The Wild Tango Peninsula

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 not 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, some of which open their doors to the public.

The Tango peninsula is, therefore, the ideal place to discover a maritime image of Japan, far from the buzz and hubbub of the cities. As such, visitors can enjoy a more exclusive glimpse of what makes Japan what it is: its craftsmanship, its temples and hot springs and its 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 which runs along the coast. If you want 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.