Station Silk Town Kaya

Where Silk Heritage Meets Fresh Mountain Bounty

Nestled along National Route 176, Silk Town Kaya stands as a vibrant roadside station in the heart of Yosano, Kyoto Prefecture—a town renowned as a birthplace of the famed Tango Chirimen silk. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural gateway where centuries-old textile traditions meet the vibrant rhythms of local agriculture. Visitors are welcomed by a curated selection of fresh, sustainably grown produce from nearby farms, including seasonal vegetables, heirloom fruits, and rice cultivated through natural farming methods. The station also showcases authentic Tango Chirimen silk, artisanal crafts, and skincare products derived from silk sericin, offering a true taste of regional craftsmanship.

Beyond shopping, Silk Town Kaya invites exploration with nearby cycling trails on the former Kaya Railway route, a children’s playground in the adjacent Daisen Comprehensive Sports Park, and access to historic sites like the Hachiko and Sakayama burial mounds. Whether sampling local sake, sipping coffee at the on-site café, or discovering the poetic legacy of the nearby Kōshū Bunko poetry museum, every visit unfolds a story of tradition, nature, and community.

Visit Silk Town Kaya to experience the only roadside station in the region where you can sample and purchase authentic Dan'gyu Chirimen silk products directly from local artisans, alongside the town's renowned organic vegetables grown using traditional natural farming methods. The station is also the sole location offering Kyoto’s award-winning "Kyo no Mamekko Fertilizer," a sustainable agricultural innovation that reflects the community's deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the freshest produce, as many farmers deliver their harvests directly to the station just after opening and stock items like heirloom tomatoes, fresh greens, and seasonal vegetables before they sell out.

• Hidden Gems: At the "Yosano Vegetable Station" counter, look for the "京の豆っこ米" (Kyoto Bean Fertilizer Rice) and the "京の豆っこ肥料" (Kyoto Bean Fertilizer), which are sold only at Silk Town Kaya and highlight the town's sustainable farming practices—this eco-friendly rice is available in limited quantities and often sells out by midday.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Yosano Vegetable Station" between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to find the seasonal "Takara Tomato" (a local heirloom variety) and "Kiku-Neji" (Nine-Section Onion) that are harvested the same day and only available during peak season.

• Best Product to Buy: Purchase the "Dan'ou Chirimen" silk products at the dedicated display section—especially the handwoven silk scarves and tote bags—since these are made using traditional techniques passed down for over 300 years and are only sold at Silk Town Kaya, not elsewhere.

• Hidden Local Food: At the deli counter, ask for the "Yosano Vegetable Station" seasonal jam made from locally grown berries, such as blackberries or strawberries, which are available only during the summer months and are made from fruit harvested by farmers like Ito Kōhachi and Shōji Yūji.

• Best Time to Use Facilities: Use the public restroom and the 24-hour parking lot after 5:00 PM, as the station’s main shop closes at 5:00 PM, leaving the facilities open for late-night travelers using the highway access on National Route 176.

• Insider Access to Farm Stories: Check the farmer display boards near the vegetable counter to find the names and locations of the 32 local farms—ask the staff to show you the photo of "Aphuru Farm" (in Takagawa) to learn about their heirloom tomatoes and sun-ripened melons, which are often featured in seasonal promotions.

Spring (March-May): Fresh bamboo shoots and spring vegetables arrive in April, while the annual Spring Festival features traditional crafts and local food.

Summer (June-August): Peak season for tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons, with fresh produce available daily at the roadside station.

Autumn (September-November): Harvest season for sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and persimmons, with local farmers showcasing their crops.

Winter (December-February): Limited fresh produce, but seasonal specialties like dried vegetables and preserved foods are available.