One of Japan’s leading textile manufacturers, Gunze, was founded in Ayabe in 1896, breathing vitality into the area to the point where it was known across Japan as “the silk city”. Today, the Gunze Memorial Hall(formerly the head office) and the head office factory gate have been restored and preserved as historic monuments that have given rise to the modern-day silk industry. Ayabe Gunze Square was also opened in May 2014 as a new attraction and has become a hub of interaction for visitors to the area.