Travel Spotlight:
KIRYU
Area Overview
Kiryu City has been producing silk fabric for more than 1,200 years and has been known as the ‘Textile Manufacturing Capital’ of Japan. With silk crafts deeply rooted in this area, visitors can enjoy workshops using traditional weaving machines and bring home a unique souvenir.
Right outside Kiryu station free bicycles are available to explore the town and the Watarase Keikoku Railway will give access to the mountainous valley towards the Ashio copper mines and the famous Nikko UNESCO world heritage site.
6 Things to do in Kiryu
on the first Saturday of the month
Every first Saturday of the month, the small town of Kiryu comes alive with people coming from all over the prefecture to explore its local markets and special events. With many dressed in Kimono for this special day, it almost feels like Kyoto, just it is much more local. Visitors can enjoy browsing through antiques at the Tenmangu Antique Market, or watch the traditional Kiryu Karakuri Puppet show (only being held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month) and explore the textile museum with its work shops. [ Click on the button below to read more]
Cindy B.
Local Writer
Recommended
2-Day Itinerary:
This two day travel itinerary offers the best Kiryu has to offer and is an activity packed escape into this old silk town. Start with indigo dyeing and move on to discover the local area wearing a kimono, then check into a temple for the night.
With a chance to following the morning routine of a monk, guests can try a relaxing Zazen Buddhist meditation or copying the sutras; a one-of-a-kind hands-on experience.
Of course there are also plenty of must-eat food options, with the local Himokawa udon noodle, only available in Kiryu, Japan!
