KIRYU CITY
Highlights of Kiryu City
Once known as the Capital of ‘Textile Manufacturing’ in Japan, Kiryu City (桐生市) has been producing silk fabric for more than 1,200 years.
Friendly locals are happy to demonstrate their silk craft which has been deeply rooted in this area. They also offer many workshops using their traditional weaving machines.
From JR Kiryu station you can hire free bicycles which will help getting around town easier if you are visiting by train.
Kiryu is the starting point of the Watarase Keikoku Railway a railway. This railway line takes tourists up the mountain valleys towards Ashio copper mines and Nikko (UNESCO world heritage site).
Access
From Tokyo
- 2h by train. (via Takasaki Sta.)
- 2h by train. (via Oyama Sta.)
- 2h10min by train. (direct from Asakusa Sta.)
- 1h 50min drive by car
From Airports
- 2h 45min from Narita Itn. Airport (Car)
- 3h from Narita Itn. Airport (train)
- 3h 30min from Haneda Int. Airport (Bus)
- 2h 10min from Ibaraki Airport (Car)
From Main Stations
- Kiryu Sta. (JR Railway)
- Kiryu Sta. (Watarase Keikoku Railway)
- Nishi-Kiryu Sta. (Jyomo Dentestu Railway)
Top events around Kiryu City
Things to DO
Weave & Wear a Silk item
Kiryu city offers many activities related to Silk weaving. Many places offer traditional silk weaving experiences and workshops. There is also an affordable Kimono rental for visitors wanting an authentic Japanese experience.
Travel up the Watarase Keikoku Railway
Watarase Keikoku Railway is a popular train that carries tourist up through the valleys towards Ashio. Enjoy breathtaking scenery from the windows of the train especially during the Autumn season.
Hire a bicycle
JR Kiryu Station has FREE bicycle hire (power-assisted bicycles).
Window shopping for a Samurai Sword
One of Kiryu’s best hidden secrets is a small Samurai Sword Shop. This shop sells antique samurai swords. Some are almost as valuable to be national treasures!
To find out how you can enjoy Kiryu city, check out this 2 day itinerary packed with ideas of what to do, where to eat, where to stay and more.
Places to EAT
Japanese Food
Kiryu is know for Sauce Katsudon (fried pork cutlet on rice), Himokawa Udon (flat udon noodles) and Potato Yakisoba.
Western Food
French and Italian restaurants can be easily found in the city.
Places to STAY
Ryokan with Onsen (Japanese style)
Nashigi Onsen in Kiryu is a Hotspring (Onsen). There is a Ryokan where you can experience beautiful Japanese nature.
Hotel (Western style)
There are several western style hotels near Kiryu station
Find the full list of hotels in Kiryu available at Booking.com here.
Temple Stay (Shukubo)
Enjoy a rare opportunity to stay in a Japanese temple. The Kannonin has been newly refurbished and offers all the amenities western travelers need.
Find the full list of hotels in Kiryu available at Booking.com here.
Holiday rental (Airbnb)
Several places are available in Mashiko.
Find the full list of airbnb’s available at aribnb here.
Day trips from Kiryu City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
Useful links for Kiryu City
Mashiko Travel Guide
We’ve created a special online guide about Mashiko to help overseas visitors explore Mashiko. Click the image to discover more!
Mashiko Photo Gallery
We’ve created a Mashiko Photo gallery to help overseas visitors and travel companies see what Mashiko has to offer. Click the image to discover more!
Mashiko in the Media
