Kyotango
Kyotango City is located in the northernmost part of Kyoto Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Kyotango is full of nature and has become popular among young people in recent years as a place where they can go for a one-day trip and forget their daily lives in the busy city.
Kyotango is also famous for its many camping sites and is popular among families.
In addition to camping, there are many good hotels: children-friendly ones, ones you can choose your own yukata to wear inside the hotel, and ones that offer free pick-up service from the station, so you can say the city is very traveler-friendly.
Kyotango is also known as home to a thriving textile industry. A 2016 survey found that more than 800 companies are involved in the textile industry in the city of about 500㎢. “Tango Chirimen” (“shrunken surface silk textile”) is one of the most famous textiles of Kyotango and is well known throughout Japan. It is a type of silk fabric used for kimonos and is characterized by its unique bumpy surface. The history of Tango Chirimen dates back to around 1720, when some craftsmen went to Nishijin, Kyoto, to learn how to weave the most advanced and fashionable fabric of the time, called “Omeshi Chirimen,” and brought the technique back to Tango. Today, Tango Chirimen is used not only for kimonos but also for clothing, accessories, and interior decoration.
Read the article below for more about “Tango Chirimen.”
Discovering Traditional Japanese Crafts at Tayuh Kigyo, Textile Manufacturer of “Tango Chirimen”
Access to Kyotango
Amino Station is the central station of Kyotango City. Taking the limited express train “HASHIDATE” from JR Kyoto Station is recommended to get to the station. (Travel time: 2 hours and 40 minutes, fare: 5,390 yen)
If you are heading from Osaka, I recommend taking the express bus, which runs three times a day from the Hankyu Sanbangai Bus Terminal near JR Osaka Station. (Travel time: 3 hours, fare: 3,100 yen/one way)
For more information, please refer to the official website of Kyotango City.
ACCESS – Visit Kyotango
Climate of Kyotango
The climate is typical of the Sea of Japan area. The temperature is high in the summer, and there is a lot of snow in the winter. April is the best time to enjoy nature, such as camping or cycling along the coast, as there is little rain and the temperature is not too high.
*The temperature is slightly lower in Kyotango City (northern part) than in Kyoto City (southern part). We recommend you bring a cardigan or a long-sleeved button-down shirt for chilly spring and autumn days.
How to Enjoy Kyotango
Nature
- Cycling along the Coast
There are several rental-bicycle stores near the beach. Most offer electric power-assisted bicycles for rent, so you can easily drive along the hilly coastal roads. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coast, recognized as a UNESCO World Geopark, and the spectacular orange color of the setting sun.
- Camping in the Great Nature
In Kyotango, you can enjoy camping both by the sea and in the mountains. There are more than 15 camping sites in the city, so you can find your favorite place that suits your camping style.
Even if you don’t have a tent, there are auto camping sites where you can stay in your car, dome tents, and cottages.
Click below for details
Outdoors & Camping
- Beach Activities in the Beautiful Sea of Kyoto
The sea in Kyotango is famous for its blue color and clarity.
SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Board) and sea kayak experiences are popular. Among them, the ones where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery are the most popular: a SUP experience watching the sunset and an experience going to the Blue Grotto (Blue Cave)* by boat with a local fisher.
*The plan to explore the Blue Grotto (Blue Cave) is available from June to September, weather permitting (when the sea is calm).
Click below for details.
Explore Blue Grotto and Love Grotto
Traditional Crafts
- Incense Making Experience
You can make Japanese incense with your favorite scent. You can take the incense home on the same day, so it is recommended for those on a day trip. Bring home the scent and memories of Kyotango. (2,000 yen per person as of 2021)
Click below for details
Incense Making Activity
- Tango Chirimen Dyeing Experience
You can make your own original handkerchief by stenciling colors on Tango Chirimen silk fabric. It would be an excellent souvenir for yourself, your parents, or your loved ones. (1,650 yen per person as of 2021)
Click below for details.
Tango Chirimen Silk Handkerchief Dyeing
- Tango Chirimen Kimono Experience
You can wear a Tango Chirimen kimono. We recommend trying on a kimono with Ms. Saito, a master dresser for kimono. Ms. Saito runs a kimono store with the concept of “Dress Your Heart (with Kimono).” In addition, Ms. Saito is an expert not only in kimono dressing but also in how to enjoy and coordinate kimonos, and even how to remodel them. Through the kimono experience, you will be able to experience Japanese culture and heart.
To inquire, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email.
info@gridman72.com
Seasonal foods (fruits and seafood)
Kyotango is a treasure chest of delicious foods. With both sea and mountains, you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods in each season. In spring, summer, and autumn, fruits are incredibly delicious, and you can enjoy seasonal fruits such as parfaits and smoothies at various stores in the city.
Our top recommendation is seafood. The Sea of Japan is famous for its winter delicacies, such as crabs and oysters, but Kyotango offers a wide variety of seafood throughout the year. For those on a day trip, I recommend a bowl of Kaisen-don. You can enjoy the seasonal seafood of the season in one bowl. The menu is Muslim-friendly, too.
Click below to search for restaurants.
Dining – Visit Kyotango
Kyotango is an excellent city for both tourists and residents. If you are coming to Japan for a long vacation, we recommend adding Kyotango to your destination list so that you can relax and refresh yourself. Enjoy your trip and get in touch with the real Japan.