The Wild Tango Peninsula
Tango peninsula is the ideal place to discover maritime Japan, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
When we think of Kyoto, we instantly think of centuries-old temples, traditional houses found in the Gion district, or perhaps the Kamo river that winds through the city.
What we’re less aware of, however, is the Tango peninsula that’s located two hours north of the Japanese capital of culture, still in Kyoto prefecture. This area, though hardly visited by foreign tourists, is greatly appreciated by the Japanese, who flock to enjoy its beautiful beaches and the waves (the peninsula is particularly known for its good surfing spots).
Hot springs and artisanal silk
Onsen, the famous hot springs that are so revered by the Japanese, also contribute to the Tango peninsula’s reputation, notably those in the Yuhigaura region. Tango has also been one of the bastions of silk production for almost 300 years. Visitors can therefore find many kimono workshops there, some of which open their doors to the public.
The Tango peninsula allows visitors to savour, in a more exclusive fashion, the essence of Japan: its crafts, temples, onsens and unspoilt nature.
To get to Tango, visitors can take the JR train line which runs to the two extremities of the peninsula (Toyooka, Kinosaki and Maizuru) or the bus that runs along the coast. To venture further into the wild and discover a more rural side of the region, you’ll have to hire a car, as the public transport network is not developed enough to serve the most remote villages.
TRENDING
-
Shizuka Yokomizo, between Exhibitionism and Surveillance
'Dear Stranger' is the story of a troubling relationship between the photographer and the subject, who meet without seeing each other.
-
From Neo-Pop to Conceptual Art, The Growing Popularity of Japanese Contemporary Artists in France
Driven by a ‘contemporary Japonisme,’ the works of Takeru Amano, EXCALIBUR, and Daijiro Hama have found their audience.
-
God is in the Wired in ‘Serial Experiments Lain’
This experimental cyberpunk animation from the late 1990s depicts our warped reality in the age of mass communications.
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
The Tradition of the Black Eggs of Mount Hakone
In the volcanic valley of Owakudani, curious looking black eggs with beneficial properties are cooked in the sulphurous waters.
