Traditional Crafts
Silk Products
At the peak of the booming silk business era, Okaya gained a worldwide reputation for its silk which accounted for 50 percent of Japan's exported goods at the time. The classic and authentic colors of Shinshu Pongee was created by dying the fabric with wild plants. The so-called Shinshu Pongee was produced in different areas throughout the region but the simple and unique characteristics were kept consistent. There are no standardized patterns, and therefore the designs vary according to the manufacturer. The silk fabric is used in high-class clothing for men and women, ties, scarves, table mats, purses, and many other items.
Specialties
Eel Dishes
Along Okaya-shi runs Lake Suwa-ko where a good amount of eel was caught until 1955. Today there are many eel restaurants in the area, and the eel consumption rate of Okaya citizens is very high. The city has decided, therefore, to recognize eel as Okaya's specialty and plans to promote tourism through the popular cuisine. They are currently devising a map marked with eel restaurants.
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