Fujiyoshida: Textile Center at the Foot of Mount Fuji

This iconic image of springtime cherry blossoms, the Chūreitō pagoda, and Mount Fuji has been shared worldwide on social media. (© Pixta)

Old-fashioned storefronts line Honchō-dōri, Fujiyoshida’s main street.

The Fujiyoshida Textile Information Center, with Mount Fuji in the background.

The Center offers a space where visitors can inspect fabrics or try their hand at making a fabric-covered button.

Small items from local textiles are available at the Yamanashi Weaving Travel Mill Shop in the Q-Sta shopping mall next to Fujiyoshida Station.

Maeda Tomio, of Maedagen. The shop originally was in the business of weaving silk for umbrellas and other items, but has recently branched out into organic cotton.

Stoles and other items made from cotton produced on looms originally designed for fine silk weaving are popular for their uniquely soft texture.

Vividly colored Kai silk shows subtle color variations when viewed from different angles.

Each bolt of fabric has its own detailed specifications.

Kobayashi checks a loom. He says that older machines are sometimes preferred for weaving certain types of fabrics.

A collection of Tenjin Factory linen goods.

The factory shop at necktie specialist Hadachū Orimono displays a range of colorful wares.

A shop operated by Makita Shōten, which produces fabric and also designs and manufactures umbrellas.

This sign for Kai Silk Wholesalers is over 150 years old.

Tenjin Factory’s Kobayashi is proud of his linen products.

The Tenjin Factory shop. Cycling is a great way to see the town, and many businesses provide bike stands outside their shops.

Toki no Kage (Shadows of Time) installation by Ohmaki Shinji at Fuji Textile Week 2021.

Fabrics and products from Fujiyoshida textile makers were also on display at the event.

The typical Yoshida udon is topped with horsemeat and boiled cabbage and accompanied by a spicy paste seasoning. Extra-chewy udon in dipping sauce is also popular.