture and design. The building includes rare artifacts like a palanquin, antique phones, historical toys and games, as well as an antique Japanese toilet (not in use!).

The former Kaya Town Hall turned tourism center, which is the location of the hands-on experience, also has a rotation of interesting exhibitions centering around kimono and high quality silk from the region. The location includes a gallery that sells local silk products and other related merchandise.