Chirimen Kaido

Historic merchant street in the Kaya region of northern Kyoto Prefecture, which rose to prominence after three local men smuggled chirimen silk crepe weaving techniques out of Kyoto's closely guarded Nishijin district in 1722. The textile trade transformed Kaya's economy, and by 1803 some 120 looms were working in the town. Today, around 120 of the street's 260 buildings date to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, displaying old shop windows and projecting lattice facades. The area was designated an Important Preservation District in 2005. Several buildings are open to visitors, including the Former Kaya Town Hall and the Former Bito Residence.