Tourism EXPO Japan 2026

Gyoda Tabi Union (Gyoda, Saitama)

The *tabi* (traditional Japanese split-toed sock) industry in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, is a traditional Japanese craft with a history dating back to the Edo period. In the early Showa era, Gyoda was renowned as Japan's leading *tabi* production hub, manufacturing approximately 84 million pairs annually—accounting for 80% of the national market share—and in 2019, "Gyoda Tabi" was designated as a nationally recognized Traditional Craft. Visitors to the city can enjoy hands-on experiences such as factory tours to observe artisan craftsmanship and *tabi*-making workshops, as well as tours of filming locations for the TV drama *Rikuo*. The city also boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, including "Tabi-gura" (traditional *tabi* storehouses) recognized as a component of the prefecture's only "Japan Heritage" site; Oshi Castle, the setting for the movie *Floating Castle* (*Nobou no Shiro*); the Sakitama Kofun Cluster, one of Japan's largest groups of ancient burial mounds and the site where the National Treasure "Iron Sword with Gold Inscription" was discovered; and the "Rice Field Art," which holds a Guinness World Record. Working in collaboration with the local DMO, the Gyoda Omotenashi Tourism Bureau, we can introduce travel plans and activities tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Booth NoK-18
AreaJapan
Main BusinessTourism-related Industry

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