Textile history, historic buildings, and landscapes give Yosa District a variety of travel highlights. In Yosano Town, the Tango Chirimen tradition shapes the cultural landscape; alongside it are archaeological sites, parks, and outdoor activities. This lets you choose different themes for your trip rather than grouping every place under a single sightseeing theme.

Textile History and Historic Buildings

The district of traditional buildings in Kaya, Yosano Town, is nicknamed Chirimen Kaido. Chirimen Kaido is a continuous weaving town comprising residences, storehouses, crepe factories, and workers’ housing dating from the Edo period to the early Shōwa period. The Tango Chirimen History Museum adds to this picture: Located on the grounds of a long-established textile company, it displays documents and photographs about Tango Chirimen, as well as machinery, including a rare Hachō twisting machine. Together, the sites trace a path from the built environment to documents and equipment related to textile history.

The former Bito Residence also tells the story of a different era: The large estate dates from the late Edo period and is designated by the national government as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It includes a purpose-designed Western-style building that brings together Japanese and Western elements. The former Kaya Station building marks a later chapter in local history. It was built in 1926 when the privately operated Kaya Railway opened and has been restored and preserved as a municipal cultural property.

The former Kaya Town Hall was built in 1929, after the 1927 Tango Earthquake, and stands at the northern end of Chirimen Kaido. From Yosano Station, take the bus to the Chirimen Kaido stop, then walk for about one minute. Check the bus schedule as you plan your trip. Together, the station building, town hall, and weaving town reveal different chapters of local history without reducing them to the same period.

Archaeology and Landscapes

Kofun Park is dedicated to the reconstruction and restoration of the national historic sites Ebisu-yama Kofun and Tsukuriyama Kofun. The Haniwa Museum displays haniwa figures and ornaments from the Kofun period that were excavated from these two kofun. The reconstructed historic sites and artifacts from their era thus offer distinct perspectives on archaeology.

The parks also each offer their own scenic highlights. At Ōuchi-Tōge Ichijikan Park, five cottages and tents offer direct panoramic views of Amanohashidate. The campground has showers, toilets, and a building with cooking facilities; check whether the campground is currently open before your trip. Aso Seaside Park offers a different focus: its character is defined by expansive natural-grass areas and views of the Aso Sea.

Ungan Park stretches across the entire mountain and is known for its azaleas. It is located on the grounds of a temple that flourished particularly during the Kamakura period. The summit is home to the largest Hōkyōintō stone pagoda in the Tango region. Another option on Mount Ōeyama is Kaye Sohmine Park, which has bungalows, a drive-in campground, and a campground. The park is at the entrance to the legendary mountain, at an elevation of about 500 meters. It operates seasonally; check current availability before your trip.

Activities, Festival, and Local Cuisine

For outdoor activities, Nodagawa Forest Park offers walking trails, an observation point, a covered gathering area, and a 16-hole ground golf course. The children’s area has a 45-meter-long roller slide. Trekking tours on the legendary Mount Ōeyama are also offered in Yosano Town. These activities each have their own focus: walking trails and the observation point, ground golf, the slide, and trekking.

In spring, the Mikawa-uchi Hikiyama Matsuri features children’s kabuki, Sasabayashi and kagura performances, and processions with portable shrines and festival floats. The festival is an intangible cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture; its dates vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the festival dates for that year. Local cuisine includes Kyō no Mamekko-mai, the town’s branded rice, and dishes featuring plenty of seasonal vegetables.

ATARIYA Tango Innovation Hub is a renovated former restaurant that serves as an exchange and innovation center for the Tango region. Its spaces are used for coworking, training, and events. The center also plans and organizes tours of businesses and visitor destinations in the Tango region. Contact the center in advance if you plan to visit.

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