Yosa District: Weaving History, Kofun and Ōeyama

Yosa District combines impressive traces of textile history with parks, viewpoints and activities for active days. In the municipality of Yosano, the story of weaving leads through Kaya: Chirimen Kaido is the nickname for the district with its traditional buildings. This is not just about individual historic buildings, but also about the character of a weaving town, with houses, warehouses, crepe factories and workers’ lodgings.

Textile History in Kaya

The historic weaving district of Chirimenkai-do comprises homes, warehouses, crepe factories and workers’ lodgings dating from the Edo period through the early Shōwa period. The Tango Chirimen History Museum brings the textile tradition to life through documents and photographs. Among its exhibits is a rare Hachō twisting machine. Together, the historic district and the insights into the craft of Tango Chirimen offer a fuller picture of the area.

The former Kaya railway station building also tells the story of the area’s development: it was built in 1926 when the private Kaya Railway opened, and has been restored and preserved as a municipal cultural property. The former Kaya Town Hall was built in 1929, two years after the Tango earthquake, and stands at the northern end of Chirimenkai-do. The bus route from Yosano Station stops at Chirimenkai-do; from there, it is about a one-minute walk to the former town hall. Check the timetable before setting out.

Historic Estates and Kofun

The former Bito Residence is a large estate from the late Edo period and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property of Japan. It includes a specially designed Western-style building that brings Japanese and Western elements together. The site’s historical significance lies not only in the size of the estate, but also in its architecture, which combines different design traditions.

The Kofun Park offers a different perspective on history: it reconstructs and preserves the national historic sites of Ebisu-yama Kofun and Tsukuriyama Kofun. The Haniwa Museum displays haniwa figures and ornaments from the Kofun period found at these two kofun. The temple grounds in Ungan Park recall a site that flourished particularly during the Kamakura period. At the summit stands the largest hōkyōintō stone pagoda in the Tango region.

Parks, Views and Mountain Scenery

For sweeping views of the landscape, Aso Seaside Park has broad natural grass lawns and a view of the Aso Sea. At Ōuchi-Tōge Ichijikan Park, visitors can look out over Amanohashidate: cottages and tents offer a direct panorama, and Amanohashidate can also be seen from all five cottages. The campsite has showers, toilets and a building with cooking facilities. Check whether the campsite is currently operating before your trip.

Ungan Park extends across the entire mountain and is known for its azaleas. Those interested in trekking can find routes in Yosano on the legendary Mount Ōeyama. Kaye Sohmine Park is at the mountain’s entrance, at an elevation of about 500 metres. Its facilities include bungalows, a car campsite and a campground; operations are seasonal. Check current availability before your trip.

Active Days and Local Cuisine

Nodagawa Forest Park combines walking trails and a viewpoint with a covered gathering area and a 16-hole ground golf course. The children’s area has a 45-metre roller slide. The park therefore offers a range of specific activities, from walking to play areas.

The spring Mikawa-uchi Hikiyama Matsuri festival features children’s kabuki, Sasabayashi and kagura performances, as well as processions with portable shrines and festival floats. It is an intangible cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture; dates vary from year to year. The ATARIYA Tango Innovation Hub also offers a glimpse of how a renovated former restaurant is used today: its spaces are used for coworking, training and events. Visitors must make contact in advance. The centre also plans and organises tours of businesses and visitor destinations in the Tango region; advance contact is required for these as well.

Local cuisine includes Kyō no Mamekko-mai, the city’s branded rice, and dishes featuring plenty of seasonal vegetables. When choosing a holiday apartment in Yosa District, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: textile and architectural history, scenery and views, or active pursuits on Ōeyama.

Discover more destinations: Yosano.

For the broader travel overview: Kyoto Prefecture.