Ayabe, Mountain city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Ayabe is a city nestled in the mountains of northern Kyoto, spreading across hilly terrain with the Yura River running through it. The urban area mixes residential neighborhoods with workshops and smaller settlements scattered throughout the forested landscape.
The area was settled in ancient times when the Hata people brought sericulture and weaving techniques from across Asia. This early specialization in textile production shaped the region's economic development for centuries to come.
Weaving traditions are still practiced by artisans throughout the city, shaping local identity and daily life. The craft remains central to how people in the community see themselves and their place.
The San'in railway line connects the city to larger transportation hubs across the region with regular trains. These connections make it straightforward to reach other areas of Kyoto Prefecture and beyond.
Gunze, a major textile manufacturer, maintains its headquarters in the city, bridging traditional weaving heritage with modern production. The company demonstrates how the region's ancient textile craft continues into contemporary times.
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