The Yosano Town Tourism Association is focusing on its “Authentic Kimono Experience” initiative. Participants wear Tango chirimen kimonos, tour textile workshops, and savor local cuisine. Adorned in elegant kimonos, they explore the history and culture of the area around Chirimen Street (in Kaya, Yosano Town), designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

The kimono experience began in 2018 as part of an initiative coinciding with the Japanese Heritage designation of the “Tango Chirimen Corridor,” which promotes textile culture. The kimonos are made of 100% pure Tango chirimen silk, and professional kimono stylists handle the dressing, hence the desighation “Authentic.”

The town’s tourism association is renewing its promotional efforts, noting an increase in inbound visitors to Tango following the pandemic.

In late September, Ruth Meilet (63) and Anastasia Meilet (35), a mother and daughter visiting from the U.S., participated. After dressing in kimonos they had selected themselves, they toured the textile workshop and learned how to use ‘furoshiki’ wrapping cloths.

Around noon, they arrived at the Former Odo Family Residence, a National Important Cultural Property located on Chirimen Street. They looked around the residence, which also includes a Western-style building, with curiosity, then enjoyed lunch featuring seasonal ingredients in the living room. Served on vermilion-lacquered dishes once used in the residence, the “Special Occasion Meal” included six dishes such as grilled barracuda and peanut rice.

After lunch, they experienced a tea ceremony in the new tea room. In the quiet atmosphere, they slowly savored matcha prepared by the staff, accompanied by dry sweets.

The Meilet family expressed delight: “The kimono was beautiful and more functional than we expected. It was fun to wear. The meal was also very delicious.”

Kazufumi Nakano, Secretary General of the Yosano Town Tourism Association, stated, “We hope visitors and tourists will experience the appeal of Japanese culture through these activities and enjoy themselves.”

The authentic kimono experience (fee required) must be reserved at least four days in advance via the Yosano Town Tourism Association website or by phone. For inquiries, contact the Town Tourism Association at 0772-43-0155.

Copyright © The Kyoto Shimbun

Translated by Kyotango City Tourism Association

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