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Yuki is a city located at the center of the Kanto plain, the nation’s largest stretch of flat land containing six prefectures, including Tokyo. The Kinugawa River, which runs through eastern parts of the city, provides an ample supply of water and fertile soil to the region. The silk industry has a long history in the area, known for its favorable conditions for mulberry trees, which is food for silkworms.
The city is renowned for its hand - woven Yuki pongee, reputed for making the finest kimono textiles due to its high quality and durability. Colors of Yuki pongee don’t fade easily because they are dyed directly onto yarns before weaving. As the oldest silk fabric, it was presented to the Shogun during the Muromachi period (1392 - 1573). Yuki pongee was designated as an important intangible cultural property in 1956 and as a traditional craft in 1977.
Manufacturing pongee takes a tremendous amount of work. All processes are done by hand, from raising the silkworms and spinning of the floss - silk to dying and weaving on unique manual looms. The production began as a moonlighting job for farmers, but gradually developed into a major local industry. It can take as long as a year or more to weave one tan (unit of kimono). The traditional craft continues to thrive in the city, supported by people who cherish the fabric’s deep colors and mellow textures. The sounds of weaving looms can be heard throughout the city. |
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| The temple stands on a site formerly a medieval - era samurai residence. The earthen walls around it evoke bygone days. |
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