Travel Spotlight:
OYAMA
Area Overview
Oyama is only a 35-min ride via Shinkansen from Tokyo and is rich in culture. It is home to ‘Yuki-Tusmugi silk’, a UNESCO intangible heritage as well as the Jagamaita Festival (pictured above) which is registered as a ‘Japan heritage’. Right outside the station is the Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum, which offers silk weaving and kimono experiences for visitors. There are special seasonal activities such as the sakura bloom, strawberry season, amazing summer fireworks, and seasonal sake from the local family-run breweries to enjoy.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE:
"I wore a hand-craft Kimono!"
I recently visited Oyama city and was surprised to learn about the Yuki-tsumugi silk making tradition, which has more than 1,500 years of history. Yuki-tsumugi is unique as the entire process is carefully done by hand. I’ve never worn a Kimono like this. It was also surprisingly comfortable, and only costs 2,500 yen to rent, which is extremely affordable for a genuine high quality Kimono. At Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum, you can also experience traditional weaving. Being able to experience a unique tradition like this is priceless.
Venice A.
Local Writer
Speaking of Sake!
Nishibori Shuzo was founded in 1872 in Oyama City. They host some very unique attractions, such as the only transparent fermentation tanks in Japan and white wine/sherry-like sake made using ancient rice. Using new technology, they have created a variety of fun ways to learn about sake culture.
In addition, the brewery offers a tour inside their precious brewery building.
The tour includes a tasting of five different types of sake and explains how the different tastes and types of sake are made. The sake has won many awards because of its high quality.