Unlike many of the "kimono rental experiences" throughout Japan, this one offers a once in a lifetime chance to try on the highest quality Tango chirimen silk, as well as tour silk factories, and walk through a Japan Heritage preserved town with a 300 year history that is still active.

Visit Yosano, Kyoto to learn about Tango chirimen silk and the origins of the Japanese kimono. Take guided tours of two fine makers of Tango chirimen silk with over 300 years of experience. Visit the Former Bito Family Residence and wear silk kimono.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Learn about Tango chirimen silk and the origins of the kimono
Visit Japanese Tango chirimen silk makers with over 300 years of experience
Enjoy a guided tour of Shibata Orimono and Watamasa in Yosano, Kyoto
Visit Former Bito Family Residence
Wear an authentic Tango chirimen silk kimono and drink matcha

Chirimen silk crepe is a high-quality textured silk. While there are many local brands of chirimen silk across Japan, Kyoto’s Tango chirimen is particularly notable for its sophistication and stylish appearance.

Tango chirimen silk is produced in modern-day Yosano, formerly the Tango Province, in northern Kyoto Prefecture. This area is still one of Japan’s most active silk-producing areas, supplying some 60% of the silk used for kimono in Japan.

Together with an experienced guide, you'll visit two textile factories producing Tango chirimen silk in Yosano, Kyoto: Shibata Orimono and Watamasa. Combined, these two institutions have over 300 years of silk experience.

After touring these two textile factories, you will also have a precious opportunity to actually wear kimono made from genuine Tango chirimen silk in the exquisite atmosphere of the Former Bito Family Residence.

Designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Kyoto Prefecture, the Former Bito Family Residence offers a peek into Japan's past as well as a very sophisticated mix of Japanese and Western luxury. Soak in the rich atmosphere while enjoying freshly made matcha green tea.

Tango Chirimen
One can distinguish Tango Chirimen from other types of silk by distinctive patterns of fine, rough-textured grains across its surface. Tango chirimen silk producers compress the silk yarn during the refinement process to create this unique texture. This original technique also produces fabric less prone to wrinkling that diffuses light to bring out rich colors in the dye.

Former Bito Family Residence
Built in 1863, the Former Bito Family Residence was once home to a distinguished old family of Tango chirimen merchants. This grand old house showcases a blend of both Japanese and Western designs. See the Bito family’s furniture and accessories in the original retro-style atmosphere.

NOTES:
• You must be age 18 or older to participate in this activity
• This activity requires at least two participants (13,500 JPY per person)
• Scheduled studios may change due to circumstances beyond our control

SAMPLE ITINERARY:
13:15 - Meet at Yosano Station
13:30 - Ride to Watamasa
• 961 Iwaya, Yosano-cho, Yosa District, Kyoto Prefecture
13:40 - Arrive Watamasa
• Introduction
• Tango Chirimen uniqueness and characteristics
14:40 - Ride to Shibata Orimono
• 869-2 Migochi, Yosano-cho, Yosa District, Kyoto-fu
14:45 - Arrive at Shibata Orimono
• Introduction
• Shibata Orimono excels at producing dyed fabrics with originality, and has provided costumes to Hollywood and kimono for Barcelona Olympics
15:45 - Ride to Former Bito Family Residence
• 1085 Kaya, Yosano-cho, Yosa District, Kyoto-fu
15:50 - Introduction
• Wear kimono made from Tango chirimen
• Drink macha
17:00 - Ride to Yosano Station
17:20 - Arrive at Yosano Station
17:30 - Experience ends

LOCATION:
Yosano Station (Kyoto Tango Railway)
Shimoyamada, Yosano, Yoza District, Kyoto 629-2302
• 9 minutes from Amanohashidate Station
• 90 minutes from Kinosaki Onsen Station
• 120 minutes from Kyoto Station

check out their website for more information and reservations:
https://yosano-kankou.net/kimono/en/

You can also book this tour through VOYAGIN: